The year is winding down, and it's only right to reflect on all that has taken place; the highs and lows, ups, downs and plateaus.
(Will update through the end of the year.)
In 2014:
I allowed myself to be vulnerable.
I jumped.
I experimented.
I lived.
I loved, man did I love...
I fell.
I made mistakes, again and again... but most importantly, I got back up.
I experienced more growth this year than I have in my entire adult life.
I conquered fears.
I found my voice, and used it.
I gained new friendships,
made amends and said goodbyes.
Hit refresh on my creativity.
Nearly doubled my blog posts from the previous year.
Stepped outside of my comfort zone, and found myself in my solitude.
I relinquished control and in turn regained a greater focus.
Saw my brand grow, and connected with the TRIBE in person.
Loyalties were tested, some thrived and some shriveled.
I found balance on my own two feet.
And most importantly, I became comfortable in my own skin.
Lessons Learned/ Observed:
Comfort zones are cool and all, but nothing ever grows there.
Trying new foods will make you feel like you haven't truly been alive until you discovered them.
Wine is the answer. (.. the question doesn't matter.)
Go to as many concerts as humanly possible.. even if it means sometimes going alone. ( 2014 line up- KING, Snoop, Outkast, Damien Marley, Janelle Monae, The Roots, The Foreign Exchange, Pharoahe Monch, SZA, TV on the Radio, Bahamadia, Rihanna, Metallica..etc.)
Nothing great can manifest if the timing isn't right.
Avoid "ego" at all costs.
You should enjoy the people you choose to be around. People don't realize the control they have over who they allow to be in their lives.
Laugh.. find people who make you laugh.
Trust God to deliver.
"What I know for sure is this: You are built not to shrink down but to blossom into more. To be more splendid. To be more extraordinary. To use every moment to fill yourself up." -Oprah
Actions outweigh words. Period. (.. a hard one when you're a sucker for convo/ "sweet nothings.")
NOBODY can take your blessing!
Take the time to truly get to know who people are, and not who they portray themselves to be.
Listen!!
Value the good people around you.
When someone shows you who they are, believe them.
Travel, and often.
People will run in and out of your life if you leave the door open.
...and while on the subject of doors, it's impossible to enter a new one if your foot is still stuck in the old.
For every purchase made with credit, pay it off, or a portion right then and there.
And you don't owe anyone anything... not even the benefit of the doubt
Stay woke.
