Not 2020, too!

The last two years have been nothing but a rollercoaster. And not the ones you enjoy, but I'm talking Scream Machine at Six Flags rollercoaster. You know the one that jerks you from side to side and causes your entire body to hurt. The one that you probably should go straight to the chiropractor after you get off of it. Last year was so bad, I didn't even post a reflection. I mean really what was there to reflect on? We spent majority of the year in quarantine.

But truthfully 2021 was no better. Along with us being in year 2 of a pandemic, a lot of things besides that has happened that has me ready to kick 2021 to the curb like a bad relationship. Not only have we had to deal with every day life issues but through COVID on top of it, it's hard to not look at the new year with hesitation and worry. To not want to ask 2022, who al over there. But truthfully when I sit and think about the last two years, the one word that comes to mind is #PERSPECTIVE. At the end of these two years, we are still standing, and the last two years have taught us a lot. It has opened my eyes to a lot of things in life, taught me valuable lessons about myself, about life, about others, and put things into perspective. Perspectives that I will not only take with me into next year, but for the rest of my life.

1. Be Intentional With Those You Love

If one thing life has taught me over the years is to make time to spend with those you love. Tomorrow isn't promised so be sure that those you care about know how much you love them. Over the years, especially this past year, I have lost so many people that are near and dear to my heart. The most reason being one of the people that meant, and will always mean the world to me. Make time for those you love. Talk to them. Text them. Call them. Make date time. Do whatever you have to do to spread your love to those in your life.

2. Don't Wait, Do It Now

If you're waiting for the perfect moment, you will never get it done. One thing that life proves to us each and every day is that nothing or nobody is perfect. Whatever you want to accomplish. Whatever you want to do in life. Go for it. Don't let nothing or nobody keep you from going for what you want from life. The time is now.

3. When People Show You Who They Are, Believe Them

And believe them the first time. Believe there's nothing hidden about it. Their actions will always show you truly who they are and what you are to them. It's hard when you want to see the good in everyone, you will look past all of the red flags. I remember telling someone that the red flags look like Six Flags until you end up hurt. Always remember that a person is who they are and you can't change someone that doesn't want to be change. Take that energy for that person and go back to point 1, spend that energy on those that truly love you, be intentional at spreading love and care for them.

4. Never Settle

Whatever you do never settle in life. Never settle in friendship. Never settle in relationships. Never settle in your career. Whatever you do, go for everything you want. You deserve it! You deserve the love, you deserve the peace, you deserve the family, you deserve the career of your dreams, you deserve everything your heart desires. So whatever you do, go for it and never let anyone make you feel like you're not worthy. Don't settle for less than you deserve!

5. Love Yourself First, the Rest Will Follow

One thing I have learned as that when you love yourself, truly love yourself, flaws and all you begin to learn what it is that you want out of life. You learn what you will not settle for. You learn what type of people you want around you. So when you love yourself and you learn these things, it shows everyone else how to treat you, how to love you, how to support you. It all starts with you. How can you expect someone else to love you, if you yourself don't love you. So remember you must love yourself first and then everything else will fall into place just as it should.

And Lastly, just simple LIVE LIFE!!! Life is way too short. Enjoy it and enjoy it with those you love. You never know what tomorrow may bring, so live life today. The last two years have definitely been a struggle for a lot of us. But as I look back on it, I'm taking all of these lessons with me. Will it be easy, no, but it leads me down a path to be able to go for the life I desire and deserve. Nothing in this life is promised, but it's up to us to make the most of us. I just pray that next year will be 2022 and not 2020, too.