New Year, New strategies

1. Keeping it positive

I decided that I would control the energy around me. On December 31st, I let go of all my negative energy and toxicity that I had lingering. I wanted to start the new year with nothing but fresh and clean energy. Even if the people around me had a smog around them I would not let that affect me.

2. Working on my passions

I love writing. From the tender age of 11, when I wrote my first story about a monster that was just misunderstood, I knew I had a gift with words. It helped that others saw it as well. I believe it was the Universe saying "don't give up on your passion for writing" by showing me advertising for vocal or other sites for writing. I will also pick back up with drawing and reading more books this year.

3. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, mentally and physically

I've always struggled with my weight and my body image. At the end of last year and this year, I can proudly say that I am happy in the skin that I am in. I also have a wonderful partner that loves me for me. I currently am 152.5 lbs. and am 17 lbs. away from my ideal goal. I am taking steps in reaching my goal weight. The mental part is a working progress as well. I have a vision board of affirmations that I can look at on a daily basis on days when I think it will be endless. It also helps that I can write down things or use therapy.

4. Investing

Whether it is in stocks or in myself, I am doing more investing. I have started a new challenge in saving money, which is actually fun, that will definitely pay off for other goals I have in regards to finances. I also bought more stock and will dabble a little in cryptocurrency. I also have it that money automatically goes into my savings account when it's payday. I mean if you don't invest in yourself then who will?

5. Supporting local small businesses or black-owned businesses

This year I told my partner that if we had to buy or eat out, that it would be from local places or black-owned businesses. When I moved to North Carolina I did not know that I moved to a foodie paradise. To be honest the only thing I knew about this state was the basketball team, UNC Tar heels and Duke Blue Devils. This city is actually a hotspot of mom & pop joints and places that aren't part of a restaurant chain. I love going to a local spot to experience new dishes. I also wanted to buy from places that are black-owned because they are local artists and they are friends that have become entrepreneurs during Covid-19 or just want to start a business.

6. Treating myself

I realized long time ago that I am a giver. I would give you my last dime and worry about me after the other person was good, if I believed you needed it or was worthy of it. When I first started dating my partner last year, I told her that she could not do anything helpful or nice for me for a whole week. I did this because in all her previous relationships she had to be the provider or be the giver and didn't get that reciprocated. This year I decided to take my own advice and treat myself. Every month I would do something or buy something that I wanted or earned. Now I'm not saying it would be something extravagant or expensive, but something that usually I would buy or do for someone else.

So far these things has made the beginning of the year wonderful. I am still constantly on the go, but now it feels like I have say on whose driving, at least the part that I can control. Now if the Universe wants to shower me with many more blessings I would happily and graciously take them.