Last Friday, I had to actually sing that song out loud to convince myself that the 30th was the last day of the month, June had indeed come to an end and we were getting into the second half of the year! You know the song I’m referring to right? “30 days hath September, April, June and November. All the rest have 31 except for February alone which has 28, or 29 days in each leap year!”
If you do not know that song, you have to let me know how you skipped ever learning of it in your childhood!
I think it’s great to pause, take stock and reflect ever so often. Particularly at such a half year period. As they say: “If you do not know where you are going to, you would never get to your destination”.
So I thought I’ll do a bit of an introspection – albeit a rather public one that I can share with you. I had (and still have!) very high hopes for 2017!. And I must say it’s been a pretty good year so far, even though it was such a busy one that has gone by so quickly! A lot of things may not have worked as planned, but I’m definitely incredibly thankful.
I’ll do this recap using three blog posts which I had published at the start of the year. First is this one on 9 Areas of Your Life to Detox and Refresh. It was one of the first posts I wrote in 2017, and I highlighted all of the areas I think make us completely whole and we need to revisit frequently.
The second post was this 2016 Recap… & Hopes for 2017, where I highlighted a few straight forward goals relating to the above categories that i’d like to improve on. The third and final post was on Blogging in 2016, and 2017 Goals! – my blogging goals deserved a post on it own.
So now, let’s see how it’s all gone generally.
I thought the new year was a great time to re-evaluate our careers, where we are and where we want to go. Get started on any courses, finding new jobs (so I wrote this on 4 Practical Tips for Job Hunting) or just networking.
Personally, in March 2017, I finally qualified as a Corporate Solicitor in England, and eligible to practise Law here. That for me was huge, knowing it’s been about a 4 year journey trying to get here. Although I was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2011, I had to do a series of re-qualification for the UK – which is slightly tough. I might do a full post on this later. I’m also making a conscious effort to actively network in the career circles – as we all know I can be a bit of a couch potato! Career related, the second thing I hoped to achieve in the first part of the year, was to host more career seminars and create some sort of career platform – off the back of the CV & Career Workshop Mariam and I hosted in Lagos in July 2016. That has been really slow to take off for several reasons – but I’m really hoping it gets done in this 2nd half – as I’m incredibly passionate about it.
Two things I had to do! My cervical screening, which I did, yay (wrote about my experience here)! And then a visit to the dentist which I have not. Boooo!. In my defence I did book an appointment with the dentist, but had to cancel due to work commitment. I’m looking to re-schedule that asap as I need that check up bad for my tiny teeth and gums. Plus one tooth is a little wonky, and seems more so than normal, so I’m considering straightening it out, even though Tee laughs at me that I may have to wear braces as an adult!
In terms of cutting back on expenditure and living within budget, I think it’s been good so far. But I can be quite serious with that so it wasn’t much of a concern. What I had hoped to do, was find an additional stream of income. As they say, the average millionaire has seven sources of income Well, that hasn’t happened yet! I thought I had a great idea, and then it just sort of fizzled off, so I’m putting my thinking hat daily and hoping God brings some amazing ideas my way and income stream my way!
Ah, I had a lot to do in this category. In my words, in 2017, I wanted to “Fully understand the logic behind reversing a car and pass my driving test”. Okay, the good news first. I now fully understand the logic behind reversing a car! Like it’s relatively simple and I’m wondering how it took me forever to get it. I think I was just way too impatient. When I think of the fact that I had badly hit my first car and my mum’s while trying to reverse in my early days of learning, I just shake my head. The not so good news. I still haven’t passed! But bring it on, second half of the year. I wanted to improve (i.e learn) on swimming as well. Eh, not happened yet. All the swimming classes are on weekdays, so I’m trying to see how I can work out that. Also wanted to learn to sew online (after I wrote this post on learning to sew online). To be honest, I wonder if this is one that will get thrown to 2018 – so much to do. I also wanted to read more books, but haven’t been consistent with that.
Forgive me, I broke my new hair resolution few weeks into 2017, and went back to using a chemical relaxer to straighten it. I just needed it soft and was too impatient. But since then, I haven’t gone back and I’m seriously considering going back natural. I’m not such a DIY queen and would rather outsource certain things. So if I had great natural hair salons around me, or had people who could help, I’m pretty sure I’ll be rocking my natural hair like no man’s business. But asides that, I wanted to be quite experimental with my hair. And so far I have! I’ve had clip-ins (I reviewed the Irresistible Me Clip Ins here), braided wigs, and even a blonde– ish wig. Come Autumn / Fall, i will be rocking red hair!
