Are You Going To Slow Down or Ramp Things Up?

I don't know about you, but once we get into November, it's like we're inundated with countless emails telling us how to?End The Year STRONG!

Now, I get it, and in some cases, I agree that there is a special motivation that comes towards the end of the year, and it's always a beautiful time to ride the waves of momentum to make the end of the year the best of your year.

BUT! ?Yes, there is a but. ?For some of us, you don't need to ramp up, you actually need to slowwww down! ?Allow me to explain.

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If you've had a hard year or a year that's been filled with stress, strain, unmet desires, a lot of pain, disappointment or hurts, I'm not going to encourage you to push through all that?ickiness to end your year strong. ?I have a different recommendation for you.

How To Navigate A Hard Year?

I'd share 3 things to consider if you're in a stretching or straining season. ?Before I do, I'd like to encourage you - life does come in seasons. ?This too WILL pass and even if you don't see it, one day, you shall bloom again.

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I'm reminded of an episode from an old series - the female actress was going through chemotherapy, and her hormones were all over the place. ?Her boyfriend had gone to shoot a movie and was going to be away for a few months. ?Before he left, she'd given him permission to find someone else. ?While he was away, he sent her a plant that looked barren with a card that said something like “this plant bloom will bloom… like you, she just needs time.”

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First,?Give Yourself Time and Give Yourself Grace! Oh, this cannot be overemphasised. ?You may need to exit some groups for a season. ?You may need to protect your heart and your mind. ?You may need to stop serving in some places. ?Allow yourself time to heal, grieve, and emerge.

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Second,?Find The Spaces Where You Can Vulnerably Be Nurtured Back To Life. ?This is super-important, especially if you're a Female Leader. ?You need spaces where you're not just the powerful Bodam taiwo, but just Bodam! However, you must be able to ask for and receive help. ?Don't worry, I'm still learning this one myself. ?Allow yourself be nurtured back to life in spaces that you can be safe.

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Third,?Don't Disdain or Despise Professional Help. ?Sis, if you need it, then get it! ?Even if you're a woman of faith, therapy is NOT opposed to faith. ?If you need to speak to a trained professional aka a therapist, who can help you get to the root of the trauma and give you tools to sustainably heal yourself, then do so. ?The same way we listen to our bodies and go to a doctor when we don't feel so good, we should listen to our minds and our souls and also be comfortable with speaking to a trained person who can help us.

I really hope this letter helped you AND released you from the pressure to perform or also to “show” that you are being super-active these last two months of the year, and moves you to pay attention to the stirrings and deep needs of your heart and soul.

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Sometimes, the best thing you can do to start 2025 Strong is to take time out to Rest, Recharge and Recalibrate!