Today's Prescription: 2016 Taught Me...
This year has been the year of "you gone learn today!" 2016 was lesson after lesson, but after chalking it up to the game, I had a great year and so much to be grateful for! Yes, there were disappointments and challenges, but we made it fabulistas. So, today I'm sharing with you guys five things 2016 taught me below. What lessons have 2016 taught you about yourself?
1. A discerning spirit is key: I can't talk about this one enough. My pastor is always talking about this, boy if I would have listened! Everything isn't all it seems to be, and everybody isn't who they're trying to portray. Don't let social media and reality tv ever make you feel like everybody has it together but you, girl we're all struggling in some way or another, but no one wants to televise that. Don't believe the hype. Secondly, as a young woman I really have learned to let my intuition lead me, so when you feel something is up, pray on it, ask questions, and if you feel as though somebody isn't who they say they are, beware, and choose wisely.
2. What God has for you, is for you, and nobody (including yourself) can get in the way of that: It's imperative that I tell myself this on a daily. Comparison is such an evil little booger. If comparison could be wiped out, we would be so much better off. I used to feel like I was in competition with my classmates in my cohort, family members, and even my social media associates. I would worry myself sick about not having something that I thought I deserved, but the next person was receiving. I know, terrible. Then, it dawned on me, I cannot worry about anyone else, I just gotta do Zaria. End of story. Grasping this fact, turned everything around. I'm running my race at my own pace, in my own lane.
3. Do what YOU absolutely LOVE: If I would have listened to the people that I told about my idea of starting a blog, I would have never gave birth to ADOF. I cannot tell you how many times I was told that the blogging world is oversaturated, and I would be wasting my money, but look at this now! My blog is growing, I've met some amazing people, and I can be ME. (Know that I'm milly rockin'). I'm my biggest fan, I love clicking that publish button. I pray about my blog daily, and as long as God keeps on making a way for me to do this, I'm gonna keep on pushing! Be realistic about your goals, and take it one step at a time. A doer always starts out as a planner. So, be quiet about your dreams, you don't need the validation of anyone else. Do what you're passionate about, and somebody is gonna feel it baby, PLUS, there's only one YOU.
4. It's okay to be selfish, no, BUT REALLY. Listen, Linda. I am a giving person, (we all think of ourselves as such). I used to get so caught up in doing what pleased everyone else, from my family to the temporary people in my life that are currently nowhere to be found. When I tell you I was tired physically and emotionally, it was only going to be a matter of time before I popped off. People will take advantage of you, without even asking if you're okay, and that's life, but can't nobody drive you crazy unless you give them keys. Take them keys back, say no, and do what's best for you. Put your phone on DND more, take yourself out on a date (I do this on a monthly basis), and make sure YOU are good FIRST. Now, don't be mean, and burn bridges! Just remember, you are who you have at the end of the day.
5. Do all that you possibly can, the best you can, with no regrets: Whatever you do, don't have regrets. Me myself, I hate it when I get in a "coulda, woulda, shoulda" state of mind. Take advantage of every opportunity, take risks, do things that make you uncomfortable. Whatever it is, give it your all and no half stepping. It may work out, it may not, but I never want to walk away from something knowing I could have put forth more effort. You're only going to get what you put into something, and I don't know about you, but mediocre does not look good on me.
This year really flew by, but I'm grateful to have made it through it. I can't wait to see what 2017 has in store for not only me, but all of my fabulistas as well. I wish you all a happy new year loves!
XOXO,
Zaria