Pause, Rewind, Play...
The first month of 2019 has officially concluded and as much as I would love to say how remarkably great it was, I wouldn’t be completely sincere in stating such. If you may recall my last post, with much fervor and transparency, I addressed the importance of letting go of the frustrations, disappointments, hardships and any other unfavorable factors in order to effectively embrace 2019 and take it by storm. But, I spoke on this not anticipating the whirlwind that was soon to follow.
In the last three weeks, three individuals that I am very close to experienced separate unexpected losses and because of my connection and closeness to these individuals, their losses, in turn became mine. With this news came with the formality of having to attend homegoing services one after another. My heart mourned heavily for the families that were directly experiencing these losses and my mind often drifted to thinking “this is NOT an ideal way to begin the year for anyone!!!” I even took it a step further to wonder if what January presented was setting the tone for the remainder of the year. That may sound a bit dramatic to even entertain in thought, but I honestly contemplated such because all I knew, too much was transpiring – not to mention the other little issues that were sitting on the surface already!
As you can see, my mind was traveling in the opposite direction of ALL that I proclaimed in my previous post, but by the grace of God, I shifted my thought process swiftly! I simply looked at all that was occurring around me and I paused! I used the losses to reflect on life as a whole. To truly delve into the depths of understanding the importance of cherishing each day God grants; to bask in His blessings. I reflected on my loved ones and vowed to love them more deeply. To focus on what truly mattered and refrain from putting energy into the things that did not. Life is extremely precious and I know it’s easy to take on this state of mind when the loss of loved ones is so fresh, but seriously, this is a posture we must have every single day!
After taking my pause, I then hit rewind. I revisited the enthusiasm and faith I poured out in my previous post because that was my truth and I did not want anything to be able to shake that! I said what I said and I meant it. Therefore, I gave myself a ‘pep talk’ and declared to continue strong in 2019. There is work to be done. Love to share. Rebuilding that needs to be acquired and goals to be manifested. After sitting soundly with my declarations, determination, and faith, of course, I hit play! January doesn’t get to determine my year. 2019 is not a wash, but rather a stepping stone to propel me to be more intentionally amazing for the next 334 days.