I feel that with a new year comes a time to reflect and self-assess. I believe a huge part of growing and developing personally and professionally. A large part of maturing is taking the time to reflect and to determine or define what situations were teachable moments and how things could’ve been handled differently.
Honestly, I’ve learned a lot about myself over the last year. There are some things that I realized that I just don’t have the patience to deal with. For example, I don’t have the patience to date or deal with a person who never takes responsibility for their own actions. The thing I can’t stand most in the world is someone who tries to manipulate and get over others. Therefore, I refuse to allow those types of people in my personal space. Life is too short to have those around you who do not promote good health, happiness, or have a positive effect on your life.
Also, if a person isn’t your type, don’t feel bad about having a preference. I allowed people to make me feel bad about my preference. So, I attempted to be open-minded and the results were a damn mess. I’m sticking with what I like and not compromising or settling. There are levels to this dating shit…if you feel that someone isn’t on yours, don’t be afraid to pass. I tried to see the potential in someone, combined with trying to prove that I am open-minded, and it was the worst “relationship” I have ever had, including my marriage. In the end, I was very angry and frustrated, but I didn’t know how to get out of the situation. When I finally was able to get out, my friends and family were relieved because they saw the negative effect that person had on me. Funny enough, a friend of mine told me, “You can’t get mad at a snake for doing snake shit!” Well, damn! He was so right.
In the end, I learned that I need to be firm in what I say and follow through with my words. If I say that I’m done with a situation, don’t allow the person to have a third or fourth chance… really wasn’t a lesson but I had to get back to my norm. I’m the queen of cutting folks off for acting a fool but last year, I tried to be more tolerant and patient. Honestly, I felt trapped and isolated. I will spare you more on that…moving along.
I also realized the true importance of a family that isn’t really family. I’ve always known that people don’t always have to be related to you to be your family, but I realized just how important it is to have those relationships. Since I’m an only child, I’ve always been notorious for adopting folks. Plus, my friends and family are those who I’ve known forever and three days…like, 20 plus years. So, they might as well be family. LOL! Sorry, I digress. Last year was extremely emotional for me with the passing of the last bit of biological family that I had left. My adopted family was there to support and encourage me. Love is love and I’ll take it…family or not. People who truly love you and are in your corner are there regardless of familial ties.
I also learned how much fun it is to be a Gigi, and that I definitely want more children. Yes, I mean that I want to give birth to more mini-humans. So now, a relationship deal-breaker is not wanting children. Don’t judge me. I seriously enjoy being a mom.
Anywho, enough of my personal assessment results; I need your help and feedback on the blog. If you’ve been around for a while, you know the blog started as a hair blog called Grow It Girl. Over time I expanded the content to include beauty and lifestyle. However, last year, I did not post much about hair and I focused more on beauty. So this year, I want to get your feedback on which types of posts you like and how often you would like to see content up on the site. Below you will find the link to a super quick content survey…seriously, it will only take a minute or two.
I would really appreciate your feedback and input on the direction of Just Tiki. If you haven’t heard me say it before, thank you so much for your support and hanging out here with little ole me. 🙂
P.S.A – Abuse is never okay. Realize that verbal and emotional abuse is just as harmful as physical abuse. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone, even if that person tells you not to. If you need help, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or visit their site at http://www.thehotline.org/
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