I am not that big on New Year's resolutions. I'm more of a day by day kind of person. Each day I try to set new goals and finish and/or work towards old ones. I can't wait for another year to start anything ,unless it's literally the next day. I spent a lot of my life putting things off for later and putting my needs last. About nine years ago, I slowly started moving out of that space. I thought that self sacrifice was honorable, but really it shows a lack of self love.

This past year, I was extremely intentional with saying no. I said no to things that weren't going to make me grow. I said no to holding on to situations that were unhealthy and not bringing out the best of me. By saying no to negative situations and people, I was saying yes to myself and my happiness. I focused on my career, becoming a mother again and all things that made me happy.

There is a myth that exists that caring for your own needs is somehow selfish. When we disregard the needs of others we become selfish. However there is a space between taking care of only yourself and never thinking of others at all. We have to realize our global impact on one another and how our actions contribute negatively or positively. We also have to be mindful that if we neglect our own needs, we aren't able to truly give to others. I have worked on learning to say yes and no to myself and others in a healthy way that doesn't leave me depleted.

We have less than a week left of the year, but you can invest in yourself today. I always tell my friends that I do not believe God wants any of us to be unhappy. We have to truly believe we are deserving of everything we want in life. When we believe we are worthy, we will work towards those goals knowing it will manifest.

I believe in myself, in my happiness and my positive global impact. I will continue to create things that help myself and others. I will continue to nurture my marriage and my children. I will continue to help and heal those who seek my guidance. I will continue to love and honor God through this planet and myself. Remember that saying no to things that harm you is saying yes to things that will help you grow.

Blessings

@ashleysirah