December 27, 2023
What Up Family?
Welcome to the final Edit of 2023! It’s crazy to me the incredible responses I’ve gotten to this lifestyle letter, and I can’t wait to continue this together into the new year. Today, in lieu of the usual format, I wanted to switch things up and get personal by sharing my top three lessons—in life and business—that I’ve learned this year.
Lesson #1: Fly on Unyielding Faith
Last December, I was in a really dark place. To say this was a great year without acknowledging that moment would be a lie; in fact, it was incredibly difficult in many ways. One year later, it’s the total opposite, and I have so much clarity and gratitude for what I’ve done to persevere.
When you’re in a dark space, it takes a strong belief that you can make it out. Looking back, I’m grateful I could lean on my faith and see the light at the end of the tunnel—even if it was the size of a flashlight! If you are currently going through it, you must dig deep and fly on unyielding faith. Own your mistakes, own the pain that comes with them, grow, and move on.
You have to be able to bounce back from adversity. It’s the only way to be successful.
Lesson #2: Purge and Pivot
Purging and pivoting have been the crux of my entire year. I put into the universe the type of business I want to have, the clients I want to work with, and the homes I want to sell. I purged what wasn’t working for me and pivoted to be in alignment with my true self.
This past year, I left The Agency and came home to Compass. This career move was huge as I swiftly course-corrected after having an ‘aha moment.’ Sometimes, you just gotta get the f*** out! That applies to relationships, people, and places just as much as work. That pivot had a huge impact; it gave me a fresh start and enabled me to be in alignment with how I see myself, my brand, and my business. You will never reach your potential if you’re being undermined and undervalued.
Everything you do should bring you joy at your soul level. If it doesn’t, purge and pivot.
Learning #3: Reconnect & Revel
It’s been a year full of changes; I’ve been reconnecting with my true self, old friends, and past clients. A return to center and a spark to remember who the f*** I am. The key is always to surround yourself with the right people.
Reveling is something I’m not used to. I’ve never been one for celebrating my wins—for me, it was like pulling teeth to commemorate the sale of Carmelo Anthony’s home, which was my most prominent property to date—but this year, I started honoring my wins and choices. Like my choice to stand tall and become a caregiver for my elderly parents, one with stage 4 Alzheimer’s. I chose to continue pushing forward when life felt really dark, knowing in my heart that this, too, shall pass.
It’s tough to reconnect and revel when you have too much going on. But, the way through is by tackling one thing at a time.
Lesson #4: Find Your Fun!
I know I promised you three lessons, but I’m ending with a bonus, and possibly the most important. Don’t forget to have fun! This year was f***ing hard—and I’m not just talking about myself but the world at large, which at times has felt incredibly heavy and dark.
Find what lights you up and do as much of that as you can, as often as you can. Everyone has a gift—what’s yours?
Thanks for taking the time to read The Edit. Every day, I’m grateful and giving thanks to each and every one of you.
Nah, you didn’t think I’d leave you hanging? Before you go…
🛋️: The design trends that are in (and out) for the year ahead. I’m digging alllll of these, especially number 6!
📚: Bill Gates ranks the three best books he read in 2023. Number 3 sounds incredible. Adding it to my shelf…
🤩: Derek Jeter’s former NYC penthouse at Trump Tower hits the market for $16.5M. The unit has views for days.
🎵: Complex ranks the best rap verses of 2023—Surprisingly, I agree with their pick for #1 (flow and content), and #2 could be 1 for the flow alone. Special shout for #5; clever concept.
🏠: New York’s AirBnB ban is causing a Holiday crunch. Here’s why.
🎬: A pretty dope watch: 3mins of the best GoPro footage this year.
✨: Need NYE Plans? It’s not too late. Here are the best NYE parties happening in NYC.
That’s a wrap on The Edit for 2023! Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and a fly 2024.
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Like I ask GOD every day, who can we help next?