He's Been Good!

Good Friday to everyone! I mean, Happy Good Friday and I am glad to be here to experience it! I just wanted to write a quick update on my life and encourage those of you with my story! Now, I have not sugar-coated at all, the fact that I CANNOT stand either one of my jobs. I am grateful to have employment but I was becoming disenchanted with both of them. I had lunch with my old roommate and best friend and she explained to me that the reason I was feeling that way was because it was not what I was SUPPOSED to be doing...So all last week I went along but I couldn't help but think, what if I just stepped out on faith and quit both jobs? Well, one for sure. God had told me to stay put at the other. So I did. On Tuesday, on the way from work, I called my sweetie and asked him how he felt if I quit one of my jobs. He has this belief that we should wait until something else comes along before jumping the gun. So I did. Left it at that!


Wednesday afternoon, on our way to his doctor's appointment, I get a phone call from one of my older friends who has a daughter. She said she had a summer opportunity for me and that she wanted to pitch an idea. So I listened. She said she wanted her little lady to have some summer enrichment before going into the kindergarten. My role would be as a "home school teacher" of sorts, for the summer. Just so she could have some structure and learn some basic skills before going to a public elementary school. I agreed. She said there was another parent who wanted to add her child. Of course I said yes! So from that conversation, I became the owner of my first business! (Cross of on the 30 before 30 list!)

So as of April 30, I am resigning from both of my jobs and I can't say that I am sad. I am elated to be my own boss, even if it is just for a short period of time. An entrepreneur...That's me! Now I just need a name and a brand!

The lesson in this, be patient and let God work. I had no idea that my friend was cooking all of this up and who knows what would have happened had I left those jobs before my time! He has a plan and we just have to trust that no matter what, He will do what is best for us. He reminds us of that promise over and over again. Read Jeremiah 29:11 if you ever feel like He doesn't hear you. He does! He is just lining it all up for you!

Happy Easter and God Bless!

I Take On the World!

I am a woman, in case you didn't know...And as a woman I possess some characteristics that will either make me crazy or extremely successful. These things are super awesome assets to have but can be excessive and overwhelming at times. For instance, I have my list of 30 by 30 things to do. And as you can see, I attempt to see and take on all of the world's problems, including my own. As attainable as that list is, it requires that everyday I am making moves towards something great, and that is where the strangeness comes in. There are some things on that list that without a doubt I will accomplish. There are some things on my mental list that I want to add but I am afraid that I won't have the heart to pursue. Funny thing is, I am a fearless 23 year old with a lot of life ahead of her. The other funny thing, all of that life ahead of me leaves me feeling like I have to constantly plan for everything! And well, I am a terrible planner! I have to have short term goals because if I have too much time to think about all of the possibilities, I began to put a lot of pressure on myself to perform which creates doubt about my abilities, which results in me freaking out and backing out of a long term plan...

So the point of all of this is to say, I have always wanted to run for a state beauty pageant do this thing...I was so close to it and for the last 7 years, I've considered it, called, did the interview, got this out of the world confidence, and then backed out at the last minute...It freaks me out to be on stage in front of thousands of people. Showing off my body, being judged for my beauty is nerve wrecking. I've always been a pretty girl but every year it was, 1) my hair wasn't pretty enough, 2) I didn't have enough support, 3) I didn't have the money, 4) I didn't have the body...on and on and on with the excuses.

So I made a move last year. I participated in a college level pageant, did so well, didn't win but gain a great deal of confidence in my ability to be in front of people and perform under pressure. I wanted to do the state level pageant but there was honestly too much going on at the time to participate. So I didn't. The director keeps in touch with me because she adores me and truly was in my corner, I'm pretty sure the thought of all of the money they'd raise didn't hurt, but that is another story. So anywayz, I got an email tonight saying that the Miss USA pageant would be in Vegas this year...Tears. I would so love to be there with all of my might! So I told my sweetie that I wanted to go for it this year. I mean, I age out in two years so it is now or never. As supportive as he is, he advised me to take on one project as a time. (Again, this is the overwhelming thing I do to myself pretty often). He told me instead of taking on the world, I should just take on one country at a time...Good one right?! As true as that is, it still sits with me that this is a dream I have had since I was a teenager! That is a long time to hold on to a dream. So I am sure it is something that is meant to happen...In God's time!

