Hey beautiful people! 2018 is literally around the corner! With the new year approaching, I’m sure there are things we need to leave behind in 2017. We love to go into the New Year with a new mindset and goals. But we seriously need to leave certain habits and etc. behind to have a better and flourishing year next year. This year was a good year for me overall. I traveled A LOT! It seems like my family and I went everywhere this year. I accomplished a few monthly and quarterly goals for my blog and channels. And most importantly, our family is expanding! Although I had a good year, I still encountered some disappointments and losses.
2017 has taught me a lot about myself. I need to be more patient with my journey. The biggest thing is that I need to stop doing is comparing myself to people’s highlighted reel. I have to stop looking at their chapter 15 and not compare it to my chapter 2. My time is coming and I’m sure 2018 will bring forth more business opportunities and connections for me! And I need to practice what I preach. I love to encourage others and pushing them to accomplish their goals. But at times, I don’t do the same and I feel inadequate to do the same. No more of that mentality. Whatever I speak, I will do and I will see the reaping of my harvest!
So, here are a few things that we should leave behind (I’m speaking for myself as well) in 2017:
Fear. We all have things that we want to do, accomplish and conquer. So what’s stopping you? Is it money? Is it criticism? Lack of support? Whatever it is should NOT discourage you from accomplishing your goals! Life is going to happen regardless. But it’s how you respond to it that matters. So no matter what comes your way, you need to go for your dreams! If you don’t go for what you want, it will always be a dream. Bring that dream to life by putting in the work, not giving up and working towards it until it manifests before your eyes! You don’t want to leave this earth unexpectedly and regret the things you didn’t do. So at least start so you can at least say that you tried!
Comparison. Just stop it. It is literally the thief of our joy. We will never be happy with ourselves or lives if we keep comparing ourselves to others. Social media plays a big part in why people tend to compare themselves to others. And it’s kind of bizarre because we compare ourselves to people that we don’t actually know (unless you’ve met them) but are inspired by them through social media. Just keep in mind that people post what they want you to see online. So don’t get caught up in comparing their controlled lives online to your reality. It is not worth it and it does something to your esteem. Just leave that behind, enjoy your reality, count your blessings and in due time, you will realize that they are human and go through issues offline just like you.
Hate. Yes, this one right here needs to be left behind and buried. I will never understand people who wake up and walk around with such hate in their hearts. I am convinced that no one is born that way but have been conditioned to hate one another from their environment, surroundings or peers. Most times, it is because they lack something that you have that they wish they had. But it is not worth it.
We see it all the time in the media, politics, on a daily and it is just sad. I definitely hate seeing black women hating on each other. We are SO powerful and unstoppable when we come together. But when one is doing better than the next, it’s like she’s in the wrong for wanting to prosper. I pray that we can ALL support and love one another despite how we may feel about others. We may not agree or like everything about people but we can always learn something from somebody.
Excuses. Just leave this word out of your vocabulary. I swear we (including me) come up with excuses for everything. We come up with excuses as to why we can’t do something, why we can’t start a business, why we can’t this or that. I’m telling you where there is a will, there IS a way! We have to make time to do the things we want and not give up! When I hear about people’s success stories one common thing that comes to mind is that they DID NOT give up! No matter how hard it got, how much money they didn’t have, and etc. they still kept going!
And the same can AND will happen for you if you don’t give up! So let’s get rid of all of these excuses as to why we can get things done! I believe fear plays a part in why we make excuses. We fear the worst and shrink back from doing anything. But don’t let that stop you. Learn from your failures but DON’T GIVE UP! Your dream is on the other side of fear so don’t let your excuses talk you out of receiving those blessings.
Toxic Friends and Family. I know this is a hard one but it is a must. I can honestly say this year was an eye-opener when it came to those who I call “family and friends.” But one thing I’m learning is that everyone can’t go where you are going in life, especially to the next level of growth. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve known them, arguments, secrets, it doesn’t matter. Everyone can’t continue on with you in life. You have to be okay when your circle is getting smaller.
And, you have to be okay with evaluating those around you, getting rid of those who bring toxic energy, are always negative and who tend to gossip or hate on others. If they do it to others, they are probably talking or hating on you as well. The people closest to you usually are the first to hurt you and hurt you the most. So just leave some people in the past where they belong. Do a phone book and/or social media cleanse by deleting and unfollowing certain people. And don’t just delete people because of how you feel about them, but also because of the garbage, they are posting online. You don’t need that energy on your feed! Forgive them and love them from a distance but that’s about it and keep it moving.
To me, I feel like 2018 is going to be a GREAT year for me! A great year for my businesses, finances, family, and personal life! And I am working now on leaving these things behind so that I can set the tone for 2018 in advance, not when the clock strikes 12 on the 31st. I encourage you to do the same. Set those goals now and start working on them now. And leave these things behind and watch things transform and manifest before your eyes! I believe in you. I’m praying for you and I hope that your 2018 is the beginning of your best life yet!