See, what had happened was… LOL! I know you’ve been wondering what happened after the start of the new year. I was a posting fool in December. After posting a 30-day countdown to a new start at the end of last year, I haven’t posted one thing since I began this new journey (other than my series of “struggling selfies” as I returned to work in January after two weeks of vacation). I just haven’t had the energy or even the desire to write anything. Instead, I’ve been consumed with planning for some big things to come and I needed the time away to focus on me.

So what have I been working on?, Well…stuff, a whole lot of stuff. As we brought in the new year, I took the time to read the many resolutions and jumpstart behaviors of my many Facebook friends – everything from inspirational quotes to blog entries to vision board parties and anything in between. While some folks are just delusional, one lie after another to inflate others perception of reality, other postings were very motivational and thought provoking. I also spent some time catching up with family and friends through good old-fashioned conversation and fellowship. This time of reflection was just the inspiration I needed to think about my own life and goals for the year ahead. Thanks to my dear friend Simone Jones-Tyner, I borrowed her goals from last year – blog, body and business.

Blog – I started my blog almost two years ago as I was turning 40. I wanted to capture my road to forty, fit and fabulous. You know the story. I set a goal to lose 40 pounds and ended up losing 52 pounds. Along the way, I learned so much about myself that I wanted to share with others. I was able to explore and capture my feelings on dating, spirituality and becoming a better me. The blog has evolved over time and starting on the occasion of my 41st birthday, I decided to focus my energy on becoming the best Mellanie I can possibly be – that includes every area of my life that I can see, touch and feel. I eventually tagged the hashtag #mybestselfieyet. I am so grateful for the many that have taken the time to read, like and comment on my ramblings. Every time I thought about ending the blog, you inspired me to keep going. Stay tuned for more. I’m slowly (emphasis on slow) revamping my personal platform, mailing lists, social media outreach, etc. I’m learning as I go along so please be patient with me. Until my personal pages are up to par, you can read my weekly rants on http://www.wlib.com/your-monday-selfie.

Business – While I think I do a great job representing my employer, I haven’t always promoted my personal brand to the best of my ability. Like most of you, I am tremendously blessed to have skills and talents outside of the ones I demonstrate professionally. Yet, I haven’t done a great job at exercising the “bragging rights” I encourage in others. The added value I possess is the thing that keeps me going. I finally decided that while I take care of the business of others, I need to take care of my own business. Mellanie Kai Lassiter is a brand all by myself – vocalist, blogger and speaker. Promoting my personal brand is all about conquering my fears for me and stepping outside of my comfort zone. As such, I’ve always wanted to sing with an R& B band, not professionally but just for one night. All my life, I allowed others to box me into singing gospel alone until I believed that’s all I was capable of. Then I met a singer about three years ago who encouraged me to carry my gospel runs into any genre of music that I like and make it work for me. So, that’s what I did on February 28th. We did it actually. You showed up BIG for me and I’m eternally grateful.

So what’s next, you ask. I’ve successfully kept off my weight (within an acceptable rate of 3-5 pounds) for the last 18 months. That was until this last holiday season of 2014 (period from Thanksgiving until Christmas). WTH! I don’t know what happened. As the temperature dropped outside so did my desire to stay in shape. I made all types of excuses and allowances for my unhealthy eating choices and lack of physical activity. In hindsight, I know that I let my emotions get the best of me – too caught up into things I couldn’t control rather than focusing on the body that I can control. I can control what I eat, when I eat it, how many hours of sleep I get, and how much exercise I do. When I hit the scale at the start of this year, I had gained a solid 10 pounds above my acceptable range. Oh no! That won’t work! I worked too hard to get to this point on my journey to give up now. I can’t afford another wardrobe after going down 3 sizes and getting rid of all my “big” clothes so that I’m not tempted to go in the reverse direction. While 10 pounds might not be a big deal to you, it is just the wake up call I needed to get back to me. I miss the energy I had, the smoother fit in my clothes and the confidence I felt 10 pounds ago. Plus, the summer is right around the corner. Spring is already in the air. My summer plans include many beaches and getaways so I need to get ready. Get it together, girl! Yep, that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to get it together! Wish me luck! Cheer me on!

Lastly -my focus on a blog, business and body cannot be achieved without a vision for my life. I look ahead twelve months from now and I can see myself in the future. At least once a week, I browse through the pictures I took when I first lost the weight. If I did it before, I can do it again. Every week of this year, I’ve dedicated time to reflect on the images that depict me, the words that describe me and the tasks that will define me. I’m planning and scheduling check-ins and mentoring meetings throughout the year, one quarter at a time. I have learned that if I don’t manage my life, my life will manage me. Editorial calendars, social calendars, vacation calendars, mentoring calendars – and any other calendar – is necessary and required for good living. The late Councilwoman Augustus Clarke once said, “the best way to achieve your goals is to say them out loud in front of witnesses.” People will hold you accountable for the things you verbalize. Please hold me accountable for this posting. I need your help to accomplish my goals for this year and I’m not afraid to admit it.

I challenge you to hold yourself accountable too. Announce your goals to your friends and family. Create your own vision board and review it often. Start checking off the things on your bucket list. Your best life begins and ends with you. What happened? I got busy…starting with me.