This is me in the pageant!

With that being said, take it easy Phenomenal Ladies and have a fabulous and blessed week!

No Limits Update: Number 1; Crossed off #3

Soooo I am 1 for 30 in my No Limits goals. Today, we went to Home Depot and got our gardening tools so that we could grow a garden...right on the balcony! We got tomatoes, onions, green bell peppers, and strawberries!

It feels great to begin working toward gaining a new skill. Here is a pic of my strawberry patch!!!

I'm so geeks! Do any of you Phenomenal Ladies garden? If so, what do you have in your pots? If not, what do you wish you could grow???
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope everyone had a great weekend! I did! I was treated with a new pair of shoes-that I thought I already had-however discovered that I didn't! My friend sent me a picture of her fab new shoes and I fell in love (thinking they were in my collection already). I was sadly mistaken and my sweetie went and got them for me!

Check them out!

That's all I've got for today! Have a great week!

Write It Down, Make It Happen Campaign

This is a really quick post about something big that is going on this year. One of my favorite Youtubers, BronzeGoddess, is starting a campaign called "Write it Down, Make it Happen" for 2012. It originated from the actual book titled "Write it Down, Make it Happen." I have not read the book yet but I plan to this year. I just wanted to spread the word and say, if you are a believer, join the movement. I believe that God will grant us the desires of our heart. If you are expecting a blessing this year, ask God, for those who ask shall receive. Now don't get crazy and make this Santa Claus Christmas wishlist but you know what God has granted you so far and if you know Him, you know He will give you all that you ask for, more abundantly, according to the power that works in you...So if you expect greatness out of this year, make you vision plain by meditating on God's word, letting Him guide you, and writing it down and making it happen. Watch This Video for more information about the Campaign. I am expecting greatness from this year. I am about to make my list right now. I will share it but for now I have to actually go and pray and meditate on somethings.

This goes along with the messages from my posts earlier this year Be About Your Business and Make 2012 Your Year. Check them out as you starting thinking about your expectations about the year.

If you feel compelled, share some of your expectations for the year! Keep this in mind as you go into this campaign: "Faith Without Works is Dead." Are you holding up your end of the deal???

-Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight

It's Thursday!

Today is Thursday and although it has been a busy week, it has been a great one. Not much has gone on but I've been rolling as usual. Today, is no different than most Thursdays I experience. I know that I have to go to work and tomorrow I will work only one job instead of two. But today just feels good.

While I am feeling so good, I want to delve into a subject that not many people talk about in a positive light. And that is what other people have to say. I believe that everyone has their own talents and gifts. That is why, I will never be a medical doctor, an executive in retail, or a bomb teacher. I can respect that. I don't have a negative thing to say about those professions...But. Why. is it, I can't have the same? I mean really? As stated before, I have recently started real estate courses and I have to say, I'm loving it. However, when I tell people, some who just met me, some I've known for months, some for years, I've gotten similar responses which are along the lines of "Why'd you do that? You that bored with life? The market is horrible. My momma failed the test when she took the class." So on and so forth. Now, in all of my years (all 23 of them) not once have I ever had a negative thing to say about people and the careers they choose. I can't say anything because that is between them and their God. So why is it that people can't be respectful of my dreams, my time and simply say, "Good luck" when they have nothing positive to say? This is nothing that will get me down because as I have said before, this is something that I prayed on and consulted God about before making the move. With that being said, no one, not anyone can change what is written for me!

