Happy New Year! It’s been awhile since I’ve shared my thoughts on here and I decided that this year, I wanted to write more for myself. For most people, including me, 2017 was a rough year. Given the challenges and heartache of the world, it was enough to paralyze even the strongest people. Personally, I didn’t get from point A to point B as quickly or in the way that I hoped. In fact, I am still working toward point B and it’s been a tough pill to swallow.
I’ve been blessed to do everything I’ve ever set my heart out to do. How many people can say that? I didn’t set out to change the world or create something that would change the way we live, but me just wanting to be better and do things that I felt would better my opportunities in life. And now that I’ve checked a lot of boxes, I feel this need to find the next big thing. I’ve made a life out of being a mover and a shaker but I always wanted to just…”be.” Now that I’ve reached that pinnacle of just “being”, I miss moving and shaking!
But I refuse to give up. The Lord has surrounded me with amazing people that challenge me and help me to live a fulfilling life. I feel like I left 2017 only slightly better than I left 2016, which isn’t a bad thing but it’s not what I’m used to. Self-reflection was major for me last year and talking to trusted individuals about what I could do to figure out my next move was critical. I want my next chapter to be strategic, impactful and to continue to grow for myself and my significant other.
So to kick-off this year, not as a new me, but someone who is evolving toward her destiny, I have three areas that I’d like to focus on. I won’t call them resolutions because if we are all honest with ourselves, it’s work in progress:
- Side Hustle: I need something that I can look forward to, and I don’t mean my everyday work. That will always be there. But something outside of the day-to-day. Reclaiming my time! Doing things that I want to do, just for me – volunteering, writing, cooking, etc. I love mentoring young people and helping them navigate the world. I would love to get back to sports in some capacity as a referee or basketball meetup to enjoy the sport every once and in awhile (and blow off some steam).
- Health & Wellness: Speaking of blowing off steam…For a host of reasons, I wasn’t
focused on my health as much in 2017. I used to workout 3-4 times a week and I found myself too tired, with little energy to even get up and go to the gym. I need to find something that makes working out less of a task and more engaging. I owe it to my past life, the athlete of 15 years, and my future self – wife, mom, caregiver – to take care of myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I need to do better at nourishing my soul and prioritizing my health. It’s hard to do when your time is demanding but its essential. - Dollars & Sense: Money talks, and as someone close to me always says, “its a means to do the things that I want to do.” In order to grow and attain the future I see for myself, I want to continue to build a strong financial platform. I really want to focus on where my money is going, do I need it and will this help with my greater financial goals. I am not without, but I want financial wealth one day, with (say it with me)… multiple avenues of income. That’s where the side hustle comes in!
I hope that you take the time to reflect or write down a few areas that you want to continue to grow and be better. One thing I have in my corner is that I know what I want and I know what I won’t stand for. Be brave, be courageous and go after what you want. It may not happen when you want it, but if you lay down a strong foundation, when the opportunity presents itself you will be ready.
Words for 2018: be ready. *we ready, we ready!* (for those of you who know)
Peace & Love,
CK
Chloé D. Kerr 