Stay Active in 2024, Live Life Galore!

This will not be a post about a report card that I designed for myself admitting or denying how well I did or didn't do in the last 365 days nor frivolously promising empty, pretentious goals for myself in 2024.

No, this one is for the ones who've fought in darkness, holding on by the threads; the ones for whom this isn't a happy new year but by the Most High's grace, have made it to live another day.

Let's be honest, over the last year, our communities have been riddled with all kinds of tragedies from illnesses to devastating losses, without regard to age, sex, religion, or financial status. Before and after COVID-19, many have been in some form of negative isolation, where they are forced to figure it out on their own. Some days, they may feel like drowning, and some days, they may feel like swimming. Relative to ducks, they look stunning on the surface of the water, but underneath, they are kicking like a mug.

Our obituary will include our born on date and return date, neither is under our control. However, it's that dash in between those dates that matters! This is where we build relationships, character, leadership, and purpose. I'm not here to be you, and you aren't here to be me. But what I feel confident in saying is that you can't go harder for anyone more than you go harder for yourself. So, if you are feeling grief, abandonment, anger, or suffering, look at this picture. If you are feeling joy, excitement, and success look at this picture. May it remind you, keep you, and uplift you in 2024:

1. This life will be chilly at times, but if you keep moving, you'll warm up and begin to find comfort and peace.

2. You may be the only one who shows up, but the finish line, the reward is near, you must persevere.

3. The Most High will surround you with people who are "too deep." Pay attention to them. Sit with them. Learn from them.

4. You may want to turn back, but turn and face whatever has been placed at your doorstep, with two feet planted, head held high. YOU CAN do it.

5. Identify your niche or create your own and run with it. In your scariest and most unsettling situations, refer to your passions that you have identified; they will give you the breath to keep going.

During your dash in between, give yourself a fighting chance, live an indelible mark. Hold on to the rope of the Most High. Pour hope, light, and freedom into yourself. Release anguish and suffering. Breathe. Hold your breath if you have to. But breathe again. Don't let go. You are loved.

KnoYoBoE