DID YOU KNOW: 18 Things I’ve Learned In 2018 (& You Probably Did Too!)

What do you do when Calgon can’t take you away?

What do you do when you can’t work your problems out on paper or fix it with your smart phone?

What do you do when you’ve had the best year of your life, but you’ve lost more than anyone will ever know?

 As 2018 comes to an end, and 2019 approaches with great anticipation and wonder, there are a myriad of lessons to be learned on this journey of life. I want to share several things I’ve learned in the areas of faith, family and friends, finances, food, fitness, fun, and future.

Now, there’s no doubt that this year has been filled to the brim with high points and low points in our personal and professional lives. But I dare say, We've learned the same lessons; you, probably, before me. And when you read until the end, I have a surprise that may jumpstart your new year!

Here goes…enjoy!

FAITH

1.     See It In Your Head First

Everything is a thought! The laptop, PC, or smart phone you’re reading this post on was someone’s thought. You’re a divine and perfect thought! So, when we think of our highest selves, our ideal lives, our perfect relationships, our perfect businesses, or our perfect careers, we must see it in our heads first; as a thought. Many people believe that we are the result of our thoughts. And many people also believe that our thoughts are energy. I’ve learned that when we can think of what we need (or desire), see it as images in our minds, and feel the emotions of having it, we can, subconsciously, begin to work on ways to accomplish and manifest that thought. As a man thinketh, so is he!

2.     A Mustard Seed Will Do

We have to be true to ourselves and that includes acknowledging that we do have faith. Some of us have faith in medicine, like the aspirin we take to get rid of a throbbing headache. Some of us have faith in ourselves, like our body’s natural ability to heal all of our ailments or in the healing power of our God. And still, some of us have faith in all three! Faith is that key ingredient in the slaying of giants and the moving of mountains. And giants and mountains can come in the form of the death of a loved one, the foreclosure of a home, the loss of our jobs, the failing of our businesses, or sickness in our bodies (to name a few). I’ve learned that, with a little bit of faith, it’s possible to accept victory over our situations, and conquer whatever giant (or mountain) we may encounter on life’s journey. And, guess what? We only need a small amount of faith to get started and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

3.     Impossible Doesn’t Mean What You Think

Do you know how many times people have said, You can’t do that! or That will never work! or What makes you believe you can have that? There may be times when people (family, friends, and even, strangers) tell us to give up on our visions, our dreams, or our goals because it’s IMPOSSIBLE to them. But I’ve learned that IMPOSSIBLE really means I’M POSSIBLE! At the lowest level of development, we are the physical definition of purpose (i.e., our brains have a purpose, our hearts have a purpose, our eyes…ears…and so on). Therefore, our lives have a purpose and what may be impossible for many, may very well be possible for us. Have faith that we are the very beings that can turn the impossible into I’m Possible!

FAMILY & FRIENDS

4.     Family Is Forever

Almost 56 months of Sundays ago, I was so physically ill, mentally defeated, spiritually poor, and financially impoverished, that custody of my first-born son was awarded to someone else. And, though, that experience almost killed me, it shaped my definition of family. My definition of family is a bit more creative (and more eternal) than before. I’ve learned that when we love someone as ourselves (and, in addition to wanting the best for their happiness and success), we are intimately connected to them; and that connection is eternal. When we make conscious, eternal connections with those we truly love, we are forever connected; no matter the physical distance! Family transcends time, space, and distance!

5.     P.U.S.H.

Over a decade ago, I was listening to a former state’s attorney give a speech at a local event. He said something that I’ve kept in my heart this year. P.U.S.H.: Pray Until Something Happens. When I think of prayer, my idea is a bit different from most people. For example, most people have prayers that are in the form of request (and I used to pray the same way). I, even, used to beg! Now, I’ve learned to pray without ceasing; meaning, all day long, I’m in conversation with my highest self and the divine within me. My prayers are more like meditations of thought that give thanks for what I have (and for what I may not, currently, be in physical possession of). So, without asking, I meditate on thoughts of gratefulness and pray as if I’ve received that which I need and want. So, when I P.U.S.H., I am not begging or, even, asking. I’m saying, Thank You, in advance!

