Happy Self-Love Sunday!
This is my first blog for the month of March and March is women’s history month.  Be sure to take time to appreciate the women in your life. And ladies, take time to appreciate yourselves! We are bold, we are trailblazers, and we are powerful beyond measure because we are women. This is our month, so celebrate how you see fit.

We are all powerful beyond, men and women alike. However, there’s a tiny voice in our heads that fill us with feelings of doubt. Sometimes, these feelings arise due to comparisons. We live in a day and age where it can become so easy to compare our lives to the lives of others. Often times, we subconsciously make comparisons of ourselves and don’t even realize this. Yet, we fail to realize that all that glitters isn’t always gold.

Why compare? Like I previously mentioned, sometimes comparison is a subconscious thing. No one wakes up saying, “I am going to compare myself to my best friend (or whoever) today.” Well, I hope that isn’t the case. When things aren’t going right or when it seems as if everything that could go wrong has, that’s when the spirit of comparison creeps its way into our lives. We start looking at other people’s lives and wonder “why do they have it so easy? He/she has it all and I’m stuck here…” And the list of comparisons goes on and on. Social media is a humongous enabler of comparisons. Social media is designed for people to interact with one another by means of sharing updates on their lives. But often times, people use social media to highlight the good things in their lives. You’re more likely going to see someone posting themselves on a vacation, rather than someone posting a failed grade. However, some people utilize social media to share their story in order to uplift others. They share the good and the bad. They don’t share so people can compare their lives or to give people the notion that if they imitate what they are saying then their life will be successful. They share these stories in order to convey that you are not alone. Nobody’s living their best life 24 hours, 7 days a week, and if they are, please point me to them!

We have to realize that we all are called to differently. Meaning that we all have different backgrounds, passions, lifestyles, etc. Every book does not look the same, nor does every book have the same story. So, why can’t we think of ourselves like books? Why can’t be unique and prosper in our way? Referencing back to social media, just because people post the happy moments of their lives does not mean that they are without trials and tribulations. We can never imagine what people had to endure in order to get to that happy moment in time that they captured and felt inclined to share. So, why compare yourself to what you see on social media when you aren’t aware of the full story? Just because it seems as if an individual has it made, does not mean that it doesn’t. And please keep in mind that I am not saying you can not be inspired by others, I am inspired by so many people. But there is a clear difference between inspiration and comparison.

We have to realize that we all unique and powerful in our own way. We all have our own stories. Just because you aren’t where you want to be right now, does not mean it won’t happen.  I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. What is meant for you will always be for you and there will never be any confusion OR need for comparison. Your friend may be living their best life right now, but who says you aren’t about to live your best life, too? Be yourself, because God created YOU. He didn’t create you to imitate or be a copy of anyone else. We are all unique and while we may share similarities or commonalities, our equations are not compatible in order to be compared. The answer to that equation will never exist.
“Your story is unique and so different, it is not worthy of comparison.”

Today, I challenge you to remember these words: no comparison. When you began to idolize over your friends, celebrities, or even strangers, remember you can’t compare. You are you and not those other people. There’s nothing wrong with being happy for them or using them as inspiration. But remember, great things can and will happen to you, too. Sometimes, you just have to be patient and listen to a calling higher than yourself. Remember, there is no need to compare when there is no comparison.

Happy Self-Love Sunday!
What a week this has been for me. Monday was such a day of revelations. It was the day I decided today’s blog topic, but it was also the day I was notified of the passing of my beloved pastor. I journeyed to my hometown Friday, with an assortment of 7 assignments due on today. I questioned whether I should even write this blog, but God allowed for me to complete everything before today’s due date. And now, I have the pleasure of sharing this blog with you all.

How many of us are longing to feel complete? Often times, we seek the wrong methods to find this feeling of completeness. We turn to other people and things to make us feel whole. We look to these things and people to validate us. We look to others to love us in a way in which we know we deserve to be loved. But why can’t we love ourselves this way? Why do we seek other people and not God for this feeling of completion?

