New Year, New Adventures: Embracing Life’s Possibilities
Getting off the boat to walk on water, an act of faith
“Walk on Water”
“I had to get out off the boat so that I could walk on water.” I love this Jay-Z line. Sometimes, we do have to leave our comfort zones, take a leap of faith, and do the impossible to accomplish our wildest dreams. For me, that meant packing up my children and leaving my family behind in Chicago, with only $20 to my name. It meant starting over in a new city and state (Madison, WI). It meant doing something I had never done before, almost every day of my life, until I had become a doctor, built a successful business, reached my financial goals, and purchased my dream home. Dream chasing is an adventure — full of high-speed chases, drama, twists and turns, and more.
We’re Not Psychics, But…
Welcome to the last days of January! This month, we have been embarking on an empowering blog series: “New Year, New…”. Week one, we covered New Year, New Routines. Week two was all about cultivating a new mindset. Week three, we explored New Year, New Boundaries. Our final installment is all about new adventures in this new year. I’m not Ms. Cleo, but this week’s blog post may feel like a psychic reading. This year is all about making big moves, bold steps, and badass beginnings. I’m here for it. Are you?
Images of psychic, reading tools
Daring Career Moves
Pursuing Entrepreneurship
“Scared money don’t make money,” so consider taking a calculated business risk. Is this your year to turn that side hustle into a full-time gig? Entrepreneurship means charting your own course and trusting in your vision and abilities. You’ve bet on everyone else. It’s time to trust your instincts. Bet on you.
Climbing the Corporate Ladder
Ready for that promotion or dream job? Girl, take the leap. You already know that “closed mouths don’t get fed,” so speak up, Sis! Position yourself for success and don't be afraid to ask for what you deserve. Negotiate a higher salary, leave that dead-end job, and go after the position you want. It’s yours, so claim it.
The Millionaire Journey
You want to be a millionaire. But you won’t admit it to yourself, and you definitely won’t say it out loud. You’re worried it makes you look greedy. So you tell yourself and others this: “I’m already wealthy. I’m rich in spirit, happiness, family, and love.” And yet, some of you have “more month left than money.” Others of you are envying women with “soft lives” — women who go on vacation, rest, spa days, etc. For many, the issue is this: You either don’t believe that you are worthy of becoming a millionaire or you don’t believe you are capable of becoming one. I call bullsh*t.
Financial freedom is a dream for many. This year, let's make strides towards that goal through smart investing, saving, and mindful spending, of course. But the biggest risk is having the audacity to believe it can be done — by you.
Symbolizing freedom
Gain Your Freedom – Whatever That Looks Like for You
Freedom is personal. For some, it means financial independence; for others, it’s about creative expression or breaking free from toxic relationships. Identify what freedom means to you, and take steps towards achieving it.
Risks in Love
Embracing New Relationships
Open your heart to new possibilities in love. Whether you're diving back into the dating pool or taking your current relationship to the next level, embrace the risks that come with vulnerability.
Letting Go
Have you stayed longer than you should’ve in a relationship? Sometimes, gaining freedom means walking away from love that no longer serves us. It's a brave step towards finding happiness and fulfillment — one that is best taken on your terms. So what will they be?
Experience Pleasure
In the hustle of achieving goals, don't forget to experience pleasure. You deserve a life of ease, comfort, and satisfaction. Find joy in the little things, indulge in your hobbies, and make time for leisure. Life is as much about rest as it is about resilience.
Experiencing pleasure
Educational Aspirations
Lifelong Learning
This year, empower yourself through education. Whether it’s formal schooling, online courses, or self-study, learning is a gateway to new opportunities.
Read Something Big
Challenge yourself this year with a reading adventure that feels like conquering a mountain. Build a list of 12-52 books that push your limits, or read a few formidable works like the Bible or Alex Haley’s "Roots." Each book on your list should represent a challenge, a peak to summit in your literary journey.
Tackle these epic narratives not just for the accomplishment but for the rich experiences they offer. Every page turned is a step up the mountain, every chapter a new height gained. Let 2024 be the year you scale new intellectual heights, proving to yourself that no literary challenge is too great. Embrace this reading marathon and discover the satisfaction that comes from conquering your very own literary Everest.
Reading adventures
Personal Transformation
Reinventing Your Style
"Honey, get your hair did and your confidence high. It's time to strut into your new style story." This year, experiment with your look. A new style can signify a new chapter in your life, reflecting your growth and how you feel inside. Change your hair, add some bright colors to your wardrobe, play around with makeup…paint your nails. Do something you’ve never done before: Reinvent your look. Reinvent yourself.
