I’m a lover of all things c e l e b r a t i o n that signify new beginnings, fresh starts, and the opportunity to change things. Whether it be a birthday, anniversary, or my favorite – New Years.

When I look back at the past 23 years of my life through the lens of the little girl I once was, I am in complete awe and amazement at where God has led me on my path through life.

I am the biggest believer in trusting that the timing and seasons we walk through in life are exactly what they are meant to be for us individually. Never do I ever compare where I am and feel down when looking at where others are. I am so incredibly happy and c o n t e n t with exactly where I am and where I’m going. It’s right where I’m supposed to be.

The year of 23 was filled with many highs and many lows – as all years are. I began the year living in Barcelona, interning for an incredible startup, and traveling all summer in Europe. Then went on to finish my undergrad degree and was accepted to my dream graduate school shortly after. What more could a 23 year old possibly dream of?

I moved back to California after a Spanish summer filled with lots of sunshine, sangria, and passport stamps to finish my degree and finally g r a d u a t e ! My last semester of university was challenging but beyond fulfilling. I felt confident in my future and the foundation I had invested in emotionally, mentally, and financially moving forward.

23 was also filled with many challenges… the city I called home suffered a terrorist attack, my family endured more than our fair share of difficult times, and I completely let go of all toxic relationships in my life – one of the hardest, but most liberating things to experience. Throughout these trials I found myself gravitating towards new friends while holding tight to my day one’s and finding comfort in family and Jesus.

Looking forward, I am filled with more e x c i t e m e n t than ever before. 24 is going to be a year filled with self growth, success, and independence like I’ve never felt before. I am surrounded by the best people that support, inspire, and love me unconditionally.

My 24th trip around the sun looks absolutely b e a u t i f u l and its just now beginning. I move to London in September and will have the opportunity to live in two of the following cities to finish my MBA… Dubai, Shanghai, New York City, Boston, or San Francisco. NYC and SF are looking awfully pretty to me right now, but only time will tell!

I know the next year will be filled with so many new experiences, friendships, and memories. The thought of the new places I will explore, foods I will try, friendships I will make, and sites I will see fills my heart with so much happiness it could burst.

At 24, I feel blessed, loved, happy, fulfilled, confident, and hopeful for the future. Cheers to 23 and all the lessons I learned, can’t wait to see what 24 has waiting for me.

Besos,

Madeline Alice Johnson