Here it is, December 31st, 2017 at 10 o’clock at night. In the last hours of 2017, I made the decision to reflect, write, and share. Also, I made the premature commitment to bring in the New Year every year in front of my laptop working on a reflection piece--wherever I decide to be. This year has forced growth. The type of force similar to when the toothpaste has just enough for one more use and it’s your job to make the toothpaste work for you. The type of growth that determines how great you want to be--or how fresh you want your breath to smell. The constant battles with internal barriers, forcing you to test your true ability, to overcome and turn dreams into reality.
“Sometimes we ask for things and we don’t even believe that we really deserve it.” The statement has resonated with me since I heard it this morning.
Last year, I adopted the motto #ShootYourShot2017. I felt l missed too many opportunities because of internal barriers. The internal barriers convinced my thoughts that opportunities would not work out in my favor even if I tried my hardest-- self-doubt to be honest. Freedom from self-doubt requires an intentional effort to remove those internal barriers developed. Removing the barriers in 2017 meant unlearning the pessimistic perspective and shifting to a more optimistic perspective that required faith.
Before #SYS2017, I would over-analyze opportunities using my pessimistic lens and would find reasons to not act on the opportunities. During #SYS2017, I found myself doing the same thing but those assessments were countered with a more optimistic voice of reasoning. The battle, over-time, between the two made it easier to choose optimism over pessimism. Since then, the pessimistic voice still lingers waiting for the opportunity to interrogate my confidence; however, the optimistic voice of reasoning is much louder and stronger.
I’d imagine the best description of how I internalized #ShootYourShot2017 was testing the pool temperature with my feet before deciding when I was going to get in. Often times, circumstances pushed me in the pool unexpectedly like that friend who plays too much. Occasionally, I would adventurously jump in the pool without testing the temperature. The initial jump into the pool and being immersed was never as bad as I thought it would be. I learned in 2017 that the temperature of the pool never matter---what matter most was what I did when immersed. Similar to shooting my shot, it didn’t matter when or where I shot, it matter what I did after the basketball left my hand. #SYS2017 built my confidence and exposed the false confidence built on power--not strength. #SYS2017 revealed I have enough strength not only to shoot my shot but to win championships.
Sometimes it only takes removing self-doubt to recognize your full potential or maybe the beginning of your fullest potential. Throughout #SYS2017, I would gradually shoot my shot and hear swish followed by my inner self yelling “buckets” affirming my ability to win. Even when the shots were missed, my strength increased preparing me for the next opportunities. As 2018 approaches, this year is about believing that I deserve everything with my name on it---even if I don’t see it yet. This does not mean I will get everything I want but I will retrieve everything I sincerely believe I deserve. Being intentional with my determination and decisions needed to arrive to my destinations is what I think it means to sincerely believe. I do not think it means to wait or be idle--unless it is required. The mere idea of being satisfied with the effort of trying is no longer acceptable in 2018. The determination to achieve my destined outcomes is only acceptable moving forward.
The motto for 2018 is #AllGreenEverything2018. Can you recall the feeling inside when you’re driving and a good amount of the traffic lights are consecutively green after experiencing consecutive red or yellow traffic lights? The positive energy permeates your surrounding, the enthusiasm to get to your destination increases, the recognition that you’re closer to your destination than further away is the same feeling I plan to frequently experience in 2018. The color green signifies all must start or continue to move forward and follow the directions to get to their respective destination safely. The word “green” goes beyond the responsibility of a color, the word represents positivity and growth--for the most part. Green represents nature and life which is connected by spirituality. I will continue to build on my spirituality by tapping into nature more and being available to receive the energy it has to offer. Also, continue to keep my well-being as a high priority and make smarter wellness decisions. Growth, balance, money, and harmony all have a significant meaning connected to green as well. I envision arriving at my destinations safely where I retrieve more balance, more financial security, and more harmony---especially with my extra boost of confidence and determination in #AllGreenEverything2018. All of the destinations in #AllGreenEverything2018 serve a purpose. Explore that purpose, learn to understand the purpose and live in that purpose for each destination.
#AllGreenEverything2018 is not only a motto for the New Year. It is a new way of thinking that intentionally prioritizes positivity and growth in 2018 and moving forward. Whenever you see something green, let it serve as a reminder of your commitment to self to intentionally put effort to prioritize positivity and growth in 2018. Also, let it serve as a reminder that you deserve everything with your name on it. Be intentional with your efforts and decisions as you arrive to your destinations safely. In short, GO and GET TO IT!
Get to your wellness!
Get to your peace!
Get to your purpose!
Get to your financial security!
Get to your balance!
Get to your spiritual awakening!
Get to your #AllGreenEverything2018!