Looking for validation in others will always leave one feeling as if he/she is lacking and incomplete. As I have said in previous blogs, you can not and will not please everyone. And if you are pleasing people, that will not last forever. However, our goal shouldn’t be to please others so that we feel complete. Our problem as humans is that we try to be more than enough for people who we will never satisfy, we will never live up to the standards of others. We will always feel a feeling of incompleteness when seeking validation from others, because even when we feel like we’ve given our all to someone, they can always state on what they felt we could’ve or should’ve done better. As humans, some of us just always want more. God wants the best from us, however, he will never chastise us for what we lack.

As mentioned in a previous blog, God said we are more than enough because he created us. We are already complete in Him. When we begin attempting to please the world, that is when we get lost in translation. We lose sight of ourselves and more importantly, we lose sight of God. The God I know and serve will never shame me or anyone else for not living up to our potential. He will make me aware of how I can do and be better. And if God is to ever make us feel incomplete, it’s because we are not seeking him the way we should. We don’t seek God the way we should because we get caught up in the ways of the world. I am guilty of this myself. When I get in relationships, I always want to be the best girlfriend. In trying to be the best girlfriend, sometimes I lose myself and my relationship with God. I become so intent on putting someone else’s happiness and desires before my own, I forget about what God has for me. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with being a great girlfriend or boyfriend, because it’s not. However, remember to stay true to yourself and always seek validation from God and no one else. 

You have to determine whether you let yourself become complete in God or in other people. Being able to acknowledge what you can improve on is half of the battle of accepting yourself for who you are and thus, enabling you to practice self-love and better yourself. However, don’t be so quick to listen to and believe what any and every one tells you. Every friend is not a credible source and honestly, every “friend” is not always a true friend. Have the spirit of discernment and if you don’t know how to decipher what you should and shouldn’t take into mind, seek God. I want us all to be complete in God, so we can practice self-love.

Today, I challenge you not to seek validation in people. I challenge you to talk to God and study his word to learn how he has crafted you and how he created you lacking in nothing. Ask yourself why do you want to feel complete. Is it because you know that you’re missing something in your life OR is it because someone told you that something is missing? Allow God to speak to you, for he and only he alone can make you complete. I want to leave you all with the lyrics of a Jonathan McReynolds’ gospel song,
“What I lack, You are full of.
And where I’m broken, You are whole.
And what I’m doubting. You are sure of.
So I’ll trust the Lover, Lover of my soul.”

Happy Self-Love Sunday!
This week I was blessed with the opportunity to attend a graduate computing conference for women at GA Tech. I had the opportunity to network with so many wonderful ladies who have a passion for technology, just like I do. This conference was so amazing & informative, really inspired me to continue exploring the world of technology because there’s so much available. And even while I was at the conference, I was gathering ideas together for today’s blog. Once I came up with the topic for today, I could not wait to write and share with you all. So please enjoy!

How many times have you gotten your hopes up for what seems like the perfect opportunity, only to be disappointed? Sometimes, the job opportunity that seemed amazing doesn’t select us or the program we were so interested in pursuing doesn’t pick us either. The feeling of rejection can take every bit of happiness that one has and crush it to shreds within a matter of moments. At some point in our lives, regardless of the situation, we will all experience this feeling of rejection. It’s not how we act in these moments of rejection that will shape our lives, but how we react as a result of these decisions moving forward. Will you allow rejection to rule your life or will you keep going?

Rejection can rear it’s head in many forms. And sometimes, the after effects of rejection will have one feeling defeated, unworthy, and a bunch of other demeaning emotions. No matter what type of rejection one faces, we all can relate. And I feel that more than anything, rejection can become very disheartening and inspire one to become very unmotivated.  In life we have to experience unfavorable moments, feelings, and emotions. If everything occurred the way we wanted it to, every single moment of every single day, our lives would be perfect. And nobody has a perfect life, that’s unrealistic. I’ve had my share of unfavorable moments and times where I’ve been rejected. And trust me, I know that is no pleasant feeling. But I had to give myself a pep talk and move past this rejection to continue with my life & experience the wonderful opportunities that were in store for me. I had to keep going in spite of how I felt. We all have to keep going, no matter how our rejection occurs or how it makes us feel.

