The end of August is near and we couldn’t end the month without one more post in honor of National Black Business Month! Check out these phenomenal black owned brands & businesses. And remember to always support black owned businesses!💛
God has a calling for each & every one of us. However, sometimes, we can become distracted with our OWN wants & desires. Check out today’s video to hear a little snippet of how God’s calling has led and continues to lead my life.Â
Remember, he is ALWAYS in control and all things are working out for YOUR GOOD.  Even if things don’t go as YOU planned. Love yourself always because you deserve to be loved. 💋💗
Happy Monday! 💛 Are you buying black this month (and always)? This week’s post includes some phenomenal black owned businesses & brands. Check out this thread for these amazing black owned businesses.
Happy Self-Love Sunday!
Today’s post is all about checking in.
Have you ever participated in an ice breaker that has involved checking in? I am SO not a fan of that. It makes me feel super uncomfortable and then I’m also like, “do y’all really care about me and what’s been going on?” But, I do understand that it IS important to check in. You NEED to check in with your family, your friends, loved ones, and you also have to check in with yourself. So let me check in with you all on this lovely Sunday!
We are in some very unfamiliar times. You never know how someone is truly feeling or what they are battling, until you ask. At that point, it’s up to the other person to respond BUT you’re making an effort to show you care and that in itself can mean the world. I know I may be slow to speak and open up, Â but I am always always touched when someone reaches out to check up on me. Even people who you deem strong deal with trials and tribulations too. Are you checking on your strong friends? Are you checking in on your friends period? What about your family? And are you checking in on yourself too?
Here’s my little check in:
I know I haven’t wrote a blog in a little minute, but I have been actively involved with A Word Wednesday. I went live on Instagram on August, 19 at 7:00 PM and I’ve been highlighting black businesses on my Instagram as well. I don’t want you all to think I’m leaving you hanging, because I COULD NEVER. But, Instagram is where it’s at haha. I’ll post my Black Business highlights here tomorrow and link my Instagram page as well.
Outside of my brand, I have been working from home since March. On Friday, I started my new journey as a graduate student. I’m going back to school to pursue a Masters of Science in Healthcare Management and Informatics – I have A Word Wednesday video coming up about this as well! I am the new workshop coordinator for an amazing nonprofit that is focused on mentoring young girls – I can not wait to begin interacting with the girls! I have been working on bettering my relationship with God and reading the word MORE. I’ve also been utilizing my free time more productively. I’m also looking for a puppy sooo if you have any information to share with me, please do!
I have had my moments where I have felt lonely and down. I’ve also felt empowered and motivated. I feel like I’m in an uncomfortable place at times, but I also know that you can’t grow in comfort. And I have noticed my growth. I have faith and know that God is working all things out for my good. I know that storms won’t last always & even if we are moving into this new normal with COVID, God is taking care of us ALWAYS.Â
Here’s my Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/unveilingjannaalane/Â
So, how are you all doing? How do you feel? Feel free to reach out to me and let me know! If you have my number, feel free to text or call me. If you have my email, write me an email. Comment below if you want too! I truly want to check in on you and how you’re feeling & doing.
And no matter where you are currently, know that rain is necessary to form rainbows & you are never alone. All things will work out for your good.
Â
Self-love is the best love.
Self-love can take many forms and shapes. It will always look different for different people. However, the point of it all is always the same;Â regard for one’s own well-being and happiness. Love yourself always, because YOU deserve to be loved.
I know that the journey of self-love isn’t always picture perfect, but it is necessary and important. And for me, vulnerability has been an important aspect and component of my journey.
Merriam-Webster defines the word vulnerable as being able to be easily physically, emotionally, or mentally hurt, influenced, or attacked. This definition inspired some thoughtful analysis from me, because when I use the word this is not the definition that I keep in mind. So I will share with you all what I think of when I utilize this word.
For me, being vulnerable highlights the ability to be open and honest, revealing information that is near and dear to you and your story. Being vulnerable is allowing someone else to be there for you, even though it may be scary for you. Being vulnerable is disregarding popular and public opinion and sharing your story, because it may positively impact someone. Being vulnerable takes courage and is so necessary in order for us to be OUR true, authentic selves.
I want to reach others. I want to positively impact at least one person’s life. But how can I do that if I’m a closed book? I have to be vulnerable. I have to share what is in my heart. And if you know me, then you know I am shy. I am very personable, but I am also VERY shy – so it can be a battle for me, but it is necessary.
So as I sit and reflect on my self-love journey, that is still a work in progress, I can recognize my growth. I would always be very nervous to share, so I’d share the bits and pieces I would want the world to see. Not always willing to share it ALL, the good, bad, and ugly. But I have to have courage to share it all because the ugly and bad are the most relatable parts of my story. I am so thankful for growth and for being vulnerable, no matter how uncomfortable it can become.
On this lovely self-love Sunday, I challenge you all to be vulnerable in some form or fashion at some point in time. Why? I believe this quote says it best, “Vulnerability is terrifying. The courage it takes to reveal your heart is one of the most daunting..and yet rewarding experiences in life. It will set you free.” Â – The Better Man Project
Let’s all have courage and be set free in the power of our truth. And you never know how your courage, your truth, and your vulnerability may impact someone else.
Â
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
There will be times when we need someone to be there for us to pick us up and lend a hand. However, in order for us to do so, we have to let someone in.
This is something I work on every day because I have such a guard up. But, I know that I need to be vulnerable so that I can let those who truly love me in to be there for me.