The entire last decade was a process of elimination. I learned what was a definite "no," "no thank you," and "hell no" for me. This process of elimination extended to education, finances, faith, career, relationships, health, time, preferences, dislikes, etc. I ended the decade with a beautiful clarity about what I do not want and/or need. 

I know what I am unwilling to give and sacrifice including, but not limited to self, sanity, peace, and purpose. I know what does not work well for my body, heart, and mind including, but not limited to dairy, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, tweezing, fast food, casual sex, a revolving door of relationships, cohabitation, fear, depression, anxiety, and agnosticism. I am clear what I do not want included in the mission, vision, policies, and practices governing my life.

Somewhere between the age of 11 and 14, I wrote a valedictorian speech. (I just knew I'd graduate valedictorian. That didn't happen, but it's okay. Let's move on.🤷🏿‍♀️) In this speech, I admonished my imagined audience to prize observation as the greatest teacher. Because observation is less costly than experience, the wise person, I wrote, learns from others' experiences and does not have to experience everything for him or herself. 

Then, I set out to learn everything the hard way. (🤦🏿‍♀️🤦🏿‍♀️🤦🏿‍♀️) From 2010 to 2019, age 19 through 29, I willingly and knowingly participated in lessons that cost a great deal aka dumb-ass decisions. I went in circles. I took detours. I started construction projects on every road and left them unattended. It was, and this is  minimization, a hot mess. 

When I sorted through that mess, bagged the heaps of trash and toss that crap out, cleaned, and rearranged a beautiful space was revealed. Clarity! Clarity! Clarity! (Where had you been all my life? 😊🥰😍) I can work with clarity. I know where to start with clarity. The clarity that accompanies and encompasses me in 2020 is exciting.

There's no more time for trying a little of everything. (Ouch! 😬😰 I just stepped on my own toes.) The process of elimination while filled with utility is time consuming. I understand the lessons. I passed the test. I do not have to repeat the course. (Thank you, Jesus! 🙌🏿) Now, I can apply my knowledge and clarity. Now, I can start walking in purpose on purpose. Now, I can start operating according to vision I have painstakingly cultivated. Clarity is performance-enhancing. It will not execute my vision for me, but it attaches meaning and value to execution.