Photo Credit: Kiefer Dixon

 

I know we haven’t had a formal introduction, but I’m Monique, and it’s lovely to meet you. We may have hesitated about the meeting, but I wanted an initial link that we would both appreciate.

I don’t know your intentions, but your homie 2022 left a bitter taste in my mouth, and I hope you don’t do the same. The expectations can be a bit much, but we can see eye to eye on just a few things. Don’t you think? I know you wanted to come in with a bang and show me everything you have in store, but here are some things I have tried to tell you for about four months.

2023, first of all, you don’t owe me anything. Let’s start there. When 2022, 2021, and especially 2020 left, I felt robbed, as if the year didn’t give me enough. Precious times and moments were taken from me as if the year didn’t grant all my wishes or make any of my dreams come true.
When they grabbed their bags and left, I felt empty, broken, and unaccomplished. But I didn’t realize they didn’t owe me any of that. So, therefore, I am not looking for that from you.

But listen 2023, that’s not it. I have so much more to say. Are you just the path for what I want the plan to be? Are we supposed to connect and create some awesome together? Like a blueprint, right? Yea, that’s what I was thinking. But in addition to that, I know a few unexpected things will come; that’s life. I’ll try my best to prepare for the unexpected.

Every year we set goals and have the highest expectations of how we want the year to go. But how hard are we aligning, fasting, praying, and disciplining ourselves for the best outcome?

However, I want to say to you in 2023 that leaving my happiness and plans for my life isn’t up to you. I can’t expect you to come here and sit down like you have some sense. I have to put more effort into what I want out of myself! Out of the goals that I set in place. What do I desire? What do I deserve? Because it’s within my reach and my fingertips, how badly do I want it?

If you’re still reading this and trying to figure out what I’m talking about, it’s simple. Every year we set goals and have the highest expectations of how we want the year to go. But how hard are we aligning, fasting, praying, and disciplining ourselves for the best outcome? We start with a bang, but at some point, we fall by the waist side. That’s ok; it happens, but we have to stop blaming everything else and take accountability for the part that we played in it.

My goal for 2023 was to be more disciplined in areas I needed to improve. It’s month three, and I just returned on the horse after falling a few times. I started strong and, unfortunately, fell off. But with continued prayer and staying genuine and honest with myself, I didn’t allow it to defeat me. I’m back up, ready to start exactly where I left off.

I want us to understand and embrace that all things take time. No matter what you see someone do, you don’t know what it took to get there. Embrace your journey, and follow the path that works for you but remembers to put in the work, stay consistent, and, most of all, keep going.

So in 2023, I know the unexpected will come. Things I didn’t plan will get in the way, but I must overcome those hiccups and persevere. I won’t end this year feeling like you owe me anything because this year, it’s personal; I owe it to myself.

Mo’