There is apparently a new “Challenge” sweeping social media this week. “How hard did it hit you?” I suppose it’s to make everyone feel old, and miss “the good old days”. Who knows how or why these things even get started in the first place.

Like everyone else I went and looked at my first profile photo ever uploaded… from 2007! How is it even possible for a person to have 87 different profile photos in the course of 12 years? Apparently, that’s how many I’ve uploaded since June of 2007. Vain much, Kristan? Gosh!

My next thought was probably just as vain, but I really don’t miss who I was 12 years ago. Sure, I’d love to be able to fit into that prom dress again and wear high heels without thinking I’ll probably break an ankle, but I am so happy with who I am now. What’s wrong with aging anyway? I like that I’m confident in myself today, I know who I am and what I like. I know what areas I struggle in, and what areas I need to improve in. I’ve grown in my walk with the Lord because there have been years that are harder than others. I’ve seen and experienced what true love and commitment is through marriage, been blown away by the joys and hardships of motherhood, and felt multiple losses as we’ve moved and transitioned over the course of so many years. All of these things have shaped me and molded me into who I am!

How hard did it hit me? Really hard. It’s left me realizing how beautiful it is to age. Despite the challenges that come with growing older, there is something so powerful about it. I’m content to be older, I look forward to the many more life experiences that are yet to come, and I think fondly of the years that have passed and how it continues to shape who I am today.