A resolution like no other for 2022

Family and friends, if I were to have an Oprah moment I would give all of you your hearts desires in tangible gifts. But God’s blessings on my heart comes in the form of hope and prayer.

I hope that your 2022 year is like no other as you navigate in this current world that we will learn to love despite all of its twists and turns.

I pray that you will become closer to family and friends that live out loud and care for those that you know and may not know just because you can! Maybe it is not a year of resolutions that you are seeking, but more of a year of reflection that will make room for your strength and determination for the year to come.

As I reflect onn2021, let me share with you what I have come to learn or be reminded of:

1. It is always a great day to have a great day. There may be moments or situations that tend to steal your joy, but don’t be susceptible to any that does not allow you to be great.

2. You can not control what is not meant to be controlled. Let’s start with other people. People are meant to make their own decisions, despite your advice. Yes, you may be older and known to be wiser, but you can not control everything and definitely can not control everyone (even if you are related). Relax and take time to talk and share, but no need to be upset if the other person does not take your advice. It is ok to agree to disagree.

3. Saving the world, involves more than a super hero. Let’s be honest, we really aren’t meat to be super heroes. I envision super heroes not needing sleep, wearing capes and able to jump immeasurable heights. All of which wouldn’t work for me. But I can be a really kind person that sparks positive relationships to accomplish a common goal with other really kind people: enhancing the world one step at a time and after a full night’s rest.

4. Philanthropy work is hard work and seems to require a lot of money. Something that I may not have (now), but shouldn’t dictate whether or not I can help other people and provide service to my community. True help may not require money, but it doesn’t hurt to have projects funded and sponsored. I have learned that there are beautiful people that want to help any way that they can. Some will give you their time, love or funding. They are all important to the mission and your life.

5. Last but not least, after 3 degrees and time spent in the counseling field, I didn’t realize how important self care would become prior to this pandemic. There is so much psychological heaviness that will take a toll on you and you must conquer it by allowing yourself to heal and be open to focusing on you. This does not mean that the rest of the world is important, it just means that if you do not take care of yourself, the rest of the world will never have the whole you in the engagement of community growth.

Bonus: the old adage is true. Children are our future. If you take time with them now, our world will reap the benefits later. They need us to use this year of reflection to be stronger and more mentally available for their success. In hindsight, I need it for my own success as well. We can all learn from 2021…..reflect, recharge, renew for 2022!