We've had our highs and lows, we've lost friends, family members, gone through trials and tribulations and we are still here. We are still standing. Now is not the time to feel remorse, or sadness about what happened because what is, WILL BE. Life is for living and each breathe of life must be enjoyed for we do not know when it will be our time to go. This year I've made a huge shift in my life by moving out of one career to another new one. A transition that I've been in for the last 6 months of this year. Moving to the east coast wasn't easy but it was the best thing God allowed me to do this year that actually made sense. Don't get me wrong, I do miss being in the class room, planning lessons, working with parents,and in schools in the Chicago Public System, but being in New York has given me more empowerment to do things in a different beat. Working with youth in the foster care system has been rewarding, and very freeing -- i'm seeing things with a new lens. A lens that has given me clarity in a different way to serve as I support the youth of the Bronx and encourage others to do the same.
I sit here all bright eyed and bushy tailed (locks all over the place), feeling that I am right where I need to be. I'm still writing, still singing, and still living well, learning how to budget effectively and be more healthier has been additional gifts bestowed on me and appreciated. My original goal of moving was completed by July (thanks god), and I lost 25 pounds before I left chicago, though my total weight loss is closer to 50, and I feel great. I'm cooking all the time, and learning new ways to support my balanced diet -- don't get me wrong, I love eating! and I don't miss any meals, but I do it in more of a very balanced way that lets me get all that I want in, but i don't miss eating a lot of bread or heavy (greasy meats). Last year at this time, I was an over worked teaching artist who didn't have time to cook or eat right, god fixed that when I moved here.
This year I was able to actually 'pen' a few things -- Psalms of Love -- which will be tweaked and released later in 2010 and my attempt at another novel, "Not Between These Thighs" which will be released in the Fall of 2010.
I find myself at a very peaceful place this year -- working on many shifts in my mindset, to mold myself to be a better virtuous woman, to allow real love to come into my life, to be bold in my doings, but more humble none the less.
I've had a heck of a year -- and enjoyed all of it! Glad god got me through the rough phase of my last teaching days -- and although I miss Chicago, being in New York has given me knew wings to fly higher.
Did I mention, I won two airplane tickets from Jet Blue, which I haven't used yet? I am still praying I used them in wonderful ways... god will tell me what needs to be done.
Although I'm still processing the lost of a few friends and an aunt who passed away recently, I am happy I was able to have positive exchanges with these people. Enjoyed them while they were in my life.
As I sit here on the last day of the year, I have no regrets, for I think everything has been put in place for me to rise higher and I encourage you to do the same. Whether you 'ring' in the new year quietly or with friends, wipe that slate clean and try to start the new year with new thoughts, a new mind frame, and energy to push on and claim more blessings. Don't wonder what it's going to be, just be open for things to happen and CLAIM them into existence. Speak words of kindness, and peace! Let serenity coast your spirit, and rise you higher. Do not look back, look forward to all the brightness before your soul. Wishing you a bountiful new year 2010, filled with many possibilities.
Mocha S.
