Happy New Year!

True story: if this had happened a few years ago, maybe even a year ago, I would not have gone to Frenchmen. I HAVE GROWN (Bounty Killa's voice).

Those who know me, know that the only sure parties I attend are Frenchmen parties, the largest of which is the annual New Year’s Day party. Last Tuesday, while doing the final fitting for my dress (yes, I know, too last minute), I decided the design just wasn’t working. We thought of several fixes, but none that could be done in time for the party. So, we scrapped the dress.

The old me would have thrown a tantrum, and no power could have gotten me out of the house. Worst, I had no back up.

You know how we love to say we don't give a F what people think. Well, I'll confess that one of the first thoughts that came to mind was what people would say when I either repeated an outfit or wore something that wasn't quite up to par with the nature of the event. You see, you sort of set yourself up for this type of criticism when you choose to live life out loud. It doesn’t make it any easier when your husband is in full “Cha Cha Boy” mode thanks to Mark Anthony.

Then my senses kicked in: "Really gyal?! So, you going to make what people think stop you from going to an event you've been looking forward to all year? You a ediat? Galang go do you makeup."

Heeding to my senses, I grabbed my purse and rushed to my car. When I got to Claudia, I told her, "I don’t know what I’m wearing, so it's all in the makeup. You better make me glamorous!" She didn't disappoint.

Driving home (now after 7 p.m.) I did a mental scan of my wardrobe. I remembered a dress that I ordered for a party I didn’t make it to because hubby had to work. It wasn't the statement piece I had in mind, but it was in keeping with Frenchmen’s "dazzle" theme.

I got home and tried it on for Garfield. He exclaimed, "Yeah man! You good!"

To be honest, I think even if I had tried on a crocus bag, he would have still boosted me up, if only to get out the house.

I went to Frenchmen and had an awesome night.

 

No one could steal my joy, not even the girl who came and stood a few feet from me... in the same dress, just a different colour. Thanks Fashion Nova.

Ladies, don’t you just hate when that happens?

Wait... you didn’t expect the story to end there, did you?

Of course, I must share the corny, yet profound lessons learnt from this experience:

Lesson # 1: Preparation is key. Don’t wait until last minute to decide your outfit (or do anything that is important you).

Lesson # 2: Fear of ridicule and criticism cripples most of us even when we don't readily admit it. It stops us from pursuing our passion, following our instincts or from trying something new, different and unexpected. That fear is amplified so much more today because of social media. Yet, if you push past that fear, the fear of "what people gonna say" a totally mind-blowing experience awaits you on the other end (or in my case, a really great party with family and friends).

What dreams are you failing to pursue because of fear? Read this.

Podcast of the week

Can you believe we are 7 days into the new year already? To kick start your year, before you start vision boarding and setting resolutions,  watch this.

As you reflect on the past 12 months, answer these three questions:

• What are you most proud of?
• What didn’t go so well in 2018 and what lesson did you learn from it?
• What story are you telling yourself that no longer serve you?

I'll share my answers, if you share yours in the comment below.  By the way, I want to know podcasts are you listening to, so, share in the comments below.

Keeping up with our favourite wives!

Trying to find the road map to smash your 2019 goals? Head on over to Cortia’s page We Inspire Women and Girls and keep an eye out for a We Inspire brunch or workshop coming near you. I’ll be missing the 2019 Vision Board Sparty, but I’ll catch up and share lessons from our 2019 Master classes.

Book of the month

My girlfriend and I have vowed to read more (non-work related) books this year. We are each other's accountability partner. We are starting with Becoming by Michelle Obama.

Have you read it? What are your thoughts?

Foodies

I know it’s a new year and were feeling guilty about all the food we gobbled down over the holidays. For those of you who have resolved to eat better, here’s an easy to prepare, healthy vegan option, coconut pumpkin pasta with steamed callaloo, from @tieherwithfood

Conversation starters

Not feeling so hot?

It might be dengue.

The government has finally admitted that dengue outbreak is a thing.

Tell me more.

In Jamaica, dengue is spread primarily by the Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes.

With over 830 cases (suspected/confirmed) as at January 4, the government has reportedly  stepped up its campaign against dengue fever by increased funding by $250 million.

Health minister, Dr Christopher Tufton, is urging us to take proactive and preventative measures, noting that mosquito breeding sites are mostly found around our homes.

So, what can I do?

Destroy mosquito breeding sites - clean up around your home and discard anything that could be storing water and attracting mosquitoes, that means, old tyres, drums, uncovered water containers, flower pots, tins (you get the picture, right?)

Stock up on and use lots of mosquito repellent.

How do I know if I have dengue?

You won’t know for sure until your doctor confirms, most likely through a blood test, but here are the most likely symptoms:

• fever for 3 to 7 days
• intense headache and pain behind the eyes
• muscle and joint pain
• loss of appetite
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• skin rash
• bleeding, usually from the nose or gums.

Oh shoot, I’ve been experiencing some of those symptoms.

• Keep calm. Go to your doctor or the nearest health centre immediately (most are now open later than usual because of the outbreak).
• Drink lots of fluid
• Get lots of rest
• Most importantly, use paracetamol pain killers only!

I'm staying in.

That's a safe bet, provided you've cleaned up around your home and you don't have to go to work. Remember, the most likely breeding sites are in your home. Check out Ministry of Health's Instagram page for more information.

Where to go?

We know the holidays are over,but there are lots of activities in-store:

Look out for:

• Rebel Salute on Jan 18 and 19
• Bob Marley 74th "earth strong" celebration at the Bob Marley museum on Feb 6

Which will you be attending?

Are you enjoying these weekly features? Drop a line and tell us what should we share more of. What do you want to read? Remember to read, relate and subscribe!

Toodles!