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A YEAR SOUL BE-YOU-TIFUL // 2021

12/1/2021

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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
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A YEAR SOUL BE-YOU-TIFUL // 2020

12/31/2020

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REFLECT & RECHARGE FOR 2021

We all entered this year with a completely different perspective than how it has gone. I'd argue that's probably been for the best, but it's honestly for you to decide. I challenge you to join me in reflecting on 2020's top ten moments. Let's journal!!!

TOP 10 OF 2020

10. Reflect on your bravest moment.
This year I've pushed myself to speak my peace regardless of how harsh or blunt the truth may be. I can recall several times, both professionally and personally, when I have spoken up for myself even in knowing how uncomfortable or upsetting it would be for my audience to receive. It wasn't pretty by any means, but communication is key and it reset the tone for my professional and personal relationships on a track that provided me with peace of mind. 

9. What's the best decision you've made and how has it transformed your life for the better?
Honestly, moving out of my parents' home. I loved living with them and they're the most amazing people I know, but it was time for me to really take on this whole adulthood thing. Now that I've moved out, my appreciation for my parents has grown.

8. Wisest words of advice you've received this year?
  • "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:104 NIV
  • "When something doesn't sit right with you, say something." - Mom
  • "The most potent weapon of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed." - Steve Biko
  • "It is better to die for an idea that will live, than to live for an idea that will die." - Steve Biko 

7. Your greatest moment of joy?
My birthday. 

6. How have you found peace amongst the noise?
I still pray and journal. I feel like 2020 has been the year of 'alone'. To help navigate this, I've challenged myself to be more consistent with content creation. It helped keep my mind focused on something positive and productive.

5. Your most unexpected blessing?
The amount of time I have had at home because of the pandemic. Since I wasn't able to travel for work, I had the opportunity to take my first graduate level English course. The course was South Africa: Apartheid & Democracy. I loved every minute of it.
​
4. Greatest gift that money could never buy?
Breath to keep going. 

3. How have you taken a leap of faith?
I'm in the midst of giving birth to www.soulcurlykit.com. If you're a fellow curly or have any curlfriends, I highly recommend joining our VIP list to be the first to know when we launch. 

2. How have you strengthened your character?
I've learned to release others of my expectations. We're all individuals on our own journey. I can't expect others to act as I would because that's unrealistic and unreasonable. I've learned that when my expectations aren't met, that's life. But when my standards aren't met, that's a lack of communication that then has to be followed up by proof of actions. It takes two to make all relationships work, and I'm learning to be a better team player. 

1. What's the go to grow (what's next or what do you need to do so that you can level up)?
I'm going to bet on myself. In the past, I've been so consumed with believing in a job, a degree, a friendship, or a man could fulfill what I'm in search of in this life, but I've learned it's just me. I have the passion and resilience, so after that it's all about having faith over fear. I'm blessed to be in a position where I can live my life freely, so I'm the bag and imma secure me. I don't take my legacy lightly. I am building something so much greater than myself. 

​HELLO, NEW YEAR!

Every year, I cringe over this activity, but once it's complete I experience so much relief and gratitude. I wish you and your family love, joy, peace, and good health in 2021.
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​Until next time, stay beYOUtiful, keep life sweet, and never stop feeding your soul. -xo
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A YEAR SOUL BE-YOU-TIFUL // 2019

12/8/2019

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REFLECT & RECHARGE FOR 2020

When I think about the past year, the truth is I don't want to reflect on it. This year has felt like a whirlwind and every time things slowed down so that I could get myself together, I felt like I was in the Zootopia sloth scene (a serious must-see, and if you haven't seen it, click here). Regardless, nothing is promised and I'm grateful for everyday I've had to start again. I challenge you to join me in reflecting on 2019's top ten moments (or just get the tea on my life, that works too). Let's journal!!!

TOP 10 OF 2019

10. Reflect on your bravest moment.
I quit my job mid-year. I had reached a point where I had no peace of mind about my career and I was very confused about what I wanted out of a career. The reality is that once you start working, it never really ends. You spend an overwhelming part of your life at work, and thankfully, I was in a position where I could quit my job and figure out what in the world I wanted to do with my life. 

9. What's the best decision you've made and how has it transformed your life for the better?
I haven't given up on myself or my dreams because I've kept my faith and trusted in God. For example, I have found myself in some situations I never thought I would be in, but I have been able to hold my head high through those times in knowing that God has a plan. Sometimes when I thought things were making a turn for the better, I saw them get worse, but then God would reveal to me that he had something better in store. I believe that keeping my faith has taught me that I need to believe in myself more because God has given me opportunities I never would have even thought I was "qualified" for. 