No matter your situation or the type of rejection that you have faced or that you will face, you must remember two things. 1. Rejection does not define you and 2. What is for you will always be for you. It can be so easy to become consumed in the feelings that rejection makes us feel. Thus, making us doubt and question ourselves. And even if rejection feels like a shortcoming, doesn’t mean that this is true. Sometimes, people, job opportunities, or whatever will reject you simply because you are overqualified and they don’t know how to handle you. You just realize your worth & value and keep moving. I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason and because of this, I believe that rejection is a way of removing all those things that ARE NOT meant for you out of the way so the thing/situation/person that is for you will be revealed and there will be nothing stopping you. Sometimes, rejection occurs because we weren’t ready for something in the moment in which we wanted it. So we have to keep moving after rejection to level up and if interested, pursue this situation again and then we can conquer it. I learned a lot of things at the conference but one thing that really stuck out to me is that they said to never give up and to keep trying. Maybe you didn’t get the job offer you wanted the first time, but apply a second time & a third time and if it’s something you’re really dedicated about and aware of your value that you can bring to the table, it will happen for you when it’s supposed to. So do not be afraid to move on from rejection, realizing that it doesn’t make or break you and that in time, what is for you will come into fruition.

Another quote that was said at this conference was that, “setbacks set you up for your come back.” Now this really struck me because I know how discouraging setbacks can be. But we have to understand the purpose of setbacks. They are setting us up to get right, in whatever way we need to, and come back better than ever. We can and will overcome obstacles, but we have to be in the right mindset to do so. And sometimes rejection and setbacks prepare us to acknowledge the not so good feelings but also understand that we can’t stay focused on the negative & hurtful emotions. We have to use these unpleasant feelings as fuel to motivate us and push to accomplish all that we want. Our setbacks are preparation. They allow us to focus and realize what it is we really want to continue pursuing and to realize what is worth our time. No matter what, believe in yourself and know that you’re experience a minor setback or minor setbacks for MAJOR comebacks.

We must all keep going. Keep moving and being the wonderful person that you are in the face of adversity, in spite of rejection, and in spite of setbacks. It’s okay to accept your feelings, but you must not succumb to them. Don’t let them rule your life. What is meant for you will always be for you and once you realize this, you won’t be so mad for being rejected or setback. Today, I challenge you to reflect on a recent moment of rejection OR a recent setback, allow yourself to acknowledge how these situations made you feel, and then keep moving toward the bigger goal that you have set for yourself. You can & will achieve any & everything that you want, just keep moving when setbacks come your way.

Happy Self-Love Sunday my loves!
As this month comes to a close, let’s take a moment to reflect on how this month has treated you. I also know some people are saying that January was their practice month and that 2019 starts for them in February. Just remember, just because things don’t go the way you’ve planned now doesn’t mean they won’t turn around OR that this will determine how your entire year will go.

I’ve set some goals to accomplish this year. And one of the goals directly correlates with today’s topic. I was unsure of how to phrase the title of this piece so that it adequately represented all I wanted it to, while serving as a backdoor to a future surprise for you all. But Friday night God placed this title or theme in my heart, and he knows best because it conveyed all I wanted to. Keep reading to find out what I’m talking about.

This year I’m really focusing on self-love. I’m giving myself all the love I deserve. And in the areas I lack, I’m seeking God to fill and renew. I believe one of the important aspects of self-love involves accepting yourself, flaws and all. Accepting yourself means being unapologetically you, it means that you don’t constantly try to impress others with a persona you think they’ll like but instead are naturally you.

Naturally you. Two words, various interpretations, yet filled with meaning. What does “naturally you” mean to me? I personally define being naturally you as embracing yourself for who you are and being unapologetically you. You feel no need to apologize for being yourself just because others may not feel comfortable due to their jealousy or ill will. You won’t let your light be dimmed, no matter the situation. Being naturally you doesn’t mean you live a perfect life where every day is filled with nothing but sunshine and rainbows, however it does mean that you are able to be that ray of positivity when things get tough. It means you never give up and you keep pushing because you trust God’s plan for you. We are all unique and wonderful in our own way. And being ourselves allows us to highlight and embrace what makes us so great! This is why I love these words, they’re interchangeable with unapologetically you and bring so many meanings.

