Have you ever reflected on your life journey? I mean penciling in the time to have a seat, question yourself, provide honest and well-thought-out answers, embrace the conversation, accept the things you cannot change, celebrate your wins, and be one with who you are, and what you bring–to the table?

I find it quite interesting that we have these visions of ourselves and how we thought we would turn out. But we never take the time to truly reflect and sometimes say, “I got everything I have ever wanted or went after, but it doesn’t look how I thought it would.”

Ah ha. That’s a thought. At least for me, it is. I say this because all of the things I have wanted, I achieved. Or I earned them in the mud with grit. Of course, God’s favor opened those doors. Tithing was a foundation. A pure heart and determination factored in. And even some sort of social politics, maybe even aristocracy or nepotism. But none of those negate that they were all coupled with doing the work.

Reflecting on navigating this path of mine and the above sentiments, I had to remind myself of myself. An achievement was only a temporary fix for me when I didn’t own my identity, the spaces I occupied, and loved myself.

I think about the show by Lee Daniels titled “Star.” The show’s first song was “I Bring Me“. It was a spicy yet self-empowering indulgence of three women showcasing self-validation and fulfillment.

Remembering that I bring me, taught me to love myself more. It made me own the greatness that God defined and destined me to be without needing the vocal of others for support. In acknowledging this state of mind, I celebrated my wins more. I begin accepting things that I may not have the power to change. I started owning my will to live through. And the resilience to run through! Acknowledging that I did the work and that I could think or feel as I choose based on my experience; became a thing.

Why am I sharing this, you may ask? Because I want you to think deep within yourself and what work you’ve done. And I want you to celebrate your charted path. You may feel it wasn’t (or isn’t) perfect or what you want.

Even if you have one win, you have a win! Build on it. But most of all, I want you to remember to give God glory in it all. And yield to his will for your life. Bring you, but align with him!

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