Happy Self-Love Sunday!
It’s that time of the year where the year is coming to an end and everyone is gushing about their expectations and changed behavior for 2019. And contrary to popular belief, there is nothing wrong with these discussions. The only problem is when you speak about something and don’t carry it into fruition, which can be the case when people begin to get busy with the hustle and bustle of life. But, let us make 2019 different. Let us carry out everything we said we would and not make excuses for why we didn’t, let us be transformed by the renewing of our mind in 2019.

When I was thinking about what to write for these upcoming weeks, the idea of transformation came into mind. And as I pondered on that word, I began to think about metamorphosis. I was specifically thinking about the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly.  Because, in a way, I feel we all can relate to this process. Caterpillars aren’t as appealing to the eye as butterflies. And in order for the caterpillar to complete its stage in the life cycle it has to undergo some circumstances so the transformation into a butterfly can begin. However, the caterpillar is a key stage in the life cycle of a butterfly and without the caterpillar there is no butterfly.  Once the caterpillar grows completely, it enters the pupa stage where they form sort of a protective barrier around themselves as they undergo rapid change. And once this is complete, they can release themselves and fly free as the beautiful butterfly we all see.

You may be wondering why I included the life cycle of a butterfly in this post, but I promise that was done with intention and I am about to break it down for you. Just as the caterpillar isn’t the prettiest creature, sometimes our lives are just as unappealing to us. However, this ugliness in our life is essential in aiding us in our transformation!  See, trials and tribulations are key components of our lives. If we never experienced any hardships, we wouldn’t have any motivation to get better for ourselves or loved ones, nor would we have any drive to protect ourselves, just as the caterpillar protects itself during transformation. Just as the caterpillar protects itself during transformation, it’s important for us to protect ourselves as well from any danger or ill will, in whatever shape or form these may take. But once we have endured and transformed, the result is something beautiful. The beauty is a combination of all the ugliness plus the hard work of change. Some may only see the beauty, but we know the struggle and pains that it took to get where we are. Is 2019 your year to transform like a butterfly, what’s holding you back?

As I reflect on 2018, I’m sort of indifferent about how I felt my year went. I experienced some hardships and lots of ugly moments. Yet, I am thankful for everything. Because if I didn’t feel the way I felt at times, I wouldn’t have gained this insight or mindset to come to you all with this piece of writing. I don’t think 2018 was one of my best years, but it was filled with tons of blessings and lots and lots of love. I have no idea what 2019 has to hold for me. But I am entering into this year with a different mindset than I had when I entered 2018. I want to be better than I was in 2018, I want to transform so I can better fulfill my purpose and honestly, that is all that matters.

Let 2019 be the year where we transform. Let our actions reflect what we have said with our words. Let it be the year where we learn to put ourselves and our own happiness first, sometimes. Let it be the year where we learn to use our hurt and pain as a motivator. Let 2019 be a year so much better than any other year we have experienced. And if we feel that this year is not going in a good direction, may we seek God, pray on it, and make an effort to make some sort of change. There’s a song that says, it’s a season of power & prosperity, well let 2019 be this year of bountiful blessings due to the transformation that has occurred because you changed the way you think and thus, behave.

I pray that you all will be ready to transform in 2019, because sometimes transformation occurs whether we like it or not. Nobody wants to be stuck as a caterpillar knowing they have the potential to become a butterfly. So this year, let go of all the things that are weighing you down and keeping you from going into the next stage of your life. You deserve all of the things that God has promised for you, and so do I.
I challenge you all to join me on my journey of transformation through the renewing of my mind. May God watch over us, guide us, and hold us accountable to conqueror everything we said we would this upcoming year. HAPPY NEW YEAR!