Are You Making a New Year's Resolution?

Wow, this year was a world wind for me. I have cried my eyes red and laughed my heart inside out. Last year I didn't make an actual resolution, because I know those always seem to fail. I did however, make a promise to myself. This is what I wrote on the blog last year 2009:

What are you doing this New Year's Eve?

This New Year's Eve I will be quietly celebrating and thanking God for helping me through a tough year. But looking back on things I accomplished more than a little this year and anxiously await whats to come with wide eyes. (Those that know me, know I always have a story to tell, LOL). Let's see what chapter I will write next year.

My wish for the New Year is simple. I want to embrace my future full force. The start of a New Year brings about a breath of fresh air, a chance to revive the aspects of your life you once thought passed on.

I wish you all a safe and happy 2010. May the new year bring answers to questions, light where there was hope, love where there was hate, and joy where there was pain.

The ending of last year was out right miserable for me. I was trying to get over a breakup, and pretending it didn't hurt. The truth was that I was literally dying inside. I spent months beating myself up and wondering what I did wrong, and what I needed to change. I fought the tears, because I just didn't want to acknowledge the hurt. But time passed and I forgave myself. 2010 started to look brighter. A friend pointed out that my smile returned. Not just my photo smile, but the happiness and radiance from my heart began to shine through once again. Now that I've conquered 2010, its on for 2011. I have never been more excited about starting a new year than now. I can feel deep down inside great things about to happen around me. I have goals set for myself and dreams that will play out. I am sure there will be obstacles, but nothing I am not prepared to face. 

I wish for myself the following (these are not resolutions because I am working at them now):

1. Continuing to honor my morals and beliefs despite how others may view me
2. Always wanting to be a better mother, daughter, sister, and friend
3. Devoting more time with my family
4. Continuing to share my love with others, despite past hurts and disappointments 
5. Not letting anyone change my heart and good intentions
6. Blocking out negativeness from all sources
7. Finishing grad school with at least a 3.7 G.P.A
8. Getting 2 steps closer to financial independence
9. Devoting more time to my writings
10. Exercising patience for things that are worth the wait
11. Exhaling nonsense that causes unnecessary hurt
12. Mingling with other fellow bloggers (feel free to leave your link or email)
13. Attend at least one blog or writers conference in 2011
14. Take a mini vacation
15. Make myself a pair of earrings (so important to me)

Life has been good to me. I have some horror stories to tell, but I wouldn't change those experience because they molded me into the strong woman that I am. I can spot some ish a mile away. As much as I say I'm not gonna tolerate nonsense, people continue to cross me. It isn't much for me to filter it and keep moving.

I am proud of my daughter and wish her continued love and blessings. Our family and friends continue to keep us close. I pray my family continues to grow closer and happier, I am loving my new found relationships with each of you.

To my small circle of friends, you all are still here despite it all. May I watch my girlfriends get married and start their families, may new babies that bless our lives be raised with all our hearts, may I continue to lean on you for your unbiased opinions, may you continue to share your highs and lows with me. We will cry together in happiness and sadness, and smile so bright in 2011. Family and friends, I love you all.

Someone wrote a list of achievable goals for me back in July and unknowingly to them, I view them monthly as a reminder. I think it was one of the most productive conversations I've had. If you take one piece of advice from me in 2010, it will be to write a list of 3 things you want to achieve in your life, that list made such a difference on attainable goals.

To my devoted followers and readers, I wish you all happiness and success in 2011. Let's keep our lines of communication open. Add me on Facebook, or email me at brownmindbeauty@gmail.com if you need advice, inspiration, or just want to talk. I love conversation and I love you guys. Each time I get a comment or new follower, my world lights up. I never imagined my words would mean so much to people. The other day a Facebook friend encouraged me to keep up the good work, because it inspires her. WOW, I love it.

From my family to yours, have a safe and Happy New Year!

Looking Back! New Year, New Giveaway!

 2010 has been a world wind for me. Several highs and some low lows, but overall it has been a good year. There were some things that kept me going and some things that tried to stop me dead in my track. I laughed and cried very hard this year. But now it must come to an end.

I am a lover of jewelry and for my 2nd and last giveway of 2010, I wanted to do something special. One lucky winner will win the necklace and jewelry set below. (Two pictures to show the detailing, but only one set will be given away).

The rules are as follows:

The rules are simple. Each comment should be written underneath this blog post describing how you entered. There are several ways to increase your chances of winning.

1. You must be a follower of Mind of a Brown Skin Beauty (Mandatory Entry)
2. You must comment below this post something you are going to change or keep for the new year  (1 entry)
3. Subscribe via email and confirm your email address (3 entries)
4. Share this blog post giveaway with someone on Facebook, Blogger, Twitter, email, etc.(Please leave your facebook, twitter, link to the blog post under the comment section , 2 entries)
5. Like my Facebook page "Mind of a Brown Skin Beauty" (3 entries)
6. Follow me on Twitter @brownmindbeauty

Enter as many times as you like to increase your odd. A winner will be selected at random using random.org

The contest will begin on 12/21/10 at 12 a.m CST and will end on 1/9/11 at 10 p.m. CST. The winner will be randomly selected through a computerized process and will be announced on 1/12/11.  Please visit the blog at that time for the name of the winner. The winner will be given instructions on how to claim their prize, a valid email address is required. If the prize is not claimed within 7 days a new winner will be selected and so forth until the prize is claimed. All products are brand new, never opened or used and are the sole responsibility of the winner. Directions for product use should be followed according to the company's instructions.

Good Luck to everyone!

Food for Thought- If It Don't Fit, Don't Force It

Would you settle for a relationship or a marriage if all it provided you was a chance to not be alone?

I think too many times women settle to say "I do", for the sake of doing what society says is right.  I'd rather be happy and single, than with someone and miserable. I probably self reflect more than the average person, but I also think I am at a point of knowing what is that I want and not being willing to accept anything less.

Life is to be enjoyed.

Is there a misconception to what should be expected in considering a life partner? I no longer believe that men are commitment phobic to the extent I once did. My attitude is "if it don't fit, don't force it and keep it moving". I'd rather feel partially full alone temporarily, if it meant I would not have to feel empty forever.