Hello?

I know it’s been months.

I began this draft in July and now I finally feel like writing again.

The past few months have been busy! Everything from transitioning to a new role at work, travel, weddings, baby showers, 30th birthday bashes, etc. was keeping my mind and body occupied. 

The first half of the year I was feeling very overwhelmed and avoiding writing. After getting home from work I would crawl into bed exhausted. Sleep just felt like the only thing that would bring me comfort.  And I could never get enough of it. I just simply felt like I was existing.  As time went on I stayed busy with family events and reconnected with friends. I took a couple of girl trips in May and June and they were SO needed.  So as 2018 winds down I’ve been reflecting and asking myself what did I accomplish this year?! Did I do enough? What are my highlights? No matter how small - I’ve learned to celebrate every moment. I came up with a list of 10 highlights from 2018. What are your highlights? Are you ready for 2019?

• My Goddaughter Skylar was born

• My nephew Harrison turned ONE

• My cousin Erica got married!

• Saw Kendrick Lamar and BEYONCE in concert

• Went to Atlanta for a friends reunion

• Found a therapist (Black Mental Health Matters)

• Received a job promotion

• Went to THAILAND!

• Attended Michelle Obama’s book tour stop in DC

• Fell in LOVE

You ready?

2018 just pulled up on us like “I’m outside. You ready?” The year flew by! 2017 was a year of celebration: birthdays, babies, love, growth, friendship, sisterhood, new businesses, travel, self-care; anything I could toast to, I was there. In 2018 I want to continue celebrating and I want this to be the year of as Nene says best, “I said what I said.”  Say what you want, do what you feel—unapologetically. Here are a few lessons learned that I’ll take with me into 2018. What have you learned? 

Advocate for yourself.   

If you don’t, then who will? Apply for that job, negotiate your salary, start the business you’ve been dreaming of, buy those shoes, and tell YOUR story.  With everything that's been happening this past year in the news, I've learned that our voices matter, and we deserve to be heard and respected.  Sharing your story can help empower someone else to share theirs. 

Seek help.

Let's face it we can’t be superwoman 24/7. As much as we try to do it all, we still have our shortcomings. And that’s OK. The world won’t end if we take a break or ask for help. Find resources that will support you. Whether it’s a friend or mental health professional, take care of you!   

Do the work.

Now this is something I’ve struggled with lately when it comes to working on things I’m passionate about outside of my 9 to 5. Sometimes it can be really hard to self-motivate. After a long day of work I just want to wind down and relax. But now is the time to grind. I'm really going to push myself to do more of the creative things I enjoy and to write more.  

Support each other.

Nothing makes me happier than supporting my friends' projects and businesses. We inspire each other -- we show up, promote, purchase products and services, give each other advice, cry, laugh, and the list goes on. Listen, when they win, I win and vice versa.

What are your goals for 2018? Write them down and speak those goals into existence, but most importantly, put in the work. 2018 I’m ready for you. #sheready

xoxo

Victoria