Throughout life, I believe that it is imperative to lead milestones in our life as a place for reflection, gratitude, appreciation, and growth. To spend the moments in your life that mark time, and change, to reflect on what you have learned, and how certain experiences have shaped you for the better. Taking moments to look back and find the positive in the changes, and the path this will lead moving forward. It is through this that we can truly take advantage of life to improve and continue to strive for development.

Recently, I hit a milestone in my own life, as is synonymous with everyone else. Last week I turned 24. I celebrated the occasion with a trip to my favorite place, the east coast. Driving from Manhattan to Boston, trying new food spots and driving through several states of places I had only wished to visit.

 I spent the morning of my birthday sitting in a park, and journaling. I wanted to reflect on 23, the lessons I learned, the unexpectancies that occurred, and the amazing memories I am so grateful to have created. It was amazing to be able to think about the past 365 days, and see the ways that I have continued to learn about myself, grow in my personal development, expand my relationship with God, and use that to raise my standards for the quality of life I want to give myself.

I recommend that to everyone who is reading this. Use events and continuous points in your life as a chance to reflect and give yourself credit for the challenges that you got through, and the self improvements that were made. It is important to make sure you are proud of yourself, and to be your biggest cheerleader. Life is not easy, but if you lean on God like I do, and give yourself some praise, then I promise you will only find it easier to love yourself.

“Love thyself as I have loved you” – John 13:34