So, its my birthday...

Photo by: Danny Mayberry

Today I turn 24.

Some of you are thinking, “Ohh myy gaaashh you’re so young!” Others, “Wow, you’re OLD!!” But to me it’s just another day to be grateful, to reflect on this past year and dream about the future.

I’ve realized that when it comes to birthdays, there are two types of people. For some, birthdays are a big deal. There’s usually planning involved, maybe it’s even a surprise. Cake, decorations, friends, family…the works! Then there are people (like me) who prefer something more low-key, maybe even to the extent that it’d be just fine if no one even knew it’s your birthday at all! I definitely fall into the latter category; hence blasting to the world that it’s my birthday via my blog is a bit of a stretch for me.

But that’s what this past year has been: a stretch for me.

I said goodbye to my car.

I sold a house-full of stuff.

I moved out of my home.

I moved in with my (amazing) in-laws.

I quit my job.

I started a business.

I put myself out there as an artist.

I started writing this blog.

I have about 7 side jobs, depending on the week.

I was hired as a basketball coach.

I spent Christmas away from my family for the first time in my whole life.

I celebrated my 1-year anniversary with the man of my dreams.

I’ve said goodbye to friends who moved away.

I’ve made new friends.

I went to weddings and funerals. (On one occasion both on the same day.)

I said goodbye to my grandpa who passed away.

I’ve said "NO" to more things than I can count in order to stick to a budget and pay off our loans.

I’ve been homesick for Montana while in Hawaii.

I’ve been homesick for Hawaii while in Montana.

But in all of these things that have stretched me, gotten me out of my comfort zone, brought tears to my eyes or been difficult, I’ve been beyond blessed.

I said goodbye to my car and now have the privilege of spending extra time with my husband as I chauffeur us to and from work and all around the island.

I sold a house-full of stuff and learned that living with less is best.

I moved out of my home and have been able to stay in other people’s incredible homes. (Some with a backyard pool or a penthouse view!)

I moved in with my (amazing) in-laws and finally felt like family, which was one of the deepest desires of my heart since I came to Hawaii.

I quit my job and have been amazed at how God has ALWAYS provided, despite not having a steady “set income”.

I started a business and have received incredible help, advice and encouragement from others along the way.

I put myself out there as an artist, learned to be brave and have been able to do something I love for a living.

I started writing this blog and discovered how much I enjoy writing. (Plus the wonderful feedback and encouragement I’ve received from all you readers!)

I have about 7 side jobs, depending on the week and although it makes for a crazy schedule at times, God always puts me exactly where He needs me to be for that day, that hour, that moment.

I was hired as a basketball coach and have been able to share my love of the game, my knowledge and my heart with an incredible group of girls. This part of my life that had been absent for years has been brought back to life! Although it may seem that I’m the one teaching, coaching and giving… I’m actually the one learning, growing and receiving.

I spent Christmas away from my family and although I missed them terribly, I’m so grateful for the two wonderful families I was able to spend the holidays with here in Hawaii.

I celebrated my 1-year anniversary with the man of my dreams. It wasn’t easy, but it was the best year of my life yet. Hands down. We learned that being vulnerable is the hardest but most freeing part of marriage. A lot of junk surfaced and there were sometimes tears, but I couldn’t have imagined a more loving gracious man to walk through it with.

I’ve said goodbye to friends who moved away, but have been inspired by what God is doing in their lives and I'm so grateful that we still keep in touch. Friendship knows no distance.

I’ve made new friends. People that just over a year ago I hardly knew, I now see, surf with and do life with on a weekly, sometimes daily basis.

I went to weddings and funerals. What a privilege to celebrate with loved ones on the happiest day of their lives, while also coming alongside those who have been grieved by loss and remember the life of someone who’s passed. Life is such a beautiful thing.

I said goodbye to my grandpa who passed away. I miss him a lot, but am so grateful for all of the wonderful memories I have and that I knew him my whole life. I’m so thankful for the three other grandparents that I still get to visit and sometimes they even come visit me!

I’ve said no to more things than I can count in order to stick to a budget and pay off our loans. And yet I’ve received free surfboards, meals, plane tickets, envelopes full of cash and so much more.

I’ve been homesick for Montana while in Hawaii and Hawaii while in Montana. Some say that home is where the heart is, or where your loved ones are. What I’m learning is that home is wherever God is. And wherever He has me be. That even though we’re married, home isn’t wherever Ramsey is. It’s where God is, because He’s constant. He’s forever. He’s the only guarantee you’ll ever have in this life.

He IS home.

Montana or Hawaii, married or not, business owner or employee, coach or player, miles from family or all under one roof, house-sitter or houseless, it doesn’t matter. He matters. Having Him as the captain of your life is all that matters. So let go of the steering wheel and be ready for the ride of your life!

And that wraps up my birthday post.

Clearly it's been an incredible year and I couldn't be more excited for what God has in store for 24. Thank you all for reading my blog and for being part of this incredible life I'm so privileged to live. I'm off to catch some birthday waves before hopping on my birthday flight to Montana!

All of my love and aloha,
~Mrs. HaoleBrownie