Since the year I turned 24, I’ve written myself a letter on my birthday. To read the letters from previous years, click here- 24, 25, 26.

My dear Self,

To be honest, I almost skipped the letter this year. The morning came and went, and I went about my business as usual. Matt brought coffee to bed and I relished in a few extra pup snuggles. And I almost intentionally let the day slip by without writing this letter. Maybe it’s because it felt a little self-centered.

And then, I re-read the old letters and realized there’s nothing wrong with practicing a little gratitude that God allowed me to wake up and see the light of another birthday.

I’m so grateful. I’m trying to practice more of that. More contentment.

If there’s one word I could use to describe my 26th year…it’s freedom.

And my eyes swell with tears at the thought of it.

At the thought of the start of my 26th year. At the way anxiety seemed to lurk in the shadows, following my every move, ready to pounce and steal my joy at my most vulnerable moments. How I held myself and my potential captive.

How all I wanted was to make the life-changing leap to pursue my business full time, but I was too afraid to take the chance. I was too afraid I wasn’t capable.

So, what has changed in the last 365 days?

I realized the risk of missing what God had for me was more than the risk of failure. 

That ignoring His call and instead choosing comfort would risk everything.

Girl, choosing to put one foot in front of the other when your insides are screaming for you to run away is all you can do some days. And that’s okay. Because only one step forward in slow motion is better than twelve steps back at a running pace. Slow progress. Baby steps.

In your 26th year, the winds of change are blowing, and they’re going to carry you to places you’ve only ever wished you could go.

But you can, love, and you will.