6.     Love Because Of And Not In Spite Of

As you, probably, figured out, I’m still learning the true meaning of love. And I believe, loving someone, in spite of shortcomings, sins, spots, and stains, is loving from a perspective of negativity. When we love someone, in spite of, their faults are at the forefront of our focus. But, when we love someone, because of, their humanness is at the forefront of our focus. I’ve learned that this concept may be a lot to process. But it’s worth doing. Just remember that when everything’s said and done, remember to love (because love conquers all)!

FINANCES

7.     Accumulate to Productively Re-Employ

I was raised to save for that rainy day! And because I learned to save at very early age, there were always rainy days that needed to use my savings for. Fast forward to 2018, my husband and I have decided to take a stand against rainy days and accumulate our money to re-employ for sunny days. Simple stated, we’ve learned to pay ourselves first, invest in our family and our legacy, and create or purchase money-making assets and things we can cash in. Sunny Days Rule!

8.     Create Multiple Streams of Income

Read this, More than one is fun and more than three is key; but at least seven streams of income will satisfy me! I’ve learned to add a little melody and rhyme to my thoughts about multiple streams of income! When we create multiple streams of consistent income, we are setting ourselves up for a lifestyle of freedom. Multiple streams of income enable our families to have options. Whether we have a job or not, we have the power to create wealth. So, happy creating!

9.     Make Money in Your Sleep

When we talk about money, we must come to terms with what it is! Money is nothing and, sometimes, it’s everything! Let me explain…money is a specific medium of exchange. It can be cowry shells, dollar bills, or gold. And when working to create a lifestyle of freedom, it’s absolutely necessary to make money while we sleep. If we must be physically present to make money (exchanging time for money), it is, usually, more difficult to become wealthy (financially, speaking). I’ve learned that it’s imperative that we get our families and children and grandchildren to the point where we are all making money without having to be physically present! When Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, he brought all of it into his house (specifically, Pharaoh’s house, but he was given charge over it). Let’s do the same, but have it flowing into our homes (and bank accounts), even while we’re sleeping.

FOOD

10. Drink Plenty of Water

Just as water makes up approximately 75% of the earth’s surface, it makes up approximately 75% of the human body. And just as water regulates the Earth’s temperature, it helps to regulate our body temperature. It carries nutrients and oxygen to our cells, cushions our joints, protects our organs and tissues, and removes wastes. Water is symbolic of our consciousness (our perception, awareness of mind, and awareness of the world).  When we drink of water, we are hydrated, refreshed, and everlastingly nourished. So, I’ve learned to physically, mentally, and spiritually, take in life with great pleasure and eagerness, and drink more water! 

11. Know What, When, & Why You’re Eating

It really doesn’t matter if we’re Vegan, Lacto-vegetarian, Ovo-vegetarian, or a self-proclaimed Carnivore, if we have not love. Do we boost in our vegetarian diet and look down on those who are not eating as we are? Do we eat a meat-less diet, but are still overweight; weighing our meat-less diet above self-control and discipline when eating? I’ve found that observing the Feast of Unleavened Bread has put eating and drinking into perspective. Having to removing the leaven (sin) from my home for 7 days, gives me an idea of how much I need to me mindful of my diet, my thoughts, my words, and my actions. Whether we believe in the Bread of Life or gluten-free bread, we must know what we’re eating (fruits, vegetables, meat, etc.), when we’re eating (morning, noon, evening, late night, etc.), and why we’re eating (for sustenance, for comfort, for distraction, etc.).

FITNESS

12. Be Flexible

I’ve learned to be flexible; and, for many of us, that (literally and figuratively) means to be able to bend easily without breaking. A wise sage said, Health is the greatest gift. And our health, sometimes, depends on our physical, mental, and spiritual flexibility! Now, we can only think and behave according to our maturity and revelation. But, if we stretch our bodies, minds, and spirits, as far as we can, we can increase our ability to bend without breaking. (That’s for about 10 of you, reading this while sitting in your cubicles at work.)

13. 10-4 is Better Than 30-1

The general CB code for 10-4 is OK or Affirmative. When working out, I’ve found that 10-4 is OK. That is, 10 minutes of cardio workout 4 times a week is OK (compared to 30 minutes of cardio workout 1 time a week). The consistency of the workout is what matters for many of us who are just getting back into the swing of things. The consistency helps us develop a habit of exercising. Once the habit is developed, we can always increase workout length and frequency! It was Rumi who said, Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” If we can create a habit, we can create great change.

