I must admit, I did have "Best Friend" on replay when Saweetie and Doja Cat first released this song. It had a catchy beat and inspired my sub-theme for the year...
With the start of a new quarter, I had to reintroduce my 2024 mantra: #AlignedElevation. This year has been all about syncing up every part of my life with intention and being still enough to hear and feel my purpose. I’ve called it my BFF year—Body, Face, Finances. Each of these areas of my life required some honest truths, some recalibration, and the grace to elevate them as best I can. Here’s the breakdown.
A Love Letter to Reality - The Truth About Our Bodies
Ah, the body. After bearing two beautiful boys and years of media telling us what we “should” look like, let’s just say I’ve learned to embrace the beautiful reality. It truly is what it is. But does that make this journey any easier? Nope. The truth is, society can be pretty loud with its opinions, but my body has earned its story.
We’ve all heard the endless advice—whether it’s “bounce back after the baby” or “try this new fitness fad.” And trust me, I’ve tried them all (hello, 4 a.m. workouts, Whole30, intermittent fasting, Bikram Yoga, JJ Smith Green Smoothie Cleanse, the list goes on). But one thing I’ve learned is that no amount of burpees or organic green smoothies will undo the simple fact that my body is enough just as it is. Now, I am still striving for health and strength, but I’m doing it on my terms—celebrating the good days and being kind on the not-so-good ones.
Let me just say, I’m NOT competing against an Instagram filter. We’re honoring what’s real: stretch marks, strong arms from carrying toddlers, and maybe a few battle scars from chasing the elusive six-pack. I’ve learned to feed this temple with the things that show it love, and when I want a little something sweet - my weakness - I indulge in moderation. Plus, the older I get the more my body rejects things it should not have anyway. But this year is not about fighting my body—it’s about aligning it with the love, respect and wholeness it deserves.
Giving Face to the World: A Thank You to Acne and All Who Tried to Help
Let’s take a moment to thank the universe for genetics. If you, like me, have inherited acute cystic acne—yes, the painful, swollen, “who invited you to my face?” kind—then you know the struggle. This is not, cute pimples that appear and are gone within a week or isolated breakouts that will one day disappear. These are scar-baring beauty marks that can sometimes last forever, or require medical grade attention. But even still, I’d also like to give a shout-out to all the well-meaning souls who’ve offered their magic potions over the years:
“Just use witch hazel!”
“Have you tried Sea Breeze?”
“Wash your face with a hot towel.”
“Proactive worked for my cousin’s neighbor’s cat!”
Sure, I’ve tried them all—alcohol wipes that dried me out, salicylic acids that burned me, even those “miracle” products you see on TV at 3 a.m. (thank you, insomnia). But guess what? None of them held a candle to my stubborn skin. I’ve learned that sometimes you just have to accept the face you’ve got, flaws and all. Orrrr, go to the experts - thanks to my dermatologist ;).
The strange stares or the uncomfortable verbal affirmations of what I saw each day strengthened me, but those high school days still hurt. Thank you, cystic acne, for building my character—and my skincare cabinet. The skincare routine on the other hand is still a work in progress.
Money, Money, Money, Moneeeyyy: Aligning Saving with Living
Now, let’s talk about finances—everyone’s favorite topic, right? Full disclosure: I’m not here
to give you a financial strategy. (There are people for that.) What I am here to say is that 2024 is the year of aligning my money mindset. I’ve realized that financial alignment isn’t just about saving every penny for a rainy day or spending like the world’s ending tomorrow—it’s about balance.
My husband and I are the perfect example of this. He’s the ultimate saver, the one who lives for future security, and bless him for it. I, on the other hand, believe in living a little. You only get one life, and while I’m all for being responsible, sometimes you’ve just got to take that trip, buy that dress, or, yes, splurge on the good home stuff.
And thank you, God, for pairing me with a husband who loves me just as I am. Eric (Hubbs) has always been the practical one in this relationship, and I love how he compliments me. Meanwhile, I’m a product of Mary Lucille (blinged-out, maternal grandma), Alfreeda (classy, yet sassy, paternal grandma) and Ritie (my foeva stylish mutha) who all said, “we are not promised tomorrow, so enjoy every moment, and sometimes, spend that little extra on doing it in style and looking goodt!”
The truth is, aligning your finances is like aligning anything else—you need a bit of both: the here and now and the future. I wanted to have a love affair with my finances this year and beyond, so I will close this year knowing where my money is coming and going. And honestly, that’s what #AlignedElevation is about: elevating your life in a way that honors both present enjoyment and future security. I’m not always the best BFF, but I sure did lean into this relationship this year.
Let’s Close 2024 Strong
Before we rush ahead to 2025, let’s not forget that we’ve still got one quarter left in 2024. It’s time to close this year out on a high note. Whether that means hitting a personal goal, realigning your priorities, or simply staying the course, let’s finish strong.
Here’s to alignment in all things—body, face, finances—and to living this one relaxed life with intention, grace, and joy along the way.
#AlignedElevation. Let’s do this.
留言