As I write this post there's a reported earthquake near Cuba and Jamica that has been felt less than 5 miles from my home in Miami. Simply put, this month has been quite a rough start to the new year and new decade. Like many, I'm still reeling from the tragic helicopter accident that took the lives of 9 people. It will be jarring for quite some time that Kobe Bryant is no longer with us. I grew up watching basketball with my dad and brothers, a pastime I cherish to the core; what hurts the most is the potential and drive of everyone in that helicopter. Gone, just like that. A reminder of our mortality and the fragility of life.  As I reflect over January, I'm somber, yet immensely hopeful. It's far too easy to let the seemingly unsurmountable and uncontrollable activities of life impede our progress, I know this too well; however, this year I vow to myself to try something new. To be consistent and hopeful regardless of what I see. So here's a review of my month, I did my best and for that I am content.  



To-Do: 
Set dental appt – I set the appointment, but had to reschedule. I'm okay with that; I had an opportunity to take an afternoon to rest and relax with my mom or go to the dental appointment. That's not a hard choice to make; rearranging priorities is a must for a fulfilling life.  

 Write a letter to my future-self-FutureMe- Absolutely did this for which I am proud. If you haven't I strongly recommend you do. I believe I also wrote additional letters for a year and 10 years.  
  
Bible Book: 
1 Kings- I have 2 chapters to go and I am very confident it'll be done by Friday. More, I've invested the time to reading the Bible, studying what I've read, and reflecting using a devotional.  
  
Book: 
Dear Haiti- I read it!!! It's the first book I've read to completion since October. I did have to really push myself to read this. YA is not my genre of choice, however, I was excited to read this given that it was written by two Haitian sisters about Haiti. Overall, I give this book 3 of 5 rating. It was very ambitious and I felt the plot was haphazard and character development sparse. The book could've been a series to break up the plot and give characters more time to develop. All in all, I think it was a fine debut novel and can't wait to read what the sisters write next.  
  
Adventure: 
Write a letter to someone I love/appreciate - I have not done this! There's still time, but maybe February.  
  
Create: 
A mini balcony garden- I got the plants, but I still need to make time to clean out my balcony and get some new furniture pieces.  

I did my best this month, there were moments I look back and think I could've tried harder. I won't get those moments back, but I have tomorrow to look forward to, God willing. I pray you did your best this month, no matter how it went, we can hopefully try again tomorrow. See you in February and thank you for reading.  


Faithfully, 

Marie