SIXTEEN THINGS I LEARNED IN 2016
If you're reading this, you made it to 2017! What a blessing! As we look back over 2016, we see the loss of so many loved ones and legends. It was a crazy year for politics, a divisive year in social justice, and a troubling year for international relations. However, it was an excitingly legendary year in my life for work, love, babies, and engagements!
It is part of my personal philosophy to take every situation and analyze it for what can be learned from it. Therefore, every year (according to the years' number), I make a list of the things I have learned throughout that year, and meditate on how I can do things differently in the years to come. That being said, here are the sixteen things I learned in 2016:1. Never, ever take life for granted. It literally is just a vapor. So many awesome people were lost in 2016.2. It is ok to say no to things/people/places that don't enhance your life. It is ok to take personal time and require love and respect from others. Make time for YOU. You can't pour into others from an empty glass. I learned this the hard way!3. NEVER assume. Just never. Don't do it. Always ask questions. ALWAYS.4. Prepare for what you ask for. There is a parable in the Bible about two men who prayed for rain for their crops. But only one man prepared his fields, so when God sent the rain he was ready. In February I asked God for a new job. But I also went out and bought materials for the interviews, bought the new clothes I would need for the job, and planned life as if the Lord had already given it to me. And by His grace in April I got it, and the trajectory of my life has changed. Overall lesson learned? Prepare, prepare, prepare!5. Friendships, like any other relationship, take work. Make time for the ones that encourage you to be a better person, or they will fade away.6. Health is wealth. Cliche sounding, but SO true. Exercise, get checked, take care of your body, and do your best to eat healthy! Stay tuned for more on my progress in 2017. 😊7. Never underestimate the power of second chances-not just in someone else's life, but in your own as well.8. Make time for family. It will always be your FIRST ministry.9. Prayer STILL changes things. And people. I would not have made it through this year without it.10. Travel is life. I definitely will be doing even more next year! It is so important to enhance one's worldview beyond just their current geographical location. Stay tuned for those travels! ✈️11. An apology+humility is destructive situation cryptonite.12. Social media is a lie (an awesome tool, but a lie! Lol). Tell the truth and shame the devil....you know you didn't wake up like that 😆! You probably brushed your teeth, removed the crust from your eyes, and checked your nostrils for boogers AT LEAST. Don't let the 10-15 seconds of the 5th or 6th take of someone's instastories or Snapchat make you discontent with life.13. Don't give up on people. Jesus hasn't given up on you. I learned this year that many angry/volatile persons are acting from a place of hurt. Being the person that digs further than the "you tried it" may open up an opportunity to help someone.14. "When they go low, we go high!" You can never go wrong with that mentality.15. [Most] Things done in love are done well. Let this be your aim. If perhaps your love is misinterpreted, real love is taking the time to expound on your actions, and clarify all intentions. I know that loving people is not always easy, but it is always worth it.16. Don't let your past define your future. 2016 may not have been the best year, but I am confident that 2017 has some great things in store.I know I learned a LOT more this year, but that's what I have written down.😉 I pray that 2017 is your best year yet! Blessings!Happy New Year, loves.-ABP.S: The new hashtag/mantra for the year is #ELEVATE2017. Follow me on social media for more information and details behind the hashtag and my campaign this year! 😆😆