The Alaroro Eyin ara adugbo (neighbours , or O ye people of the neighbourhood), Happy New Year!!!
How was 2016? I know I am 11 days late, but do you know we have used up nearly 3% of the year 2017? Hahaha! Haha! Ha!
I am here to give thanks and take stock and here goes…
The Beginning – Life
In 2015, I declared that 2016 would be an intentional year. Intentional Living and everything… *chuckle*. One of the gifts I received towards the end of the year was a phone session I had with the lovely Sisi on a Budget. It directed my intentional living and I was able to set Intentional goals. It was not 100% positive, but I know the bulk of it was intentional.
Family
The year 2016 was a major eye-opener for me to the true meaning of family. My parents and I got along better and we treated each other with respect. There was heat. There was ice. The undercurrent of it all was love. We found ways to express our love better and in the end, keep your nuclear family close.
Friendship
Did you know that I belong to a Family of Friends? lol. Something major happened to my FOF in 2016 into 2017: 3 couples getting married this year!!! It is such a big deal – because who is going to help who manage what??? LOL! We are so blessed to be going through this phase with our FOF and we know God will take us through.
In addition to the existing blessings I have, I got 2 new friends. I never really saw it coming. For someone who actively tries to draw the line between work and life, these two women found their way into my personal space. I am grateful for them.
Love
Yes, I got engaged! One of the most meaningful days of the year. The engagement was well thought out and I was really glad to have my family there to support us. Here’s to forever.
After weeks of family drama (family members get offended if you do not take your intended to go and visit them – one after the other. Be prepared), we had our Introduction and it was beautiful.
The Work of My Hands
Work was really really engaging between January and September last year. I was involved in two major projects and it was such a great feeling to be a part of something. I also got my first work award – a reward for Excellence *twerks*. It was a team award and I am so happy we got it!
Giving
A Thousand 1000 was a major part of my life last year. There were opportunities to give last year and there were many times I wished I could do more, but it got better and better and better. I am grateful to God for blessing me to be a blessing. Here’s to a more generous 2017.
Spiritual Growth
No, not so much. I did not do as much work here. 2017 has to be better. Starting with settling into service again. Kickstarted the year with the book of Proverbs. It is Day 11, you can still get in on it.
Health
It got better in 2016. Less hospital visits. No hospital admission… Let somebody shout Hallelujah! My mental health was tested many times in 2016, I need to be more deliberate about me in 2017.
Finances
Guess who became debt-free in 2016?! Me-oh-me! I am so grateful to God! Ended the year with barely there savings, but all for good causes! We are starting 2017 with a big-bang!
Local Travel
– I have always been very paranoid about travelling within Nigeria and for some reason I never got around to doing it by myself, for myself. Well, work took me out of my shell and I visited 7-9 States in Nigeria this year. Alone and Proud!
The New Beginning
At the crossover service, I kept thinking about the theme my year would personally exhibit. As a member of a church, our theme this year is “The Year of extreme Godliness”. Godliness is our corporate goal. What would my personal goal be? Last year, I wanted to live an intentional life. I worked at it, fell off the wagon multiple times – but I cannot deny the evidence of that theme in my personal life. So, when I was going to put up my Instagram (thealaroro) Happy New Year post, the words that dropped in my heart were: “My Year of Establishment. Preparation for Expansion” Oh, what joy! I will be getting married this year, getting promoted God Willing, changing paths – all in all, I will be established this year! It is such a great thing to receive confirmation via the word of God. Now, seeing this scripture: Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. This is the goal. This is the aim. Wishing you a blessed 2017! In Jesus Name, Amen.
Oh well. We thank God for last year. I actually went through mental torture all through last year especially from my academics. But we thank God and I’m happy for you. I hope I get invited to your wedding. And yes I key into that. My year of Establishment as well. Amen.
Tosin, I am happy for your 2017. It gets better and better. Thank you for your kind wishes and we’ll definitely see about that invitation. *wink*
I’m always proud of you, my Queen.
Onward to a great 2017 we go!
Thank you, my love. Here’s to a beautiful 2017 *cheers*
Lol@3% of the year.
I don’t think I had plans to be intentional about 2016. But I’m def thankful with the way it turned out.
Being absolutely intentional about 2017 though!!
All the best with your 2017 plans!
http://www.KacheeTee.com
Kachiiiii the Konstant! Thank you for 2016 and all the best for 2017. Bless.
Happy New Year Vivian!
2016 was a great year for me. Achieved more than I thought I would. And I’m really grateful for that.
2017 is actually my year of being intentional! Even about the most little detail/habit/goal.
Congratulations on 2016, Tamie. Wishing you the very best for 2017. Bless.
Glad to hear it turned out well. Wishing you a great year, a promotion, and greater heights in everything. God bless you!
http://www.zinnyfactor.com
Thank you, Zinny. Wishing you all the best you desire this year.
The plan was to be intentional in 2016 too, but….lol, we thank God for another opportunity to do better in this year. Thank you for this inspirational post. I always enjoy reading from you. And congratulations on getting married soon. I wish you a smooth and successful journey through the entire planning process and beyond. Cheers!
Yes o! We thank God for another opportunity to do better every single day. Thank you for your kind words. Wish you a successful 2017.
2016 was eye-opening for me. I did not set any goal and just wanted to find my way. It turned out to be an eye-opening one, helping me dream and focus on the right things and it led to me deciding to have an intentional 2017. I feel like I have wasted 12 days already not doing things intentionally..but its not too late!
wishing you an amazing 2017!!
From a huge fan of thealaroro.
https://thatinternist.wordpress.com/
Heyyy!
I am so glad 2016 opened the doors for your intentional 2017. It is not too late at all. I just put up a post on Owning 2017 that I think will help you get set and go. Thank you for your kind words.
Wishing you the best of 2017.
Cheers,
Viv!