Romans 5:3-5

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

I've come to accept that life is full of hard things. I tend to think that a lot of things in my life have been harder than necessary, mostly out of my own doing. However, I understand the world from more aspects than a lot of people because of my suffering and learning style of feeling my way through things rather than being preventative in nature. I take personal risks that result in pain and pushing through things, but I like who I have become in those experiences. I believe that maintaining perseverance through things that are hard physically, emotionally, and spiritually truly does build character. Suffering helps you to gain perspective and shows you how to improve. And more importantly, in gaining perspective and strong character, we can more fully appreciate the unwaivering hope that is provided for us.

"Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself."

I have spent a significant amount of time in college trying to "find myself." I don't think that's the correct question to ask. Rather than "who am I?" (picture Zoolander), the correct question is "Who do I want to be?" It's up to you, not the world, to decide how you want to live your life. As Switchfoot so wisely asks, "This is your life, are you who you want to be?" I constantly evaluate and reevaluate that question in hopes of figuring out how to be the best at experiencing my true self.

Don't be afraid to ask yourself that question. You will not be able to experience life in the fullest if you don't understand who you are.

-Bri