We made it. My second favorite holiday (my birthday being the first) is upon us. I have been procrastinating in writing this blog because I couldn't quite figure out how to encompass in words the past year and the past decade. I think I can speak for the collective when I say that 2019 was challenging. For me, I had to face some hard truths about my truth, my purpose, and my desires for this life I have. I knew that if I did not make some changes, I would repeat the challenges I was dealing with but making those changes meant leaving a space of comfort. My dream, my purpose, was far greater than the space in which I was existing and existing in that space was exhausting me. This year was focused on stepping outside of my comfort zone so that I can step into my truth and find comfort.
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In reflecting on the past decade, the word that comes to mind is discovery. This decade focused on discovering the things I need to make the life I want. This decade was one big trial and error and from that trial and error I was able to discover the things that bring me peace and allow for a fulfilling life.
Through this decade I have learned the importance of the following:
1) Expressing Gratitude
Simple enough. Say thank you for the blessings that you have. We live in a society that makes us think we need to have more and as a result we don't appreciate what we have currently. From the people that uplift us to the pets that make us happy, the plants that bring us oxygen, the challenges that help us grow, the ability to wake up everyday and take a breath...all great reason to be grateful.
2) Finding what speaks to you spiritually
My spiritual practice is a work in progress. I know that belonging to a spiritual community has helped me in finding peace and to make sense of the world around me. I have found my spiritual community in different places from work to my yoga hOMe to my church. Find the people and practices that uplift, empower, and motivate you to be the best you that you can.
3) Letting go of grudges
I remember reading somewhere that when you hold onto anger or negative feelings, you are the only one that suffers. I believe that. If something bothers you enough to alter your mood, then speak on it, otherwise let it go. When people wrong you they are 9 times out of 10 not sitting somewhere reflecting on how they wronged you. They have moved on and so should you.
4) Being Intentional
Move with purpose and not purposeless. Live life on your terms.
5) Being present
I gave up social media on Sundays (baby steps!). I realized that I was spending more time on my phone then engaging the world around me. I also have realized how it feels when you are with someone who is in the their phone and not with you (i'm guilty of this!). At the beginning of the decade I had a basic Motorola (thanks Peace Corps) so I had no choice but to be present and my relationships were stronger because of it. Show up fully to those around you and yourself.
5) Releasing comparison
We have our own path and we arrive to our destinations at different times. Being a twin my whole life (a long time!) I never felt the need to compare. Not because one is better than the other but because our differences were celebrated. Grant it, he is a boy, but you get the point. I know that focusing more on my own path and not the path of others, I have felt more fulfilled.
6) Living with faith
In September I took a big leap. I left my well paying job to start my own business. Although the work of my business is important and aligned with my passion, I wanted to free up my time to walk in my purpose in service to others. I knew that if the spirit told me it's time, then it was time and that my needs would be met...and they have been.
7) Lifting as you climb
Mentorship is important. I received an award in 2010 and the theme of the award was "Lifting As You Climb" and I knew that my success would not have been possible without those that lifted me and because of this I do my best in helping the generation behind me. Mentorship is important y'all-reach back and reach up.
8) Knowing what is intended for you is yours, there is no competition
Somewhere in the middle of the decade I stopped competing. Not because I didn't feel that I was good enough but because I learned that what is for me, will be given to me...when I was ready to receive. So instead of trying to figure out ways to make myself better than the next, I focused on making myself ready to receive the blessings intended for me.
9) Living with grace
This is a recent lesson for me. I was always so hard on myself. Whether I didn't get the top grade or the promotion or lose the weight, I was unforgiving and harsh. I have recently learned to give myself grace when I fallen short knowing that next time I can do better.
10) Drink Water
It's good for you. #enoughsaid
As I prepare to enter 2020, the word that comes to mind is purpose. I know this year, this decade, is going to be focused on living with purpose. I am so excited for all that is going to manifest in the new year and beyond and look forward to sharing with you.
Be blessed, be purposeful, be grateful. Cheers to a new year!
-------------------------------------------------
In reflecting on the past decade, the word that comes to mind is discovery. This decade focused on discovering the things I need to make the life I want. This decade was one big trial and error and from that trial and error I was able to discover the things that bring me peace and allow for a fulfilling life.
Through this decade I have learned the importance of the following:
1) Expressing Gratitude
Simple enough. Say thank you for the blessings that you have. We live in a society that makes us think we need to have more and as a result we don't appreciate what we have currently. From the people that uplift us to the pets that make us happy, the plants that bring us oxygen, the challenges that help us grow, the ability to wake up everyday and take a breath...all great reason to be grateful.
2) Finding what speaks to you spiritually
My spiritual practice is a work in progress. I know that belonging to a spiritual community has helped me in finding peace and to make sense of the world around me. I have found my spiritual community in different places from work to my yoga hOMe to my church. Find the people and practices that uplift, empower, and motivate you to be the best you that you can.
3) Letting go of grudges
I remember reading somewhere that when you hold onto anger or negative feelings, you are the only one that suffers. I believe that. If something bothers you enough to alter your mood, then speak on it, otherwise let it go. When people wrong you they are 9 times out of 10 not sitting somewhere reflecting on how they wronged you. They have moved on and so should you.
4) Being Intentional
Move with purpose and not purposeless. Live life on your terms.
5) Being present
I gave up social media on Sundays (baby steps!). I realized that I was spending more time on my phone then engaging the world around me. I also have realized how it feels when you are with someone who is in the their phone and not with you (i'm guilty of this!). At the beginning of the decade I had a basic Motorola (thanks Peace Corps) so I had no choice but to be present and my relationships were stronger because of it. Show up fully to those around you and yourself.
5) Releasing comparison
We have our own path and we arrive to our destinations at different times. Being a twin my whole life (a long time!) I never felt the need to compare. Not because one is better than the other but because our differences were celebrated. Grant it, he is a boy, but you get the point. I know that focusing more on my own path and not the path of others, I have felt more fulfilled.
6) Living with faith
In September I took a big leap. I left my well paying job to start my own business. Although the work of my business is important and aligned with my passion, I wanted to free up my time to walk in my purpose in service to others. I knew that if the spirit told me it's time, then it was time and that my needs would be met...and they have been.
7) Lifting as you climb
Mentorship is important. I received an award in 2010 and the theme of the award was "Lifting As You Climb" and I knew that my success would not have been possible without those that lifted me and because of this I do my best in helping the generation behind me. Mentorship is important y'all-reach back and reach up.
8) Knowing what is intended for you is yours, there is no competition
Somewhere in the middle of the decade I stopped competing. Not because I didn't feel that I was good enough but because I learned that what is for me, will be given to me...when I was ready to receive. So instead of trying to figure out ways to make myself better than the next, I focused on making myself ready to receive the blessings intended for me.
9) Living with grace
This is a recent lesson for me. I was always so hard on myself. Whether I didn't get the top grade or the promotion or lose the weight, I was unforgiving and harsh. I have recently learned to give myself grace when I fallen short knowing that next time I can do better.
10) Drink Water
It's good for you. #enoughsaid
As I prepare to enter 2020, the word that comes to mind is purpose. I know this year, this decade, is going to be focused on living with purpose. I am so excited for all that is going to manifest in the new year and beyond and look forward to sharing with you.
Be blessed, be purposeful, be grateful. Cheers to a new year!