Marisa Donnelly

I will teach her to make her own expectations, and shatter them.

This year, I’m letting go of people, of things, of feelings, of thoughts that aren’t mine to keep. That aren’t bringing me hope. That aren’t pushing me to be a better person or inspiring me to stand after I’ve fallen down.

Even when you do not have the strength to stand, know your Father is ready to carry you. You are loved. You are saved. You are not facing this pain alone.

It’s fighting to see yourself as worthy, even when you’re constantly told that you’re not good enough. It’s fighting to appreciate who you’ve become, while still making goals to reach towards.

Release what is not meant for you. Release what has abandoned you. Release what has attempted to destroy you, hold you captive, bring you down.

What’s the last thing you searched on your phone?

I know that real love only comes when I abandon all fear and say, ‘I’m all in.’ So I’m all in.

Love is not a one-time thought or feeling. It’s a continual action, continual choice, continual promise to another person. Love is a verb.

I like the way I’m not scared of forever when I’m standing next to you.

God I pray that you take my pounding heart, my clammy hands, my brain that’s continually over-thinking and give me peace.

Your focus on the impermanent.

I love what you say in our silence. When there are no words to be shared between kisses. When our eyes are closed and my arm is draped across your chest.