Overcoming Personal Barriers
In the journey of self-improvement, a crucial step is to identify and actively confront the fears and insecurities that hold us back. Whether it’s the fear of failure, rejection, or change, recognizing these personal barriers is the first step towards overcoming them. It involves honest self-reflection and sometimes seeking support from others, such as friends, mentors, or professionals. Tackling these challenges head-on isn't just about overcoming them; it's a transformative process that leads to significant personal growth. This year, let's commit to facing our fears, challenging our insecurities, and breaking through the barriers that impede our progress. By doing so, we open the door to new opportunities, enhanced self-confidence, and a deeper understanding of our true potential.
Looking in the mirror and busting through barriers
Exploring the World
Adventure Awaits
This year, let the spirit of adventure guide you to plan that dream trip or explore uncharted territories you've always been curious about. Travel serves as an incredible teacher, offering lessons in culture, history, and self-discovery that can't be found within the walls of a classroom. It's an opportunity to step out of your daily routine and immerse yourself in new experiences that broaden your horizons and deepen your understanding of the world. Whether it's wandering through ancient cities, hiking through untouched natural landscapes, or simply experiencing the everyday life of a completely different culture, each journey promises a wealth of joy and discovery. Embrace the excitement of the unknown and the endless possibilities that come with exploring new places. This year, allow yourself to be captivated by the beauty and diversity of our world, and discover the joy that comes from experiencing it firsthand.
Discover New Tastes
This year, let's take our taste buds on an exciting and fulfilling culinary adventure by exploring new foods and cuisines. Venturing into different flavors is a journey through diverse cultures and traditions. Start by experimenting with global cuisines in your own kitchen. Try your hand at making a spicy Thai curry, a savory Italian risotto, or a complex Moroccan tagine, each offering a glimpse into the unique blend of spices, ingredients, and cooking styles of their respective cultures. Extend this adventure by exploring local restaurants that offer a variety of international dishes. Whether it's a bowl of Vietnamese pho, a plate of Ethiopian injera, or a serving of Mexican mole, each meal is an opportunity to immerse yourself in new flavors and expand your culinary horizons. Embrace this exploration of global tastes as a way to not only enhance your dining experiences but also to connect with different cultures and stories from around the world.
Diverse culinary experiences
Lifestyle Changes
Creating Your Ideal Home
Transform your living space into a sanctuary that mirrors your inner world. Let each room reflect your personality, whether through vibrant colors, minimalist designs, or eclectic decor. Prioritize comfort with cozy furnishings and soft lighting to create a peaceful retreat. Dedicate corners for growth, like a reading nook or creative space, and bring in elements of nature with indoor plants and natural materials. Organize and declutter for mental clarity. Above all, carve out a personal haven in your home where you can unwind and rejuvenate. Let your home be a reflection of your life's journey, a space where you not only live but truly thrive.
Expanding Social Horizons
Meet new people, build connections, and expand your social network. New relationships can bring unexpected joy and opportunities.
Women building social networks and expanding their horizons
Conclusion
Let 2024 be the year of embracing new adventures and experiences. Whether it’s making bold career moves, finding freedom in various aspects of life, experiencing joy, or pursuing educational and personal growth, each step is a part of your unique journey. Here’s to a year filled with growth, happiness, and adventure!
P.S. — It’s Covet Season
In the Infamous Mothers Universe (IMverse), we're fully immersed in the transformative Covet season. This is the phase where extraordinary women in our world wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to becoming the versions of themselves that once seemed out of reach. During this season, women are achieving their health and wellness goals, increasing their bottom lines, and accomplishing things that were once deemed 'impossible'. Our mission is crystal clear: we exist to inspire, motivate, and educate you as you relentlessly pursue the very dreams you've longed for.
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Photo Credit: Chris Charles
ABOUT THE BLOGGER
Dr. Sagashus Levingston is an author, entrepreneur and PhD holder. She has two fur babies, Maya and Gracie, six children (three boys and three girls), and they all (including her partner) live in Madison, WI. She loves all things business, is committed to reminding moms of their power, and is dedicated to playing her part in closing the wealth gap for people of color and women. She believes that mothering is a practice, like yoga, and she fights daily to manage her chocolate intake. The struggle is real, y’all…and sometimes it’s beautiful.
Follow her on Instagram: @infamous.mothers