I’ve been off foundation and powder for most of the year, trying to focus more on skin care – which seems to be working out ok. As mentioned in this Facial Skin Care Post, I’m mostly using the Clinque 3-in 1 and a cleansing brush – so far so good. But I’m eager to try some new stuff. For my skin, I’ve ditched my regular lotions and currently using a mix of coconut oil and shea butter (the latter I got during our trip to Olumo Rock! – they say it’s the real deal). I’m happy with my skin so far. I’m still trying to draw my eyebrows – but my impatience comes in any times. It’s good some days, It’s such a fail others! Second half, I’ll like to improve on this generally – taking of myself. I had a huge clear out of my clothes, so now my closet is much easier to navigate. I’m wearing the same clothes more often and trying to build a closet that works for me. I shook my head when I saw a few items I had purchased simply because I saw it on someone! no more of that.
My faith has improved this half year and I’ve made a conscious effort in being more in tune with God. There’s still a whole lot to be done. Haven’t journaled as much and haven’t joined the readers at church as I said I would. But by next week, I should make all the necessary enquires and get going on that!
Well well. It hasn’t particularly gone as planned but there’s been some positives. I finally started a few new columns I had in mind and I’ve had a couple of giveaways as well. Also had a collaboration with JORD Wood Watches. Hopefully the second half of the year brings more content, more readers, more opportunities – and some income!
Generally with regards to my feelings and thoughts, I’m in a good space. I’m making a conscious effort to maintaining positivity, be content and grateful – all day, everyday despite some curve balls life throws.
How was the first half of the year for you?
What did you tick off your list! What are you looking to achieve this second half, and umm, what’s getting moved to next year?
Wishing you the very very best of the rest of the year!
Love,
Kachee…xX
Eniola Lofindipe
July 3, 2017 at 12:33lol@ wearing braces as an adult. But if you need to, just make it studded so you look like a music star. lol! 1st half of the year was actually quite good, achieved so much including drawing better brows lol!But there is still so much to do and I’m super excited about this 2nd half.thecuriousmum.wordpress.com
Afoma
July 3, 2017 at 17:02My year is definitely not going as planned, lol! It’s better, I think and that’s a good thing. I have to sit and do a proper evaluation of the first half so I can be more intentional this second half. I’ve seen a lot of adults wearing braces lately so you won’t be alone at all!afomaumesi.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 4, 2017 at 08:29That’s a good thing girl! I feel the year has gone so well for you as well. I don’t even mind wearing braces. I thought it was cool as a child. Lol!
Omolayo Nkem
July 4, 2017 at 09:25What a great read. I’m smiling because there’s a lot I can relate to. Skin Care wasn’t a goal of mine this year (I’ve been blessed with relatively cooperative skin), but I’ve ended up switching full time to coconut oil as well!! I just love how soft my skin is on it and coconut is hands down one of my favorite scents to have on my body (I use coconut shampoo). And man, didn’t realize Olumo rock had shea butter, my current one is starting to smell funny (I’ve had it a while though) and I don’t like putting it in my hair anymore. I’m posting about my trip to Olumo rock later this week! :)For your natural hair journey, the best thing is having friends and a community that understand your struggle. My friend Chineme literally walked me through the process and helped me with my first twist out (although i still managed to eff it up, lol). Just have that girlfriend your text or call whenever you have questions or just want to rant about it…cuz there’s a lot to rant about. Just took out my braids and was complaining to Chineme about how my hair hasn’t grown. It’s definitely a journey…and not sure if it’s gets easier…just different sets of issues at each stage. But I think once it’s fully embraced the daily struggle gets easier. I hope that helps and if you have any questions, I’m happy to help! Videos and tutorials are useful but sometimes you just wanna talk to someone that will answer your questions or understand the struggle.I always seem to leave novels on your site. Lol.
