January Was a Trial Month

“January was a tough year, but we made it.”

 These words have graced my social media channels all week and while hilarious, this statement couldn’t be more accurate. Quite frankly, January has always been my favorite month because of all it represents.  The celebration of a new year, new beginnings, another year of life (my birthday), reflection, growth, an optimistic outlook on the year ahead and a fresh start.

Instead, January brought untimely trials, tribulations, disappointment, and continued tests of faith that left me numb from time to time and in question of so much (people included).  It also facilitated heightened levels of angst, stress and anxiety within my community and amidst my peers, packing spiritual left-hooks and emotional punches, we didn’t see coming.

“January was a trial month.”

Another amusing yet realistic social media message accurately summarizing the start of the year.

I can recall (on a weekly basis) at least one loved one or friend, colleague or social media buddy sharing about mental health awareness, taking mental breaks, the signs of early depression or the need to unlpug (so necessary).  Some of the most inspiring entrepreneurs and associates I know, divulged in conversation(s) about avoiding burn-out while continuously proclaiming ways to practice enhanced self-care … during the first month of the year.  Insert the the detrimental impact of the Federal Government shutdown, the gross hate crime and outrageous attacks on gay activist and actor Jussie Smollet, and the unforeseen and recent passing of my late aunt.  January was heavy AF.  No mercy.  No chill — besides the winter weather effects of the polar vortex.

A month with so many tough lessons, it was simply one for the books.

A good friend of mines often uplifts with a combination of favorite quotes, all penned by Oprah Winfrey saying “turn your wounds into wisdom,” “surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher” and “find joy throughout the storms.”

Holding these words close, I found myself comforted in being still (much more than I am used to) and doing a lot of daily reflection.  I took a conscious one-month break from my blog, decreased my social media usage, halted any major birthday plans, slept more, read more, prayed more (#Seek2019) and meditated more (#30DaysInOM) … all while honing in on the things and people who really matter.  If nothing else, January taught me that self-care or self-preservation are necessary … every single day.  It is a sense of personal emergency.

No shortage of gratitude, I realized that despite its gravity, January was one of restoration and that this was perfectly okay.

Here we are today on the first day of February, with a fresh start ahead.

I look forward to employing the lessons of last month and maximizing on the benefits gained.  I also plan to make it a habit to check in on my loved ones and close circle more often to ensure that they too are striving to maintain or enhance their own self-care.

Taking care of ourselves ultimately results in us putting our best foot forward or better yet, putting our best self out before the world.

And so I challenge you to find one way to pamper or care for yourself each day, amidst the hustle and bustle or the hectic schedules that typically consume your time and energy.  I also challenge you to check in on your family and friends to ensure that they are also doing the same for themselves.

Have a wonderful February!

A dose of style and inspiration for living!

Love and light,

Photos:  Darden Creative

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