I am writing all of this to say, not everyone will agree with what you do with your life. You could be running for president and someone will still have something to say. Everyone has an opinion about what you should with with YOUR life and frankly, they are not always in the best interest of YOU. So my message to you on this Thursday is to consult God about your decisions. People can give you advice but only God can advise you. He will put the needed counselors in your life to help you along the way but be discerning, not everyone is sent by God to help you out. Some people are sent by God so that He can use them as your stepping stone. You just have to learn how to listen to Him when He is guiding you. People will always have something to say, but if your decision is planted and firm from knowing that God has given you the go-ahead, you won't be phased by what people have to say about what you are doing!

So, with that being said, I hope you have had an amazing week and a terrific Thursday. Live each day with the best you've got and I promise you won't regret it!

January in Review

I have to say, this has been the most successful and joyful year I have experienced in my life. Living out your dreams will change things. Like, really change things. I have been much happier this year and I have been extremely productive. I have busy days but I won't complain, I have been to the bottom and I don't want to go back there again.

I've started my real estate course and I am really excited to get started with this new stage in my life. I am a living testimony that God will take you through to show you that He will be with you the entire way. If He will take you to it, He will bring you through it, no doubt. God is so faithful and this year already has been phenomenal. I'm in an amazing place in my life and it feels great. So January in recapitulated (go on and Google it, I had to today when it was what we had to use in ToastMasters)...
1. I turned 23.
2. Sweetie turned 25
3. I love seeing my little niece grow. She is a whooping 9 lbs, a pound a week since she has been born!
4. I got a promotion
5. Started real estate class
6. Joined a ToastMasters Club
7. I've been taking such good care of my body. Taking vitamins and such (I'm still working on the physical part)
All in all, I want to say that I am for once, ACTIVELY pursuing my dreams and I can't express how great it really feels. I lived with fear inside of me so long. Now, I can see just how limitless my life is! If only I had figured this out before now. But I have to remember, things happen on God's time, not my own. So I accept all of this and give God a great big praise!

I don't know what you have gone through in the last year but please believe me when I tell you, God will surely keep you in your moments of weakness. I'm living my dreams now.
Words to describe this month:
1. Productive
2. Inspiring
3. Blessed
It is day 31 of the new year...What have you done with it?

On my Way

Today...Give me a second, I'm emotional! Today, I registered for real estate courses. I paid the money and I start classes tomorrow. I know this may seem simple, but to me, this is a dream becoming a reality. I have always wanted to work in real estate, as I said in an earlier post. But taking that step today was the first God-led decision I have made in my life...And there is so much peace in my mind and spirit about it. It is also the first time I have made a step toward making a dream a reality. Wow, it seems surreal. I am feeling really proud of myself for overcoming such a difficult year to find joy, peace, and perseverance on the other side. Until now it was just something I talked about doing. Now, I am actually progressing toward a goal...How about that?! This has been an amazing week. First a promotion and now I am getting ready to start making waves...See me on House Hunters in about 2 years!!!

It is day 25 of 2012. Are you making this year count?

Be About Your Business

So I found this article on Essence.com. It was written by Janelle Harris also known as "The Write or Die Chick." I will provide the link but I will add the prayer up here for those of us who are trying to pursue something in 2012. Read Here


Dearest God,



I thank you for women abandoning the security of the corporate world to chase their dreams. Thank you for making them adventurous, bold, unsettling. Now stir up the talents and skills you’ve placed in them to be shared with the rest of the world. Help them to think big and not limit themselves to what their colleagues or checking accounts may say is “reality.” Renew them in their journey, restore them creatively and professionally, surround them with the resources they need to push into a new level of success. Remind them to reach back and help another sister in her journey. And, after they’ve “made it” and reached the goals they’ve worked so hard to check off, let them never forget where they came from and most importantly, what you’ve done for them. In your name I pray, Amen.

This powerful prayer is articulate and direct. Much needed for someone like me who needs help articulating from time to time.

