12 Months of Becoming C. Blount

I cannot believe that 2018 is coming to a close. As I think back to the beginning of this year, I realize how much I have accomplished, how much I have changed and how much I have grown as a person. Each year is an opportunity to learn something new about yourself and for me, 2018 didn’t disappoint. Here are 12 things that has helped me in my journey to becoming a better C. Blount.

Finding the Positive in everything:

It is inevitable that something bad in your life will happen. I have learned that every situation, no matter how horrible it is, contains a lesson and a blessing. It may be hard to see at first, but when you recognize it, just say “thank you Lord.” This recognition of the lesson will lead to being more conscious in the future when things don’t go quite our way. We will begin to pause as seek God’s voice, ask questions like, “what are you trying to teach me here Lord.” This way of thinking has helped me to be more optimistic and not so down on myself when things do go according to my plan; because it’s ultimately God’s plan for our lives.

Taking a deep breath:

This may sound cliché but taking a deep breath has saved a lot of folks from a good cursing out…at least on my end anyway. Taking a moment to pause and take a breath allows the oxygen to flow to your brain which in turns clears your head. Please note that several deep breaths may be required, so take them if you need them. You will thank me later!

Focusing on the here and now:

I must admit that I have an issue with this. I am a planner and I try to be as proactive as possible. Sometimes being proactive can backfire on you…I know right, go figure…so I have learned to look at each situation and determine if I need to focus on just what’s in front of me, or look beyond it. I have found that focusing on the present can set you up for a brighter future.

Realizing that troubles don’t last always:

I have had my share of things that have gone wrong, and many times I find myself getting down about it. I look back on those times, and realize that they didn’t last very long; and in the end I came out a stronger person. So in times of hardship, just know that God is bringing you through the storm and to a place in your life where you can recognize your strength and say, I made it through before, I can do it again.

Asking for help:

As a natural born leader, I often found it hard to ask for help. Not because I didn’t need it but because I didn’t want to trouble anyone, or I felt that I could do it more quickly or efficiently on my own. As I get older, I have found that people are not bothered by me asking for help. They have actually welcomed it. There is a certain strength in recognizing when you need help and can’t do it alone. So when you feel weak and overwhelmed just remember it takes a very strong person to be vulnerable and ask for help, and that my friends is growth.

Being a help:

On this note, understanding how to be a help to someone is just as important as a person being comfortable asking for help. Here is what I mean; ask yourself how often do you get asked to help someone? Are you the type of person who when asked for help, you find an excuse not to, or your make some slick comment to the person, instead of saying “sure, how can I help.” Remembering that being a help to someone is not always about your opinion or judgement of the situation, but just being there. I recently started watching the show New Amsterdam (love it by the way); and the tagline is “how can I help?” I love this! So here is a challenge for myself in the next year of growth for me, when someone is talking to me, I will listen…then ask this question, “How can I help?”

Planning ahead:

Some people like to just go with the flow…I’m not that person…Some people love it, some people hate it but everyone appreciates it. I have gotten better with understanding that I cannot control every situation and with that comes my ability to take control of my anxiety. Of course I know that everything is not going to go to plan but I try to always live by the motto “if you stay ready, you won’t have to get ready.” Everyone loves the person in the group that has things in their bag that no one else thought about…I’m that girl…I have come to the realization that I like to at least think ahead when it comes to most things in my life…that is who I am and that is who I will always be. Love it or leave it alone, but don’t ask me for an extra face mask when that person on your flight starts coughing up a lung…LOL

Being selfish:

This may sound harsh, but I have learned to be a little selfish when it comes to my sanity. Being able to say no is such a freeing thing. Often times I do things because I don’t want to hurt the other person’s feelings or I want to be that supportive person, this is very exhausting. I found myself being pulled in a lot of directions and I had to really evaluate how this was taking a toll on me. Learning how to be selfish with my time has shown me who really values the sacrifices I make for them and those who take me for granted. Not everyone deserves your sacrifice especially when it comes to your time because you can never get that back. If you truly don’t feel like attending an event don’t go, its ok and those who know you will understand why you said no…if they don’t, they’ll be ok. You have to do what is best for your well-being and peace of mind.

Controlling the energy I allow in my space:

This is a big one for me…you…yes you have the power to control what energy you allow in your space. I watch a lot of reality, ratchet TV and it irks me to no end to when people get mad at others for walking away from a situation. It takes a lot of strength to walk away from a person or situation that produces negative energy. Over the years communication via text message, email, gif whatever has found the ability to produce negative energy…the solution for that is to not answer that energy with a response. You know when you receive that text message riddled with shade and attitude that just turns your whole mood to negative and you want to respond with the same energy? My advice to you is to walk away, leave their behind on read and come back when you are in a better mood…or better yet you don’t have to respond at all. If the person asks you why, that is your opportunity to tell them that you didn’t like the energy and instead of returning it you decided to find your peace. Unfortunately we all have that person in our life who finds something negative about everything. You love that person but being around them at times is toxic. My suggestion, is to limit your time with that individual. You and I both know that those are the type of people you can only take in doses…so don’t overdose. You have the power.

Listen more, Talk Less:

Self-explanatory… I had to learn that everyone who talks to you is not looking for your response. Listen first and only speak if necessary. Sometimes your ear is all they need.

Caring less:

This too may sound mean but let me explain. Excuse my language, but most people know this as giving less F*cks (sorry mom). You caring less about what others think of you, doing what makes you happy, dancing like no one is watching, singing out loud even if you don’t have the best voice…who cares? Do it! Stop caring about someone not replying to your “just checking on you” text…you did your part. Focus more on the positive and do your best to be a positive light in the world. Caring less is the ultimate definition of letting go and letting God. Won’t He do it!?!?!?

Loving me more:

Plain and simple! It has taken me a long time to love myself the way I do. I am starting to embrace my flaws, love my imperfections and recognize my weaknesses. All of these things make me who I am. I am not perfect, but to those who love me, I am perfect for them. Bottom line is the practice of loving yourself more just means that you take care of you first, because you love yourself enough to be better each day. If you can’t love yourself, you can’t expect others to. When you have a certain level of love for yourself, you won’t settle for anything less from anyone else.

I am looking forward a new year of growth. I hope you join me! Happy Holidays! Be a blessing, receive a blessing, love, laugh and…

Live BLOUNT-ly