Mercury is in retrograde so let's refocus and reassess some past lessons. It's a time for reflection so let's talk about 26 lessons I've learned up until this 26th chapter of life....
You are enough- There is always room for improvement and growth, but know that you are enough just as you are. Never feel less than and never allow anyone to tell you that you are lacking
People will dislike you for reasons that are wayyy beyond your control-so therefore, do not waste time trying to make sure everyone likes you because if a person just wants to dislike you, they’ll find any reason to
Reason, Season, Lifetime- the saying goes “Some people are in your life for a reason, some for a season and some for a lifetime.” I have encountered all 3 types of these people. Sometimes you encounter a person because you’re suppose to learn something from them. Some people are just in your life to help you grow in a certain area. So if it comes a time where the door closes and they’re on the other side, just know that maybe they fulfilled their duty in your life.
Family can be disloyal too- at the end of the day, we are human. Just because they are related to you by blood doesn’t always mean they’ll hold it down when times get rough
Do not compare your journey to someone else’s- while social media makes this extremely hard, it is imperative that we do not belittle ourselves and our accomplishments based on someone else’s journey. Just because your chapter reads a little different doesn’t mean you’re behind or lacking. Stay in your lane.
Allow time for solitude- Learn to be alone. Meditate. Clear your mind. Put your phone down. Get to know yourself. Spend time with your thoughts. You’ll learn to appreciate yourself on a completely different level.
Don’t nothing work but work (Word to Za of FBFFitness)- Wishing, Hoping, Praying and Meditating on the things that you want to manifest in your life are all good…. But at the end of the day, if you don’t put in the work, you’ll never win.
There’s nothing wrong with being selfish- If you give of yourself until there's nothing left, you can't help yourself or anyone else. Sometimes you have to be selfish with your time, your space and a lot of other things.
Be you, Love you. All ways, Always (Word to Alex Elle)- It’s pretty self explanatory. Be the ‘you’ that you want to be. Love yourself. Love on yourself. In every single way imaginable. Every single day. Every single moment. Because you deserve it.
Someone is always watching- people may draw inspiration from you and you don’t even know it. Your journey may be silently encouraging one of your peers. People watch you. Whether they hate or relate.
Fake friends come and go- I’ve lost at least 2 long standing, 5-year+ friendships. And i’m only 26 lol. I’ve chalked it up to them being reason & season individuals. I can’t allow the decisions of others to dictate my life. Cry a river. Build a bridge. Get over it.
Communication is key- Talk about it. Bring back face to face. The art of communicating is being transformed by technology, but the rarest and rawest form of great communication is actual talking. Express yourself. Express your feelings. Tell it how it is. Don’t play the guessing game, that just causes confusion.
Some guys, some guys are only, about…. ‘That thing’ (Word to Lauryn Hill)- Be very cautious about who you let into your space and who you decide to share yourself with. Playing roles is real and people do live double lives. Learn to take vibes & energy into account, and trust your gut.
Prayer works- It’s calming. It’s reassuring. He’s listening. Pray without ceasing. Pray until something happens.
Sometimes the enemy is smiling right in your face- Once again, playing roles is real. And sometimes the person that despises you the most is taking selfies with you for snapchat :) Proceed with caution
Respect the timing of your life- this microwave society has us in a rush. Slow down. Appreciate how things unfold. Everything will happen in its appropriate timing. Experiences take time. And there’s a time for everything.
Focus on being genuinely and consistently happy- that should be the ultimate goal. Everyone deserves to live a happy life. What does it take? Depends on the person. Define your version of happiness, then live in it.
You don’t always have to be strong- Vulnerability is something that is being lost in this generation. Everyone wants to be ‘hard body,’ emotions are taboo and no one wants to be that guy or girl that ‘gets caught slipping.’ I personally don’t want to have to always front like everything is okay. I don’t want to have to be strong all the time. I appreciate the moments of vulnerability, in myself and others. Shows that we’re still humans and we feel.
Hold on to genuine people- their rawness, their realness, the appreciation they display towards you. Keep that around. Hold on to them. You need that energy and support in your space.
Stay exclusive- You don’t have to put EVERYTHING on social media. If there isn’t anything left for the imagination, where’s the fun?
You can’t ask for growth and be mad when things fall apart- and oh don’t they fall apart lol. Though i’m still young in the eyes of many, I’ve prayed for growth, and watched things come crumbling down. I didn’t understand it at the moment, but in hindsight, it all makes sense. Things fall apart and even greater things come together. Minor setbacks led to major comebacks!
This Queen gets better, EVERY. SINGLE. DAY- there’s growth in every day. There’s change in every day. There’s learning in every day. Every, single, day is opportunity for gain. And every day we get better. Life is a feeling process.
Do not judge- You never know what a person is going through. And I know you’ve heard it a million times before but its true. People usually only show you what they want you to see. The people we admire on social media are sometimes battling some issues that we couldn’t even imagine. Everyone has a backstory. It is imperative that we do our best not to pass judgment. Everyone is different. Everyone handles situations differently. What you see is not always what you get, so don’t judge a book by its cover. Be open. Be kind. Put out the energy that you want to get back and I’m sure you don’t want the next person passing judgement on you.
You don't need all the 'things'- us Americans know we can over-consume and live beyond our means. We want all the things money can buy and then some. Sometimes a more minimalistic approach to life can lead to a more fulfilling spirit
Never let anyone tell you what you 'can' and 'cannot' do- especially someone who hasn't achieved what you're attempting to do. People can only advise from what they're willing and able to do. Don't let them project their fears and inabilities onto you.
Choose your partner wisely- listen, having a good partner can elevate your life 100x over. Trust me. All relationships take time and effort. Choose wisely, my friend.