I was never a fan or user of the whole “New Year, New Me” trend. Maybe its my complex and analytical way of thinking or maybe its because I don’t like following trains led by society.

I like to say, “New Year, Better ME” because I don’t want to be new. I want to be the same old (literally) Maranda Evans but BETTER! Why do we want to be “new” or a different person? What’s wrong with who you are now? We shouldn’t want to be new because our past is what defines who we are. If not for my past, I wouldn’t be where I am or writing this blog post. My past and every year since 1992 made me who I am today. 2018 will only bring a better me than 2017 did. I accomplished a lot of things this year. My organization made it through a full year. I published my SECOND book. I gained great friends and supporters. Still ain’t got no man though… Maybe in 2018.

I get it. It’s a trend. It’s a hashtag. It’s what “they say”. Well guess what. There isn’t a you or me in they, so we don’t have to be a part of it. Don’t be new, be you boo! (bars)

In the preparation stage for 2018, I’ve decided not to be a new me but a better me, a wealthier me, a more successful me. First, I’m going to be the me that stops underestimating my gifts and talents. Before you get confused…let me explain.

People come to me for help daily. Whether it be advice on writing a book, publishing, starting a non-profit, starting a for-profit, or speaking. Most of the time I help right away because my heart is bigger than an elephant on steroids. I believe and ground myself in giving and service…BUT…a kind heart doesn’t pay the bills. So, I prayed to God about my finances that are so desperately screaming for help. I mean maxed out credit card, barely paying bills, eating PBJ everyday kind of help. Then I had to realize that I’m worth paying for. I used to tell myself and a few others, “Who am I to charge? I’m not there yet. I’m just starting.” I have a bad habit of underestimating myself. Sometimes we think just because our name isn’t spreading across the media like wildfire, that we aren’t “worth it”. See that wasn’t nobody *clap* but *clap* the devil.

After talking to God, I stood up and said to myself, “No more! I am a 25-year old Published Author, Founder of a non-profit, Degreed Accountant that’s been providing bookkeeping services to businesses for over two years, and a natural born Motivator. I’m really the shit out here. I am worthy. I pay for the things I need so I should be able to charge others for what they need. AIN’T NO MORE FREEBIES IN 2018!”

Like my mentor says, “Secrets are sold, not told.” Feel free to be bothered, upset, “oh no she didn’t”, and puppy dog eyes all you want but I have a life to live and a dream to build. With this new year comes not a new me but a BETTER ME.

Happy New Year to you too!

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