Season’s Greetings to you all, but…
Can I just say your girl is feeling FABULOUS?!! What I’m about to announce is proof positive of the importance of prioritizing yourself first and then serving second.
I woke up this morning energized, (coffee is still brewing, lol), rested, and fueled up. I checked the scale which has been going down every day and…
DRUMROLL, please…
I’m 18 lbs down! #WontHeDoIt I’m excited to end next week back to my lowest week this year. This wasn’t about a “do it before the year ends” goal, this was about what I deserved. When I tell you this year-long sabbatical has been EVERYTHING, I mean EVERYTHING!
No special diet plans, supplements, or workout regimens, but definitely some different choices and self-love. I didn’t even cut carbs because I am so tired of that lifestyle. Honestly, during the time period of this weight loss, I’ve enjoyed more dinners with friends & family out, including chips & dips, candy, drinks, etc. But here is what I do know:
You can’t save the world, which I definitely made a vow to stop attempting to do, if you aren’t your first priority (after God, of course). My peace, wellness, and joy are a priority and I refuse to allow anything to interrupt those (ask my ex.)
I simply made a decision to make myself and my health a priority. I declined so many business functions, rejected opportunities, and reduced my commitments because the ROI didn’t make sense. Energies are so important, and too often people are performative and exhausting themselves to accomplish much of nothing. A million-and-one events do not build a relationship but offer a lot of photo ops. I don’t need them; I’m already relevant and I know my worth. If you know your worth, you will be careful how you allocate it.
I realigned and immersed myself totally in what my purpose and God’s plan are for my life. I moved strategically instead of solely by routine, expectations, or other’s opinions. Sometimes, we have to deprogram ourselves and go back to basics.
I’m far from done, but when I look at the recent suicides, illnesses, and world situations, most of us could benefit from a self-check, rest, and restorations. Too many of us have not taken into account how hard three plus years of a pandemic have been. Truly, these times have taken a toll on all of us in one way or another. More compassion and grace is needed.
I end this year surrounded by love, and I’m so full of it. I am thankful for all of those who I consider family and who consider me as such. I am warmed by the love shown this year, and my heart simply bursts with every dinner & celebratory invitation that is for “family only.” When I think of former years of depression, suicidal ideation, and sadness as a child abuse survivor, you don’t know what difference you made in my life. I know what it’s like to feel as if you have nothing else to live for, and your presence would not be missed. But I also know what it feels like to be on the opposite side of that coin, having more years on this earth where you feel loved, whole, and irreplaceable.
There is no greater gift than that, even an 18 lbs weight loss.
I wish you & yours Season’s Greetings, peace, joy, and prosperity. Stay safe & warm, everyone!
Alesha Brown, CEO, Fruition Publishing Concierge Services®
Editor-in-Chief, Published! Magazine™
Award-Winning Entrepreneur|Publisher|Transformational Speaker
