Keep Going

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?

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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.

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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.

Love J.A.

Enough.

Happy Self-Love Sunday my loves!
I hope this past week has been amazing for you all. I hope that this week to come will be even better. There wasn’t a blog last weekend because all of the Super Bowl festivities & my schoolwork completely occupied my time. But I am so excited for you all to read today’s content. So sit back & get your eyes ready to read & enjoy!

I am not sure who needed to see this post today. But the Lord has been reaching out to me these past two weeks since our last blog, literally shouting to me to write about this topic today. And if nothing else, I needed to write this & read this for myself. Sometimes, it can become so easy to praise & uplift others, that we forget to do the same for ourselves. And there is no love like self-love, so we have to take time to love on our selves just as much as we love on others, if not more.

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Enough.
A six letter word with such meaning and such impact.
Just because someone else doesn’t see your worth doesn’t mean that you are without worth. Just because things didn’t work out with someone, just because it seems as if everyone has left you, just because you see others settling down, and just because all of these negative thoughts have overtaken your head & heart does not mean that you are not enough. Because you are enough.

The devil fools us into doubting ourselves or feeling as if we are unworthy of so many things. He tricks us into believing we are so small, inadequate, and less than. However, this is not the truth. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) says, “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” So, if God blesses us abundantly in all things at all times, how can we ever lack? How can we ever be less than enough? No matter what it is that you are going through, no matter how you are feeling, you are and will always be more than enough because God declared it as so. When the devil tries to trick you into thinking otherwise, be sure to talk to God, reassure yourself, or whatever you have to do to ensure you are covered & aware of your true worth.

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Lately, I have had my share of my own moments when I have doubted myself. I questioned if I was enough based on a number of circumstances, the biggest due to people & the influence they had on my life. I’m constantly categorized as “The girl who _____ (used to be president/dated *insert name*/ spoke at some event/etc).” I may have held those titles (or achieved those accomplishments), but I am not just those titles, they don’t complete me. I am more than those things. I am Janna Alane, a busy and involved individual, and I am more than enough,  Trying to live up to people’s expectations of you, based on titles or whatever, can be hard and draining. But see, you will never please everyone. Everyone will never like you, and that’s life. Do not allow others to control how you feel in regards to yourself. Don’t allow them to fool you into thinking you aren’t enough. I had to take a step back & reevaluate everything. I know myself better than any other person, just as you know yourself. You’re only ever in competition with yourself, and if this isn’t your mindset then maybe you need to reevaluate your life as well. You gotta be team you more than anyone else, because nobody has your back like you will! And nobody knows your worth more than you will.

Today, I want to remind you of this simple, six letter word that leaves such an impact. Enough. No matter what, you are enough and you will always be. And if anyone ever makes you start to doubt yourself & your enough-ness, take a little breather to get yourself together, and remember you all do not have to be in each other’s life. Being enough does not mean that you are perfect, it doesn’t mean that you can not better yourself. But it does mean that you shouldn’t be crying or losing any sleep over the opinion of sheep. Being enough means that you acknowledge your efforts, that you realize you aren’t perfect, yet you love yourself the way you are and aren’t focused on trying to be who the world says you should be. Today, I challenge you to think about the unique things about yourself, to think about those things you love about yourself and embrace your enough-ness. Remember, you are enough, always.

Love J.A.

Naturally You

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.

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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.

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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!

Love J.A.

Year of 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.

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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.

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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.

Love J.A.

 

 

Transform in(to) 2019

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.

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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.

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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!

Love J.A.

Recharge

Happy Self-Love Sunday!
I am backkkk. Sorry for being MIA for some weeks. Blogging is something that I’m beyond passionate about. But being a full-time, active college senior is no joke. I was torn between writing a blog just to say I’m being consistent every Sunday and with providing quality, heartfelt pieces. Therefore, quality over quantity won this battle. I just want y’all to know that I’m back with our regularly scheduled programming & I have some pieces lined up for you all.

I needed to recharge before I could post anything for you all. How many times do you get consumed with your life & become overwhelmed with all the things that seem to be going on? Do you ever feel like there is too much on your plate? Or as if you can’t do it all. Or do you just wish for some days where you can just lounge around, stress free. Well, maybe you need to take a step back and recharge yourself.

When our phone’s battery is low, a notification appears that notifies of this low battery mode. Because of this notification, we know that it’s time to put our phone on the charger. However, if we do not place our phone on the charger in a timely manner, it will die. Just like our phones, sometimes we need to be charged in order for us to gain more power on our battery, which is our level of energy that we use to complete tasks every day. See, I was running on a low battery for a good minute. And the battery was sufficient enough to get me from day-to-day. However, it wasn’t what I needed to complete any extra circular activities that really required effort from me, such as writing heartfelt blogs because my body and most importantly my mind were too tired and drained from all of my school related tasks. And when I received the low battery notification for my energy, I just kept moving instead of allowing myself to charge.

