Reflection 48

Today is my 48^th birthday, and I’m so grateful to have made it this far. I know every day is a gift, because somebody didn’t wake up this morning. A few years ago, one of my dear friends passed away in her sleep at 41 with no known health issues. It devastated all of us who loved her. That loss made me see life a little differently and pushed me to be more intentional about how I move through it. As I step into my 48^th year, I took some time this week to reflect on the biggest lessons I’ve learned as I continue to grow and evolve. In the words of Chrystal Evans Hurst, “life is not a dress rehearsal.”

 

• Just because I can do it doesn’t mean that I should
• Let people tell you what they need
• Show up for yourself the way you do for others
• You need more sleep than you think
• Busy does not equal productive
• Give yourself grace
• Everyone has regrets, keep on livin(a Lourise Brown quote)
• My relationship with God is mine and mine alone
• Words matter
• It’s ok to hold boundaries
• I feel loss more deeply than most
• Leadership does not mean neglecting your growth
• I need a lot of quiet solitude to function
• Stop overthinking and over analyzing things
• Do it afraid
• You can both mourn your past but also be grateful for the lessons
• Your friendships will change over time
• Time and acts of service are my love languages
• We are responsible for our own healing
• You can be grateful for what you have and also push yourself for greater
• Greater is here, just do the thing
• Boundaries between you and those you lead are incredibly important
• Know the difference between what everyone thinks you’ll be great at doing versus what you actually want to do
• I love baking and gardening and I won’t apologize for it.
• Peace is non-negotiable
• There is a limit to your capacity
• Mental health matters as much as physical health, take your meds
• Family can be your biggest cheerleaders and also your biggest haters. You can love someone but dislike their behaviors.
• Sisterhood extends beyond blood
• Moving your body and being mindful of what you feed your body have to coexist
• Grief comes in ebbs and flows so feel all the feels when they come
• I’m no less valuable because I don’t have children
• Your cousins are your first friends, and the age gaps don’t matter as you get older. Can’t nobody out cousin my cousins
• He’s a God that do anything, everything, and nothing
• Your parents (most parents) did the best they could
• Music is therapy for me
• I have to be intentional when it comes to relaxing and restoration
• The introvert in me actually enjoys hosting. I’m selectively extroverted
• The world will not end if you don’t fold the clothes immediately or eat cereal for dinner
• My mama was right, we really do have McDonald’s at the house
• Every Day is a gift
• I miss my Aunt Glenda and Aunt Helen terribly but I know they would be proud of me
• Get your mammograms on schedule, I’m a living testimony
• It’s ok to outgrow a space, don’t feel guilty for using your potential
• I would rather have the one parent I have than have had two toxic ones.
• Bike riding is freeing, I feel 8yrs old every time I hit a trail
• I love the outdoors, but under no circumstance am I camping in a tent
• Children need stability, consistency and encouragement. They never forget your actions or words