21 days of positivity

Hello loves! Just in case you're wondering, yes - I'm still over here celebrating #Summer16, and yes in September because summer isn't officially over until September 22nd!

This summer has been wonderful thus far ( I am eager to share my #Summer16 recap with you next month). Although summer has been amazing, it seems as though September has snuck up on me and bit me on the ankles! Aggghhh, autumn is literally around the corner, and with that revelation, I've been thinking about goals and the last quarter of the year. In mulling these things over mentally, it's easy to get a little discouraged because we haven't accomplished everything on our infamous "to do" lists, and if you're like me that reality can began to take a toll on you mentally, feelings of defeat, despair, and discouragement, if not checked will grow into ugly monsters. Well, don't fret! I've got just the thing to help us get back on track for this last quarter of the year.

Meet Monica, she is the host of the annual mobile 21 Day Positivity Fast. This year, we will participate in the fast on the blog for the next 21 days, I hope you will take part as well! 21 days of positivity to assist us with finishing 2016 strong. Please share with a friend! Be blessed!

21 Days of Positivity

Hello, I'm Monica! If you were to ever meet me in person, you'd likely find a smile on my face - I am a 29 year old Christian (bible believing, Jesus loving, transparent, people loving, down to earth, giving and caring type Christian). 

In 2010, I was forced to do some introspection; after going through a rough summer, and being around so much negativity. I knew that I could not live like this anymore, and needed a change. I am known by many for my infectious smile and my positive attitude, however my reality during that time was that my thoughts, actions and words weren't so positive, and my smile wasn't very infectious. As I prayed about everything that was happening, God placed it on my heart to fast from all of the negativity and focus on the positive things in my life (Philippians  4:8). 

I asked a few friends to join me on my fast and thus the beginning of the 21 Days of being intentional about positive thoughts, words and actions began. 

Some may ask "Why 21 days?", because it generally takes 21 days to start or break a habit. This 21 day fast allows myself and those who participate a chance to purposefully think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report. Choosing to think positive is not an easy task, especially in today's day and age, however through Christ it is possible (Philippians 4:13 I [we] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me [us].)

Now in our 6th year, we have had over 100 people participate in the 21 Day Positivity Fast. This fast is so meaningful to me because every year I experience significant change in my life and thoughts. I am committed to this journey, and want everyone who participates to experience the same growth and victory that I have experienced. During the fast I wake up each morning and seek the Lord, each message is written on the morning that it is sent, and is a culmination of what God places on my heart.

I am also blessed daily with fresh perspective, and I love hearing how the daily message was significant in speaking to different people in many ways. My desire is to spread positive outlooks to all, so that we can share a more positive, enriching life experience in this world. I pray that the fast is a blessing to you this year! 

Each one, reach one (or two or 3),

Monica

Designing a life you love.

 Hello loves! It's been a while since I've written a blog post. Life has been happening, and keeping me quite busy... All great things! I'm finally done with my academic studies (insert excessive cheering), I'm also working on a few HUGE projects (more details to come - I can't wait to share!). Overall I have to say that life is good.

Life is Good

I'm excited about this summer season, it's one of my favorite seasons (because I adore the beach), and I love warm weather. I'd say that this #Summer16 has had it's share of challenges, but it's also proven to be a season of fruit bearing; meaning seeds that I've sown in past years have began to come to fruition. One vital thing I've been embracing is to be p-a-t-i-e-n-t. Things don't grow (happen) over night, but they will grow in a healthy way with planning, discipline and proper pruning. I encourage you in this summer season to do the same, be patient and make sure you are disciplining yourself and only take on the things that are in line with your life purpose.

If you fail to plan, 

you plan to fail.

