Persevere!

Happy New Year!

It’s been a few weeks since my last blog, however, as always, there is A LOT going on in the world.  Last week was a roller coaster with the Georgia runoff elections and Capitol riot.  I truly could not believe my eyes.  It hurt my spirit on so many levels.  Despite it all, I still hope for real change in this country. I pray God will help us in this time of need.

On a personal note, I am working on a few different things.  I’m trying to transition from blogging to vlogging (video blogs) sometime this year, I have about a third of my book to complete, I’m finishing up my life coaching credentials and continuing with personal development.  While all these things are good, I realized that none of it is going to come easy.

Two very big lessons I’ve learned the past year is the importance of perseverance and patience.  At the beginning of a new goal I am excited, ready to tackle it head on!  However, once I begin working on the goal, obstacles hit, and I find “reasons” why this may not be what I should be doing right now.  We’ve all done it.  We say, “I’m too busy, I’m tired, I don’t have the time, it’s too difficult”, etc.  We sometimes think, “If this was for me it should come easy.”  For most things in life that simply is not the case.  I’ve had to learn to fight off these excuses and keep pushing anyway even when I want to give up.

One recent success was braiding my own hair.  I’m not talking about normal braiding.  I’m talking about learning how to install a braid knot with hair extensions for box braids.  In the past, I would simply go to the braid shop and get it done.  Given we’re in a pandemic, I’m not as comfortable going to a shop with a lot of people. I also don’t feel deep cleaning is being done to keep the place sanitized.  Plus, I could save a lot of money by simply buying the hair and doing it myself.  Let me just say this did not come easy for me.  I began trying to learn in May 2020.  My first attempt was a major fail.  I watched YouTube videos multiple times but couldn’t get it.  I somehow got the extensions in, but it was a hot mess! In addition, my braids had different thicknesses, the bottom  of each braid looked chopped and there was no knot at the root to make the look appear clean.  I kept them in for a week or two, but only because I stayed in my house most of that time. 

I kept trying though.  I’d wait a few months and try again, then another few.  Finally, in late December, I watched a video where the YouTuber used blue yarn to provide more clarity while braiding.  I also found another YouTuber who advised you can now purchase hair that is “pre-plucked” so the end of the braid does not appear chopped.  It clicked!  I installed the braids myself with the knot at the root and a natural look at the ends!  I was super excited!  I noticed that with each braid section I was getting  a litter better.  Learning how to grasp the root, how to add hair to extend the braid, etc.  It took 8 months to figure out, but I stuck with it and eventually accomplished my goal.  I can now save $150 by braiding my own hair which is a HUGE WIN!

This one instance with the braids and others like it are good reminders to never give up, even when it’s challenging.  Give it a rest and pick it back up later if you must, but don’t give up.  One verse of the bible that reminds me of this is Galatians 6:9 which says, “Let us not become weary in doing good.  For at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

As you start the new year, I’m sure there is a goal or two you made for yourself this year.  My prayer is that despite the difficulty in achieving your goal, you would persevere until you cross the finish line.  No matter what – DON’T GIVE UP!

~Felicia