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Fear. It’s not a fleeting emotion; it’s an instinct. Fear is a survival mechanism that helps us assess our level of danger. It’s a primal pull that arises when we face the unknown; the uncomfortable; or the uncertain. Fear makes our hearts race, our palms sweat, and our minds spiral into worst-case scenarios. It’s the voice that whispers “you can’t” and “you won’t,” in the middle of adversity… trying it’s best to keep us “safe” by keeping us small. But, what if we could redefine fear — not as something to run from, but as something to rise above? I recently had an interview for an important role that I am seeking for the advancement of my career. And honestly, I have been SO fearful. Fearful, indeed, that I started self-sabotaging myself. Listing reasons why it was “better off” if this didn’t work out. When in reality, I know good and well that I NEED for this to work out. I was analyzing my attitude about that whole situation recently, and how impatient I was both with myself and the Universe, when I literally had to snap out of it and take a pledge to just… do and BE better. More positive and thankful for the gift of life; less spiteful and filled with rage.

When I was about 21, EVERYONE in my family called me lady of rage because of the afro-puffs that I used to wear on my hair. Little did they know that this was a slight foreshadowing of the young lady I would turn out to be… The Lady of Rage. By the time I turned 25, I had been through so much turmoil, that I decided to retire from that state of being. It’s been about 2 years of me living a rather solemn and dignified life that is not filled with drama and calling the police. And honestly, I love it here. There are definitely moments when I act out of character, but for the most part, there has just been so much at stake in my life, that it has inevitably forced me to CHILL and sit my a** somewhere! Ha! As I welcome 2025, I thankfully and gracefully would like to acknowledge that 2025 is the Year for transformation, growth, and shedding the old to make way for the new. For me, this year represents a powerful shift: from fear to freedom, from struggle to strength. It’s not just about surviving fear — it’s about using it to FUEL my rise. This year, I step into my power. ELEGANTLY, POWERFULLY, AND YET GRACEFULLY!

2024 was honestly the year of my dreams so far. I graduate from college; started my first big girl job as a *SANE* and healthy college graduate, and even secured a place I call a roof over my head! Like… God, The Universe, My ancestors… whoever is out there is truly GREAT! I have also learned to read the room and get an energetic VIBE from people, and this is a skill that though I am still honing in on, has taught me that you truly and honestly can NOT please everyone. Some are gonna love ya, and others are gonna hate ya. Either way, at the end of the day, the day is going to END! Word to Glorilla. Today, for the first time in my life, I recognized that my attitude and FEAR of… whatever… has always been a silent but seducing companion, lurking in the shadows of my thoughts, and taking over my poweress and strength. Fear has whispered into my ears at EVERY crossroad and path I have taken. It has been present during EVERY major decision. “What if I fail?” “What if I’m not enough?” “What if I’m judged? But even, worse… what If I judge myself??” These questions, wrapped in doubt, have held me back from taking bold and true steps toward my real potential. But as I close this chapter we will all remember as 2024, and open a new chapter called MY 2025, I refuse to let fear dictate my life furthermore. Today, as I write this, I choose to face every emotion boldly; I chose to look life in the eye courageously, and take a step forward anyway, despite my fears. Today, I am free. Freedom, besides, is not the absence of fear — it is the courage to act despite it! Freedom is the deep knowing that fear is simply a signal that I’m on the edge of something big… something important… something special.

In 2025, fear will no longer be my enemy. Instead, it will be my ally, pushing and propelling me to grow, to learn, and to step into new experiences. I won’t wait for the “perfect” moment to move forward anymore — I will, as best as I can, create every day with the intention to live positively and to the best of my experience — with Joy, Gratitude, and profound Respect for this gift called Life. Each time fear arises, I will meet it with strength and take action, knowing that the life I desire is just beyond the discomfort of this primal illusion called fear. Struggles are often seen as setbacks, as obstacles in our path. However, what if I told you that struggles are the very thing that shape our strength? I can’t speak for everyone, but genuinely, Every challenge I’ve EVER faced… every difficult moment I’ve endured, has built and shaped me into who I am today, tremendously. Struggles are the forge in which my resilience is tempered. Struggles are the fruit of my endurance. In 2025, I know that I will have a different set of struggles to endure. After all, new year, new problems. And while 2025 is not going to be a year without its challenges, I just wanted to write this blog today, on December 10th, 2024 at 6:42pm, to remind myself (and you, beautiful reader),that challenges are NOT something to fear — they are opportunities to GROW. I have written about The Growth Mindset so much throughout this blog that I’ll spare you the details. But never forget: The pain of the struggle is the birthplace of my strength. Each setback you persist through is a lesson; each hardship a stepping stone. When I fall, I WILL rise stronger. When I feel broken, I WILL rebuild with more wisdom, more confidence, and more courage. That being said, CHEERS TO 2025!!!!!! And salute 2024!!!! I could not have asked for a better life. Honestly and truly.

Before I close off, I told one of my mentors that I will practice daily affirmations starting today, so here are some of my favs: I am beautiful, in and out. I am intelligent. I am WORTHY. I am loving. I am kind. I am who I am. And In 2025, I am not going to shy away from my struggles. I will lean into them, knowing they are shaping me into the person I am meant to become. I am unshaken, unbreakable, and unstoppable. I am, ME.

By the way everyone, 2025 is The Year of the Wood Snake in the Chinese calendar, and this symbolizes significant transformation: such as, like a snake, shedding the old and embracing the new. This year, I’m shedding away the fear that has held me in place for too long. I’m shedding the doubt, the uncertainty, and the limitations I’ve placed on myself. I AM ready to grow, to evolve, and to step into the person I’ve always known I could be. Transformation is not just an outward change—it’s a shift in MINDSET. Today, join me in choosing positivity over negativity; action over inaction; courage over fear. I will trust in the process of BECOMING. I will welcome the unknown with open arms, knowing it holds the key to my growth. From fear to freedom and from struggle to strength, I WILL embrace the challenges, the fears, and the struggles as the stepping stones that they truly are. And I am SO ready to rise. To transform. And to see who I become.

àṣẹ.

Love,

Stace.