Hey guys

I’m doing the happy dance; my birthday is in a few days (Team Gemini! 5/27!). I’m excited for year 31! I actually took a detox from social media to catch up with work, school, and to spend time with family. I highly recommend that people do a social detox from time to time, it was great to “unplug”.

During this detox period, I realized, how far I have come from the past year. The same time last year I was in a bit of a funk. I was laid off from a new job, and I recently left a seven year job and did not deal with how I felt about leaving in a positive way. I didn’t think in January 2014, that I would be spending the big 30 figuring out what to do with my life.

Then I had to think about what’s next? Instead of looking aimlessly at social media posts in between sending out resumes, I had to regroup. I now realize that doing the following throughout the past several months has helped a lot

1. Setting realistic goals - This advice came from my mother (thank you mom). I needed to figure out a plan as to where I saw myself in 5 years, 10 years, etc. I thought about it and started to set some goals and thought about what resources I would need.

2. Meditating - I had the tendency last year to do a lot of overthinking. Meditation has helped to keep be centered, especially at the start and end of the day.

3. Spending Time Alone - In between the job search and sending resumes, I spent a lot of time ALONE. I was so accustomed to being with many people; going to events and traveling for work. This was the first time I sat still in YEARS. As a result, I fell in love with the outdoors again; walking around my neighborhood in Bedstuy visiting the local coffee shops.

4. Writing down the things I am grateful for - I started this when doing the 100 Days of HappyChallenge during the summer. Worked wonders :)

5. Taking myself less seriously - I was a little too concerned about how I looked to other people. The less I did that the more fun I realized I had with the people around me and the more creative I became.

6. Forgiveness - Forgiving yourself is important in order to move forward and release yourself from the past. Still working on this. :)

7. Own Your Shit - pardon my French on this one. It’s true! Taking responsibility for your own actions. Playing the victim doesn’t get you anywhere. No one is perfect.

8. Realizing that Happiness is a choice - nuff said!

9. Believing the cliché “Things really do work out” They truly do.

Of course I did not come to these realizations at one time. I have come a long way since last year. I can honestly say that I am grateful for the setbacks because I know they have made me a better person. I am Kosi Harris, a work in progress and I am so excited and ready to be 31. I can truly say that year 30 was a teaching year!

I want to take the time to thank my family and friends for their never-ending encouragement and support this past year. I am forever grateful. And, to my readers, thank you for checking in! Hopefully my story can inspire others to keep going and never give up.

Kosi