It’s the 26^th week of the year. We’re officially halfway through 2021. Wow. The hours, days, and weeks are truly flying by. When I relaunched my blog at the top of the year, I had a plan to post weekly. On a schedule. Like clockwork. But I quickly realized that this approach felt contrived. Disingenuous. I have to write as things come to me, touch me. When I wake up from sleep or a daydream with an epiphany. After poignant conversations and keen observations. As God speaks to me. So, here I am. My 11^th post of the year on the 26^th week of the year. And I’m totally satisfied with it. And I’m starting to feel more and more satisfied with the progress I’m making in life. And that makes me so happy. 

I finally got sick of how I was treating me. Analyzing, criticizing, and evaluating everything about myself and my life. Being filled with shame and self-loathing whenever I didn’t hit my own (or society’s) targets. That wasn’t living. But now I am. And I’m excited. Yes, I still write and refer to my weekly to-do lists. Yes, I have a monthly template for home and family maintenance. And yes, like any ambitious and driven millennial, there are things I still want to accomplish and markers of success I aspire to. But I decided not to let any of that run my life or drive me crazy anymore. 

I have faith in God, and I believe in me. I can look back over my life at everything He’s done for me so far. The protection and refuge He provides. How far He’s brought me. I take note of the amazing things I’ve accomplished. The odds I’ve beat. The ways I’ve overcome. The super-dope person I am. It all reminds me that I can, I do, and I will. And if I can’t, I won’t. I don’t have to rush anything. I don’t have to force anything. I don’t have to worry about anything. All I have to do is set my intention, chart my course, and execute. Everything will be as it should be. 

This year, I’ve had a lot of time to be alone with my thoughts. To reflect, practice mindfulness, pray. And one thing I had to check myself on is that I haven’t been wholly practicing what I preach (to myself). So, I decided to kick it up a notch. Letting go of even more emotional baggage – more anxiety, more fear, more hurt, more pain, more resentment, and more stress. Welcoming in more faith, more fun, more luxury, more joy, more peace, and more life. I’m learning it is possible to be filled to the brim with love without letting it anchor you to unhealthy dynamics and patterns. Anything weighing you down – release it. Let it go. Let it float right away. Become so light you levitate.

There’s a balance between being a go-getting, goal-hitter and living freely and fully. You do have to get serious sometimes. You do have to check yourself when you know you’re not showing up as your best self, not making smart choices, or not putting the work in. You do have to make tough decisions and sacrifices sometimes. But you should show yourself love and give yourself grace through it all. 

One purposeful action, one intentional choice, one task completed every day is all it takes. That’s 365 power moves every year. And if you decide to sit around in your underwear and do absolutely nothing some days? So, what? That’s OK, too. You’re still at about 300. That makes a huge difference. Lots of goals met. Plenty of targets hit. Tons of boxes checked. Many milestones met. A life transformed. For the better. Without feeling worn out. Without scrutinizing every interaction, person, and relationship. Without putting too much pressure on yourself and beating yourself up for not being exactly here or there. Still having an amazing time. Still creating, building, and maintaining strong relationships. Still making memories and magic. Still operating from a place of faith, joy, peace, positivity, and love. We’re here for a good time, not a long time. So, live your life.