As 2016 comes to a close, I always use this time for reflection and for my immediate family. I think about the things I learned this year and the things that I’ve done. I think about where I was mentally and physically, and where I’d like to be this time next year. I haven’t written in a while because of the lack of time and energy. As much as I wanted to keep writing and posting recipes I didn’t prioritize it. My pregnancy has been the forefront of my attention along with indulging in whatever my heart desired. Last year I said that time is the most valuable thing. That was what I learned. This year I spent a lot of time celebrating and enjoying my life. It was my goal this year that I would spend more time on being in the moment. My reading goals were not too high this year so I didn’t read many great books but I watched a lot of good shows and found happiness each day in the simple things and in doing so I gained a lot. I feel good about this year.
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| Something I think about all the time. Be present and be happy. |
2) Keep your distance from the bullshitters. It takes a lot of energy when you’re trying to be positive, and do things that make you happy, then along comes someone who can’t keep it real and makes excuses. Don’t take time to confront fake people, simply ignore them. I knew I matured when I realized everything doesn’t require my reaction. I don’t have to call you back, I don’t need to keep in touch, I don’t have to respond if I don’t feel like it, I don’t have to spend time and energy to explain why I’m cool and distant. I’ll be civil if necessary, but we don’t need to have small talk. 
4) Always pray even when things are good, but especially when you’re strength is being tested and you want to give up. I went through a really shitty situation last month where my identity was mistaken for someone else, and I was blacklisted from a network for healthcare. Yea let that sink in for a second. I couldn’t eat, sleep, do simple things, be myself, or even get help until speaking with one of my best friends who works with attorneys. As much as I’ve been a strong advocate for fighting back against injustice, I had no strength left in me as a pregnant woman who just needed to get my appointments and move on. It lasted for about 2 weeks, on one of those dark days when I had no idea if I’d find a resolution, I went to my altar and just sat there and prayed my heart out, asking for guidance and direction. In one day, I had a game plan and was able to move forward. God knows what you’re going through he just wants to see how long you will take to come to him. Even though I have found care elsewhere, it still haunts me knowing the cruel and corrupted world we live in. You don’t know what injustice feels like until it’s happening to you. 
5) Take inventory of your surroundings. Carefully assess who is who. You don’t have to stop talking to these people as they are likely to be your family and supposed friends, but recognize who is who so you don’t get bogged down by drama, and/or end up in your own feelings. Who cares if you’re sad? Who motivates and inspires you? Who do you admire? Who tells you like it is? Who always gives you sound advice? Who comes just to see? Who can you be 100% real with? Who can you carry a deep conversation with? Who takes responsibility for their actions? Who is fun to be around? Who is constantly comparing themselves with you? Who is watching and copying your every move? Who doesn’t have their own priorities in order? Who doesn’t keep their word? Who has attention seeking behavior? Who’s values don’t line up with yours? 
7) Invest in yourself. Do what makes you happy. It’s not easier said than done. Ditch whatever is making you feel like crap. Put your foot down on bad habits or regular routines that don’t make you feel your best. That’s what I did this year. I let the chores pile up, I said okay to more take-out, I started early on events that I wanted to plan and focus on details. I treated myself to glam nails I could never do at home. I get dressed up as much as possible because that’s who I am and what should I wait for? I filled my voids. I came up with some new ideas for the future. I took care of myself and ate well and loved myself.
8) Invest in your relationship. Enjoy the hell out of your spouse! Write sweet things to each other, tag each other in memes, stay in on the weekends and hang out together. I have fallen in love with my husband over and over this year. We’ve spent a lot more time together, talking and being on the same page about everything, laughing, dancing, romancing, dreaming and building each other up this year. Work can be a pain in the ass, monopolizing a lot of our time as a family but the priority needs to be set for each other. Expecting another baby next year just adds to the excitement!
10) Start a gratitude jar, or get a planner that helps you focus daily on your goals and new mindset. The one I love and use all year is this one because it’s not too big and fits in my purse. It’s great for staying on track with appts, dates, school activities, deadlines, grocery lists, food diary, notes to yourself, cataloging 5 ideas daily, or simply positive messages to yourself. There are bigger versions and other types where it’s strictly a to-do list format. The prints are beautiful as well.
The Divine Catalyst 