Make 2012 Your Year

I have been wanting to pursue a career in a specific field for a few years now. I have continually put it on pause because people have told me often that the market is not good right now so it would be a waste of time and money to try to pursue this dream...If you haven't guessed it by now, it is real estate. Yea the market isn't going so well right now but you can bet on one thing, people will always buy houses...period. I should have worked on it in the fall but I was not in the mental space to think this far ahead. Now that I can think straight, I can put some things together and these are things I have to realize about pursuing my dream:
1. You can't consult just anybody about your dream. Everyone is not out for your best interest and they always think they can advise you better than God.
2. If God gives you a vision, you can best believe it is not a mirage. God is not a god of confusion. He makes it extremely clear what He wants for you. No need to consult others regarding the validity of that decision (unless it is spiritual consultation and even then, be on alert.)
3. The bad market is the best place to start because you have time to make mistakes, learn, and grow so when the market turns around, you can go in informed and knowledgeable about the area around you...DUH
4. Everyone has an opinion. Opinions are just that, not fact. Opinions can wear you down and slow you down. Therefore, if you are really and truly adamant about pursuing dreams, do your research and arm yourself with facts so those opinions don't have any value in your decisions.
5. Last but not least, Just do it. Fear will keep you from living. I know, I have been there. Don't let the fear of failure keep you from pursuing your dreams. There will certainly be ups and downs but that is all a part of the process and the journey. No one started out with on their first day. It is a necessary part of the journey to fall so that you can rise from where you are, bigger and better.

So if you have a dream you were hoping to pursue, do it this year. Make a timeline of what you are hoping to achieve and just do it. I can bet your bottom dollar that once you start, it will be the most rewarding thing you have done for yourself yet! So shoot for the stars in everything you do this year!

Sidenote: If you are a prayer warrior, I ask that you pray that a space is saved for me so that I get into the class to start toward my real estate license. The class starts next Thursday!!!
Thanks in advance!

Epiphany

On random days I get these feelings of excitement. Like epiphanies that come from knowing that a year has come and gone and an obstacle is almost over. 16 days into 2012 and I just had this epiphany that, well it is a new year, a new day, an opportunity to continue moving forward with my dreams. Funny, because I have written several posts about the new year but it really just dawned on me about 10 minutes ago. We celebrated my sweetie's birthday yesterday, my youngest sister's birthday on last Wednesday, my middle sister's (and new mom) 21st birthday is today and mine will be the Monday after (Yes we all have January birthdays, so do our Significant Others! Cool right?). I will be turning 23 on the 23rd. 23 years I will have been on this Earth and as grateful as I am, I find that there is a lot that I am hoping to gain out of life. So this year as I gracefully find out what 23 has for me, I am hoping to not only going rebuild my confidence and my drive, and my prowess for life. As the middle of my year went downhill, I found that even through my pain I was able to finish out tasks that were set before me. So if I can do that with a broken heart and muddied head, I know that I can kick it back into gear and get moving on my dreams. Most importantly, I am going to start consulting God about those dreams, you know, just to make sure I am on accord with His plan. I was reading a post that I wrote back in August and I knew that what happened to me during the last four years (dealing with my education) was a result of not consulting God about my decisions) Read Here. Now that I am aware of where I went wrong, I can move forward knowing what I need to do.

This year, I am hoping to begin to socialize more. I am a social butterfly and most people who meet me know that. I have never met a stranger and I rarely find myself unable to talk to people. Once I secluded myself from the world, that never changed. I enjoyed the lunches and the dinners and bar nights, I really did. But I think I needed a break just so I could focus on where I was and where I needed to be. So this year I hope to slowly increase my social life again.

With this new year, I also want to get back into school. I like working but I love learning. I can do both and I hope to do that soon. So right now I am studying for the GRE. With great enthusiasm. I hope to do well so I can be in school in the Fall, God-willing.

With this new year, I have a new attitude and a new look on life, I can do whatever I put my mind to. With that being said, I know that this year has a lot in store for me. Everyday is a new opportunity to make moves toward something great. I'm making sure I take advantage of every moment given to me...I mean, that is what the moments are given to us for, right?

Welcome 2012!!!

