I love a good love story. And I don’t know if anyone else noticed, but um . . love was in the air like crazy this past weekend, LOL. I even found myself in the chapter of Michelle Obama’s book the other night where she shares how she first met Barack and it totally took me out. I was over it, honestly (kidding). Therefore, I’m writing this post more so to be transparent about my feelings but also to share some words of encouragement for anyone who may be in the same boat as me.

First let me say, I’m surrounded by so many success stories. Some were short and sweet and others that took a little more work and time to come to pass. Nevertheless, I see them and more than anything, they all give me hope. You guys know my story(or rather the latest chapter). And it’s almost been a year since it all ended and I’ve been reflecting on that time a lot over the past few weeks. Not necessarily the moments with the guy, but more so who I was then compared to who I am now—two totally differently people, if you ask me. A year ago, though in a relationship with who I thought was the love of my life, I was broken. Tired. Fearful. Insecure. Weak. Distracted. The list goes on. But now. Y’all, the woman I am now—tuh, I couldn’t be more proud of her. It’s been a long road, don’t get me wrong. I also didn’t get here on my own and that’s the most important part. If it wasn’t for the grace of God, I surely would not be here. But I am.

This has been a year of healing and transformation and so much good has come from what the enemy meant for evil. I am here, more confident in myself than I’ve ever been. More secure in my relationship with God. More trusting and submitted to my leadership. More joyful, more free, more accomplished *wink*. Life has been good to ya girl. Not everyday has been a good day, but overall, this year to myself was needed. This time has been blissful to say the least. Learning to love yourself is such a huge work, but it’s so rewarding and gratifying. And I can’t wait to see what else God has in store for me.

And so my words of encouragement for today are: to not give up on working on you. Yes, I get it. The feeling of not knowing when your time will come. The feeling of wanting someone to try new foods with or to go on double dates with other couples. Someone to call your lover and best-friend—I get it because I am there too. But I quickly remind myself that this time right now is more important and cannot be wasted. Your story is still being written, so don’t grow tired of working on you. Don’t grow tired in your ministry, your business, your prayer-life, whatever it is—keep going. This is the time to find yourself and to cultivate who it is that God is calling you to be. This is the time for you to get to know God on a deeper level; to create intimacy with the One and only true love of your life. Don’t take this time for granted, because you just may look up one day and wish you had spent more time with God. Or that you took that trip. Or that you wrote that book. Not that a relationship would or should prevent you from doing those things (it shouldn’t), but don’t think you don’t have what it takes to do it now while you’re waiting. Don’t be so caught up in waiting that time just begins to pass you by. This is y(our) season to be intentional.

I am grateful for this past year. And I’ve purposely dedicated this time and season (no matter how long) to working on me, loving me, and celebrating those around me. I have full trust in God that my story is still being written. So, in the meantime, I’ma keep writing. I’ma keep speaking. I’ma keep reading, saving, reorganizing, traveling, sowing, reaping, I’ma do it all. Because I know the Lord has someone great out there for me. And I laugh sometimes, wondering how far my experience from last year has set me back. But I take it in stride and still continue to trust in the Lord. There is work He just wants me to do. So when the time is right, He’ll bring my life partner into it. But for now, look forward to more from monet’s truth—I’m really just getting started.

Until next time . .