What I Learned in 2016

Can you believe we only have a few more hours until we say goodbye to 2016 and hello to 2017?! It's crazy, right? 

With so many world events that have taken this year by the horns, I'm sure we've all had a few  personal experiences we'd wish never made a pit stop, but what is life without some downfalls? We can't have it all, and life is never perfect, but we can learn a lot through these ups and downs and make the best out of it, or perhaps even learn from them. 

Here's what I learned this year:

• I'm a Go-Getter

This isn't something necessarily new to me, but it's definitely worth acknowledging. I can't sit still. I don't like wasting time and I definitely function at a higher speed than most. Whether it is about health, fitness, work or organizing my closet and then reorganizing it again, I must see things progress. Everything has an order; a place in this world, and in order to see these things fit into their proper space, I create a hands-on approach to make sure it gets done. I guess you can say I'm a type-A personality. Although mostly wonderful, this type of personality can be difficult to have at times because it can make me a perfectionist and allows for frazzled moments with others who are inactive to pursue their dreams or resolve health issues. This leads me into the second thing...

• Accepting People As They Are

People show you who they are every day. Whether happy and make every situation positive, negative and dismissive or smile to your face and live a secret life behind your back (trust me it happens). People will show you who they are, the type of person they connect with and what you can expect from them. Don't make anyone be who you want them to be, but rather listen to what they are saying to you. You'll spend less time problem solving, and more time living your best self.

• It's OK to Say "NO"

It's definitely ok to say no. Your life and your time is precious, and spending it with who and as you wish, is and SHOULD BE a definite priority. 

• New Things Are Scary but Worth a Try If Your Heart Is In It

This one is pretty straightforward, but we all need a little reminder that stepping out of our comfort zone can be a bit scary, and that's normal. When I started my new job a year ago, I was pretty scared. It was something I had wanted to do for years, but never had the right opportunity. Then with a LOT of persistence (TYPE A), a lot of patience, learning from others and weaving in my own skills, I landed the job of managing a magazine for a large organization. A huge dream come true; and a huge goal accomplished. My heart was there and so was the fear, but if I let the fear outweigh my heart's desire, I would have never pursued this job, and I'm so glad I listened to my heart. 

• God Has A Plan For You

Simply put, everyone's journey is their own. God intended yours to move just as fast (or slow) as needed. The route may change course and your abilities, function or outlook may change from time to time, but you are right where you need to be. Trust Your Journey.

Now that I've shared what I learned, it's time to set out some new goals for 2017! I'm very much ready to do this, and I hope you'll join me. Grab a pen and paper and write out a few goals of your own. There's no rush, take your time. Vision your goals. Let's go!

Goals for 2017:

1. Do Yoga 1 to 2xs a week. 

2. Drink More Water (with lemon)

3. Say "No" to Things You Don't Want To Do

4. Be OK with Your Fitness Journey and Progress 

5. Spend More Time Doing what You love

6. Get More Sleep

7. Do More Things Outdoors 

~ Now for a little fluff, here are some pictures to share my favorite IG posts of 2016 ~

Happy New Year! May Your Blessings be Abundant!

Make sure you vote!

One nation under God!

There's something so validating about going to a poll station and physically entering in your choices.  Although this election is probably the most terrifying election I've been alive to witness,  I took the Holy Spirit with me.

At the end of the day, what is meant to be will be, and I will put my trust in God first and foremost, but I'm also so grateful for the 19th Amendment of the United States Constitution that passed in 1920 to officially give women the right to vote; and allow me to share my voice.

Whether you voted for Trump or Hilary, or put your own name into the empty subject line, know that our nation was founded upon those who believed in God and that this country and our world is all suffering and wants and need love and understand. Pray for us all.

A Grateful Heart

If I was born anywhere else in the world, would I be just as grateful for my life as I am today? As my thoughts prepped for Thanksgiving, the rush of Black Friday, and the events that will follow, I kept thinking of that question. 

