Over the last few months I’ve witnessed our relationship deepen from sister-in-laws to one of fully embraced sisters. Today, you move away from your family, your friends, your job of four years, and your church home. But you’re stepping in to so much more. We’ve seen you grow in undeniable ways, witnessed your faith become your own, and praised God for the woman who is heading to Nashville knowing her worth in Him. Selfishly, we’re so sad to see you go. I’ve already gotten a phone call from your big brother, as reality is sinking in (and you only just started your drive). But we’ve been two of your biggest champions as you have faithfully prepared for this adventure, and we’re expectant of continued growth and blessings over you. I am so glad that we had the chance to become so much closer before you left, because although it was more difficult to say goodbye, we know that this connection will overcome the distance.
Older sisters are full of advice: sometimes it is warranted, sometimes it is invited, and at times it might be unwelcome (just ask my other sisters), but it is ALWAYS out of love. Here’s my advice to you, as you journey to Nashville, in expectation of all the glory that God has in store for you.
1. Get To Know The City- This is the city you've dreamed of! Get out there, and enjoy it. Find out which coffee shop has the best lattes. Search for a park with a great walking trail. Learn which movie theater has the cheapest movies, and which venues have the best live music. Find out who has the best burger, and where to have brunch with your girlfriends. You’ll not only become the best tour guide when your friends and family come to visit, but more importantly, you’ll automatically become more immersed in the culture of your city and you’ll feel a connection to the places you frequent.
2. Don’t Be Afraid of Being Alone- I can’t even tell you the number of times I’ve been to a movie theater or a restaurant alone. Get comfortable being alone. Coffee shops are great places to sit and read or write and still be surrounded by people. Don’t just sit at your apartment alone all the time. Get out and do something! You won’t regret it. Friends will come. Relationships will develop. But you ALWAYS need to be comfortable when it’s just you.
3. Find A Community- You are where you are today largely because of the community you are a part of. Attending church regularly and joining a Life Group really grounded you and helped with accountability, wisdom, and growth. Make it a priority to find a church where you feel comfortable and connected. If that means sitting by yourself for a few Sundays, that is a-okay! Look for another life group you can join. Or a young professionals group. Remember, most people your age are looking for friends. You just have to find them!
4. The Breakthrough Will Always Come- Remember what a hard time I had in Arkansas last year? I think I told you that I couldn’t have bought friends at that time. And lately I’ve been amazed by the relationships around me. Remember that the breakthrough will always come. It might take longer than you’d like for it to, but don’t give up because it will be so worth it!
5. Embrace Your Twenties- My early and mid twenties were my best years for growth. Don’t ever feel pressured to find a man, get married, or start a family— there is PLENTY of time for that down the road. For now, embrace this time of singleness. Fill your time with things that will make you better! Read. Volunteer. Have girls nights. Learn to cook new meals. Pick up a new hobby. Get in the best shape you’ve ever been in. Set goals. This is the most free time you’ll have— spend it wisely!
6. Check In With Your Family- We want you to have fun, but don’t forget to check in with everyone. Your mom, your dad, your Granny, and your brother (among many others) are going to have a hard time with you being so far away. It will be an adjustment, but if we all put in the effort it will be a smooth one. FaceTime us. Invite us to visit when you’re ready. Let us know what’s going on in your life. Because you better believe we’ll be reaching out to you! Relationships are two sided— remember: WE ALL have to put in the effort as well… it is not up to you to sustain every relationship alone!
7. Set Your Priorities and Goals- Jobs and money are necessary, but they aren’t everything. Decide what is important to you and structure your life around that. Your brother is a great example of that. Budget well. Keep saving. Spend smart. Don’t feel pressured to move into a super nice apartment or have fancy things— this is for YOU, not to impress anyone else. If you can stay true to what is important to you, you will avoid a lot of the easy pitfalls of spending time and money in places that won’t satisfy you.
8. Don’t Date Losers- Your brother would probably say not to date anyone at all. But I’d just recommend that you only date people who recognize your worth. You know who you are. You know who you’re called to be. Only let people into your life who will bring value to it. That applies to friendships too!
9. Remember That Your Time Is Valuable- Don’t waste it! Get out there and do things that make you happy. Don’t spend all your time working (or babysitting). You have the ability to say no when you don’t have time for things, to not overcommit, and to choose where you want to spend your time. Where you spend your time is where you place your value on things!
10. Don’t Feel Guilty for Following Your Dreams- This is your adventure. We all support you! Stay in Nashville for as long (or as little) as you’d like. This isn’t a time for you to prove anything to anyone, it’s just a time for you to grow and embrace the adventure. You’ve already taken the biggest step. Now it’s time to work towards finding what intersections, connections, and relationships that God has for you. You are on this adventure because YOU chose it! You don’t have to have it all figured out. We’re proud of you for being brave enough to step out into the unknown. WE LOVE YOU!