FUN

14. Watching the News is No Fun

You may not believe it, but many of us have become addicted to negativity. Let me tell you why. If you’ve ever watched the news (and I know you have), it is intentionally, negative. Now, if you think about it logically, why would the media continue to put out so much negativity, if no one was watching (hmmm). According to Adweek Digital, negative news gets more attention than positive news (S. P. Wood, February 21, 2014). That means, most people who read or look at the news, increase the ratings by buying and watching negative news. So, they keep it coming. Well, I’ve learned to turn it off! I challenge all of us to decrease our reading and viewing time. Or, just STOP, altogether. Let’s do this: turn it off for a day, then 3 days, then 7 days, and take note of how we feel without it. Instead of the watching the news, we can focus on our mission, goals, and dreams for 2019. Also, because the news is only about 10% positive, we can increase the amount of positive information we watch and read during our news fast. And trust me, if you need to know something that’s news-worthy, you’ll get a notification on your phone, an email, or the person behind you in the grocery line will tell you. I guarantee that our thought-lives and mindsets will thank us later.

15. The Definition of Fun is Fun

Enjoyment, amusement, or light-hearted pleasure is the definition of fun, according to Dictionary.com (2018). What truly brings us joy, amusement, or light-hearted pleasure? No one knows our definition of fun better than us. We, often, attempt to compare what our idea of fun is to someone else’s idea and we lose sight of our true desires. I’ve learned to find amusement and pleasure in my present moment. Many of us want to wait to be happy. We say, I’ll be happy when… and that time never comes. So, instead of waiting another minute, let’s choose to find amusement and pleasure anywhere, anytime, and with anyone we choose. Let’s choose to have fun and be happy now!

FUTURE

16. Work For Your Great-Grandchildren

When most people want to store food, clothing, and money away for themselves to make it until their dying day, I’ve learned that the work we do today must have generational significance. Now, I may have learned this later than most, but the work that we’re doing today, has to be for our grandchildren (or great-grandchildren). Learning how to turn fear into faith, hardship into happiness, and poverty into prosperity is not just for us. It is for those coming after us who will have trials that ABC’s, 123’s, smart phones, and Google will not be able to solve for them. Our purpose is set, and our steps are ordered. If a good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children, we must work for the generations that are coming after us. Whatever our paths, the work being done today (and the example of what love and leadership look like), must be passed on; the good and the bad. 

17. Will, Work, & Wait

When we’re working towards our visions, dreams, or goals, we must will ourselves to continue to stay encouraged when things are not working according to our plans. When everyone and everything is telling us to throw in the towel and give up, we must continue to work, knowing that it will pay off. Just like a farmer tills the ground, sows seed, waters the soil, is patient during the growing season, and reaps the harvest. We must continue to will…work…work… & wait, will…work…work… & wait. Then finally, our will and work will manifest the perfect harvest in due season!

OVERALL LESSON FROM 2018

18. Start before you’re ready, but get ready before you start.

I know this sounds confusing, but keep reading. Many of us want to wait to start a business, to write a book, to start our dream career, or go back to school. But what if we just stepped out on faith and started working towards our dreams and goals before everything was perfect. What if we start before we’re ready and make the necessary adjustments along the way. We’re going to have to do that anyway; even when we plan everything out. And as far as getting ready before we start, that doesn’t mean that everything must be perfect and in order. I’ve come to learn that this means we must be mentally, emotionally, and spiritually ready for whatever comes our way. Trust me, we’ll always have bills and expenses, and people we have to take care of (whether they’re our children, our parents, our friends, or those in need that we sponsor). Those things and people will always be there. So, let’s stop using them as excuses (and reasons) not to pursue our vision, dreams, and goals. Ready…get set…go!

Like I mentioned earlier, you, probably, knew this before reading this. But, thanks for letting me share this abridged version of my review of 2018. Hopefully, these lessons will contribute to our happiness and success in 2019!

Here's to your journey...

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Also, if you’re interested in learning more about developing the faith needed to accomplish your vision, mission, and goals, email [email protected] with the subject line 4BOOKSERIES OR just click here to gain access to a simple exercise, THE BE-DO-HAVE EXERCISE, which helps bring clarity to your vision, mission, & goals. Finally, enjoy!