Naturally you is my motto for this year. For me, I’m embracing the natural aspects of myself more than ever. I haven’t straightened my hair since December and don’t plan on it anytime soon. I always felt most confident and comfortable with my hair straightened, but I’m just as beautiful with my hair in it’s natural state. More often than not, I’m walking out barefaced, not covering up any small blemishes that bother me. I’m highlighting the things I love about myself rather than tearing myself down. I’m embracing me. Is it time for you to begin embracing you, too?

Self-love is a process. It isn’t always pretty or easy, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t practice it. Any step or effort made toward loving yourself for who you are and not for who the world dictates that you need to be is progress. So take delight in your small victories. Let’s stop getting caught up in unrealistic standards set by others. Let’s define our standards . And let’s do it all by being the wonderful person you are. How do you define being naturally you? Share with me, I would love to see how you define being yourself. Today, I challenge you to begin loving and appreciating yourself for simply being you!

Happy Self-Love Sunday my loves!
Welcome to the new year. I hope you all are feeling inspired by the new beginnings this year has to offer. If you’re into vision boards, I hope you’ve been making them OR making plans to conqueror all that you want to this year. Remember, we are transforming this year. Your most important goal is to make this year better than the last, and you have ample opportunity to do so. And, make sure to love yourself a little harder this year than you did last year.

Earlier today I participated in a volunteer opportunity that involved providing a few items to the homeless. As I hit the road, the first song that played in my car (without me selecting it) was J.Cole’s Love Yourz. If you know me, then you know I absolutely love J.Cole and Love Yourz is one of my favorite songs by him. And the irony of this song playing today, of all days, is that it goes hand in hand with what I had planned for today’s blog. Not only are we transforming in 2019, but we’re making it personal. It’s the year of you and in order to do so, you have to love everything that makes you you and makes your life unique to you. You have to love yours.

See, 2019 is the year of me and I can only hope that it will be the year of you, too. This year we’re being unapologetically ourselves. We’re taking chances, we’re fulfilling our dreams, and we’re living with little to NO regrets. It’s time to heal all those wounds you’ve left open for too long. We let our wounds build up and become infected, so much so that we don’t even realize they are there until they burst open. Our wounds are our emotions, all our battle scars. In 2019, I am releasing all the hurtful wounds. And anything else that is hindering me from elevation & transformation, from being the woman God has called me to be. And I pray that you can do the same, it’s time to rebuild! The focus is to better ourselves.

I am trying to move in my purpose this year. I’m making efforts to improve myself already by first, improving my relationship with God. I didn’t really make any resolutions, but I have a 2019 to-do list. We get caught up in making a new year’s resolution because others do it and we feel like hey, why not? Also, we don’t take them seriously. When we don’t stick to them, we’re like, “oh well I will try again next year.” But with to-do list’s, we can’t wait to check things off the list to say we have completed them, we have more motivation and they help us remember what we HAVE to complete. I’m a fan of to-do list’s and I use them almost every day. You have to do what works for you and to-do list’s are my thing and they will help me make 2019 my year.

As I have stated previously, it’s time to recharge, refocus, and keep it moving. 2018 may have not been what you wanted it to be, but what’s stopping you from making 2019 even better? And if you feel like 2019 hasn’t started right for you, you have so many days, weeks, months, and the rest of the year to make a change. Don’t just feel defeated and give up! This is the year of YOU, so you have no time for compromises, such as accepting anything other than what you deserve, or not putting your all into something. What is for you will be for you, but don’t let this motto stop you from pouring your soul into what you love. Everything happens for a reason and just as a seed reaps a harvest, you will reap what you sow, in due time.

Today, I challenge you to begin this mindset of thinking this is the year of you. Release any negativity from your mind, body, and soul. Let of all the pain, hurt, anger, and whatever else that is not aiding you in transforming toward the you are destined to be. You are loved. You are special. You deserve happiness and you are destined for greatness. Make a list of goals/things you want to accomplish this year, in whatever method works for you whether it’s a vision board, to-do list, etc. And take the first step to improving yourself. 2019 is YOUR year, it’s the year of me and the year of you, too. May 2019 be filled with everything you imagined, and so much more.

