If you reading this then well done, like me, you have made it to 2022! I don’t know what your expectations are but for me, it’s gonna be my best year yet. I know this because I won’t be making the same mistakes I have made for most of my life. I finally know better so that I can do better. In fact, if I could go back in time, this would be the advice I would give to my teenage self so that it wouldn’t me so long to get to this place 😊:
Lesson #1: Ask the ‘stupid questions’
You have always been afraid that if you ask, what you believe might be, a ‘stupid question’, people would think you were an idiot. You have always thought that you needed to know everything in order for people to respect you or trust you. The reality is that you will never know everything and it’s ok to ask questions because you don’t know. Lesson #1: Nobody expects you to have all the answers. Ask the ‘stupid questions’.
Lesson #2: Trust your inner voice
You are insightful. You are constantly gathering information through the books that you read, the people that you talk to and observe. You will find that you connect dots that others will not because they don’t see what you see. Trust that picture that you see that no one else sees. Those pictures will add value to everything you do and every team you work in. Lesson #2: You are insightful so trust your inner voice. Your instincts are not wrong even if others can’t see what you see.
Lesson #3: Work on becoming the person you need to be in order to attract the things you desire
You know what you want but you have no idea how to get it. Partly because you are scared to ask and partly because, although you know that you that need to grow in skills in order to achieve your dreams, you don’t understand that there is more to it than that. Skills alone will not get you were you want to be, you have to change the way you think as well. You have to evolve as a person. The person who is living the dream in the future will need to be different to the person you are today. This is a tough one to explain so I am really just planting the seed here. You will need mentors to help you along this path. Be open to them. Lesson #3: Work on becoming the person you need to be in order to attract the things you desire
Lesson 4: You never have control over the outcome and that’s ok
Phew, this is toughie for your control freak self but I promise you, control of the outcome is an illusion. That’s the part you must always leave to God and He will always, and yes I mean ALWAYS, have your back. Sometimes the outcome will dissapoint you because it didn’t go the way you hoped but those are times when the real outcome is still in the works and will be waaaay better than you ever managed. You will always have control over the amount of effort you put in but the outcome is never actually in your hands. Put every ounce of effort and love into everything that you do anyway. Lesson 4: You never have control over the outcome and that’s ok
Lesson 5: You are perfect as you are
This is THE most important lesson. You, yes skinny, knobby kneed, clutzy, nerdy you are absolutely perfect as you are. You are beautiful inside and out. Love yourself. You deserve it. No one expects you to be anyone other than you. The people who truly love you, do so because you are you. Understand that some people will project their own issues on to you but know that nothing that they blame you for is actually your fault. They need to work on their own issues. Your job is you and your number 1 job is loving you and nourishing your spirit. Lesson 5: You are perfect as you are.
These lessons are just the tip of the ice berg. I always have a lot more work to do on myself so I am sure there will be more advice and lessons coming through. Keep checking in if you found these helpful for you too. Thanks for your support. May your 2022 be your best year yet!
Grounded African 