In addition to being patient, I'm also learning to appreciate the gift of "No". Purposefully making a conscious effort to not invest my time in things that are consistent with goals and plans during this season of my life. This gift of "No", will be the best thing that you've ever treated yourself to... Trust me! Everything may be a great idea, but if they're not God ideas... Meaning if they have no purpose in your life, you'll be wasting your time and ultimately be consumed with regret and feeling unaccomplished. Do yourself and others a favor, and only engage in projects, events etc. that you know are adding to the purpose of your life. There is a time to assist others in proper balance, however when we are busybodies, we can miss out on God's plan for our lives and cause others to miss their opportunities as well. We all have been blessed with gifts from God to use for ourselves and to help others - stay in your lane!(1 Corinthians 12-27)

Purpose

This weekend I had the privilege of tuning in to an insightful FREE webinar which was hosted by Chrystal Hurst entitled "Living A Life You Love". This event was AWESOME, no seriously, it was reallllly awesome. I took notes and wanted to share some of the nuggets with you, as the webinar has been taken down and you won't be able to view it (sad face). I pray that you're blessed by these practical points which almost anyone can implement, and that you decide today to design a life you love! XO.

Living a life you love 

• Purposefully surround yourself with people that are embracing and encouraging you to be the best you - Those who love and inspire you.
• It's okay to have desires, but don't allow desires to rule you. Be honest about what you want out of life and your means to achieve those desires.
• Give yourself margin to say no - and margin for you time
• Intentionally think about what your end goal is and what you need to do to accomplish it and make adjustments.
• Protect your time & prioritize your commitments 
• Just because you can do it, doesn't mean  you should - (In any area of life, financially, activities etc.) 
• Don't base your actions on your feelings - feelings change like the wind. Your actions should be based on your desired outcome,
• Figure out how to merge the life you want with the life you have. 
• Don't wait for the next day, month or season to do things you love - do them today! 
• SPEAK LIFE: write positive affirmation on sticky notes, write in a journal, mediate on God's word, choose to be optimistic. Don't just think it, speak it! Philippians 4:8
• Choose one thing a day that makes you happy, and do it! 

                              Remember the joy of the Lord is your strength

 Make time to be in His presence daily

Psalm  91

FYI - Chrystal is hosting another webinar "Living a Life you Love - Online Class" in a few weeks!

 Sign up by clicking here!!! 

JOY

Hello & Happy Tuesday!

About 5 days ago, I challenged myself to write "a blog a day" along with many other bloggers for the month of August... Well... I haven't written one since August 1st! SMH (Shaking my head)

So, I'm getting back on track! Life happens, and although my initial thought after I failed to post on day two was to quit, I won't! (Go me!!)

Today, I was inspired by a fellow Twitter-Sister Shari and her blog post on friends (What's a girl to do when she has beautiful friends? ). Her post was real and relevant; typical "women stuff". After reading it, I began thinking about life and lots of other things... Today's post reflects my thoughts! Enjoy!

As women we have the naughty habit of comparing ourselves to other women; those we know and those we don't. These comparisons can be very stressful especially when we are comparing ourselves to people that we don't know; like sister-friends that we interact with on social networks. I'm not ashamed to admit that I've fallen victim to this bad habit... I'll see someone online and think to myself "Wow, she's really got her stuff together! Great career or budding entrepreneur, great relationship, cute kids..." And those internal thoughts can go on and on and on and on... (You get the picture).

Well, the fact of the matter is no one has it all together! As much as we all try to make it work and look good, everyone of us has issues; some BIG, some small. Whatever the issues, be it: relationship issues, financial issues, career issues, school issues, home issues, family issues, life purpose issues, hair issues, skin issues, feet issues, insecurities, etc... (You get the picture - Smile).

If we allow these negative thoughts and comparisons to take root and began to control us we'll never be content in life. There will always be another woman who looks better, cooks better, has better hair, drives a nicer car, has a bigger house, has cuter kids, has a nicer husband, has more education, has more money, has cuter clothes & shoes, has a better handbag, has softer hair, has longer hair, has better nails, cuter feet, etc... (You get the picture). What we have to do is count the blessings that we do have, instead of counting the ones that we don't. Just the simple fact that most of us can turn on the faucet and have clean drinking water is a blessing (one that we often take for granted).

Allow yourself to be inspired, by other women, but never envious. Envy will lead to comparison, which in turn can lead to depression and motivation for the wrong reasons. God created all of us for a specific purpose. Embrace your life, gifts and talents. Be inspired, don't beat yourself down. If you ever feel that little comparison thief rising up, speak out loud against it! Say something like "It's awesome to see her doing so well, if she can do great things I know I can".

Be Inspired, to inspire another. LoveLIFE! XO