In the recent weeks passed, terrorist killed several innocent lives in Paris, but the impact of these actions and losses affected many throughout the world. Peace and Prayer petitions quickly went viral on social media. Many spoke about their recent visit to France and Paris and those who lost someone. In a common thread of prevailing hope and strength, media post spoke about the bond of good, and how it will always be greater than evil. 

(Photo: @Shoesdogsandchocolate) 

In nearly half of deaths (45%) in children under five, poor nutrition is to blame. That's an estimating 3.1 million children each year, according to the World Food Programee (WFP). If you are throwing a lot of food away, think of adding less to your plate before you waste it. Think of how those leftovers you toss out nonchalantly could be a day's worth of food to one child. 

(Photo: @Shoesdogsandchocolate)

Many of us are doing ok, we're getting by. Could things be better? Sure, they can always be better, but if we were without shoes as cherishedfeet.org states '1.2 billion people in the world live in extreme poverty (less than one dollar a day)' are, would we think differently about our situation? Many parasites enter the soles of the feet, and without shoes to cover the steps you take, you are susceptible to many illness or disease. Be grateful for those worn out sandals or broken down running shoes. Perhaps donate them to a local shoe and clothes drive before taking them to the dumpster. 

(Photo: @Shoesdogsandchocolate) 

As Christmas, Hannukah, and the New Year celebrations approach, we will get swept up in the holiday cyclone, elbowing strangers in tight shopping quarters, singing jingle bells and wishing for health, wealth and good cheer and this post you have read will be a thing of the past. Don't let it be. Every day people need people, and hope needs hope. Be of good faith and be bold in your motivations. 

Give food to a stranger, hold the door for someone you don't know and take it easy. Everyone is looking for happiness, some times it starts in a small gesture of giving thanks. 

The Joyce Meyer Experience

Mama and I had a blast at last weekend's Joyce Meyer seminar. Faith is found everywhere and what an experience Mama and I had that day. The event was held at the Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, California. A location that Joyce Meyer speaks at every couple of years or so. Admission was free, so all we had to do was show up. 

Mama and I got there at 8:15am. Doors opened at 8am. The event wasn't until 10am. Sounds a little overzealous, but if any of you have ever been to the Long Beach Arena, you know that getting there early is important. The stadium was already half-way full by the time we got there, so scrambling for seats was both exciting and quite hilarious. The moment someone got up, someone else slipped into their spot. A quick, assertive decision was mandatory. At last, Mama and I found two floor seats. Whoo hoo!

The introduction bursted with music and praise. "Hallelujah, rejoice in the Lord, I say again, rejoice." 

There was not one person in that auditorium that wasn't either faith-filled, seeking more faith, or going to leave that day feeling without faith. 

You see, Joyce Meyer isn't one of those screaming pastors that make you feel like you're going to go to hell if you don't faint with the 'Word' rolling off your tongue. Instead, she offers testimonies of real life experiences; how pain and reality can make you feel defeated, how there's evil on earth, and how hatred drains us of having a faith filled life. She even explained how the disciples suffered and did plenty of wrong doing before allowing Jesus to show them the true way of living.

 It's not about preaching at someone, but rather lifting them up by being a faith-filled person. And a faith-filled person is made of love. And who doesn't want to feel love, give love or be loved? 

Many people need 'saving,'

 this is true, but let God do that. All we need to do is keep spreading the love. 

Have a little faith

It's a "take the bull by the horns" kind of day... These last few months have been rather testing. The earth seems to be shifting at a rapid pace for many in my life, including myself, and when things change drastically well, who the hell likes that? 

Some times complacency can be good, and other times growth or new experiences can be ideal, but when you're forced out of your comfort zone quickly, you sort of have to figure out a new spot to cling to and hold your balance.

 Life is unexpected, difficult and scary, but the one thing I know is that it will be ok. And if it's not ok yet, then the shifting is not over. Keep holding on; trust your self, and have a little faith. No matter how hard it gets.