What 2018 Taught Me

Can you believe we’re at the end of another year?! It feels like just yesterday I was excited about starting a new year. This year did not go as how I imagined. This year felt like an endless roller coaster, if I’m honest. This year took a toll on me emotionally, mentally, physically and financially.
I started 2018 with the thought that this was going to be an amazing year and that all my dreams were going to come true but that did not happen. I started the year telling myself that I was going to focus more on myself and not others but of course that didn’t happen. I’ve lost friends (people who I thought were my friends), I grew distant with some people and I neglected myself.
Now I don’t want to make it seem like 2018 was totally trash because it wasn’t. I’m learning to celebrate small wins and I have had some wins in 2018. I started my Public Health Degree, I launched my online store for my blog, traveled and I met new amazing people. I know in life we are suppose to grow and not only in the physical aspect but grow mentally and spiritually as well. Although 2018 has been a year that tried and tested me; I can say that I have seen an abundance of growth. I know I said this year hasn’t been the best but  the trials I went through this year were a lesson. I learned A LOT!

 

Some people just aren’t good for you even when you want them to be.

I had to accept this in 2018. I have a tendency of seeing the good in others and wanting the best for them but I realized that some people are just not good for your emotional and mental well-being. It’s called growth and I had to learn that everyone won’t be able to go when you grow. It’s ok to grow apart from some people, even those who you’ve known for most of your life. Life goes on and some people just don’t deserve to be in that chapter of your life. As the saying goes “Some people come into your life for a reason, season or lifetime” it is up to you to figure out who fits into which category.

Believe in yourself !

I know it may seem  cliché to say this- but really, if you don’t believe in yourself then who will? If I would stop being lazy, stop procrastinating, stop overthinking and stop doubting myself I would accomplish a lot more . I realize that every time I would believe in my abilities to do something; it actually gets done and I’m often times successful. This could be as simple as studying for an exam and believing that you can pass the exam with an A, or telling yourself you can save enough money to buy a car. It doesn’t matter how big or small just be sure to believe in yourself at ALL times. It’s ok to follow your dreams even though others may not support, once you believe in yourself that’s all that really matters.
Beware of people like that. Many times people put way too much weight into what people think of them. Learn to trust yourself and know that as long as you are happy with yourself, that’s all that matters.

The race is not for the swift!

While it may seem like your peers are getting ahead in life and you don’t seem to be where you think you should be that is okay. The journey to your ultimate goal may not be the same as others but everyone’s path is different. I may take an alternate route to achieving my goals but best believe I’ll get there. Always remember that in life, nothing happens before its time.

Be more appreciative of the people in your life!

This has been something I realized I was lacking. I used to buy people’s friendship, not so much with money but by doing things to please them; that wasn’t what I stood for and it is just not something I can do any longer. Here I am doing the most for people who I know are only using me for their benefit and in turn I end up neglecting the people who genuinely love and care about me. So I definitely learned how to appreciate those people because those are the ones who have been there at my lowest without any judgement and they genuinely care about me.

Consistency is key!

I’ve learned ; especially this year as a blogger, I’ve seen that when I am not consistent my blog views will suffer and although it’s not all about views but it shows. When I’m not consistent with my diet it shows. I have not been consistent even as a friend, and that is not good. Consistency is just the major key to life right now. Consistency and discipline goes a very long way.

Health is important!

The latter part of 2018 my health was in shambles. I got really sick and I thought I was going to die (over exaggerating here) but the feeling I felt was nothing like I’ve ever felt and hearing the doctor say “You need to take it easy” made me realize how much I’ve been going and not taking care of myself. I had to be placed on bed rest for a week and was taking different medications for about 30 days. It was in that moment, I realized that I was constantly going and not getting adequate rest and my body gave me a warning sign. I was constantly going and was not getting adequate rest. Let me tell you, lack of sleep can put you in a negative mood, cripple you from doing any thing, and just make you sick!

I’ll take care of everyone else around me and neglect myself. 2018 really taught me that I need to slow down and make sure I’m actively involved in self care routines. I have gotten so caught up with helping others that I end up forgetting to take care of me. It is okay to take care of yourself first before taking care of others. One of my favorite scripture that I’ve been trying to follow more is Matthew 7:3-5. Be sure to get adequate rest, and do not be afraid to make yourself a priority.

Make smart money decisions!

This has been the biggest lesson for me in 2018. I won’t get into all the details but let’s just say I made poor financial choices ALL 2018 and have been suffering as a result. Maybe suffering is too strong of a word but I’ve had to live with the consequences. My father is the one man I know who can budget but that was not a trait I got from him. My father and I had a conversation this year after he realized my financial situation and how I was making poor financial choices and like he has always done since I was younger; was stressed the importance of prioritizing and not to spend so recklessly. When I think about it, money can be a very stressful concept but it doesn’t have to be. It is important budget and be careful how you spend. One of my high school teacher told us the very first day of her class “there is a difference between a need and a want” it is important to know if you’re spending money on something you need or if it is on something you want and is not a need.

I am still learning to spend wisely and the importance of making smart money decisions, so I hope to take that with me in 2019 because the lack of money is stressful and not good for my health ; especially when it can definitely be avoided.

The power of prayer and faith!

I grew up in the church so I have always been in tuned with my faith but as we get older we may have our different opinions. I have always been a woman of faith but this year I got really closer to my faith and got into really believing. I’m not trying to sound all preachy but there have been times when I was at the lowest and out of nowhere the situation would get resolved, that’s God. He’s an on time God. The scripture which best describes his greatness to me is Psalm 69:6.  Believe it or not, prayer gives you peace of mind and everything will always work out for the greater good.

In Conclusion

I have learned some valuable lessons in 2018 and I’m still learning many things along the way. As hard as life can be we need to be grateful for what we have and try to live our best lives. I’m wishing you all a great and prosperous 2019!

 

How was 2018 for you? What are your goals for 2019 ?