I knew…I knew at the beginning of this year that big things were going to happen this year! I just knew in my heart that there was something really great in store, that somehow my life was about to change. What I didn’t know was what those changes would be or all that it would entail. Throughout the year I’d see signs, mostly small things that most would deem insignificant, but I knew God was giving me pieces to the puzzle of my future. So, blindly I collected those pieces having no real idea what the puzzle looked like. If you know me well, you know I struggle with not being able to see the end result of something, but in this moment I had to trust that in the right timing it would be revealed.
For those of you that have been with my blog since birth you know that I’m a big fan of image boards! At the beginning of each year I decide what I want that year to be about, what goals I want to set for myself, and main things I want to focus on. It’s become a great tool that I’ve used over the years and helped me stay focused on what I want my life to look like all year round. This year I never shared with you my goals for the year. Partly because they were kind of personal and I wasn’t sure I was ready to shout them out into the world yet. This year was really about dreaming big! In the past I strayed away from dreaming too big. I’ve always been a bit of a realist and if I felt like the dream was just too big and far out there I wouldn’t even try to go after it. So this year I’ve pushed myself and really thought a lot about what do I really want to accomplish with my life, what are the things that make my heart beat, what am I passionate about so much it hurts, and how do I go out there and live that kind of dream! Thankfully over the months I’ve had a few amazing people in life that continued to challenge me and encourage me to not stop dreaming no matter how far out it seems.
All that being said, leads me to today! It’s been a little over a month since I’ve packed up my life and moved to Quincy, Illinois. A decision that was difficult for me! I have spent the last 10 years of my life in Jefferson City, MO. A journey that I am incredibly grateful for. One that has grown me, challenged me, and brought me to where I am today. So many relationships where formed there and memories made that I will always hold dear to my heart! Jeff City I will never forget you! You were my first real home after leaving college and you prepared me for this next journey I’ve set out on! The last month in a half has been nothing short of a whirlwind! It’s been exciting, and challenging, exhausting and fullfilling all in the same breath! I know in my heart though that this was the next piece to my puzzle. I feel incredibly grateful to be here and start my new life in Illinois with so many people by my side that I love! I know that this is only the beginning to so many more beautiful things to come! Some days I smile and pinch myself to remind myself that this is really my life…I’m so blessed with how God has used the last couple of years to get me ready for this point in my life!
My sweet friends…thanks for being a part of this journey with me! So many of you have played such an incredible part in my life! Some of you I couldn’t have made it through the difficult things without you! Some of you I had to sadly say goodbye to but know I will never forget you and this isn’t goodbye forever! Some of you have been like my family when I didn’t have family close by! Thank you to those who continue to challenge me and encourage me daily; I am grateful for you! Never stop believing, never stop dreaming big, never stop having hope, because one day you will have collected all the pieces to your puzzle and it will be a beautiful picture!
Keep shining,
A. Flavio 🙂
FlavioApril 