2024, Let's Get To It

To go forward, I must look back. -Sankofa

In January of 202,3 I officially established my business. A huge step toward legitimacy in working in my home, outside of my home, and with partners that align with my vision. It was exciting but also a step into the unknown as this transition is happening all while life is happening. Burning off of the energy of my most popular post to date, I saw the possibilities of where Tools and Transformations LLC could go. Keep in mind, I still work a 9-5, and am actively renovating the space I live in. Essentially, I loaded up my plate from the start.

Unfortunately, 2023 dealt some cards to me that I didn't expect. My brother who has special needs needed a higher level of care that was becoming too much for my mom. Also, my aunt discovered and succumbed to an illness after a devastating diagnosis. These experiences happening in tandem, changed me completely. I'm still grieving, but I have a deeper appreciation for all the small things and people in life.

The rest of 2023 felt a lot like I was playing catch-up with my budding business. I am thankful I was still able to progress in my house, work on several projects outside my house, and brand partnerships.

In 2024, I won't put myself in a corner with my goals, but I will leave room for flexibility and unexpected occurrences. I have a list, and I'm working on executing action steps. But I'm leaving room to live life because we only get one.

Some specific goals that I have are as follows:

• Enhance my workout routine, incorporating some HIIT into my normal cardio and weightlifting during the week. In the past, this form of exercise has been great at showing results I see and feel. Please note, I'm not addicted to a scale or tied to a certain weight. I just want to feel good in my clothes and carry heavy things when need be.

Check out some of my favorite workout clothes here! I'm a believer that cute workout clothes enhance the workout.

• More balanced meals! I am too good at ordering out when I have a project to work on or if I just want to rest. I've tried meal prepping and it lost its luster for me quickly. My happy medium is using meal delivery services, especially Factor and Blue Apron. While Factor is newer to me, I like the portion control and efficiency in prep (only 10 minutes!) Blue Apron is great for a variety of flavors and does take a bit more work because I have to cook, but I've never had a meal I didn't enjoy. What I pay for these is less than ordering out 3 times a week, so it's a win for me.

• Purging junk from the house. Being in a constant transition while renovating a home can highlight needs and extras. When the house was bare bones and I was cooking using an Instapot and washing dishes in the bathroom, I discovered what things I needed daily. Expand that example to a whole house; there's so much mess I need to eliminate. I've started the process somewhat, but this year I plan to donate a lot of things that I just don't need. That said, I'm not a minimalist by any stretch, but I just have STUFF, and holding on to some of it is unnecessary.

• Finally, I am getting back into organizing and planning. As a business owner and a 9-5'er, without planning, things will fall apart. This year, I will be more intentional about sitting down and making time for planning so that I can reach my personal goals. Here are some things I picked up to help me jump-start that journey.

If you're reading this, my prayer is for you to have a great 2024, filled with joy and personal growth.