I kept a journal when I started thinking of the idea of this website. I remember that, initially, it wasn’t supposed to be any of this, but I started to really buy into the idea of finally creating Armenyl, and I just couldn’t wait to see it happen. I say “finally creating Armenyl” because there is a whole story behind it which I will hopefully one day share. I remember I spent all of one Sunday writing my goals for the website, and it has served as a form of encouragement and inspiration anytime I’m feeling lost and down about life to read that journal. The very next day I created Armenyl and it’s one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.

I’ve learned so much about myself and life since I created Armenyl. I’ve had it through what felt like more downs than ups, and it’s been indispensable in the healing process. Perhaps the greatest gift it has given me, for which I bless God for, is helping me to find beauty everywhere and in everything. It’s the kind of beauty that against all odds—disappointment, dead ends, and emptiness—you still seem to constantly find, and in a place where, it seems, it’s always been.

 It allowed me to find beauty in the simplest things

One of the philosophies for this website was to create my own happiness and I always encouraged you guys to create your own doors, but over the year I learned that you don’t always have to create your own happiness, sometimes you just need to find it. If someone was feeling down or overwhelmed about something, I’d usually say, “go create something to make you happy,” and although that works too, I found through my year with Armenyl that sometimes you just need to look in front of you and appreciate what you’ve got.

Or maybe in a way I’ve been doing that, creating my own happiness.

Steve Jobs once said, “Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they were able to connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things.”

Creating your own happiness has to do with seeing it first, then taking it up. And that’s why the simplest things feel so powerful because they have the potential to be so great. Even if it is just the great feeling you get from realizing how rich and wealthy you are against all odds and sense of lack because of the beauty all around you. You enjoy an appreciation instead of a depression, but most of all you see God’s Glory. I saw your face. Realize that you lack nothing in a world where you might not have everything…(Psalm 23)

Thank God for bringing us this far, and for continuing to bless and favor our path. I’m beyond grateful for His goodness “His love endures forever.”

“I am Blessed and Highly favored” <3
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Flower pots in Flower Market in Paris photographed by fashion and lifestyle photographer Armenyl.com
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