Amani Abdul, Featured Collaborator
Soulivity Magazine
Where has 2016 gone? It seems like it just ran past us. I can still remember the Super Bowl party I attended as if it were yesterday. Wow! Time is surely flying.
2016 was not kind to many. The greatest loss for me was the loss of my favorite musician, Prince. I adored him! My heart still aches, as it was such a sad loss. Rest well, your "Purple Badness". You will live in our hearts forever.
I know a lot of people that have had a rough year. There were lots of lessons. If 2016 affected you in a significant way, what did you learn? Have you reflected? Have you set your goals for 2017? Without set and written goals, our ideas are just mere thoughts. Surely, you've learned something. None of us are perfect. We are all here to learn and grow. Sometimes, we get so caught up with what we're going through, we don't digest it to learn and grow from it. Take a few moments. Relax. Breathe in and imagine the good. Breathe out and release the bad. In time, you will learn to just be still. Though you will notice the tests and lessons, your spirit will give you the answers to address them properly.
To bring in new energy, you have to release the old energy. Don't drag toxic energy into 2017. Be mindful. Remember, forgiveness and release are the only ways to move forward.
Lord knows the last few years have been quite a roller coaster ride for me, personally. I've had non-stop crash courses of tests and lessons. Though there were some hick-ups, I'm thankful that 2016 was much smoother than the years past.
So, as I reflect, release, and (begin to) restore mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the New Year, I think about the specific lessons that 2016 brought to me. I learned 4 things:
Our intuition is our Spirit leading us. Learn to trust and follow it.
Address situations as they present themselves. Open, honest communication is important to all relationships, be it personal or professional.
I had a bad habit of observing situations, people, behavioral traits, and patterns. Analyzing leads to over-analyzing and causes things (that weren't there) to be created. Everything is not meant to be dissected. Learn to live in the moment; and, don't try to rush the process. Because we are creators, anything we focus on eventually materializes in our current reality.
You'd think I would already know, right? I did. And though I've seen it happen to people around me, witnessing it happen in my reality, knowing I caused it, well, it hurt. When something hurts your spirit, you'll feel it in the pit of your soul. It will disturb you; and, that's how you recognize the major lessons that are intended to grow you.
I remember reading something once that said, "People don't listen to understand, they listen to respond." I've been told at times I only listen to what I want to hear or only see the projection I have of a situation. So, I will listen to understand and not project.
These 4 points are what stood out to me in 2016. This is what I need to hone in and address going forward and through 2017.
Start by addressing what you need to work on; set your goals for 2017; and then, state your intentions for the New Year. However, if you don't start right away, or complete what you set in that timeframe, don't be so hard on yourself. Understand although this is the beginning of the year calendar-wise, it's only man-made. The calendar year is a creation of conditioned and learned behavior. Don't let society dictate when you can start or finish something. And, don't let this be a deterrent for you to start something new in the middle of the year (or, whenever the timing is right).
Universal time is infinite. Whenever something is supposed to be, it will be. You can't force it or put a date on it. Sometimes, the Universe has its own due date; and, regardless of how much you try to make something happen, it will never work. For according to universal law, when the time is right, it will be right; and, it will get done at that time.
Hold the people who believe in you; love you; don't give up on you; and, are there for you, near and dear. They are irreplaceable. Understand that Time is valuable. Don't waste time trying to restore friendships, relationships, and partnerships that are not serving you, or matching your energy and effort. Wish them well. Send them love. Then, release them to move forward.
Know that YOU are the Creator of your life. Create with those who match your vibration; release those who don't. Learn to be happy with yourself where you are throughout the process, and be sure to:
Spread Love.
Be A Light.
Preach Peace.
I hope 2017 serves you well, bringing an abundance of what your heart desires.
Peace, Love, and lots of Light. ~A2
Amani Abdul is a native Detroiter (Michigan, USA), who due to her upbringing, has very strong views on life. She has a huge passion for people, poetry, sports, and real, genuine conversations. A natural writer, Amani has always used the art of writing to express her thoughts. Check out her blog here. And, Follow her on Twitter (@AmaniAbdul); and, Instagram (AmaniAbdul).
