Year of the Builder
- Feb 16, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 16, 2024
The last six months have been some of the hardest times of my life. I've experienced transitions that rocked my world. Though tough to process, I've learned to yield after being forced to make necessary adjustments. This season granted me the space to reevaluate how things were going and idealize the vision of the next phase of my life.
I recently celebrated my birthday in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. This was my first time staying at an all inclusive resort and it was absolutely exquisite. Basically, all I did was unwind and relax which was very much needed. While walking to the beach, I was on the phone with my mom who reminded me of how often we used to go to the beach when I was little. The busyness and adversities of life caused me to lose my zeal for the things I once enjoyed. The solitude I experienced during the shift in my life reverted me to get back to the basics and my old favorites.
Habits I'm adopting:
Ending my day by reading my devotional rather than checking social media
Journaling sooner than later
Extending grace to myself when I don't complete everything I intended
Every night I do a daily reflection before bed. Here I say aloud what I completed in my day then reschedule what wasn’t accomplished to another time. This helps take the pressure off.
Using a 16" x 21" watercolor wall calendar from Bloom Planners. Check them out for a variety of planning products.
My theme for 2024 is year of the builder. I don't have any extravagant goals like in previous years. It is my intention to expound on what's already in progress. I want to focus on building different aspects of my business and covenant relationships.
I'm standing on these two scriptures as my foundation which will carry me throughout the year.
“The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.” -Deuteronomy 28:12-13
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.” -Psalm 90:17
In my 2023 review blog, I expressed my disappointment in the nonexistent number of clients and low number of email subscribers. This was a result of poor marketing. I had a few months of “downtime” which prompted me to reevaluate the direction of my business. This complete revamp includes:
Rebrand:
Name
Website
Niching down to specific industries: beauty service providers, content creators, e commerce owners, influencers, and professional athletes (NBA & NFL players only)
Merch
Clientele goals:
At least two per quarter
Increase visibility:
Connect with other virtual assistants
Create business Instagram account
One thing I enjoy doing is meeting new people. Everyone has their own distinctive background that makes them unique. Almost anywhere I go, I'm bound to spark an impressionable conversation or form a new connection. I'm pretty personable with the relationships I have with people. No two associations are the same.
As I've gotten older, it feels like some of my relationships have drifted. Not because of anything negative but because everyone has grown up and gone about their life. Some have kids, some are invested in their careers, and others have moved away for a fresh start. Things just aren't the same. I want to get back to regular check-ins and meetups rather than sporadic conversations that feel transactional.
One of my heart’s desires is to make new wholesome and godly female friends and connect with other virtual assistants. Life is better when you go through it with people on the same journey. It truly is refreshing to engage with someone who can relate.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” -Proverbs 27:17
Going through life especially as an adult has its endless challenges. That's why it's important to be a part of a community. Despite being raised by a single mom, I was blessed with an incredible village. They have supported me throughout school, attended my sporting events, and sowed when there was a need or as they felt led to do so. Honestly, they still look after me even as an adult. We weren’t meant to do life alone. Being around people who have similar experiences brings comfort. Whether it's joining a mom's group, having business besties, or attending an inclusive church, having a support system is vital. Be sure to surround yourself with people who genuinely care about your well-being.
Strong relationships will carry you when you're weak.
My schedule gets hectic at times which causes me to miss out. Even if I'm not physically present, I still like to show support in some manner such as purchasing from someone's registry/wishlist or sending an e-gift card. My newest exploit is becoming a board member for the Diaper Bank for Northeast Florida. I originally connected with this amazing organization in 2021 after discovering a need for diapers nationally. What started off as a gesture to give back to the community turned into an unparalleled partnership. I'm excited to continue to serve the community in a greater capacity. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” What is one way you will show support to someone this week?
For years, I’ve felt like I’m behind and should be further along. It seems that I’m in a “catch up” mode trying to get to where I think I should be. Although I’m quite accomplished, I believe there is more for me. God is going to redeem the time. Divine acceleration will be my portion. What seems like I'm behind or missed out on, will be mine and it will happen quickly.
“For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hurries toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it delays, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay long.” -Habakkuk 2:3
Shop my shoes: https://amzn.to/49y9V73
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!
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