The story of how this all started...

Let me start at the beginning...

Covid19 hit Canada and cancelled basically anything that was planned for the months of March, April, May, and June. I was stuck in self isolation for 2 weeks. Teachers were just starting to change their curriculum to online, and I ended up with an extra week of March Break. I had W-A-Y too much time on my hands, and I had an inkling that it would be awhile till I became as busy as I had once been.

I decided one morning to make a list (something that I do on a regular basis), but this list was going to be different than any list that I had ever written before. It was going to be super personal. It was going to change me. It was going to effect how I lived from that day forward.

At the top of my paper, I wrote the words "I Want To Be A Girl..." and jotted down about five bullet points underneath it. I began to finish the sentence.

I want to be a girl that people can trust.

I want to be a girl that keeps her promises.

I want to be a girl that has a positive outlook on life.

I want to be a girl that has a good attitude.

I want to be a girl that is dependable.

My pre-written bullet points had filled up, but I kept going.

I want to be a girl that never gives up.

I want to be a girl that smiles even when she has a thousand reasons to cry.

I want to be a girl that is strong enough to cry when she needs it.

I want to be a girl that gives her all.

I want to be a girl that is honest.

I want to be a girl that is sympathetic.

I want to be a girl that people know they can lean on.

I want to be a girl that lives fully dependent on God.

I want to be a girl that gives God the glory He deserves.

And the list went on and on. I couldn't stop thinking about a few things concerning this list.

1) I wasn't going to be able to do this all by myself. I would need God's guidance and everlasting strength in order to begin on these steps of self improvement, as well as some accountability to keep me going.

2) I didn't think I was the only one that wanted to be this kind of girl. I began to formulate a plan on how I could spread this and encourage other's as well. In our day and age, it is hard to go against culture and the mold that it has created to shape us. We do not need to conform to cultural norms.

3) I had so much that I wanted to learn and share. I didn't want to keep these treasures to myself. I didn't want the lessons I've learned (sometimes the hard way) to go to waste.

4) I wanted to make sure that girls know they aren't alone. Just knowing that someone (whether that be God or another person) is backing you up and praying for you makes it so much easier to bear the burdens we sometimes need to carry.

5) I know that my story has the power to change someone. Every person goes through their own set of unique circumstances, yet we all struggle with similar things. Never let anyone tell you that your story is silly or unimportant. Your story can change someone.

Knowing these things inspired me to start the I Want To Be A Girl Sisterhood.

I believe that I can do big things. I believe that there is something bigger and more beautiful than anything thing this world can offer. I believe that God really does love me and want the best for me. I believe that God gives people different talents and abilities in order to share His love. I believe that the way He wrote my story is just the way it should be. I believe that He can help me grow into the woman I need to be. I believe that He can do the same for you.

Thank you for joining this adventure with me and supporting me with your prayers and kind words. Each of you are just as much a part of my journey as I want to be a part of yours. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

xoxo, Abbey