12 Lessons I’ve Learned this Year

Happy 1 year Anniversary to me!! 12 months ago, I decided to venture out and start the Atoya Burleson Brand to share all the things I love with others. As time went on, I began finding out what others love about me and it has been so encouraging! Here are 12 lessons I’ve learned during the last 12 months:

1. 1. Just do it!! It won’t be perfect, but who is?
   2. Don’t be afraid to ask! Channel your inner child, they never stop asking questions. Funny how we lose that as we get older?
   3. It’s okay to embarrass yourself. I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way. Sometimes they make funny stories or teach lessons. What I learned was many people can relate and that’s all that matters.
   4. To ALWAYS be myself. Express myself, be organically me and I will have organic people around me! ☀️
   5. To value every single person who takes the time to stop by or comment. It is you that keeps me going. You are my fuel to drive this buggy and I appreciate EACH and EVERY one of you! ♥️
   6. Nobody has it all figured out. But if I can help one mama, encourage someone, or make them smile; that’s all that matters. We are ALL we have!
   7. Use others as a great source of inspiration. I have found myself following and learning from other people and even reaching out to them to thank them for sharing. It also fuels me and I don’t take them for granted either.
   8. People follow people and not just a blog. Blogs are great, but genuine connection is gold!
   9. To chase my dreams!! YOLO! It’s okay to pivot and change the course of your life. As life changes, so do we. Sometimes making that sharp left changes the trajectory of your life for the better. 😉
   10. At times, you will second guess yourself and that’s okay. Let that thought run in and out of your mind. Don’t freeze. Push through! The other side is waiting for you!
   11. It’s okay to start from scratch. I started this website and blogging journey without an ounce of knowledge. I did some research, asked a lot of questions, and I am still doing the same. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you NEVER stop learning.
   12. From the ups and downs during the pandemic, seeing the world turned upside down from George Floyd, watching an unbelievable presidential race, planning a revamp of my podcast, my husband changing jobs, and my son breaking his wrist, what I’ve learned was to BE STILL. To trust God, to grab those lemons and add some sugar, to think positive, to pray, keep pushing and NEVER EVER let anyone steal your joy. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

1. Thank you for all the love and support! Cheers to year one and looking forward to many more years with you!! 🍾🥂👏🏾