A YEAR SOUL BE-YOU-TIFUL // 2021

REFLECT & RECHARGE FOR 2022

Every year, I do this journal exercise and it always blows my mind how transformational  life can be in just a 12-month period. This year, I'm going to change it up a bit, but we're still going to journal about our top 10 of 2021. Let's get into it!

TOP 10 OF 2021

10. Reflect on your bravest moment.
In May, I launched my own business, Soul Curly Kit. What has made this decision so courageous is that it requires me to release my fear of being seen. If I want people to know about my business, that means they have to know about me and I have to put myself in uncomfortable situations. I participated in two pitch competitions this year and they both tremendously challenged me to get over my fears and hold my head high.

9. What's the best decision you've made and how has it transformed your life for the better?
As a content creator, I've never truly had a clear path of where I'm going and what I'm trying to get to, but God has shown me that creativity is my gift above all else. The best decision I've made this year is not giving up on my creativity and constantly pulling from that divine source within me to guide what's next. My desire to feed my insatiable creative energy has enabled my professional, personal, and academic endeavors to blossom. 

8. Wisest words of advice you've received this year?

• "Be strong and courageous! For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
• "Girl, people go through all types of things that change them." - Best friend
• "You've got to focus. You won't regret it." - Mom
• "Progress over perfection"  - Former supervisor

7. Your greatest moment of joy?
My trip to Atlanta with TWB's fam + crying tears of joy on my yoga mat at the Boss Babe Network Gatlinburg Retreat.

6. How have you found peace amongst the noise?
I'm still figuring it out, but I try my best to remain consistent with prayer, journaling, therapy, self help books, and meditation.

5. Your most unexpected blessing?
Getting involved with the Indianapolis women's empowerment community has been so rewarding. I've gotten to meet some awesome, like-minded women and it's challenged me to keep going and keep believing in my dreams. This year, I participated in the Go Off Sis Brunch and some Boss Babe Network events. I also had my eye on the Create Connect Collab  Retreat. Although I couldn't make it this year, I hope to attend next year.

One other unexpected event stands out as well. In November, I welcomed home a sweet new puppy named Mr. Mello. I've always wanted a dog, but I never knew I needed one. What a true blessing he has been! 
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4. Greatest gift that money could never buy?
Forgiveness + healing 

3. How have you taken a leap of faith?
At this very moment, being a graduate student has been a huge leap of faith. By the time I get to my school work, I always feel so exhausted and sometimes I don't feel connected to the topics I have to think critically about. I feel like school is a muscle I haven't flexed in a long time and I feel holistically challenged in that area. I've prayed to be in this space for so long that I know I just have to keep pushing through this difficult season. 

2. How have you strengthened your character?
I don't want to be negative anymore. I wouldn't say that I was formerly a negative person, but I don't think I made a conscious effort to seek positivity. I want to reprogram my mind, heart, and spirit to be lighter, more positive, and free.

1. Choose 1-3 words you will use to inspire yourself to continue to grow throughout this new season that is 2022. 

• Care
• Connect
• ​Create

WHAT'S NEXT?

Now that reflection is out of the way, I like to wrap up this exercise with some time to rest my mind and contemplate how I want to approach goal setting and intention setting for 2022. There's no rush. There's no pressure. When the time is right, I'll find a quiet and calm place to journal the desires of my heart, pray over it, and meditate.

As the new year draws closer, I encourage you to take it easy and be light. If you're feeling this kind of self-care content, connect with me on Instagram @justcaraelaine. Until next time, beYOUtiful, keep life sweet, & never stop feeding your soul. -xo