8. Wisest words of advice you've received this year?
  • Pep talks from my mom. 
  • "Never let a hard time humble us." -Nipsey Hussle via Bae (TWB)
  • "If you can do that, what are you doing working here?" -Colleagues 

7. Your greatest moment of joy?
The numerous dance parties I've had this year. It varies by one of the following three:
  • Dancing by myself in my bedroom in front of the mirror
  • Dancing with my line sisters
  • Dancing with bae
When I'm happy, I like to groove. 

6. How have you found peace amongst the noise?
I mediate,  pray, and journal.

5. Your most unexpected blessing?
I'm happily boo'd up and it's easy despite him living hundreds of miles away from me. This is me speaking into existence for 2020 that we will be living in the same city. 

4. Greatest gift that money could never buy?
Time and a good heart. 

3. How have you taken a leap of faith?
I accepted my purpose and committed myself to achieving that purpose. I'm here to write and to contribute to the arts. I've spent a lot of time trying to run from my calling, but now I'm just focused on becoming my calling.

2. How have you strengthened your character?
I have a hard time letting things go. I'm very aware of this toxic habit, so I've pushed myself to go through the uncomfortable process of letting things go. I have wasted so much time turning my gears over things I cannot control. This year I have given myself endless reminders to just let it go. 

1. What's the go to grow (what's next or what do you need to do so that you can level up)?
In 2020, I am embarking upon a journey of purpose. I want to grow in my career as a marketer. I want to prepare to return to school. I want to be a better friend, daughter, and sister. I'm excited about what's next so I need to stay the course and stay focused. 

HELLO, NEW YEAR!

Although I started writing this blog post regretfully, I now feel a sense of joy and pride when I think about my 2019 experience. I hope this exercise has helped you do a quick review of this year and will help you move into the new year with positive vibes that you cannot shake.  Remember to take it day by day and know that your present is a gift.

Until next time, stay beYOUtiful, keep life sweet, and never stop feeding your soul. -xo
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A YEAR SOUL BE-YOU-TIFUL // 2016

12/30/2016

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REFLECT & RECHARGE TO CREATE YOUR BEST YEAR YET!

As the year comes to a close, I figured this is the perfect time to do a little year-end review. Nothing too elaborate, but just enough to make you think, cherish every moment you've had, and to look forward to the wonderful moments yet to come. I'll provide a few reflections of my own just to get your ideas flowing.

TOP 10 OF THE YEAR

10. Reflect on your bravest moment.
​This year, I was exceptionally more social than I've been in previous years. I have social anxiety, which puts large social events on the bottom of my priority list. However, I have made large strides in this area and intend to keep the momentum going.
​

​9. The best decision you've made and how it transformed your life for the better.
Letting go of toxic relationships and/or one-sided relationships. Leaving a negative situation is difficult and in retrospect, takes more time than we would sometimes like. Just know that you are indeed strong enough to let go. You deserve to move forward. 

​8. Wisest piece of advice you've received this year.
  • "You're not a doormat." -Woke Friend
  • "You're a liberated woman." -97 year-old Grandmother
  • "You know, you may choose to be with someone or you may find that you're better off without. Both are equally rewarding" -Mother 
  • "Love yourself so that you may live to know self-respect." -Yogi Tea Affirmation
While all of the quotes above are paraphrased, the message is all the same. I have learned that my purpose isn't in finding love, it's in being love. 

​7. Your greatest moment of joy.
Earning a bachelor's degree in marketing and international business

​6. How have you found peace amongst the noise?
Prayer, music, and meditation

5. Your most unexpected blessing.
The relationships I've developed with my co-workers

​4. Greatest gift that money could never buy.
Time and healing

​3. 
When did you take a leap of faith?
This one is a big surprise that will be coming to the blog one of these days. Don't hold your breathe though, it's a vision under construction. 

2. How have you strengthened your character?
Choosing honesty over trying to be a people pleaser. I have a bad habit of saying what people want to hear. It's an ongoing struggle, but I've made more of a conscious effort this year than I ever have before.

​1. What's the go to grow?
Remaining committed to this space that I love and cherish so much. My go is to conistently create content that pushes me towards my purpose. My other go is to transform my passions into service. ​​​

HELLO, NEW YEAR!

I hope this has helped you do a quick mental review of this year and will help you move into the new year with positive vibes that you cannot shake. Remember to take it day by day and know that your present is a gift.

Until next time, stay beYOUtiful, keep life sweet, and never stop feeding your soul. -xo
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