Embrace Intentions That Honor You

Happy New Year, Family!

I am still stunned that January is here. It feels like we just started daylight saving time last week!

But we're here, and you know the drill during this time of year. When you scroll through social media, you will see all the "New Year, New Me" posts and lists for making the new year even more productive. And a bunch of other stuff that frankly, makes me anxious and tired.

I have never been one to set New Year's resolutions. Instead, I've always been intentional about setting and accomplishing small goals throughout the year. It works for me. And if you are one of those people who get flustered with the New Year lists and resolutions, it may work for you as well. Life is complicated, and with so many variables, it can be hard to predict how things will go on any given day. Yes, we need to make a plan and set intentions for progress. We also need to be gentle with our aging brains, raging hormones, and all of the obligations we currently have.

If you find yourself feeling out of the loop or like you aren't doing enough, please stop. Don't do that to yourself. I know you probably heard this as a kid, but comparing yourself to other people only gets you a one-way ticket to nowhere.

If you take nothing else from this post, remember this: Your race. Your pace.

So, if you think this post will give you a list of ideas for getting yourself ready for the new year, you won't find it here. What you will find is encouragement and support to simply keep going.

Whatever your goals for the year are, my only request of you is that you don't stop.

I've been working on my brand for a few years now, and the other day, I was like, "I'm over this. I don't need to do this." And guess what? I don't need to do it. I don't need to do anything. But building my brand and creating something that exemplifies me as a creator, highlights my talents, and helps other people, well, that may not be a need, but I definitely want it.

I want you to seriously consider your “why”. And as you plan, be sure you aren't setting random goals but rather intentions that improve your life and feed your soul.

Need an example?

I got you.

Instead of saying you need to lose a few pounds, think about ways to improve your overall nutritional health. This is important for many reasons. We are getting older, our bodies don't work the way they used to, and our metabolism... let's not even talk about that. The point is, at this stage in our lives, we need to be much more intentional about what we put into our bodies. When you prioritize overall nutritional health, the weight loss will be a natural result.

You following me?

As Black women, we've been conditioned to push through, to be strong, to carry the world. And I don't know about you, but I'm tired of that rhetoric. How about somebody carry us for a change? How about we do things that make life easier for us, so we don't have to be strong and carry everybody? If you want to create a list, make one of how you can put those burdens aside and simply take care of yourself.  

I told you I'm not going to give you a bunch of lists, and I'm not, but I want you to create one. For yourself. A list of habits you want to continue. Things that have worked well for you that you will continue to do. Ways to improve your overall health and wellbeing. Things you are grateful for. Ways you can pour into yourself and your dreams.

Think of it as building a new relationship with yourself. Relationships take time, patience, and grace, don't they? And you've given that to multiple people in your lifetime. Now, who gets that patience and grace?

You, boo.

You've lived, loved, lost, and are still here. Shining and doing all of the things you said you would do. This part of life is all about you, and you can make it happen.

I'm so excited about what is next for you and can't wait to see your next steps come to life. If you are looking for guidance, accountability, writing tips, and a group of women on similar journeys, join my writing community. We are always better together.

Sending you all the love and positivity you can hold.

Tamika