It’s that time of year where I reflect on my goals, honor my accomplishments, assess what I didn’t achieve and how I’ll move forward in the upcoming year. My theme for 2023 was to tap into gifts that will bring greater exposure. It was set to be a year of results and execution. The first half was productive whereas the second half had me fighting for the sake of my emotional health. Through it all, I’m thankful God kept me.

Goal #1 Recap

My foundational scripture for my goal of strengthening my administrative skills is Proverbs 18:16 which says, "A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men." This influenced me to take my gift to another level. With that, I launched my virtual assistance business on March 18, 2023!! Read more about how my gift made room for me. Expanding my horizons beyond the industries I currently serve in was something I was looking forward to after recognizing the need for administrative support. Each move I made contributed to this year’s theme which resulted in getting my first lead. After reviewing, I was disappointed in the low numbers of clients and email subscribers. I use metrics to measure the success but numbers of participants don't necessarily determine the impact. I had to reframe my perspective to being proud that I launched and acquired some instead of none at all. 

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” -Luke 16:10

Goal #2 Recap

For my second goal, it was my intention to grow my blog by utilizing a graphic designer to design content templates, send emails intermittently, and post more often on social media. I utilized a graphic designer I found after attending the Fuel Strategies Summit to design a flyer for my business. Working with her was a good experience and I plan on booking for custom content posts. I definitely did not send follow up emails after my blogs were posted. This is something I’ll revisit in the first quarter of 2024. Lastly, I did post a little more on social media and saw an increase in post views. Having the content templates tailored to the posts probably would’ve given an extra boost of exposure.

Goal #3 Recap

Over the past couple of years, I've been more intentional about investing in my appearance. I love to get cute! My number one priority is keeping my hair done as it is a major part of my identity. While switching my hairstyles, I noticed some damage. The following changes were made to help correct it.

• I was consistent with deep conditioning and protein treatments. The ayurvedic protein treatment was purchased from Kai Love Essentials which I would apply prior to my hair appointments. I was pleasantly surprised to see how it revived my curls after each use.

• The braiding hair I was using was causing an allergic reaction. I switched hair brands and the irritation has stopped.

Goal #4 Recap

I committed myself to strengthening my relationship with God. The situations I’ve faced directed me to abide in Him while sustaining my faith. I’ve maintained my fast from secular music and created a new worship playlist on YouTube. Grief and drama attacked my emotional health, but casting those matters and resting in the presence of God through worship has given me peace beyond understanding. I also started reading Joyce Meyer’s book, “How to Hear from God: Learn to Know His Voice and Make Right Decisions.” It revealed the various ways God speaks His word and the benefits of being sensitive to His voice. I want to keep this momentum going by reading one of her 365 devotionals every day next year.

2023 unleashed a harrowing wrath of adversity. Yet, there were some good things that occurred which are worth celebrating.

• I got my passport.

• I celebrated my birthday in Las Vegas (This was also my first time on the west coast.)

• My work probation for my promotion ended.

• I participated in the First Coast Games, a corporate wellness challenge that invites employees of companies in Jacksonville to get active by competing against one another through sporting events, where I played basketball, kickball, and flag football.

• Attended the You Will Win conference in Atlanta.

• I celebrated two years of blogging.

• Joined a committee to create a special occasion uniform at work

• Attended Headshots & Happy Hour event where I took new pictures and met new people

• Made six years of serving in ministry

• I tried new recipes and crossed some dishes off of my “cooking bucket list”.

• I’m getting a new title and pay grade at work starting in January.

What did you accomplish this year and how did it make you feel? Let me know in the comments!

For the most part, I accomplished everything I set out to do. The things that weren’t fully achieved I got a running start on and plan to follow up with them in 2024. I experienced some very unexpected situations that shook up my world. I stayed strong and didn’t give up. What seemed like a deterrent, God used it to reground me and rearrange my priorities. No losses were taken, just lessons learned. I’m grateful for God’s grace to have the opportunity to continue to build. Another level awaits.

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” -Philippians 3:13-14

Written with grace,

Kiala

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? If not, say this prayer:

Dear, Lord Jesus:

Come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and personal Savior. I believe in my heart that You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You, Lord, for saving me in Jesus' name. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, then congratulations! All of your sins are now forgiven and you have been born again. Heaven is rejoicing!