The Okays: Reflections on 2017

I'm seeing alot of hate for 2017 on social media this weekend. Sure, it politically and socially wasn't our nation's shiniest of years.

Looking back on a personal level, we've all had highs and lows. I, myself, reached some highest heights and deepest depths. But, even at its lowest points, this year has taught me over and over again that it's all okay. 

• It's okay to be weak. Revealing our vulnerabilities is the bravest thing one can do. It's okay to ask for help. Help won't find you otherwise. It's okay to need advice and forever okay to solicit prayers.
• It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Giving too much of yourself away can and will deplete you. Realize that it's better to take some time alone to yourself to replenish, recharge and simply rest. It will allow you to give more fully when you're back at your best. Because who really wants help from someone at their frazzled worst anyhow? Let's not kid ourselves.
• It's okay to trust other women. This is something I've always had trouble doing after having been burned a few too many times. If someone proves to be a rotten limb, by all means, cut them off for the sake of the tree. But, as many or as few as you can find that bring nurture, cherish those. It's a special tribe. While lovers may gently support and protect the smalls of our backs... let's, women, brace one anothers' spines.
• It's okay to support others who are checking items off your bucket list more quickly than you. Jealousy and spite are natural knee jerk reactions to this. We are not alone in that pettiness of mankind. Just remember we are all moving in different directions, at different paces, and with different destinations at the end of the journey. Don't let jealousy cloud your relationships. You will need the experience and insight of others once your turn comes around.
• It's okay to want to be noticed. We were made visual to be seen. We were made audible to be heard. As long as you understand how to share the floor... Shine. As brightly as possible.
• It's okay to fall in love with someone who may not be your soul mate. We should never regret sharing our hearts. The heart regenerates. It is meant to be given away. If someone enters your life and your hearts are drawn to one another, experience that. Let your pulses beat as one for as little or as long as they are able to stay in rhythm. It's your mind, gut, and self-respect that you shouldn't be willing to piecemeal as sacrifice. But, the heart... Yes, always. Give that shit away.

Don't hate on 2018 either. No matter how gentle or rough it decides to be with you. It will be gone before you know it. If it brings you lessons you choose to overlook that will only be your loss. 

The year is just a number. Don't put too much weight on that. Only make sure that the next twelve months full of okays.