Happy first Wednesday of the new year! I have this feeling that 2018 is going to be great & life changing year. 2017 was such a good year, a huge year of “growth”. I learned so many things last year that I decided that for the first Wednesday of the year, I will inspire others with the things that I learned what to do, also what not to carry over with me into the next year. I don’t think I’ve ever been as honest with ya’ll as I’m about to be in these next 1000+ words, so I’m warning you..it all ain’t pretty.
I learned to “try” to be patient.
I am the most impatient person ever. 2017 taught me that patience is necessary, no matter how much I try to deny it. If you’re friends with me on facebook- you will know that I previously said (earlier this week) that this year was a year of growing pains. I didn’t go into much detail, but I meant simply this: This year was hard. I felt like I kept having these moments where I would like be really happy & proud of myself for something, than I would have like other moments where I was really annoyed and frustrated that all of my goals for the year had not been accomplished. I learned in 2017 that God’s timing is everything & that I need to wait on his timing instead of my own. I have learned to appreciate the process of whatever it is that I am going through. Receiving a blessing prematurely can be the worst thing & something that you are unprepared for. Respecting the process & being patient regarding anything you are praying for is always more rewarding in the end.
“The end of something is better than its beginning. Patience is better than pride.”- Ecclesiastes 7:8
Do you, Boo Boo
This year- I learned to say no. No to doing things I didn’t want to do- whether it be getting lunch with the girlfriends when I’m tired, or simply someone emailing me asking for advice and me answering when I got around to it. As bad as things sounds, I learned this year to be stingy with my time. At first, that sounds really bad on paper when you read it. But I don’t mean it like that. What I mean when I say do you is this: Do things that you truly care about & don’t apologize for it. Take time for yourself whenever necessary. Stand up for what you believe in. Take that personal day that you really need. Tell that person you need some time to yourself. Hell, even turn your phone off for some quiet time if you need to. It’s so so easy to be worried about everyone else, that we sometimes forget to take time for ourselves.
Pray often & forgive freely aka GRACE
In 2017, I truly learned the meaning of “Grace”. Grace has always been one of my favorite words , but I’ve never truly like acted in grace. When I happy, I’m happy & when I’m mad- Lord Jesus help me (haha!). My friends call me sassy for a reason & I unfortunately am not ashamed of this, lol. The last 12 months, I have learned that grace is needed. People are simply human and putting expectations upon them is not only not fair to them, but is not fair to yourself as well. Setting high expectations for others is more of a hindrance than anything- no one on this earth owes you anything. You’re not here on earth to earn the approval of others- you are here to find your purpose God has set out for you and succeed at his plan. Pray often & forgive freely. Try to be more understanding of others and realize that everyone is just trying to make their way through life, just as you are. Instead of judging others, help them. Be a shoulder to lean on instead of someone always criticizing others.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12
Save, Save & Save
I’ve never been much of a saver gal. I’m always been more of the “buy it now” type. Quick story time- at the beginning of January- I looked in my closet and decided to do a purge. I was absolutely (for real ya’ll…absolutely) disgusted at how many things I had in there….with price tags! Things I just HAD to have & then had no use for, things I knew I didn’t need but were on a good deal so I got it anyways. I realized I had way too much stuff so I did the only thing that would make me happy at the moment..I gave it all away. The sad part is..as much stuff as I gave away, I can look in my closet now ( a year later) and it’s still packed. In 2017 I learned in a very unconventional way the meaning of saving for more than a “Rainy Day”. You don’t need your favorite shirt in 5 colors..you just want it. Last year, I learned to stop being excessive & decided to give more instead. I took on a “minimalist” approach and spent m money in other ways- I gave to things that really mattered. Not that I’m going into details, because that is not important, but I strongly suggest that you find a purpose/charity/whatever that is meaningful to you and contribute any way you can. I can promise you that the feeling is a lot more gratifying than racking up at a sale at your favorite store.
..But also live (Treat Yo’ Self)
Okay so I said stop being excessive, but I didn’t say stop living! I strongly believe splurging every now & then is necessary. Especially if you work hard (which I’m sure you do), you deserve to treat yo’ self every now & then. Splurge smartly..never put yourself in a financial bind if you can avoid not to, and if you do, be sure to have a back up plan. Treating yourself along the way to your success is not only a reminder of where you’re going, but also a reflection of where you’ve been. Especially if you are a budget-er..be sure to spend some $$ on yourself sometimes too!
& always stay humble
In terms of my girl Beyonce..”Always stay gracious.” Regardless of what you’ve been through, be thankful that you made it through. Things can always be better, but things can always be worse too. Remembering this will help you (& I) throughout the year as we embark on another 12 months of our stories. I’m so so grateful for everything 2017 taught me..both good and bad. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for my past experiences..and neither would you!
“She is clothed in strength & dignity & she laughs without fear of the future.”- Proverbs 31:25
Until Next Time!
-B
