There was a time when I chased the bigger picture—success, recognition, material achievements. I thought those things defined me. But as I sit here today, I realize I’m not the woman I once was. The person I’ve become, and am still becoming, finds joy in the minimal things. It’s a journey that has brought me unexpected happiness, peace, and a deep thankfulness for who I am through my relationship with Jesus.
Letting Go of the Old
In my younger years, I was driven by the desire to be seen, respected, and successful. I worked hard, always looking toward the next goal. But looking back, I can see that much of it was rooted in striving for approval—whether from others or myself. It was a constant hustle, an unending cycle of needing to achieve more. And while there’s nothing wrong with ambition, there’s a difference between striving from a place of insecurity versus moving forward from a place of peace.
The woman I was then didn’t know how to rest. She didn’t know how to find peace in stillness or contentment in simplicity. The noise of the world, the demands, the distractions—it all clouded my ability to simply be present. But as I’ve grown and matured, I’ve learned to let go of that old mindset.
Embracing Simplicity
There is profound beauty in the small, quiet moments. Now, I find joy in things I once might have overlooked: a peaceful walk outdoors, a meaningful conversation with a loved one, or even a moment of quiet reflection in prayer. These are the things that fill my heart today.
I’ve come to realize that joy isn’t found in the big achievements or the material possessions—it’s found in being present with the people you love, in appreciating the beauty of God’s creation, and in the peace that only comes from knowing Him. What I once thought was important has shifted, and the simplicity of life has become my greatest blessing.
Gratitude in Transformation
Through my relationship with Jesus, I’ve experienced a transformation I could have never imagined. He’s softened my heart, taught me to let go of control, and shown me the beauty of trust. I’m not the same person because I’ve learned to lean on Him.
I am so thankful for the work He’s done in me. I’ve learned that true happiness isn’t about what you have or what you accomplish—it’s about who you are in Him. It’s about surrendering the need to control every detail of life and instead walking in faith, knowing that God’s plans are always better than my own.
The woman I am today is a product of His grace. Where I once needed to be in control, I now find freedom in surrender. Where I once sought validation, I now rest in the truth of who I am in Christ.
A Life of Thankfulness
The beauty of growing, maturing, and changing is that I get to see the evidence of God’s hand in my life. I’m happy with who I am, not because I’ve achieved everything I set out to do, but because I’ve learned to be content in Him.
I’ve found joy in the little things because I know the One who created them. I’ve learned to be thankful for who I’ve become, not because I did it all on my own, but because of the deep relationship I’ve cultivated with Jesus.
So, while I’m not the woman I once was, I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything. I am grateful for the growth, the lessons, and the transformation. Every step has led me closer to the woman I was always meant to be—one who finds her identity, her peace, and her joy in Christ.
This is who I am now, and for that, I am endlessly thankful.
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