Happy Halloween

     HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 

    It's almost November and I don't usually look forward to the Fall and Winter months as much as I do Spring & Summer. However, this year, I was ready for the seasons to change. I think I was thrilled about change altogether. It can be a startling experience but it's a necessary process. It's hard to believe this is the last day of October, 2021. Tomorrow is a new month and I have to continue on with the "new me." I've had my fair share of up's and down's this year. I've experienced boughs of inconsistencies as well. But this year helped shape me. This year proved what I already knew to be true, "TIME WAITS FOR ON MAN!" 

I continued on instead of quitting and starting over! My faith outshined my fear, ( it still is), and for that I am thankful! Realistic unfulfillment is a feeling that is all too familiar. So on days like today, I  sit down, reflect and give myself a pat on the back. "Sometimes you have to encourage yourself!" Though as supportive, nurturing & understanding  as I am with others; I tend to be more of a critic rather than a fan, when it comes to judging myself. Obviously, I love myself ,  but I'll be the first to say that I can be my own worst enemy at times. 

"Old habits die hard," I am a FIXED SIGN (if you understand astrology), and I am also as "stubborn as a mule!" So when my mind is made up about anything, I DO IT! So I made a conscious effort to redirect my negative thoughts. Basically, I have learned to alter my thought process completely by changing my perception. As cliché' as it sounds, it works! 

Don't get me wrong, I get frustrated in life just like anyone else. But I no longer allow the frustration to consume me. I don't allow bad moments to become bad days, which could lead to bad weeks and so on and so forth. The truth is whatever you obsess over always wins! That is exactly how life works. If you're only always consumed with and focused on the "bad" that is what you can expect to unfold in the future. I learned that lesson the hard way! 

Speaking of lessons, I don't mind them as I did before when I was younger. I recognize constrictive criticism as a tool now and not as a weapon to harm me. I will always be guarded but I don't always have to be defensive. I'm aware of the difference in the two. I have to challenge myself more though because I have "played it safe" this year for the most part. I guess it was more so about being centered and comfortable to get my goals back on track. Earlier this year, I was honed in on being home and out of survival mode. 

Most of all, this year I have seen a great amount of growth within myself. As a matter of fact, the wisdom that I have gained, not only this year, but in my 30 years of living is immeasurable. Every moment has genuinely taught me something about myself or how to treat someone else. The losses that I thought would make me lose myself only made me stronger. The days that I didn't think I would make it through, I made it through.

Life will never be perfect and happiness is not a destination! I am thankful for where I am and for what I have. Everything that has happened to me (both good and bad) have helped shape me into the person that I am today. 

I am strong, I am inspirational, and I am courageous! I am a forever evolving work in progress. But I will never give up! :)