Creating a new beginning is something that is all the rage these days. The trend of transformation, starting a new business, losing weight, having some awakening, or just reinventing (or even rebranding) yourself is more popular than ever before. With change can come new successes, ideas and reflection but a new beginning is equally as difficult as it can be rewarding. We’re getting transparent about the truth of a fresh start and how to prepare for transformation in a way that can support you in your journey.

Friendships amongst Black women have always been depicted in media as messy, drama-filled and fraudulent. We hear constantly about social media friendships based on aesthetic and what’s trendy and even more recently -Erica Banks brought attention to this narrative when she let us all know unless you’re “thick and can dress” you don’t fit into the “brand” and definitely will be left behind when the gworls go to the club. This got me thinking about the many other grown women who seek out superficial reflections of themselves rather than growth opportunities in friendships. It goes without saying real genuine connections are definitely rare in this social climate, let’s talk about why.

The reason we seek out to have control over things is usually to prevent us from getting hurt, being inconvenienced, or just dealing with any kind of confusion. Unfortunately, these things are unavoidable and trying to maintain control with little to no flexibility can leave you stressed and overwhelmed. There is much peace in release. Surrender allows you to always be in control of your energy, which is the most beneficial form of control that we all can benefit from.

Getting back on track is forever a topic of discussion. How do we get off track in the first place? How can we make the most of our downtime? How do we find patience in moments of confusion? These are questions we will constantly return to throughout life because every journey has highs and lows. There are always moments when we feel lost, knowing how to find your way back to you and create systems that support your newfound clarity will be life changing in every path you take. Get into ways to honor yourself in every change and make the most out of the highs and lows of every journey.

It is much easier to avoid negative things in your own life and in the world around you, but does this really leave you in a better state? The phrase, “Ignorance is bliss” is definitely played out these days. The bliss is truly in acknowledging that darkness and negativity is just as prevalent as the light in our life. Running from negativity doesn’t make it go away, if anything it makes it more stressful when you finally have to deal with it (because you’ll always have to deal). Acknowledging negativity allows you to better be prepared when you encounter tough spots, which is where true freedom is!

“See yourself the way God sees you.” I heard this so long ago I don’t remember who said it to me but I never forgot the impact this statement has. We are fixed on being the best in this physical world we forget we already are spiritually divine. Seeing yourself as Your Highest Self and just getting familiar with that part of you in the first place is so healing and life changing. Fears and doubts cannot measure up to the confidence of Your Highest Self. This is simply just knowing who you are. Getting connected to who God made you flawlessly to be will allow you to walk in that divinity every single day. This is transformative!

We always hear about how plastic surgery will have some folks looking crazy in 20-30 years but the same can be said for the collective mental & emotional health of people everywhere. No matter what your walk of life, we all are experiencing so much fast pace change that can keep you mentally stagnant and regretting your actions later on. Taking time to pause, make your own goals, mind your own business and focus on what matters can keep your mind in the right place. So many things in the spotlight today are so irrelevant, tap into that tunnel vision for your dreams and push forward.

The things we see change our perspectives and expectations, that’s no secret. Faith is the basis of all our actions and fulfilling the things that we want and need. Things we see can cause us to get discouraged and quickly throw our expectations down the drain. This is why having a strong grip on your reality is key. No matter what standards change in the media, the things you feel called to in love and relationships are yours! They are your desires for a reason. Date with intention, not fear or in preparation of disappointment. Move with confidence, learn what you need to and keep your goals in mind. Don’t be fueled or moved by what may not happen, focus on what you want to attract.

Nothing in life is easy! So many times we are plagued with stress, self doubt, insecurity and just an overall disinterested energy when our goals are taking longer than we’d like to come full circle. It’s important to remember that everything happens exactly when it should and every day you get closer to your end goal! The finish line never changes, you only become more prepared to accept the new beginning. Combatting imposter syndrome is key in seeing yourself fulfill your dreams. Don’t question your abilities as times goes on- understand that the timing is always exactly how it needs to be!

Responsibility goes hand in hand with success and breaking down boundaries. The more successful you are, the more money you’ll make, the more you will be handling, the more that will be available to you, the more that you have to stress over and maintain & the list goes on and on! Success is far more than the glitz and glamor we see on the daily on social media. All things that glitter are definitely not gold! Pave your own way in patience and well thought out plans. Being ready is much more than being ready to accept the blessing, you must be ready to accept the responsibility of maintaining the new space you’ve walked into.