One Year Back In Atlanta: 24 Lessons I learned in 2024- Part 3

Each Obstacle Taught A New Lesson

Happy New Year! 2025 feels so refreshing, I don’t know how to describe it. Typically, I try to get all the things done before the new year, but this year I did things a little differently. Of course, I deep cleaned my house and organized the pockets of clutter on New Year’s Eve. I had some other projects that I knew were going to take longer than 24 hours to complete. I created a list of things that need to get done within this first week of the new year and that list includes things like organizing my closets, reflecting on the previous year, organizing my drawers, and some other things. Rather than rushing to get everything done, I wanted to give myself more time to get things done correctly. I could have rushed, and did things mediocre, but I chose to take more time to get things done correctly. I am happy to report, everything on my list were done before the first week in the new year. Doing it this way, gave me more time to reflect on the year. During my reflection time, I realized the best way to end my moving mini-series, is to list 24 lesson my first year in Atlanta taught me. 2024 was a long year that was filled with a mix of emotions, why not compile a list of 24 lessons 2024 taught me

Before I get into that, I have to say, I’m so overwhelmed with all of the positive feedback I received with this series. I know it took longer than expected to come out. Life got in the way, and I wanted to be present during the holidays. I know I may make this move sound like it was all bad, but this move was the best thing that could’ve happened. It was honestly what I needed to become, who I needed to become. If I’m being honest, I still have some growing and evolving to do, but who I am today is a direct testament to what I I’ve gone through. My first year back in Atlanta was one for the books. It catapulted my personal development. I’ve learned so many lessons that will stick with me. I’m excited for all year two has in store. Let’s jump into the lessons, these aren’t in any particular order.

1. It’s good to make plans, but make sure you run those plans past God. He is the creator, He knows your beginning and end. Why would you not connect with Him for guidance on where your life should go. If He put certain things on your heart, it’s for a reason. God made each and every one of us unique, and sometimes we can look at other people and think we need to do what they’re doing, rather than sticking to our own plan. You have no idea what the next persons story is, focus on yourself and the plan that you created with God.

2. You have to learn to let go. I stayed in a relationship longer than I should have, because of fear of letting go. I allowed my feelings for the person, to hold me in something, even when things weren’t aligned. Letting go isn’t always of a person, it’s also letting go of control, your habits, or anything holding you back. I’m learning to let go and let the chips fall however. No matter how hard you try, some things are out of your control. Everything is temporary, that’s good and bad; so learn to enjoy the things as they come and release when it’s time.Everything is not for a lifetime, some things are just for seasons. Looking back at old seasons will stop you from growing. Think about it, you can’t wear a winter fur coat in the summer. Don’t waste your seasons wanting the past season or waiting for the next season. 

3. Change is inevitable. It’s the only constant thing in life. You have to be able to adapt with the changes that come, or else you will be stuck in what was. You have to embrace change. Running from it, only keeps you stuck and puts you behind. Successful people understand that change is inevitable and they learn to pivot. Fighting change won’t stop the change from happening. 

4. The tongue is more powerful than you think. Be careful what you say, because it might just come true. I remember when I first moved, I kept saying, this is going to stretch me beyond my capacity. I had no idea that meant like this. I was praying for months, saying God stretch and grow me, but I didn’t know what that would look like. I was definitely stretched this year, thanks to my tongue. Another thing that I spoke into existence, was my current apartment. A couple months after moving into my first unit, I saw someones two bedroom corner unit and fell in love. I remember talking to a friend saying, my next apartment is going to be a corner unit. I had no idea how it was going to happen, I just said it. Now I’m in a two bedroom corner unit. Be careful what you speak. When you say that you’re broke, it triggers something in your mind. Even when you say that you’re tired, it triggers something in your mind. Be mindful of the things that you say.

5. Focus on what you have. I know people hate the saying, “Things could be worse,” but it’s true. No matter how hard your life may seem, somebody else has it worse, there’s always something to be grateful for. I’ve learned to focus on gratitude, because it’s always something to be thankful for. When you focus on all you don’t have, it makes you ungrateful. The Bible says to learn to be content in every season. God won’t bless you with more, if you’re not being a good steward of what you already have. 

6. Good company is crucial. I’ve always been mindful of the friends that I keep, but it’s important to be mindful of the people you have around you friends or not. I have friends who don’t always know what’s going on, but who pray and speak life into me consistently. When things get tough, it’s natural to isolate, but that’s when the devil plays with your mind. Having good company, pulls you out and uplifts you. I have people around me who tell me the good, bad and ugly, no matter the situation. You need honest people around you to grow, yes men will keep you stagnant.

7. You can really ruin your day by worrying about tomorrow. I know how cliche it sounds, but the present is really a present. I don’t know if you’re like me, and always looking for the next thing. Learn to enjoy the present. Each day, every second is a blessings. Always looking for the next thing robs you of the joys in the present. Every season, no matter what you’re going thru, is a gift. Learn to enjoy the journey instead of the destination. 

