In A Rut…2020 Blues

In A Rut…2020 Blues

I don’t know about you all, but 2020 has been a tad bit rough for me. Between COVID-19, the Black Lives Matter movement, all of the deaths, and me gaining weight, it’s been a lot. I really cannot wait for this year to be over, so that I can get my much-needed reset. 2019 left me on such a high and I expected that to be carried over into 2020. I should have known that it was going to be a bad year when Koby Bryant passed in January. Honestly, since then it has been a downward spiral.

Although 2020 has been mostly dreary, it hasn’t been all bad. I could be stuck in much worse places during this pandemic, but I am on the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Greece isn’t as convenient as a lot of the other places that I’ve lived, it isn’t even my favorite place, but it’s doable. I am only going to be here for one year which is the shortest time that I’ve been at a duty station so far. Unfortunately, I am not able to see a lot of the places that I wanted to see while I’m here. I didn’t even make it to Santorini or Mykonos, but I’m okay with that. I can always travel back here later, or just be content with my Crete experience. This is a beautiful island with a lot to offer as well.

Okay, so I started this post months ago, and I have way more to add to the 2020 blues now. I’m even stuck in the house for the past 14 days on self-isolation. Some of my friends tested positive for COVID and since I had close contact with them I had to self-isolate well, even though I tested negative. This sucks! When I was on quarantine with everyone else…that was different, but having to be home by myself knowing that other people were out there living life, I do not like at all. I don’t know if I’m so anxious right now because I’m ready to leave here. There are so many things that I need to do at work, but I can’t because I can’t go to work. Anywho, tomorrow is my last day of being banned from the base. I’ve been fine this whole time, and I have no symptoms. My 30th birthday is two weeks away from tomorrow, and due to COVID I will not be celebrating as I planned to when this year first started, but that’s okay. Next month I will be going home to spend some much needed time with my family, so I’ll celebrate then. I just wanted to catch you all up on what’s going on in my life thus far. Make sure you check out my Youtube channel as well. Be blessed and stay positive ya’ll! I’m trying my best as well.

Something’s Changed

Something’s Changed

Hey y’all! So, recently I have been feeling really happy lately. Like something has definitely shifted in my life. I am receiving love and positive attention from every angle. Things are going great at work, I have people in my life that love and appreciate me. Strangers even take the time out to tell me how special I am. So what really changed? What brought about all this positive energy? 

I know what changed. My mindset, my outlook on life. I know it may seem like I have always been this positive person, and that’s true but we all have our own insecurities, and that includes me. Nowadays, I am more secure in myself and my abilities. I don’t stress about how I look, if people will like me, how much money I make, etc. I just know that everything will work out for me in the end. I am vibrating on a frequency of love and happiness because that’s how I truly feel. Since I give that energy out to the world, that is what I am receiving. 

As a woman, I automatically possess this divine power, but being a black woman makes it even more special. Being in Korea has made me realize that. To a lot of people, I am this exotic being. I get so many stares and looks that I don’t even notice it anymore until one of my friends points it out. When you live in your own little world of peace and love, you tend to block all of that out, at least I do. I just want to do my best to continue to live a life that others look up to and to inspire the next generation in my own special way. 

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Accomplishments & Cocktails!

Accomplishments & Cocktails!

I found my new favorite spot in South Korea! Okay so I know I haven’t been giving you guys that many updates about my time in Korea, but it’s coming, I promise. I finally finished studying for my CompTIA Security + Certification, which I passed! I am now CompTIA Security + certified, and the feeling that I had when I passed that exam was pure joy. I was so excited that I did the Lebron once I walked out of the testing room. I had focused and studied for that test shortly after arriving to Osan, so for about two months. This was my third time testing and I was the only person in my work center that was not certified and that is a certification that is needed for my job, so the pressure was definitely there. Any who, I don’t want to get too deep into that. If you want to learn more about the certification just follow the hyperlink…

Today I also took my E-6 promotion test. I have been in the Air Force for eight years now, and I feel like it is time for me to step into that next level of leadership. E-6 is the rank of Technical Sergeant in the Air Force, and in my opinion, it’s when people really start to take you seriously. This was my fourth time testing for promotion, and I’ve watched some of my peers pass me by in rank. Some people would look at that as a failure on my part, but I don’t. I am proud of all of my peers who joined the Air Force the same time or shortly after me that have already made E-6. I know what type of work has to go into achieving that rank. I was focused on other things these last couple of years, and financially I still made the same amount as them, because I wasn’t solely focused on the Air Force being my only source of income. With that being said, I am happy that I tested for this promotion cycle and I don’t have to worry about it again until the results come out in the summer.

The past weekend I explored Suwon with some of my friends, and enjoyed a nice cocktail in the Songtan Entertainment District (SED) after our fun day. The SED is literally about a five minute walk from my home and it has many different restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs. It is what makes Osan so much fun. The one really cute cafe called Cafe CF had the nicest atmosphere and the prettiest drinks and decor. I fell in love with it and I am happy that I get to enjoy it for the next 21 months! After we left Cafe CF we went to one of our regular spots and I ordered my favorite blue drink there. I think it is definitely important for you to get out of the house and destress. I felt like I’ve been cooped up for the past two months, but this weekend was really fun and I enjoyed myself getting away from the base. Trust me, there is more to come!

