Posts in my thoughts

Turning 41: Lessons Learned and the Importance of Trusting God

As I stand on the precipice of my 41st year, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey that has brought me here. It’s been a road filled with laughter, tears, triumphs, and setbacks, each shaping me into the person I am today.

Amidst the whirlwind of life, one of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the unwavering power of trust in God. It’s a trust that has anchored me through life’s storms, providing a sense of peace and solace even in the darkest of times.

This unwavering trust isn’t about blind faith or passive acceptance; it’s about actively acknowledging God’s presence in my life and surrendering to His guidance. It’s about believing that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, He has a plan, and His plan is good.

Along with this newfound trust, I’ve also learned the importance of letting go of relationships that no longer serve me. Sometimes, we hold on to people who bring more negativity than positivity into our lives, individuals who drain our energy and constantly bring us down. Letting go of these toxic relationships isn’t easy; it requires courage, self-awareness, and a deep understanding of what we deserve. It’s about recognizing that we are worthy of love, respect, and support, and that we shouldn’t settle for anything less.

This toxic behavior extends beyond romantic relationships and seeps into our friendships as well. We may encounter people we consider friends who are only there for their own benefit, constantly putting us down and making us feel small. These individuals often use humor as a weapon of insult, their ‘jokes’ disguised as jabs intended to diminish our self-worth.

Letting go of these false friendships, much like toxic romantic relationships, requires courage and self-awareness. It’s about recognizing that true friends uplift us, encourage our growth, and celebrate our successes. They are a source of support, not a drain on our energy.

Embracing this newfound freedom has been liberating. It has allowed me to cultivate relationships that nurture my soul, connections that inspire me to grow and become the best version of myself.

As I embark on my 41st year, I carry these lessons close to my heart, forever grateful for the wisdom they have imparted. I continue to trust in God’s unwavering guidance, knowing that He will lead me towards a brighter future. And I embrace the power of letting go, moving forward with a heart open to genuine connections and a spirit that refuses to be dimmed by negativity.

To those who are on their own journeys of self-discovery, I encourage you to embrace the lessons that life throws your way. Trust in the power of faith, let go of what no longer serves you, and open your heart to the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.

33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” 33 But don’t fool yourselves. Don’t let yourselves be poisoned by this anti-resurrection loose talk.

My First Time Trying Airbnb Was a Nightmare

The Airbnb Nightmare

My best friends and I are used to staying in hotels when we travel. We like the convenience and predictability of hotels. We know that when we arrive, our room will be clean and comfortable. That’s why we were so excited to try Airbnb for the first time. We thought it would be a fun and unique experience.

We found a great-looking Airbnb on the website. It was a spacious house with a pool and a patio, and it was located in a great neighborhood. We were so excited for our trip!

But when we arrived at the Airbnb, we were shocked. The house was old and dirty. The pool was green and the patio was covered in leaves. It was nothing like the house in the pictures on the Airbnb website.

To make matters worse, there was a huge spider and webs were everywhere. We were so worried for our furbabies and our infant.

We were so disappointed. We had traveled a long way to stay in this house.

Finding a Better Airbnb

The next morning, we were eager to leave the house and stay in another Airbnb, hoping it wouldn’t be disappointing, especially since we had to travel for 5 hours to get there.

We were lucky that the second Airbnb we booked was great. It was a beautiful house in a great resort location, and it was clean and well-maintained. We had a wonderful time staying there.

Why We Chose Airbnb

We also opted for Airbnb because of its broad pet-friendly options. We have five furbabies, and it can be difficult to find hotels that allow pets. With Airbnb, we were able to find houses that were perfect for us and our furry friends. We don’t want to leave them out, and it’s awesome to share the experience with them, after all, they are our family.

Lessons Learned

What I learned from my experience:

  • Be careful when booking an Airbnb. Read the reviews carefully and look at the pictures closely.
  • Don’t be afraid to contact the host before you book. Ask them any questions you have about the property.
  • If you arrive at the Airbnb and it’s not what you expected, don’t be afraid to leave. You can always find another place to stay.

I’m hoping that other people who are considering using Airbnb will read my story and be cautious. Airbnb can be a great way to save money and have a unique experience, but it’s important to be aware of the risks.

 

I’m an ISFJ (Defender): What Does That Mean?

Hey there! I recently took a personality test called MBTI and found out that I am an ISFJ. Everyone has their own unique personality, and it’s important to embrace that individuality instead of trying to copy others. Being unique means that you don’t lose who you really are. It’s totally fine to look up to others for inspiration. In fact, it can be a great way to learn and grow. But it’s important to remember that you are your own person. You have your own unique talents and abilities. At the end of the day, the best role model is God and Lord Jesus. In fact, the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” So, keep being your amazing self, and don’t let anyone dull your shine!

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality test that helps people understand their own unique strengths and preferences. There are 16 different personality types, and each one is represented by a four-letter acronym.

My personality type is ISFJ, which stands for Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging. This means that I am:

  • Introverted: I prefer to spend time alone or with close friends and family. I get my energy from being alone, and I can be drained by too much social interaction.
  • Sensing: I focus on the present moment and concrete details. I am good at paying attention to details and remembering facts.
  • Feeling: I make decisions based on my personal values and emotions. I am concerned with the well-being of others, and I often put the needs of others before my own.
  • Judging: I like things to be organized and planned out. I prefer to have a clear idea of what is expected of me, and I like to know what is going to happen next.

ISFJs are often described as being kind, caring, and helpful. They are also known for being loyal and reliable friends and family members. ISFJs are often drawn to careers in helping professions, such as nursing, social work, and education.

Here are some of the strengths of ISFJs:

  • Kind and caring: ISFJs are naturally empathetic and compassionate. They are always willing to help others, and they are often the first to volunteer their time and energy to help those in need.
  • Loyal and reliable: ISFJs are known for their loyalty and reliability. They are always there for the people they care about, and they can always be counted on to keep their promises.
  • Attentive to detail: ISFJs have a keen eye for detail. They are often very organized and efficient, and they are able to pay attention to even the smallest details.
  • Good listeners: ISFJs are excellent listeners. They are able to focus on what the other person is saying, and they are able to provide thoughtful and supportive feedback.

Here are some of the challenges of being an ISFJ:

  • Can be shy or reserved: ISFJs can be shy or reserved in social situations. They may find it difficult to meet new people or to speak up in groups.
  • Can be overwhelmed by stress: ISFJs can be easily overwhelmed by stress. They may find it difficult to cope with change or unexpected events.
  • Can be overly critical of themselves: ISFJs can be overly critical of themselves. They may set unrealistic expectations for themselves, and they may be hard on themselves when they make mistakes.

If you are an ISFJ, you may find that these strengths and challenges resonate with you. I repeat everyone is unique, and no two ISFJs are exactly alike. Embrace your unique personality type, and use your strengths to make a difference in the world. ✨

If you want to take a personality test to learn more about yourself, I recommend the 16Personalities: https://www.16personalities.com/ test. It’s a free and easy way to get a better understanding of your personality type and how it affects your behavior.