Aisha
July 4, 2017 at 10:24Most of this feels like I wrote it. Smh. Still yet to learn to swim or sew. Swimming lessons are just too expensive here! Also planned to learn the eyebrows drawing this summer but not even one bit interested right now. Fixed my dental appts and it’s been such a money drainer. 😭😭. Dental work is so expensive in the US. I have a good skin but I also thought to start some skin care, no luck yet. I cut my very long hair last year summer and it’s almost a year now. I’m still so pissed at the growth even though my fam says it’s grown a lot compared to other people and natural hair is such a struggle if you have hair like mine. My comb only goes through when conditioning and once the water dries off, it’s back to being a thick forest. Tearssss. Anyway I’m still hopeful the year gets better somehow. Looking forward to passing a major exam hopefully I do and I’ll comment about that on another post someday! Thanks for this post, even though I journal daily (read as: try to) I didn’t think to do a recap as it seems like nothing major has happened. But I’ll do that later today as it reminds me to be thankful for the “little” things that really aren’t little. Sigh. I always write an epistle with my comments.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 4, 2017 at 10:28You know I loveeee your epistles! Dental work here is so expensive as well – at least if I’m considering braces, it’ll set me back a few hundred pounds! Maybe that’s why I’m avoiding it. Lol! Same for swimming. I think it’s like £20 per hour. Goodness gracious. I think it’s great to recap using these and more headers! And I wish you all the best in your major exam!! 💕💕
Desire Uba
July 7, 2017 at 11:16I also enjoy reading your comments!!!
Aisha
July 7, 2017 at 11:47Awww 🙈🙈 thank you!
Bababi
July 4, 2017 at 11:13Weldone Kachee.At the beginning of the year, I had just 2 goals set out for myself; 1. To start my business. 2. To be a lil bit extroverted because of my business (because I’m such an introvert).Gladly, I’ve been able to achieve both. The 2nd is more difficult though but I’m not giving up yet.
'Dara
July 4, 2017 at 15:37I’m going to take stock using your guidelines as well. Career: Major leap for me here was my admission for a graduate degree in Finance and getting a sort of mini certification also. I can’t wait to resume school next month! By the end of the year, I hope to have garnered more relevant knowledge in my field.Health: Eating more fruits and vegetables. More than a year since I left the carbonated drinks life and I’ve not looked back. Baby steps till I’m completely proud of my food life. For now, puff puff, cakes, chin chin, biscuits are friends I can’t let go of.Finances& money: I’ve been more conscious and rational with my spending. Not like I have much of a choice since I don’t yet have 30 billion in my account.Hobbies, Habits& Skills: At the beginning of the year, I made a list of 20 books to read. I’m not halfway yet but I’ve made significant progress and hopefully I’d have gone through the list before the end of the year.Hair, Skin, Beauty& Fashion: Although I’ve had my hair natural for a few years, I decided to be more intentional about growing it- Health over length. Did a big chop a few days to my birthday, rocked a low cut for a while. Now I’m growing it back and I’m more intentional about it; giving it adequate care and nourishment. By the way, coconut oil remains the solution to all of life’s problems.Faith: I’ve not been very great with my church attendance or activities but I’ve been very conscious of my relationship with God.I’m pressing on towards the mark of the high calling.Blogging: Not Applicable
Demilade
July 5, 2017 at 11:39Really enjoyed reading this post Kachee! So far, my year hasn’t really gone as planned but it hasn’t been bad either. I stopped doing so many things that I started at the beginning of the year when the stress of school was too much but I’m slowly easing back into things. Also planned to learn how to swim this summer, still not sure on this one haha. I was going to continue learning how to sew but I think I’m going to shift that to 2018. Finance wise, I’ve been very consistent with saving money and I’m really proud of myself lol. Still can’t believe we’re in July but I’m looking forward to the rest of the year, it’s not too late for us to achieve all our goals! xxCoco Bella Blog
Jamila
July 7, 2017 at 04:59Great post! Well, my year is going as planned and I have a lot to be thankful to God for. Blogging is going on well, health is good, finances are great and there is one new project I am working on that I am very excited about. Overall, not a bad start but it could be better and perhaps that is where I spend the second half of the year perfecting things!www.jamilakyari.com
Desire Uba
July 7, 2017 at 11:11Well, 2017 has been an interesting year for me. I was inducted as a pharmacist, got my first actual job and on my way to the second. I have read a good number of books too.I finally got through to my sewing classes, got my sewing machine and I am still lmachine. I still have to learn how to drive sha. The two areaa that need major work are Faith and Blogging, two extremely important parts of my life.Wishing you God’s best in your goals for the rest of the year!!!!
Aisha
July 13, 2017 at 19:04Congratulations and here’s wishing you a better year ahead.!!🎉🎈🎊