I can’t believe it. 2016 is finally here! Usually, when a new year begins, I dive head first into vision casting, goal setting, and life planning. Of course this year won’t be any different. (You know me. I’m a grind girl.) But before my dream chasing wheels start spinning, I wanted to blow a kiss of gratitude to 2015. She was good to me.
In 2015, I turned 40 and life opened up! I resolved to have more fun and that is exactly what I did! I made time for brunch and happy hours with runbuds and friends. I finally took a vacation that didn’t involve missionary work or a conference…and it was to a beach!! As a matter of fact, I went to the beach twice! I spent time at family reunions and regularly indulged in self care in the form of manicures and pedicures. I shared with my friends in celebrations of life and death and made time to witness some of their accomplishments first hand. I even went to a concert by myself and socialized with a table full of strangers. (Anyone who knows me knows that THAT ALONE was a major accomplishment!)
I completed my farthest race distance to date at the Philadelphia Hot Chocolate 15K. I was terrified and slow…but I survived! I went to the White House twice in 2015 and spent time networking and thinking with some amazing young, world leaders! I delivered quality program content for two successful conferences at my 9 to 5 and I presented independent research at a religion and theology conference at Harvard! (I also applied and was accepted to present another research paper at an Ivy League institution in the spring.) I assumed a leadership position in a local task force through the county human relations commission and I’m ending the year with my words in print. An essay that I presented at the Womanist Consultation in Ghana has been published in a multi-essay volume entitled Unraveling and Reweaving Sacred Canon in Africana Womanhood.
I began studying a new language and I plan to continue, maybe not until I reach fluency but definitely until I reach functionality. I made a commitment to myself and to God that I would answer the call to write and I kept that commitment by posting fresh content on this blog every month. I kept my commitment to journaling regularly and even stuck with one journal for the entire year!! (I know…I am just as surprised as you!)
Overall, I think I learned a lot about myself, my goals, my needs, and my place in the world in 2015. I am excited to see where 2016 will take me, but one thing’s for sure. I resolve to spend more time this year resting in the moments, knowing that my life is in God’s hands and even though He lets me hold the pen, the story is really His to write.
Happy New Year, Fam!!
Peace and Blessings!
Listening Aloud 