Tomorrow, I’m turning 23 – and 2016 marks my last year as a single woman.

How time flies.

So many things have happened and I’m so grateful for how things turn out to be – for the better or for worse. I’ve learned to let go of the things I’ve imagined and let God take over my life.

If you told the 19 years old me that I will be where I am today, she would laugh in disbelief. She wouldn’t believe that the 23 years old me will be getting married in one week, work in fashion industry (which is her dream job) and walk each day by the grace of God. I won’t be saying that my life is all sunshine, but I think God has been really, really good to me.

Now, before turning 23 and embark on a new journey, today I’ll share the things I’ve been striving to let go:

1. Let go of the need to be perfect.

The only person who cares so much about our perfect (apart from those who despise us), is probably ourselves. And I am still learning that there is no need to squander in the quest of perfection – because flaws and quirks, that’s what makes us human.

2. Let go of resentment.

I am learning to let go of resentment; because I know it will make me free.

3. Let go of trying to please everyone.

It’s okay to stand by what we think is right, and not to please everyone.

4. Let go of negativity.

I’m learning to keep my positive vibe around me in any given situation – and even if it means I have to distance myself from some negative people.

5. Let go of jealousy.

I’m also learning to stop comparing myself to others – and celebrate others’ successes as of they are, without comparing them to mine.

6. Let go of ‘someday’.

This habit of me saying I’ll do things ‘someday’ does me more harm than good – even if the damage is not really visible. I’m learning to let this go and start doing it right now.

7. Let go of ‘where I’m supposed to be.

As I was stuck in the usual Jakarta jam, I was reminded of this verse:

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 

A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4-5, 8, 11a NIV

This verse reminds me to learn how to let go of my expectations because there’s a time and season for everything. Just like spring, summer, autumn, and winter— that’s how our life is.

Whenever things are good or bad, remember that there’s always a season for everything; there are dresses for every occasion, there are times when plants will grow, and there are times for harvest. When we believe this, we know that the hardships we have is not the time for us to condemn ourselves.

At the moment, I can say my life is where I want to be.

At the moment, I’m in the season to laugh, to dance, to embrace, to love, and so on.

At the moment, I can finally understand why God let me go through those hard times.

As I’m approaching the end of life as a single woman, I will have another season ahead of me—a season where my life will change. And by letting these things go, I’m ready to embark new life, new chapters, and new adventure.

Photo by Fen from Axioo

Dress by Hian Tjen

Make up by Mimi Kwok

Hair by Jeffry Welly

Hair accessories by Rinaldy A. Yunardi

Styled by Meli & Jane