8. Be ok trying new things and not always being good. I’ve learned to try new things and it’s been so freeing. I don’t know why, we as people, started not liking being beginners. I know it can feel uncomfortable and frustrating when trying new things. We don’t like making mistakes, feeling awkward, and experiencing a lack of proficiency, because it’s vulnerable. I challenge you to try something new; take a new class, try a new skill, etc. Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone is uncomfortable at first, but if you keep at it, it gives you a sense of empowerment. 

9. Learn to listen more than you speak. Whether it’s professionally or personally, you have to listen to hear rather than respond. When you’re listening to think of a response, you aren’t listening to truly understand. I can’t tell you how many times being quick to speak has hindered me. The Bible even tells us to, “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” I have to be mindful to hold my tongue and open my ears more. 

10. Don’t put all your eggs into one basket, when it comes to finances. It’s important to have multiple streams of income. I’m not saying to have multiple jobs, but you can have different streams for finances. Whether that be a side hustle, a business idea, a hobby, or passive income; You can make money in multiple ways. If you think you can’t, think about the skill your job is paying you for. Could you be doing something like that on the side. You were blessed with different skills, take some time to explore them. 

11. Being emotionally intelligent is not an option, it’s necessary. Actively managing your feelings and reactions to situations, rather than letting your emotions dictate your behavior or actions impulsively, is crucial. Whether it’s in relation to other people or even yourself, you have to get a handle on your emotions. You can’t allow your emotions to run your life, because they change too much. Please hear me, I’m not saying not to feel your emotions, I’m simply saying they should be the passenger and not driver of your life.

12. Expect good things to happen. I have a bad habit of preparing for the worse. I’ve learned to have better expectations. I read that, “People sometimes "hope for the worst" as a way to mentally prepare for potential negative outcomes, essentially acting as a defense mechanism against disappointment by lowering expectations; however, this can be considered bad because it often leads to unnecessary anxiety, hinders positive thinking, and can prevent people from fully enjoying good experiences when they do occurs.” I don’t know where I learned this, but I’ve been actively trying to stop living this way. I serve a good God, why am I living my life expecting the worse to “protect” my feelings? It shows that I lack faith in whatever I’m hoping for the worse in. Instead of expecting the worse, I put my faith in the one I know is good and who will work all things together for my good and His glory.

13. Family is everything. Over the course of these last couple of years I’ve started putting family at the forefront of my life and things have gotten so much better. You have to prioritize family. Life will always life, but make time for the people you care about. Pick up the phone for your family, you’re not too busy for a phone call.

14. You have the power to change you. Stop trying to change everyone and everything around you, and focus on changing you. Lean into the things that you actually can change, and stop focusing on all that you can’t. 

15. People will only treat you how you allow them to. If you don’t like how someone is treating you, tell them. If nothing changes, remove yourself from the equation. You’re really not a victim if you’re allowing them to treat you that way.

16. Forgiveness is freeing. True forgiveness is when you no longer harbor any ill feelings towards the person. It makes you feel much better. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve said that I forgive someone, when I haven’t. Moving on is not always forgiving.

17. We all have our vices. Just because you aren’t doing drugs, doesn't mean you don’t have any addictions. You can be addicted to anything. If God asks you for something and you are unable to give it to him, it’s probably because you’re addicted.

18. Life is filled with decisions. Each decision you make gets you closer to your goal or further. You have to be intentional with each decision that you make.

19. Love is a choice and it’s shown through your actions. When you love others, you show up for them despite if you feel like it or not.

20. If you can’t handle $100, you won’t be able to manage $1000. The point is, get your money management in order. If you aren’t a good steward of what you currently have, why would God bless you with more?

21. Vulnerability isn’t always easy, but it’s the only way to have authentic relationships. The easiest way to be vulnerable with others, is by being open and honest with yourself.

22. Take pride in where you live. Rather that means cleaning up, decorating, organizing, etc. When your house is out of order, the rest of your life is too. Living in clutter is a direct reflection of your mind. Invest in where you live, because you spend most of your time there. 

23. Be careful not to keep yourself “busy” in order to hide from yourself. Sometimes we keep ourselves busy with the wrong things in order to avoid our feelings, work that we need to actually be doing, self awareness or even conversations we need to have. When you find yourself overly busy, make sure it’s with things that actually matter. 

24. Slow down! As someone who is running late, a lot, I learned to slow down. Rushing to get ready or rushing to the next thing makes you anxious. It may mean you have to get up earlier to give yourself more time, but it’s worth it. Rushing in 2024, caused me to hit my car while I was exiting my parking garage, run over a pothole and instantly catch a flat tire and so much more. Commit to slowing down. That doesn’t mean there won’t ever be times you need to rush, but plan ahead and give yourself more time, it’ll help you mentally. I used to always lie to myself that I do better under pressure, but that’s a trick your brain tells you.