... a 2016 Reflection (Part 2).

When I reflect upon 2016 a quote from the esteemed Zora Neal Hurston (author of Their Eyes are Watching God) pops into my head, "there are years that ask questions and years that answer".

How was your 2016?

Mine was definitely a year of answers. So much so that it was quite overwhelming (cryptic I know... but I'm sure time will unravel all that occurred).

As a believer in duality - it is only right that the yang to my yin of a last post be the second part of my 2016 reflection. Let's dive into bravery and success. Bravery is defined as "courageous behavior or character" - courage being the "ability to do something that frightens one". While success is deemed as the "accomplishment of an aim or purpose".

To me, its interesting how bravery can come from a space that doesn't seem brave at all, at least initially. Often we find ourselves frightened into action, backed into a corner if you will. Which leads us to taking a course of action that we may not have intended or foreseen but in hindsight was pretty fucking brave on our part.

Bravery is typically manifested in an unconventional manner - especially for women. A lot of the things we do are out of kindness, out of service for others, or because they are aligned with the path of least resistance. Nowadays to be brave is to be fearless. To do/act on/execute something that your inner voice yearns for despite what society (or anyone) tells you. And to me, bravery is most commendable.

We tend to think of success more so in a black/white sphere. Either you failed... or succeeded. If only it were that easy! It's not that cut and dry. In reference to my last blog post where we talked about how failure is a mandate - it's really just a matter of growth and finding yourself. I'm a firm believer that success will come if you remain true to your life path and purpose while not getting caught up the minutia. #staywoke.

And really what is success without failure? Would you even have enough insight to truly comprehend the magnitude of what you've accomplished if you hadn't struggle beforehand. Idk… these are just questions.

That's cool and all... but what does this have to do with you?

The easiest way to explain that is to direct you to the caption I posted on anniversary of my withdrawal from medical school.

Success is different for different people. As a young 20-something who completely changed the trajectory of her life a little over a year ago, I've been thinking a lot about what success means to me. And by me… I mean my soul, to my heart (NOT my ego), to my life here on earth and what I would regret not attempting to accomplish. No external expectations, no outside pressure, only intrinsic motivation. I highly suggest everyone take this new year to reflect on 2016 (be honest about your strengths/weakness/flaws/mistakes made and pinpoint areas for growth), identify your passion, then make a definitive road map (as well as a vision board).

xoxo,

The-GRL