2024 NEW YEAR REFLECTION

A FRESH TAKE

Every year, I like to reflect on my most pivotal moments. I have found that the years I hold myself accountable in completing this journal exercise are the years where I experience the most healing and growth. It’s also really hard to know where you want to go if you don’t know where you’ve been. I encourage you to join me in journaling your top 10 of 2023. 

TOP 10 OF 2023

10. Reflect on your bravest moment.
This year, I have slowly but surely locked in on discernment. I have grown to openly communicate exactly where I stand on matters that don’t sit right with me. Instead of masking my passionate boundaries, I’m finally allowing myself to have a seat and a voice at the table.

9. What's the best decision you've made and how has it transformed your life?
I don’t want to live for myself anymore. I want to live for God’s Kingdom. Life is so hard and it doesn’t get any easier with faith, but it does allow me to never carry life’s burdens alone. Giving my life to Christ gives me peace of mind and reassurance.

8. Wisest words of advice you've received?

• Luke 6:46-49 ESV
• “Key, that’s not you.” - Best friend
• “Don't expect things from people. You’re setting yourself up for disappointment.” - T.W.B.

7. Your greatest moment(s) of joy?

• Dodgers baseball game in Cincinnati, OH
• Work + Girls trip to Los Angeles, CA 
• ​Weekend Getaway Cabin trip to Columbus, IN
• Visiting New Orleans, LA to see Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour
• Hosting an influencer summit for work
• Holiday trip to New York, NY

6. How have you found stillness among the chaos?
Two things have really helped me find stillness and quiet:

1. The first half of the year was really rough. I was working full-time, a grad student, and participating in vendor opportunities for my business, Soul Curly Kit. I was extremely burned out. After 6 months of grinding and putting school on the back-burner, I realized it was time to slow down for my mental health. I prioritized work and school only. As a result, I'll graduate earlier than anticipated and I’m dedicating my final semester to a project for my business. Turns out, taking a step back, doesn't mean you're not taking steps forward. 
2. For the first time ever, I took time off from work for the last 2 weeks weeks of 2023. When I say that was a game changer, it was literally spirit altering in the most beautiful way. I also ended up catching a cold during this period that significantly slowed me down and required me to be still. This allowed me to really invest in my quiet time with God and my me time so that I could truly rest and reset before the new year. 

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5. Your most unexpected blessing?
I celebrated my 30th birthday this year. The goals I set for 30-year-old me in my early 20s are totally different from my life now. Back then, all I could think about was self-fulfillment. My dreams never included something greater than myself. However, God has blessed me with a beautiful family, career, and life that’s far greater than what I had imagined. I also recognize that my younger self wasn’t wrong. I’ll eventually check those things off the list, but for now, I'm watering the marvelous season I’m in.

4. Greatest gift that money could never buy?
Friendship - It’s the bond that fuels every special connection in my life.

3. How have you taken a leap of faith?
I have made an active effort to ask for help, and more specifically, mentorship. I have the tendency to figure things out on my own instead of relying on the experiences and knowledge of others. This year, I took the initiative to ask my professor for guidance with my business. My professor is a boss and certainly loves to share her expertise with others. God allows us to cross paths with people whose purpose aligns with ours. I've had to get out of my head and recognize that it’s ok to be seen, heard, and get the mentorship that I deserve.

2. How have you strengthened your character?
I recognized my need for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I’ve been battling a lot with my identity and my character, and I realized that I can’t even begin to define those things without first understanding who God is. To know God’s character is to know who I am called to be according to His plan. It’s a lifelong process. I’m at the beginning and it’s already strengthening my attitude towards life.

1. Choose 1-3 words to describe your intentions for 2024.

• Celebrate
• Inspire
• ​Truth

YOU. DID. THAT!

In reality, this journaling exercise only scratches the surface of all you’ve accomplished in 2023. There are so many highs and lows that we experience throughout the past 12 months that it’s difficult to keep track of it all. This reflection is an ode to your journey. You made it and there’s so much more beauty in store for you in 2024. Until next time, beYOUtiful, keep life sweet, & never stop feeding your soul. -xo