*obligatory reflective New Year post*
So, 2017 was a hot mess. If I go by my Facebook news feed, it sucked for most people, though I’m genuinely happy for those who were able to find love, success, and all sorts of wonderful things last year. Then again, even those of us who struggled had some incredibly positive experiences, so it wasn’t a complete loss. I like to think of 2017 of that awful moment when you realize … Oh, shit. This is what adulting is like. There’s a lot of bullshit and hurt everywhere, but the good stuff is really friggin’ good.
The attack that almost killed me left me both bruised and numb, inside and out. But I found new friends, got rid of the remaining toxic people, and made the most of my new job. I still have health and personal challenges ahead of me, but I feel ready to take them on. At least, more ready than I did last year. And there’s already a lot to look forward to: I have two concerts coming up; new challenges at work that will test my abilities and really allow me to grow (even though that’ll suck a lot out of me, lol), and just the knowledge that anything is possible.
And I think that’s what I’m taking with me into this new year, my biggest goal (because you know I don’t do resolutions): To be more ‘go with the flow.’ That’s hard for someone like me who’s so anxious and a planner and takes comfort in knowing what will happen next. But over the years, I’ve learned that there’s no way to always know, and that sometimes, you just have to let life happen. I can’t control everything. And the cool part of finally making that realization is that that’s okay! I can put my energy towards the things I *can* control, which just sets me up for success all the way round.
My other big goal for this year? To have more self confidence. Nay, to have the kind of confidence in myself that others have in me. I went through a lot last year, and I faced a lot of my usual doubt and self deprecation while plodding away. But around me the entire time were people who believed in me more than I believed in myself. I had to say “you were right” to a few people last year (including my mom, which is always fun. For her. Lol), and it was always about something they believed I could make happen when I wasn’t always so sure.
I want to know what that feels like. I want to know what it’s like to really believe in myself, not just fakeittilyoumakeit believe in myself. Which isn’t a bad thing, believe me; it’s what gets me through life. But you know what I mean. I just want to know what that’s like, and know it all the time forever and ever til the end of time. If others see something in me that makes them believe in me, I should be able to see it too. So I’m going to work on that.
Other than that and staying healthy, I have no lofty goals or expectations of 2018. As I mentioned before, I think that’s a good way to go into it. I haven’t lowered my standards or decided to “settle” for anything, but I’ve learned that keeping expectations closer to reality relieves a lot of what used to consume me. Believing in myself and learning to let go of control is already going to be a process. And staying healthy in Kimberland is no easy feat, what with the gazillion health issues. That keeps me busy enough. No need to add unnecessary expectations to my plate. I just need to focus.
Focus. And quality – of friends, of experiences, of life – those are my intentions for 2018. ❤
—kimberly a. morales
Flommist Kimberly A. Morales is a food and wellness blogger, and patron saint of cats. Copyright © 2018 Kimberly A. Morales.
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