So in the spirit of the new year and a birthday on the horizon, I decided that it is about time to make some real changes. Not just resolutions for the year, but lifestyle changes to better my intellect, physical and mental health. So I have a list of things that must happen in order for me to experience some true growth in the next six months. I give myself six months so I can measure where I am and actually have something to look forward to rather than wait all the way until December and most likely forget things that I say today, January 4th. So here is my list of things that I will incorporate into a better lifestyle this year:
1. Pray more...I pray. I just pray at night before I go to bed and to bless my food. Now, don't throw your judgement hat on just yet. I have a hard time asking God for things. I can give Him all the praise in the world but when it comes to ASKING, I tend to back myself into a corner. So I will pray and meditate more often.
2. Go to church more...I am a slacker. I have said this before. When it comes to church, getting up early on Sunday is really hard. I love going to church and as soon as I get over that hump of dragging myself out of the bed, I am fine. I was doing fine for a little bit but some family issues kept me from going to my home church any longer. I go to my SO's church too but it is hit or miss. I did not spend my first Sunday of the year in church but I do plan to make sure I am at least in Bible Study once a week. (Starting next week, I am already slacking...)
3. Save more money...For real. I am going on 23 and I do not have any money saved up. That is a problem because it is not like I do not know what it takes to save money. I just like to have things when I want them. I am very impatient when it comes to things I want and I often just buy things for myself rather than wait on someone else to do it for me. That comes from being the older child. So this year, I am putting all of my impulse buys to the side and really being cautious of the money I spend. Maybe I should invest in a shock collar or something...
4. Take care of my body-physical and nutrition...for real. Now if you look at my earlier post, I vowed to start working out more. I was doing great for a couple of weeks but I fell off track. Anyone who has tried working out after being away for so long can understand where I am coming from. Missing one day can throw everything off. Well, my doctor told me that I needed to get about 3 to 4 days of cardio in a week. Thats not too bad. I can do this!!! I have tried the multivitamins. It is hard to take them because they often make me gag. Because I don't eat a good breakfast. MY FAULT. Working on that too
5. Last but not least...Work on my relationships. This is for my family and my friends. I actually need to weed through the friends though. Even though there aren't that many, they have more issues than Time Magazine. It gets draining, more than it should to be a friend so I need to learn how to take care of myself before I can help my friends.

I think these five things are extreme growing points for me. I hope to keep tabs on this so in six months, I can see how far I have come...
What are some things you hope to work on in 2012?

Adventures of Yoga and Me-Healthy Living

My email address is is a combination of my first and last name, "yoga," and it never fails that every time that I give out my email I always get the question "Do you do yoga?" "Do you teach yoga?" The answer is always no...

So I am on this new holistic approach to life, less stress, more healthy eating, working out, finding peace, less stress...Wait I said that already. But you can never be too rid of stress...So anyways, For the last month I have been saying I was going to start working out. I have always been a petite girl so working out has never been a requirement to keep my slim and trim figure...Well, people have been telling me that I looked like I was gaining weight...So what did I do? Get on the dang on scale...Silly me...And what did I see? 10 pounds of weight gain. Now, for most that wouldn't be something of significance but ummm going from 120-something to 130-something is a little more than what I planned for at this age so I decided to do something about it... I like my new body but I do not want to find myself at an uncomfortable weight a year from now and knowing I could have done something about it. Here I am, tonight!

So I went to the handy dandy P90x. I decided that I would do the Yoga portion because I want to again, take a holistic approach to this new lifestyle I am trying to accomplish. I also love the thought of yoga. The thought of it brings peace so I can only imagine what it will do for me from actually doing it...The video is 1 hour and 32 minutes...I got through 33 minutes. One third of the video. Now, I hope that I build up to doing the whole 1 hour and 32 minutes but I had to start off small, baby steps. I fully intend to keep up with it. I really don't have a choice if I want to be healthy. I enjoyed the portion that I did do. It left me sweating and feeling like a new woman!
NEW BEGINNINGS!
Here are some things I hope to gain from doing Yoga, every night at least 4 times a week...
1. To have something that challenges me to reach a greater limit of physical fitness
2. To have something that requires me to have a clear mind for at least 30 minutes out of the day
3. To force myself into a healthy lifestyle, eating right, drinking water, etc
-To establish good health today at 22 (almost 23, better late than never) rather than wait until 42!
4. To embrace the inner peace that I KNOW exists!
5. To establish an active lifestyle...I spend way too much time in front of the TV and my laptop...

