Reflections for a new year

Over the past few months, I've gone through a phase when it comes to makeup where I have said, "screw it!" When it come to wearing it. I think it started with me making a little bit of a viw to not wear any for a few weeks as a "sabatical" for my face. Part of it was that I was starting to feel like makeup was becoming a crutch in my life and that I needed it. This is something that I dont want to happen. Dont get me wrong, makeup is amazing and really can add to a polished look! It can make you feel good and it can make for amazing results.  Im not putting down the use of it at all.
So here I have been, going makeup free most of the time. I have had the same misgivings about doing so, thinking, "what about the days when I look tired" or what about work!" Lots of thoughts came to my mind about this. But alas I have done this! And I've learned a lot about myself!
I've learned that I am still beautiful, I am still me. I've learned how to accept my face for what it is. I've also noticed less acne, which is huge for me! I am thinking that this eye opener has helped me out incredibly with self image and who I am in God. So to start my new year out, this is who I am!

Joy comes in the morning.

Okay so its more like Joy comes through the mourning. Let me explain this. I have an app on my phone called Timehop. Im sure you've heard of it. It is an app that goes through your past posts on Facebook,  Twitter, and Instagram to name a few. I was looking at my posts from today's date and thought, whoa look where I am! Three years ago I posted something about getting closure for the death of a good friend. She had jumped off the bridge and it really hit me. I reached a benchmark on this day three years ago. You see I wasn't able to go to the bridge after this happened for about a month. It was still hard even after I did this, but it got better as time passed.
I'm not saying I will ever forget her and her amazing life. I still think about her everytime I pass out of town on the bridge. Mostly now I think about how my life has changed to where Im more aware of people, of my relationship with God, and mostly of myself. I think through this, God has been able to use me to be a positive light to others. He constantly reminds me that when I want to get all negative about things that he is still taking care of me no matter what life throws at me. I have become a better person because of the things I've gone through and the things he has brought me out of. Without Him, I am nothing. Thank you Lord for bringing me to this point where I am with more wisdom and power that you have given to me!