Hello my beautiful people.
This weekend, I had the distinct honor and privilege to attend the Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference (SBSLC) in College Station, Texas on the campus of Texas A&M University. This was my first time traveling to Texas and my first time attending this conference. And I only have one word to describe this experience: outstanding.

This conference has expanded my horizons as a leader, through various workshops and keynote speakers. I attended workshops entitled, “Getting in Our Own Way: The Degradation of Student Organizations,” ‘Leaving Your Mark: Empowering & Mentoring Others,” a writing workshop, and so much more. During this conference, I examined myself as a leader and my organization as a whole. And I brought back a mental list of improvements I want to make.

This year, I charge to be better than I was last year. And I want you all to do the same. I have never been surrounded by so many black leaders dressed in business professional attire. And I must say, it was a sight to see. But you don’t have to be considered a leader to be classified as black excellence. Black excellence is you starting your own business, following your dreams, participating in an organization, continuing on even when the odds are against you. Black excellence comes in many shapes and sizes. But I want you to know that it is out there. There are black people who are doing some amazing things. They give younger generations something to aspire towards, something to hope for. Even if you don’t always receive recognition, just know that I see you, someone sees you, and most importantly YOU see what you’re trying to accomplish.

So today challenge yourself. First, challenge yourself to get out of your way. Stop being your biggest critic, it’s okay to not always succeed. However, when you fail, the key is to continue on. Secondly, keep pursuing your goals and desires, even if everyone and everything seems to be against you. Oprah didn’t always have it easy (and is she not an example we look to for black excellence), so why should you? And most importantly, find a way to leave your mark in this world, doing what you love and are passionate about, and ultimately showcase your black excellence.

Love,
Janna Alane

 

Hello all and Happy Saturday!

In honor of the new year and this newfound motivation, I have totally revamped my blog & its look. I am soo excited about this and hopefully you all enjoy this new look.

The word of the month is elevation.

In my last blog I reflected on my year in 2017 and listed some goals that I wish to achieve in 2018. On my list, I mentioned how I wanted to better my relationship with God, grow, and also step out of my comfort zone. And the other day I began to ponder on this new year, new month, and what I wanted to do this month. One word summed up everything I wanted to accomplish and the end result of these goals: elevation.

The other day, my sister-in-law was talking about how her church was doing the Daniel Fast and so I talked to my boyfriend about it. He mentioned that he had done it before and how it was such a phenomenal experience for him because he really grew closer to God through this fast. So this encouraged me to research the fast a little more. And as a result, tomorrow I will begin the Daniel Fast. I will keep you all updated at the end of the month once it is over. I know that by participating in this fast, I am definitely stepping out my comfort zone (Doing something I have never done before, but always wanted to), making an effort to better my relationship with God, and allowing myself to elevate mentally and spiritually.

So my challenge to you all this month is: to think about what you can do to elevate yourself. To elevate means to be raised to a higher level. What is something you have always wanted to do, but never had the courage to? What step(s) can you take to begin the pursuit of a goal you have? How can you better yourself?

There is no time better than the present. So begin to elevate yourselves spiritually, mentally, physically, however you see fit. And remember, this year we aren’t just talking about our goals, but seeing how we can bring them into fruition. This is only the beginning of my fruition and elevation. How will you elevate this month & this year?

Love,
Janna Alane