Today, Thursday 12th December, is exactly 20 days till the new year 2020, more than just a new year – a new decade. I wanted this post to be about spreading positivity and hope for this new time in all of our lives.

This past decade has been such an incredible one, filled with ups and downs. In this past 10 years I’ve started to become the woman I am today. Looking back, I realize just how much I’ve been through. From being told I have PCOS, depression and anxiety, and struggling with body issues to becoming someone who has finally started to embrace and love myself. From losing both family and friends to death, to welcoming new ones into my life even gaining new best friends along the way. Graduating both secondary school and college with my Bachelor’s in this decade to starting the new one with a good foot in the door in my industry. From almost losing both my parents to becoming a person who is forever grateful to the one above for keeping them here with me, and not being ashamed to be a believer in God. From experiencing true heartbreak and betrayal to not being afraid to love again.

A lot can happen in 10 years. You can become a totally different person, the person you are meant to be. Often times we may let the struggles and hardships consume our lives, but I encourage everyone to treat every day like it’s a new year. When January 1st comes some of us have a whole long list of things that we want to achieve, new year resolutions, but why not have resolutions every day, aim to become better every day. It doesn’t have to be by much either, just making the effort to push through the day can be an accomplishment.

My wish for everyone in this new year, this new decade, is to become and fight to be the person you want to be, not the person everyone else thinks you should be. Don’t let others negativity affect your life or drag you down. Don’t let someone tell you can’t, just because they aren’t able to. Push to accomplish your dreams and goals. Be successful, be strong, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. You have a vision for yourself and you shouldn’t let anything get in your way, including your own negative thoughts. There are going to be days when you want to stop, when you question if any of it is worth it, my answer, is yes, it is worth it.

This new year and decade don’t be afraid to love or to even start over and embrace love. Love is truly a powerful and amazing thing. Don’t think because you may have a couple flaws that you’re not worthy of love. Everyone is worthy of love and affection. Don’t prevent yourself from accepting what you deserve. Don’t let anyone tell you or make you feel that you’re not worthy of being loved and accepted wholeheartedly. This personally was one of my biggest challenges over the past few years, finally accepting that I am worthy of being loved. I know who I am as a person and

what I can offer to someone I am in love with and no longer will I let anyone have me believing that I am worth anything less. Don’t allow yourself to be in situations where you are not appreciated either. Know when you are being used and find the strength to leave those toxic situations in this decade. We’re always going to run into people who will never appreciate us until we stop caring, those who don’t love us but love what we can do for them. When you’re a good and genuine person you will find yourself in these situations often, your spirit will attract broken people, my advice is to love them but don’t be taken advantage of by them. Don’t let this world turn you cold. It’s going to get worse before it gets better out there, people are changing and becoming more selfish, and the trick is to not become that. Remain a pure and loving person, the world needs more of that.

Know where you see yourself when this decade ends. Make the necessary sacrifices if you have to. Make the necessary steps if you see a successful life for yourself. Now I’m not saying don’t have fun and only work, because rest and relaxation are very important in achieving your goals, mental health is a crucial factor with having the best life you can have. So do take a break just don’t overindulge. Surround yourself with positive and likeminded people. Those who are on the same wavelength as you. Those who will support your dreams and goals, who will motivate you to do better and push you. Those who won’t allow you to lapse or think badly of yourself. Get genuine friends and loved ones who you know will always be there, no matter what you may go through. The ones you can call at 3 in the morning and 2 in the evening. Be with people who are good to you not those who look good with you.

Be kind, loving, caring, awesome, successful and unapologetically yourself. Don’t be afraid to mess up and make mistakes, you’re human and it’ll happen, but apologize when you need to, don’t let pride and ego stand in the way. Believe in yourself and push through every single day. Start this new year and decade with love, joy and hope.