On New Year’s Eve 2016, I decided that, in 2017, I would choose me. I would choose what I want in my life and what I want to do – as opposed to doing what is expected of me. On New Year’s Day 2017, with purposeful intention, I opened my mind, my heart, and my soul to Flow. I resolved to get along with people, to not react and respond to what I perceive as negativity, and to learn to see the light in myself and everyone else.
On the last day of 2016, I outlined life changes that I would work on in 2017. I would strive to be positive and cooperative. I would let go of how others treated me, what they didn’t give me, or what they could have or should have done. I accepted that I have the power to change my life and that there is no power that has yet been born that can take away my joy.
More importantly, I saw myself moving forward by any positive and productive means necessary. Sometimes, we won’t leave our neighborhoods, cities, loved ones, jobs or other comfort zones – no matter how draining or miserable – because of cultural norms, family ties, love, financial dependence, fear of being alone, obligation, and any number of reasons.
I am around many people who live health-based lives. I am also close to those who chose to live in unhealthy ways and are in denial of the realities and consequences of their actions and ways of thinking and being. I completely understand the latter because it has been extremely hard to look in my mirror and face the ways in which I have contributed to all aspects of my existence. Regardless of how I believe that I have been treated and how unfair and wrong the externals in my life have been, I could have reacted differently, knowing that I am complete and whole, and that nothing can stop me from receiving what is for me.
Sometimes, being understanding, supportive, and committed can keep you from your destiny. When your fullest potential is unrealized, maybe it’s time to step back and away from where you’re placing your primary efforts. As for me, I got tired of living on the side of a cliff and decided to get off. Whatever it takes, whoever and whatever I have to leave, I am moving forward, onward and upward.