Happy New Year y’all! It’s my first blog post of 2022! While I know that we are three (almost four) weeks deep into this thing, I am honestly just getting settled. This January has been a whirlwind and a slow, peaceful start simultaneously.
Let me rewind to 2021 first. When I reflect back over the year, 2021 was a transitional year for me. It was a hard year but also a year so full of beautiful things that really made me feel seen and known. At the end of 2020, I started thinking of what my grounding word would be for the next twelve months. I would go running and I remember the word that came to me was TRUST. Now I’ve been choosing a ‘word of the year” for about 5 years now, but it wasn’t until 2020 that the word came to me so clearly and also meant so much to me throughout the year. I also decided to write an affirmation with the word so I could remember why I chose it. The affirmation was “I will walk by faith knowing that I am deeply loved by my creator! He has me completely.” A few weeks after I decided on the word TRUST, I also paired it with the words RECEIVE (I am open to ALL that is for me. I am worthy of good things.) and GO (I will confidently walk ahead. I let go of fear and doubt. God’s spirit guides me. He is always near.) These words guided me through every decision, challenge, and experience I faced. Looking back, I can see how these words fit perfectly.
At the end of 2020 I shared with you all my inspirational playlist that carried me through the year. I made one last year too. I am linking it here for anyone who wants it. Honorable mention for the song “Seasons” by Hillsong. This song was the first song on the playlist and it got more than its fair share of listens. It's SOOOO good especially when you're in a waiting season.
Now onto this year. I brought in the new year at home in Michigan on the couch with my mommy and my new puppy, Tatum. A few days later I packed up and headed to Atlanta to visit some friends and take care of annual health appointments. Then on January 7th, Tatum and I headed to India. We made it back safely, but Monday morning I started feeling sick. I took a PanBio rapid test that came back negative. On Tuesday, my symptoms intensified so I took another test and sure enough I tested positive for Covid. I immediately got a PCR test that originally came back negative, but a second test two days later was positive. My symptoms never progressed past a slight fever, body aches, and fatigue. Currently my school is virtual, so I was able to rest up and recover at home. It’s been two weeks now since my first positive result and my tests are finally coming back negative. Right at this moment I find myself grateful that I am feeling better and that I had the time, space, and resources to give myself what I needed.
Having more time on my hands at the beginning of this year has given me time to begin to build a routine with good habits (some old, some new) and really prepare what I can for the year ahead of me. My guiding words this year are DISCIPLINE and FULFILLED. I know that I have to appropriately steward the gifts and resources I already have before I can expect more. I am also excited for forward progress on my dreams!
I have started adding to my inspirational playlist for this year. There are only a few songs now, but I will add more as the year advances. I’m sharing it with you all now instead of later. Enjoy!
As much as I know that time is a construct and fresh starts can come whenever, the beginning of this year has brought me joyful anticipation for what’s to come. I’m excited to see all that this year has in store.
Do you all have any practices in the beginning of the year that help prepare you for the year ahead? Did you pick a word to ground you for this year? Share your thoughts below! I can’t wait to read your responses!
See you all back here soon! As always, thanks for rocking with me! I love y’all!
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