Brooklyn, NY, 2016.

We all make investments. We invest time and energy in what we believe is important. Well, we should. Everything should have purpose. It’s not always easy, but sacrifice is necessary – otherwise your happiness and peace become compromised. Recently, I decided to solely focus on one particular investment. Myself! I’m on a journey of awareness. I am awake, and paying attention. I am visualizing the life I want for myself, each day, with an understanding that everything has its time.

I began watching food documentaries. It was time to alter my eating habits. I am an extreme believer in the law of attraction, and I knew it was time to align my spiritual being, with my physical being. I became excited in exploring the idea of becoming vegetarian, and one day, vegan. The journey began last winter. I watched Vegucated. I became a strict vegetarian for five months. My weakness is seafood. Currently, there’s a thin line between vegetarianism and pescetarianism. Either way, on this path I am feeling lighter in spirit, healthier at heart, happier with decision making, and at a beautiful level of peace. I am now, and always will be a work-in-progress.

The next thing on my list was to go on new adventures, which equated to quitting my job. I had to create space for new experiences, and my job was in the way. When it’s time, it’s time. Life is too short to stay in one place for too long. The lessons I was there to learn, ended. After my last day, so much began to surface: I participated in an art show as one of two exhibiting artists, spent a month practicing my spanish and exploring Colombia, and started a new job (the one I actually envisioned for myself). The space I created by leaving something I’ve been doing for so long, was filled with dreams come true. I am amazed, but it’s reassuring proof that thoughts are powerful. I am still a work in progress.

I’ve learned to become still, and listen to spiritual messages from the universe. Some of the messages came to me as I participated in guided meditations with Oprah and Deepak Chopra. Some spiritual messages were sent to me as I binge-watched youtube videos of Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday segments. I also became submerged in the Infinite Waters youtube channel, where Ralph Smart speaks on…you know what – just go check it out! Talk about morning energy! To heighten my spirituality, I joined an amazing church here in Brooklyn. It has been life-changing. I am still a work in progress.

Along this journey of self-awareness, to further the alignment of my spiritual being and physical being, I decided it was time to allow my natural hair to grow freely. You may have noticed many photos of me with braids (that was my transition period of eight months). Those braids helped me, tremendously! At the eighth month mark, and just before my 29th birthday, I did the big chop! It was such a liberating feeling, because as with all things – it’s about timing. The chop was right on time. I am still a work in progress.

I have eczema. If you have it, you know how frustrating it can be. I’ve decided to give up the prescriptions. My body care products now consist of natural body oils (coconut, avocado, mango, tea tree, etc.), Shea butters, black soap, and it ends there. No perfumes, no body sprays. I’m learning. I am still a work in progress.

Knowing that God’s plan for me is greater than the plan I have for myself is so inspiring. What a beautiful thing, to be conscious of who I am and work toward becoming a better me, and then finding out along the way that I am attaining so much more than I could have ever imagined. I am always reminded, “All things in due time.” I am…