Life Update + My Word for 2018

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I know, I know. It’s been a while. 4 months tomorrow to be exact. My last post was about preparing for a new season, and it’s ironic because looking back I realize that after publishing that post I was about to enter into a new season myself. It was a season that would require my full attention, meaning I would have to step away from one thing to focus on another. So, I decided to push pause on creating new content for WNJ in order to nurture my other brand, Fearless Woman I am. I struggled with this decision for weeks but in the end, I knew it was best. Here’s what I accomplished as a result:

• Successfully Executed FWIAM’s 1st Vision Board Event 
  • Held in Columbia, Maryland

• Created & Showcased 2 FWIAM Products
  •  Pillow & T-Shirt

• Hosted our 2nd Annual Blessing Bag Drive for Generosity:Global
  • Collected & Made 75+ Blessing Bags for the Homeless in my hometown, Baltimore City

Accomplishing these goals gave me a sense of pride. Yes, pride. I am not ashamed to say that I am proud of myself! For almost 2 years, I was unsure about how to grow FWIAM. There were times when I had absolutely no clue what to do next, but despite the uncertainty giving up was never an option. I prayed for clarity and direction, and once I (finally) sat still long enough to hear what God was telling me, I knew it was GO TIME! I stepped aside and allowed Him to order my steps. There was no way I could have executed my vision trying to juggle both brands. Not the way I was doing it anyway. So, in the end, I am thankful for the unplanned, yet very necessary pause I took with blogging.

Propelling FWIAM wasn’t the only thing I did during my 4-month hiatus. I was knee-deep in my 1st 6-week fitness boot camp with my husband. This boot camp was also unexpected. Darrius was all signed up and ready to go, and I was planning on being his biggest cheerleader. Afterall, I was already walking a mile every other morning, and getting a lot better with my food choices. I was good, so I figured this boot camp would be great for him. He needed to catch up with me!

Well, fast forward a few days and I’m walking into the gym on Day 1 of the 6-week boot camp with him. Not what you expected, huh? Me either! But after hearing more about the process and reading some of the literature Darrius brought home, boot camp didn’t seem that bad. So I joined him. As time went on, I realized that he needed me to keep him on track with the clean eating and I needed him to help keep me on track with the consistent workouts. After losing several pounds and more inches in 6 weeks than I thought possible, Darrius and I actually joined the gym and have made the decision to make this lifestyle change, together.

* Praise Report: After the 6 weeks, Darrius went from diabetic to pre-diabetic and I have been fibroid free since August! 

I was thoroughly enjoying my life during those 4 months! FWIAM was flourishing, Darrius and I were getting healthier, we were spending a lot of time volunteering, as well as enjoying moments with our family and friends. Things were flowing effortlessly, and I felt like I was at my best; spiritually, mentally and physically. There were a few bumps in the road, but nothing too major. That was until a few days after Thanksgiving…

My brother-in-law, Hakim, unexpectedly passed away right after the holiday. Darrius and I were in Delaware with the family, laughing and having THE BEST time during Thanksgiving weekend, so to get this news after just seeing our brother days earlier was devastating, to say the least. My priority since that day has been making sure that my husband is OK, both mentally and spiritually. Yes, he and our marriage are always a top priority, but in this instance, it’s a little different.

Needless to say, this tragic incident has left both me and Darrius feeling out of it. I’ve noticed that some of our routines have been disrupted, and rightly so. The grieving and healing process takes time. However, around the Christmas holiday, I was thinking about the upcoming year and how I wanted things to get back on track. I don’t think, after such a huge loss, things will ever be “normal” again, but creating a new normal is definitely doable. Which leads me to my word of the year which is, REVIVE.

Revive: to give new strength or energy to

My goal in 2018 is to give new strength and energy to: 

• My Faith
  • complete the Bible in one year (via the YouVersion App)
  • invite at least 1 person (or couple) to church once a quarter
  • become a partner at Bridgeway

• My Health & Wellness
  • resume training at our gym at least 3 days a week
  • continue clean eating & increasing water intake
  • begin swimming again

• My Marriage 
  • more date nights
  • more trips & events
  • more “phone-free” evenings

• My Finances 
  • continue growing business
  • create new streams of income
  • TITHE + SAVE

• Certain Relationships
  • make more memories with family
  • strengthen current friendships
  • cultivate new relationships

My reference scripture for my word of the year is:

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” ~ Isaiah 43:19

So tell me, what is your word of the year and why? Let me know below! 

I know this post was a long one, but I really wanted to share what’s been going on in my world for the past 4 months. I’ve missed creating new content and engaging with you, so get ready for the revival of WNJ. 2018 is going to be AMAZING. I can feel it, and I hope you’re ready because I’m taking you along for the ride! Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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