Trust me, I know all about being involved and fulfilling obligations. But, I also have learned that it’s important to take time for YOU. At the end of the day, the only person ensuring your own safety is you. You can go support all your friends, attend every event possible, but sooner than later, you have to allow yourself some time to rest. Maybe resting means missing out on one event or taking a lazy Saturday to yourself. Resting and recharging looks different from person to person. But I promise you it is a necessity! Without some R&R, you will burn yourself out, there is no doubt about that. And I am living proof. I would go to class, work, and events and whenever I got home, I would instantly touch my bed and sleep. I love supporting my friends and family, but I have to support myself as well and my need to recharge.

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You can still recharge, rest, AND conqueror your battles. You don’t want to be running off 5% battery life and trying to make life changing decisions. You want to be all together so that you can make the best possible decisions for your life when those moments come. And even though I love to be out and about, I also love my naps. For me, naps are a way for me to allow my brain to momentarily rest and awake rejuvenated and ready to conqueror what is waiting for me. Honestly, if I didn’t nap, I am quite sure I would be very, very grumpy and my decision-making would not always be the best. This Christmas break is also a chance for me to further recharge and get ready to tackle 2019 and all the things associated with that year for me, such as graduation and the whole after college life.

Self-care is a vital component of self-love. You have to take care of the self that you love! And that is why recharging is so key. As we embark on this holiday season & new year, you don’t want to be stuck with your old battery life and barely any motivation to complete any tasks. We all want to enter in the new year and accomplish our new hopes, dreams, and goals. And in order to even have a chance at doing so, we have to come recharged and ready to act! Recharging is a constant process, so take time to do so as often as needed. I challenge you all to actively recharge as you go throughout your life, sometimes you need to slow down & allow your body, mind, and soul some time to rest and recover from the various tolls of life!

Love J.A.

Thankfulness

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.

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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.

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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.

Love J.A.

 

Changes

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.

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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.

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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!

Love J.A.

Work in Progress

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.

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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.

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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.

Love J.A.

Blessed OR Best Life?

Happy Self-Love Sunday!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend. And I hope that your upcoming week is even better. I am just getting out of church and the message & pastor really touched me! So hey, why not share the message with you all and my interpretation? I hope this touches you all the way it touched me.

So it’s my senior year in college. Which has been very stressful, for a number of reasons. I am pretty involved, on and off campus, so my days are pretty busy. And then on top of that, I am taking two of the hardest (and my last two major related classes) Information Security classes, which have been BEYOND stressful. Sometimes, I can get overwhelmed with all I do and with all I have to do. I try not to complain because Lord knows I love being busy, but sometimes it can be too much. Especially since I LOVE making A’s, and making A’s requires hard work, time, and dedication. But, I am also committed to my mentoring programs, organizations, and all my other areas of interest. And then add personal feelings & emotions into that mix, that can be a lot!

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I gave you all that background to say, there have been moments where I didn’t have anything left in me, any fight, any drive, any energy. But, today at church my pastor said, BUT my blessings are still holding me up.” See, I may feel overwhelmed at times and I may cry sometimes and feel like throwing the towel, but I can’t and never do. And the only reason for this is because of my God. He blesses me, even when I don’t realize it. And it is because of his very blessings that I am able to continue on, to continue being busy, and accomplish every thing that I have set to accomplish.

Everyone has been singing the song, “I’m living my best life.” But who is living their blessed life? That’s why when the pastor brought today’s message of “Living the Blessed Life,” I felt it on so many levels. It touched all of my spirit, heart, and soul and that’s why it resonated so heavy with me and inspired today’s blog. And one of the points he made is that, we, as humans, are so quick to seek “counsel from the unGodly” and then wonder why our situations seem endless. That really hit me, too. Because everyone wants to live a blessed and happy life and in times of need, we are so quick to run to our friends for advice (which I have mentioned in a previous post). And there’s nothing wrong with leaning on friends in time of need. But, why can’t we run to God first? If we truly want to live a blessed life, why can’t we seek God first and follow his instructions and turn to our friends for support? You can’t live a blessed life seeking advice from people who AREN’T even living their blessed life.

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One of my favorite things about God (I have so many) is that he blesses everyone. He blesses us regardless of what we look like, what we believe, how we treat others, and how we live our lives. However, it’s up to us to accept these blessings. We can’t accept them doing the bare minimum and living like everyone else does. We have to be exceptional, we have to understand that we are flawed but our flaws make us who we are, that we are beautiful no matter what anyone says, and most importantly, that we have to seek God’s guidance. Being blessed doesn’t mean that you are free from problems, pain, and worry. It means that YOU are blessed IN SPITE of those very persecutions and no matter how hard they try, they will never take away your blessings. I don’t know about you, but I want to live my blessed life.

Another thing that my pastor said is that, “I have to live my blessed life so that I can live my best life.” And everyone’s singing they are living their best life, so why not live your blessed life, too? I am guilty of not realizing how blessed I truly am at times. But today,  I see each and every blessing & I am so thankful. I am thankful I don’t look like how I feel sometimes, I am thankful that I don’t look like what I’ve been through, and for so much more. Think about all the things you have to be thankful for, even though things may not be going your way. I promise in the end, everything will all work out.  Today, I challenge you to replace the word best with blessed when you talk about your life. Because when you are blessed, you can live your best life.

Love J.A.