Looking Back to Look Forward

After a night of indulgence and an afternoon of open houses with black eyed peas and smothered greens, my best friends came over for a light dinner and the intent to celebrate our growth in 2019 before setting intentions for 2020. As we chopped vegetables and tossed salad, we reflected on how far we had all come since January 1, 2019. All of us had navigated crises, pushed ourselves out of our comfort zones, accomplished professional goals and seized opportunities that were in alignment with our values. None of us could have predicted that 2019 would have turned out so well despite all of the personal calamities that obstructed our path. Indeed we had learned an incredible amount of skills while developing further resilience and a sense of humor with the mistakes we had made along the way. My best friends have incredible growth mindsets and fiercely independent characters that do not allow them to hide behind excuses. They live with intent, courage and a sense of adventure, always true to their own beliefs. We spent so much time discussing what we learned from our 2019 experiences that we didn’t touch upon goals for 2020 until the tiramisu got served. And by then, it had become an easy task. With the fortitude gained from the past year, identifying a path for 2020 that is challenging yet interesting became so clear.

Before setting your new year’s resolutions, take time to celebrate how far you have come this past year. Review all that you have learned, what you will repeat and what you will leave behind. Celebrate your talents and strengths. Look at how awesome you have become! And the best is yet to come!