Listen..

It's a lot of things people don't bother to remember or we often don't reciprocate. Naturally, I would like to say we are selfish; selfish with others and with ourselves. And it's okay. It is what makes us human. Subconsciously we want to do right by ourselves and others, but often it gets placed in the back of our subconscious. Everyday our minds are constantly moving and adjusting to the energy and events that are directly in front of us.

Here are a few thoughts that ran across in my stream of conscious....

1. Stop and Listen to what others have to say. More times than often, we listen to respond versus listening to understand and process what is being verbalized. Try it out, the conversation can be more beneficial. Often I find myself selectively hearing versus actively hearing. I hear what I want to hear when it benefits what I want to talk about. Relationships and bonds aren't created or maintained this way. Try taking the time to actively listen to what others have to say. You might learn something!

2. Count your BLESSINGS and remain HUMBLE. Remember, it can be taken from you just as quick as you received it. But also keep in mind, it could always happen to you, good or bad. Take a seat and be thankful for what you do have. Not only on Sunday's, not only on holidays, and not when things go bad; acknowledge your blessings when you can. Here's a tip: the moment you feel the need to complain, count 3 blessings and say them out loud. Thank me later!

3. "I would never do that/That could never be me." It could very much so be you in the blink of an eye. We will never know the things we are capable of when encountered with pressure, depression, intense emotions, stress, in love, etc. Be mindful of that before you judge someone else.

4. Someone once told me, "if it won't serve you purpose in life or it won't affect you in the future, it doesn't matter." Clear your mind and plan for what matters the most for your future. Sometimes we get so caught up in what other people are doing, social media, and drama, we forget those conversations that keep us motivated and on track. We forget those intellectual conversations that keeps the mind stimulated and focused on important things in life. Not saying we have to talk about life 24/7, but take the time to acknowledge where you are in life, who you surround yourself with, and what is important to you at this point in your life.

5. Protect your energy, no matter what. It is easy to get so consumed in so many other things we get lost in the external world in front of us. Cleanse your mind. Breathe. Think about inhaling and exhaling. Take the opportunity to refrain from encountering negative vibes, topics, and people. Most days we just need a break just to simply be selfish and focus on your mental and physical well being. It is not to be mean and you don't have to be nasty, but it is so important to protect your mental and physical health. Place your time and energy into things that will make YOU a better YOU for YOU.

We are all creatures of good and bad habits. I write this from the perspective of flaws of my own and others around me. I only say these 5 things to acknowledge that there comes a time in your life where you must be able to recognize your flaws before you can progress. Here are a few things to challenge yourself for the week:

• Start a new hobby (e.g. yoga, writing, walking, reading, painting, hiking, community service, etc.)

• Write down 3 things you want to accomplish before 2021.

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Are you proud of where you are in this present day? what would you change? This conversation can be held alone, in a journal, or with your friends.

• When you are finished reading this, comment below 3 things you are grateful for!

It's not about when you do it, it's how you do it. You have to crawl before you walk, and nothing comes to a sleeper but a dream, so get to it while you can.