 

 

Happy Self-Love Sunday!
It’s that time of the year where the year is coming to an end and everyone is gushing about their expectations and changed behavior for 2019. And contrary to popular belief, there is nothing wrong with these discussions. The only problem is when you speak about something and don’t carry it into fruition, which can be the case when people begin to get busy with the hustle and bustle of life. But, let us make 2019 different. Let us carry out everything we said we would and not make excuses for why we didn’t, let us be transformed by the renewing of our mind in 2019.

When I was thinking about what to write for these upcoming weeks, the idea of transformation came into mind. And as I pondered on that word, I began to think about metamorphosis. I was specifically thinking about the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly.  Because, in a way, I feel we all can relate to this process. Caterpillars aren’t as appealing to the eye as butterflies. And in order for the caterpillar to complete its stage in the life cycle it has to undergo some circumstances so the transformation into a butterfly can begin. However, the caterpillar is a key stage in the life cycle of a butterfly and without the caterpillar there is no butterfly.  Once the caterpillar grows completely, it enters the pupa stage where they form sort of a protective barrier around themselves as they undergo rapid change. And once this is complete, they can release themselves and fly free as the beautiful butterfly we all see.

You may be wondering why I included the life cycle of a butterfly in this post, but I promise that was done with intention and I am about to break it down for you. Just as the caterpillar isn’t the prettiest creature, sometimes our lives are just as unappealing to us. However, this ugliness in our life is essential in aiding us in our transformation!  See, trials and tribulations are key components of our lives. If we never experienced any hardships, we wouldn’t have any motivation to get better for ourselves or loved ones, nor would we have any drive to protect ourselves, just as the caterpillar protects itself during transformation. Just as the caterpillar protects itself during transformation, it’s important for us to protect ourselves as well from any danger or ill will, in whatever shape or form these may take. But once we have endured and transformed, the result is something beautiful. The beauty is a combination of all the ugliness plus the hard work of change. Some may only see the beauty, but we know the struggle and pains that it took to get where we are. Is 2019 your year to transform like a butterfly, what’s holding you back?

As I reflect on 2018, I’m sort of indifferent about how I felt my year went. I experienced some hardships and lots of ugly moments. Yet, I am thankful for everything. Because if I didn’t feel the way I felt at times, I wouldn’t have gained this insight or mindset to come to you all with this piece of writing. I don’t think 2018 was one of my best years, but it was filled with tons of blessings and lots and lots of love. I have no idea what 2019 has to hold for me. But I am entering into this year with a different mindset than I had when I entered 2018. I want to be better than I was in 2018, I want to transform so I can better fulfill my purpose and honestly, that is all that matters.

Let 2019 be the year where we transform. Let our actions reflect what we have said with our words. Let it be the year where we learn to put ourselves and our own happiness first, sometimes. Let it be the year where we learn to use our hurt and pain as a motivator. Let 2019 be a year so much better than any other year we have experienced. And if we feel that this year is not going in a good direction, may we seek God, pray on it, and make an effort to make some sort of change. There’s a song that says, it’s a season of power & prosperity, well let 2019 be this year of bountiful blessings due to the transformation that has occurred because you changed the way you think and thus, behave.

I pray that you all will be ready to transform in 2019, because sometimes transformation occurs whether we like it or not. Nobody wants to be stuck as a caterpillar knowing they have the potential to become a butterfly. So this year, let go of all the things that are weighing you down and keeping you from going into the next stage of your life. You deserve all of the things that God has promised for you, and so do I.
I challenge you all to join me on my journey of transformation through the renewing of my mind. May God watch over us, guide us, and hold us accountable to conqueror everything we said we would this upcoming year. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy Self-Love Sunday my loves!

It is the month of November, which is one of my favorite months. This is because Thanksgving is right around the corner along and kicks off the holiday season and all its associated joy and love. And as Thanksgiving approaches this week, I hope that you all enjoy your Thanksgiving. Eat good, have lots of laughs, and catch those black Friday sales if that is what you choose to do.

I think it is so important for us to reflect on what/who we are thankful for. We should do this whenever we can, not just when Thanksgiving rolls around. However, Thanksgiving allows us to hone in and express our thankfulness. And I truly have a lot to be thankful for. I have so many people who love me and care about me and vice versa whether they are my family, friends, mentors, etc. I have so many people in my corner and I literally have no idea what I would do without any of them.