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Here’s a photo of my “Blue Think” from the Think Lounge in the SED. (Photo taken by iPhone 7 Plus)

Distractions.

Distractions.

It is so easy to get distracted from your goals these days, it’s not even funny. I honestly believe that distractions are from the devil. Staying focused and consistent are two very important elements when it comes to being successful. I am still learning how to stay focused and consistent on my goals without being distracted. Oddly enough, relationships for me are very distracting. I tend to focus on the person that I’m with more than my goal by trying to make them happy. Word of advice, don’t do that. If you’re in a relationship with someone a) you should know each other’s goals, and b) you should be encouraging each other to reach those goals. If you’re with a person that doesn’t respect your goals and dreams, then they probably aren’t the one for you anyway. You have to set boundaries within your relationship, so that you can still be the best person that you can be.

Achieving your goals is a very full filling feeling. The main reason why we set goals is to feel accomplished. As I reflect on this past year, I realize that I was distracted alot and did not complete some goals that I set for myself. Ultimately, that’s my own fault. It would be really selfish to blame my shortcomings on someone else. Now that I know what things throw me off my path, I can make a conscious effort to avoid those distractions.

It’s all a learning process. I’m not the same person that I was a year ago, or even the beginning of this year. I have been growing daily, and learning more about myself. I have already started planning my goals for next year. I want to get a head start on the things that I want to accomplish. Preparation is key. We can have anything we want in life. We just have to do what’s necessary to get it, and that ultimately means no excuses, and no distractions.

What are your goals? Has something, or someone been distracting you from achieving those goals? Are you aware of your distractions, or are you getting in your own way? Now is the time to plan that beYOUtiful life that you see for yourself. Make the necessary preparations now, and the future will be even better.

Distractions.

Distractions.

It is so easy to get distracted from your goals these days, it’s not even funny. I honestly believe that distractions are from the devil. Staying focused and consistent are two very important elements when it comes to being successful. I am still learning how to stay focused and consistent on my goals without being distracted. Oddly enough, relationships for me are very distracting. I tend to focus on the person that I’m with more than my goal by trying to make them happy. Word of advice, don’t do that. If you’re in a relationship with someone a) you should know each other’s goals, and b) you should be encouraging each other to reach those goals. If you’re with a person that doesn’t respect your goals and dreams, then they probably aren’t the one for you anyway. You have to set boundaries within your relationship, so that you can still be the best person that you can be.

Achieving your goals is a very full filling feeling. The main reason why we set goals is to feel accomplished. As I reflect on this past year, I realize that I was distracted alot and did not complete some goals that I set for myself. Ultimately, that’s my own fault. It would be really selfish to blame my shortcomings on someone else. Now that I know what things throw me off my path, I can make a conscious effort to avoid those distractions.

It’s all a learning process. I’m not the same person that I was a year ago, or even the beginning of this year. I have been growing daily, and learning more about myself. I have already started planning my goals for next year. I want to get a head start on the things that I want to accomplish. Preparation is key. We can have anything we want in life. We just have to do what’s necessary to get it, and that ultimately means no excuses, and no distractions.

What are your goals? Has something, or someone been distracting you from achieving those goals? Are you aware of your distractions, or are you getting in your own way? Now is the time to plan that beYOUtiful life that you see for yourself. Make the necessary preparations now, and the future will be even better.

Inner Peace.

Inner Peace.

So, for the first time in years I am living by myself (no roommate), and I am single. This has been going on for the past few weeks, and it is something that I have wanted for myself since I decided that I wanted to get a divorce years ago. If you didn’t know, I was married for five years, and obviously it did not work out. My ex husband is a good man, but he just wasn’t the right man for me, and I was not ready to be a wife at the time. I just kept telling myself and him that I just wanted to be alone. I just wanted time to myself to figure out who Juliette is with no one else’s influence or judgment. I feel like when you are actually out on your own, and handling business by yourself & for yourself, you get to know yourself even more. 

Since I have lived by myself, I find that there are good days and bad days. Some days I am so happy that it is just me, and that I can just fully enjoy my own company. Other days I feel lonely, and like I need someone there. I go on social media and see happy couples and wonder why I don’t have that yet. Then I quickly remind myself that this is what I wanted, and when the right person comes along I will know. 

Throughout this whole process, I am getting to know myself better. I do love who I am, and the woman I am becoming. I am at peace knowing my strengths and my weaknesses. I know I have flaws, and I don’t try to hide them. At this point in my life, it’s either you love me how I am, or having nothing at all. I don’t feel the need to conform to anyone’s beliefs. I walk to the beat of my drum set. 

This feeling is a very liberating feeling, especially as a woman. Women are taught from a young age that they must be wifely, or motherly. I am not either at the moment, and I am find with that. I see so many women rushing to be a wife or a mom, and they haven’t enjoyed their own life yet. Once you become a wife and a mother the focus is not on you anymore. I believe that you need that time to just figure out who you really are, so that you may know what you really want. During my first marriage, I was just learning who I was. I was only 19 when I got married, so that was super young to be making that type of commitment in the first place. I was smart enough not to bring a child into that situation. 

I said all of that to say this, I am finding inner peace within myself. I enjoy my own company. I love being the master of my life. I want to be a complete person before I decide to fully commit to someone else, and I hope that he would have the same mindset too. I urge all of you to get to know yourself more. It is a beYOUtiful feeling.