So in conclusion, P90x is about to kick my butt, but it is something I am looking forward to...Now my peace has been disturbed with rap music ( someLittle Wayne Mixtape???)...The SO is back!

I hope this inspires someone out there to get on their healthy! I will continue blogging with my progress on this new lifestyle!

Cowardly Lion Gets Some Courage

I wanted to share a personal and exciting experience of mine that took a lot of courage and encouraging! One week ago, I was a part of a pageant here on campus. I have been wanting to participate in a pageant since I was in high school and did one, North Carolina Junior Miss, but that was it. Now, I know this might seem a little crazy to be blogging about but trust me, there is a reason. So, for the last 5 years, I have been wanting to participate in a pageant. A state-level pageant. But every year when it was time to apply, I freaked out at the last minute and decided not to do it. Well, 2 years ago, a friend who is a part of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., came to me and asked if I would participate. It was their first year and they were looking to recruit some ladies of distinction. Well, I wanted to really bad but my confidence level was at an all time low. I kept telling myself that I was not competition material. Long story short, I decided not to participate that year. I felt really bad because again, it is something that I really wanted to do for a long time.

Last summer, I thought I had the courage to proceed with doing the Miss NC USA pageant. I freaked out again and felt ok about it. Fast forward to this year, I decided, what the heck, what do I have to lose? So I decided to use the Kappa Alpha Psi Inc., Miss Krimson and Kream pageant as a practice round. I wanted to gain the experience, lose the stage fright, and see how well I could manage the pressure. I did amazing. Although I did not win, I gained so much more from the experience. I learned to to tackle my nervousness, thrive under pressure, and how to love myself and have the confidence and courage on stage, that I have every single day. Shout out to all of the participants, we all did AMAZING. I am proud of all of us and I am glad to have had the experience. So from this, learn from my lessons. I now know how Cowardly Lion felt during his moment when he found COURAGE. It is an amazing feeling and I hope you all get to experience one day.

Realize, when you live out your dreams, no matter how big or small, life is a million times better. Successes and failures require you to ponder on how you got where you are, where you want to go, and what changes need to be made to achieve greatness. Don't be afraid of your feelings. Once you acknowledge a higher power that can conquer ALL, you can get there. Anywhere ♥




afrYcan viOlet

Live Your Life. Make Your Dreams Come True

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.

Or does it explode? --Langston Hughes

Life is about learning and growing. Lessons and living. No matter what, each day is going to come, regardless of what you want to happen. Today is the day to make your moves to get where you want to be. Life happens. You go through obstacles on your way to being where you dream to be. It is so important to continue to persevere and keep going...Even though it is hard, living your life and trying to reach your dreams is not impossible. Langston Hughes poses the question what happens to a dream deferred? He poses some hypotheses but in reality, dreams deferred rarely become realities.

Why, do you ask?
We get so complacent with where we are in life and as years start to pile on, we start to see our dreams and goals that once were rulers of our lives become just something of the past. Then we have children and put our dreams and aspirations on them. And as we see on TV, that is not always a good thing.

I pose all of this to say, Live your live. Dare to dream and make your dreams a realities. Young or old, it does not matter. No one is going to do it for you so do it for yourself and make your dreams come true. As my 22nd birthday approaches, I realize that there are so many things that I swear to have done at this point and I haven't. Oh well, I am making it happen this year. Watch and see, it can be done. And for you, know that obstacles are thrown in your way to make you stronger and better equipped for what is to come. If you live a obstacle-free life, you aren't doing something right!

Don't stop dreaming and don't stop fighting for your goals. If it can happen for me, it can happen for you too!