Today, I was blessed and THANKFUL to have the opportunity to go to church with my best friend since the sixth grade and my aunt. And church truly blessed me and put some things into perspective for me. I’m thankful for that message because it was well needed and as you continue to read, you will see why. The message was entitled, “Power to Change” and if anyone wants me to share or discuss the topic further, please feel free to reach out to me because I took a lot of notes!

“You can’t grow in isolation, you grow in community.” – Bishop Dale Bronner
I feel the idea of community goes hand in hand with the whole theme of being thankful. In a previous blog, I discussed how no man is an island. Even if we try to be, sometimes we have to rely on others. Someone else may be able to help you grow, get some things off your chest, or even conqueror a problem you had no idea how to handle. See, I am the type of person who tries to deal and endure on my own. But just as I said I am thankful for those people who care about me, I have to allow them to share their love. And I can do that by opening up or simply letting them be there for me in times of need, stress, or distress. I am an introvert with extrovert tendencies, but there is no greater feeling than knowing if something were to go down, I have a whole army behind me ready to aid me in handling any situation.

There is growth in community, because you are taught how to deal with others. You learn how to deal with various personalities, problem management, and you learn how to let others love you. It’s okay to not always have your puzzle pieces together. And it’s even more okay to let someone (not just any & everybody though) aid you in putting the pieces together. No one makes it on their own. Celebrities or people of high-profile have a team of people who help them whenever they go perform, speak, host, the works. Each person is vital to their event. And I know that the forerunner of these teams are grateful for all those people who put in work for them. So, why can’t we be thankful for our community? Whether it’s your family, friends, significant other, whatever. Each person plays an important role in your life and I know you’re thankful for all that they do for you, no matter how big or small.

On this Self-Love Sunday and throughout your week (and so forth), I challenge you to reflect on who and what you’re thankful for. Maybe shoot them a little message, get them a small token of appreciation, or the next time you pray call out what/who you are thankful for. And remember, that without the people in your life, you wouldn’t be able to grow and glow the way that you have thus far. It is such a joy to be able to be thankful, so express your thankfulness whenever you can! You may make someone’s day.

 

There’s a famous H.E.R. song that says, “Lately, I’ve been going through some changes, been running out of maybes.”
Have you been going through changes in your life? Changes that may have you questioning the very fundamentals of what you thought you knew? Changes that weren’t necessarily warranted. Or maybe they were? Well, if you can relate to any kind of change (which I think we all can), then this blog is for you.

When I was thinking of what topic to write about this Sunday, this H.E.R. song was prevalent in my mind. I feel this verse, if nothing else, represents the current season of my life. It’s been a season of changes. And when I tell you some of these changes have really been trying me. Some moments I feel overwhelmed by all the change, and alone and honestly, I just want to give up. I wish I could say change is easy, but I haven’t always been a fan of change. And one of the things I’ve learned over the years is that sometimes you have to be uncomfortable to elevate. And I’m in such an uncomfortable state with some of this change.

See, I’ve also had to realize that it’s okay to be uncomfortable. Because when you’re always comfortable, how can you continually push yourself & chase your full potential? You’ll see no need because you’ll be okay with accepting things as they are. And I’ve often found myself experiencing these feelings with discomfort. And I feel God makes me experience change so that I will be so uncomfortable that I’ll be moved to do more, to do better, and stop being complacent with the okay way things have been going when I can make a conscious effort to have and experience more. This was not a lesson I learned easily. It came with years of experience and lots of tears. Change can be uncomfortable, especially since I like to be in control of things. But it’s okay to not always be in control and even more okay to be uncomfortable. Because for me, discomfort gives me that push I need.

Change is inevitable. Sometimes it’s wanted and sometimes it’s not. But we can’t always control when changes occur. Or what changes for that matter. And sometimes, it’s hard to see the bigger picture. To see that everything happens for a reason, even if it’s unfavorable for the time being. But I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason and that is why change has to occur. No one can elevate without some kind of change, otherwise, we would all be the same. Stuck in the same position. Like they say, how can you complain about your plate being full when the goal was to eat? You can’t handle all that without a little change. Even if it’s a simple change such as: your daily routine, study habits, sticking to a schedule, whatever works for you. A change doesn’t have to be humongous for it to be impactful.

