twenty-eighteen: The Year of Finesse

Ahh, the reflective beginning-of-the-year post. 2018 is here. 

It didn't feel much like New Year's Eve, because for the first time during this transitional period, I was at work.

and I didn't have a bowl of soup joumou in my lap, nor cremas in my cup.

But I'm excited because of all the promise that the new year brings. Big and bold and full.

I've changed so much over the past year. I might be at work, but it's the job that I fought so hard to get last year. 2016 was the set-up for my success, 2017 was about me getting my footing as a fully-realized independent adult.

My hard work came to fruition, now it's my job to keep that momentum moving forward.

In 2017, I saw how truly blessed and loved I am by those around me, I experienced a lot of growth in faith, I learned a lot about strategy and working the pieces to work in my favor, and I learned about trusting myself and my ability to live up to my own vision. 

I hate to sound cliche but I can't help but to feel optimistic.

I know the year won't come without its set of obstacles and challenges, but I am making the conscious decision to face them, head first, rather than allowing them to hinder my progress. 

2017 was supposed to break us, and in many ways it was a difficult year. Yet, here we are, laughing well past its final hour at the things we once thought were impossible to conquer. 

I have great plans ahead. and I can't wait to get started. 

My 2017 Highlight Reel: 

- Moved to ATL area for new federal job 

- Visited Washington DC and saw my linesister graduate with her Master's 

- Worked behind-the-scenes at Essence Fest 

- Got an amazing job in digital media after National Association of Black Journalists convention

- Moved to a new state on my own

- Furnished a brand new apartment 

- Established solid mentors in my industry

My resolutions for 2018: 

- More full body pictures

- (sub res.) Nix the hand-on-the-hip poses for something more avant-garde 

- Creativity is everywhere 

- Get slim thick, the right way 

- Do all things with love

- Organization is your friend

- Better budgets, better life

- See the world, at least twice 

- Document everything 

- Stay grounded 

- Just do it 

- Never stop asking questions 

xo, JP.