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.

You may be sensitive, but you’re a damn fighter. You’re strong. You have a backbone, a brain, and a heart that is forever absorbing the energy from the people around you.

Pain is of this world, not of God.

Eye contact.

I’m scared of how you hold my hand with such gentleness, it feels like coming home.

Let love transform you, not define you. Let love bloom within you, not build your sense of self. Let love teach you, not tell you how to live. Let love become a part of you, not your identity.

Be brave. Shatter expectations. Say no, say yes. Scream your hopes to the sky. Shine with all your brilliance, even if you make mistakes along the way.