I truly believes that God will send you the same test over and over again until you truly learn the lesson and pass. Kind of like Super Nintendo's Mario World, you have to beat the current level in order to advance to the next.
I am sharing Six of my biggest lessons learned in 2013. I hope you will share yours as well.
- Time and space heals all. Let's be honest. All of us could stand to work on our patience. When I am hurt, I want to wake up the next day and forget what happened. However, I've learned that the heart attack symptoms that we experience during times of disappointment and betrayal, the loss of a loved one, a missed opportunity, and deferred dreams does not go away over night. Go through the motions. Be angry. Cry your heart out. It will pass. Troubles don't last always. Give it time and space.
- Eating Healthy and Working Out makes a world of a difference. Not only in your appearance, but your mood/stress levels as well. Being that I am a Black Woman and we are statistically on the short end of every stick, I have to get my health in order. Your health matters. I am happy to say that my gym membership did not go to waste, lol. This year I pretty much committed to eating healthier (I'm a beast during the week; still struggling during the weekend), working out (at least 3/4 days a week, trying to get up to 6 days) and having fun while doing it. I am definitely a group fitness type of girl. Zumba, Kickboxing, Body Works plus Abs, and occasionally a boot camp class. I hate the treadmill and stair-master and will avoid them at all cost. A staircase to nowhere. 3 miles of jogging and you're still in the same place. I can't be bothered. Shout out to my gym buddy JP. You're the best!
- Be selective with your extra credit. Everyone doesn't deserve your extra credit. I am that girl and have always been. It's my Achilles heel. I go above and beyond for people. Your extra credit should be reserved for your home team, your cheerleaders, your ride or dies, your peeps. Don't kid yourself into believing that people will be for you what you are and have been for them. Have an accurate count of the members of your fan-club. They are your biggest supporters. They think of you and are considerate of your feelings. They will give you the shirt off their backs. They will answer your 1AM calls. They will pick you up from the airport at 6AM. They should get the extra credit. The home cook meals, the just because gifts, the late night conversations, the care packages, your emergency funds. They should get your free time and attention. "At some point you have to stop crossing oceans for people that wouldn't jump puddles for you."
- Have Tough Conversations. Nothing sucks more than being vulnerable with your thoughts and feelings and getting rejected, not being validated, and/or heard. Have tough conversations even when fear creeps up and steals your voice. Clarity is a breath of fresh air, we need it. Ladies and Gentlemen, before you go and make any excuses as to why you won't be having that overdue conversation with your friend, your spouse, and your coworker remember, you are entitled to your feelings and shouldn't apologize for them. Be true to yourself. Trust your instincts. Ask tough questions. Set boundaries. Get clarity. Evaluate. Is it worth it? Are you getting a return on your investment? Has the reason or season for this person/situation expired? Make informed decisions. It's all for the best.
- God is in Control. South Florida: Stay or Go? This had been the question for the last 3 years. One thing that I knew for sure is that I had to make a career move back into Public Health. It's really where my heart is. I had been applying for jobs here in there for the last two years without any "real" response. Can you say worried and anxious? Recently, I was sitting in my office and was having a random conversation with my supervisor and the CEO and happened to mention my case management experience. They mentioned an opening for a Community Health Director. Long story short, I am the new Community Health Director. Stressed and anxious for absolutely nothing. He has been working it out the entire time. God is in control. He promised: exceedingly, abundantly, above all you can ask or think. Trust him. Even when it's hard. Even if you're tired. Even if you don't understand. Trust Him, he's in control.
- Focus on you. Love you. Choose you. Prioritize You. I often feel pulled in many directions with so many obligations and commitments. It can be a little overwhelming. Set aside time to do and spend time with whatever/whoever makes you happy. I traveled. I read. I shopped. I visited friends & family. I splurged. I was adventurous. I sponsored a child (Children International). I was good to myself.
VH1 has a show called best week ever. Well I just had the best year ever. It definitely wasn't perfect but after considering it all, 2013 you rock and I will not complain!
Signed,
Pieces of Me