We must remember that this too shall pass. And when these unfavorable changes disappear, they will disappear because of more change. I haven’t always been a fan of change. But I understand that it’s necessary. And sometimes what’s necessary will not always be what we want, but these steps will aid us in reaching our goals and dreams.

Today, I challenge you to embrace the changes that are taking place in your life or that will come. Everything doesn’t have to be pretty or picture perfect to benefit you. Change can look nice or not so nice, but just know the fruits of your changes will bring forth some extraorindary movements in your life. I am currently going through the phases of change and am in the process of learning how to embrace what has been coming my way. It may not be what I expected, but I will adapt, overcome, and conqeuror. And I challenge you to do the same!

Hello lovelies & Happy Self-Love Sunday!
This previous week has been amazing. I was able to be featured on one of the best radio show’s KSU has to offer, “Between the Sheets with Shaq Diesel.” I got the opportunity to speak about self-love, self-healing, my blog & much more. I throughly enjoyed myself & recommend you all to tune in every Wednesday night from 8 pm – 10 pm on ksuradio.com. And I feel last week was a great way to lead into one of my favorite weeks ever, my birthday week! My birthday is on Wednesday and I’m just praying that this week will be filled with nothing short of blessings & happiness for everyone.

Lately, I find myself doing a lot of reflection, especially since my birthday is approaching. I like to make goals each year for myself to accomplish. And almost always, the main goal is to be better than I was the year before. Better doesn’t mean that I have it all figured out, but that I have learned from previous mistakes. During my self-reflection, as well my radio discussion, I have verbally established that I am still a work in progress. Some of us try to be the best, perfect, etc. But the reality is, sometimes, we’re simply a work in progress. We are working toward bettering ourselves so we can achieve our goals, aspirations, dreams, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

I am a work in progress. I don’t have everything all planned out. I do know that I want to be and do better. But I’m still figuring things out. And I am okay with that. I am not perfect. I love hard, I hurt even harder. I smile, I laugh, I cry, I feel. I’m still growing and developing, bettering parts of myself every day. And letting go when needed. Stop over evaluating yourself. You are okay where you’re at, as long as you realize a need for growth and improvement. Remember, sometimes change does not happen over night. And it’s okay to not be where you think you should be, but never let this stop you from going forward.

The words, “work in progress” may not be appealing to everyone. Honestly, I know they haven’t always been appealing to me. Sometime they have a negative connotation associated with them. But my reflection has allowed me to understand the true meaning of these words. Being a work in progress means you’re able to understand that you have shortcomings, disappointments, and every other aspect that makes you human. But it also means that you’re trying to progress, to move forward, to improve. Just because you may feel like you’re not all together, doesn’t mean that you can’t positively impact others. It truly warms my heart when people talk to me about how they can relate to my blog. And I publicly discuss what’s on my heart, what I like about myself & what I don’t like. I’m letting people see that I am human and by allowing myself to be vulnerable, I’m also reaching someone. For the longest, I thought if I wasn’t 100% together then I couldn’t aid someone else, but I am seeing that this is not always true.

Embrace who you are. Whether you think you’ve got it all figured out, or whether you see what can be improved. You are you, flaws and all. When you forget how awesome, special, and unique you are, turn to the man above for guidance, especially when you begin to feel like being a work in progress is not enough. He will remind you of all the wonderful in you and show you how to channel everything else into positivity. Because you are a masterpiece even when you’re trying to figure it all out. I am thankful for these revelations. I am thankful because I want to help others in any way that I can. I feel that’s what I was called to do on this earth. And I know that almost everyone can think of how they can improve themselves & their lives. So in a sense, aren’t we all a work in progress?

I am embracing my need and desire to better myself. This need is constant and I feel it will never cease. And I hope that you begin to embrace yours too. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Sometimes, we have to take things day by day, step by step. Today, I challenge you to openly discuss what makes you a work in progress. Your story may help someone else. It always amazes me to see how my writings and discussion of my feelings helps others. Start to see how your work in progress of a life can make an impact too. Choose to accept a life of massive growth and improvement, you deserve to.