new year, new me?

as we wrap up the year 2023, I wanted to take some time to just reflect on all the good things that God has done in my life, and even some of the bad days...

I def went into 2023, not on the best note. I think the beginning of last year, is when I started to realize that I could be a very fearful, anxious girl who has a lot of overwhelming dreams and goals in life. I think I overwhelmed myself with the goals I had for this year that it led to me not following through. I had so many things I wanted to do in the new year, and if I am being honest, I didn't start them till March of 2023.

For example, I had wanted to lose weight so badly, but I didn't actually start eating healthier and working out consistently until March. Then, I did some traveling during the summer, and I came back 10 pounds heavier. And I was so devastated !!! I wanted to scream and cry because I had pushed myself to follow through with this goal for like two months, and I expected to lose 10 pounds, not gain it.

I realized (after a long talk with my mom), that it didn't matter what I thought was the "right" or "healthy" diet or routine, I needed to discipline myself and find out what was going to work on my body in order to shed some pounds. I needed to check in with myself and my body, and then I could do what my own body needed, in order to get the results I wanted.

So, I did just that! I got help from a professional, who taught me how to make better choices and learn new healthy habits. I learned the things that could affect my body in a negative way and the reason why I may have been gaining weight instead of losing it. I learned how to take care of myself the right way.

It took a lot of discipline, consistency, and prayers! I was constantly thanking God for the body He gave me and appreciating how far its gotten me, and I was also asking for strength and energy to get me through my health journey.

After 3 months, I can write here today and say that I have successfully completed my goal of losing weight and creating these healthy habits that I know I will continue to have in 2024.

So, what I'm trying to say with this long story LOLZ, is that ...

1. MAKE THE GOALS! don't be too afraid of that goal or desire that you've had in the back of your head, just write it down! even if you don't complete it that year, you can just try and try again! losing weight had been my new year's resolution for the past couple of years, and after 3 years I finally did it!

2. DON'T OVERWHELM YOURSELF. start off small! get the lil things done first, or just take one small step into the big goal that you have!

3. PRAY. PRAY. PRAY. pray about your goals first, pray as you write them, pray as you start your goals, pray as you complete them! just always pray! God knows all the desires of your heart, and He will complete all your promises if you just pray and ask for His guidance!

this is just some of my advice and my experience with goals! i hope this helps that little voice in your head when it comes to the new year and all our goals! at the end of the day I think the most important thing is to just ask God for guidance and believe that He will lead you in the right direction! He's got your back! always!!! so just trust Him!

happy (almost) new years!

-val🎀