I have fallen of the grid for a little bit. This was very intentional as I wanted to refocus on some very important things in my personal life. My days are filled with to do list, enlist responsibilities and a lot of stress. In pursuing these daily goals it’s easy to lose sight on what’s important in life. Building and maintaining relationships while actively pursuing a fulfilling life. Unfortunately, I recently lost my grandfather and the sudden lose has taught me to live my life like there’s no tomorrow. I mean really operate in my purpose. Travel, make memories, and realign my focus on my ultimate goal which is to use my platform to cultivate a generation of young woman to discover their purpose. We like to wait until tomorrow to do things that can be done today. This use to describe me to a T as I would wait until the perfect opportunity to do something.  I love the wow factor when I’m creating, thus this translates into often waiting for the “right time”. But I have learned that there never will be a perfect time. There are momentary seconds in time where you contemplate your actions before the deed is done. I can elaborate on this for a few pages but I’ll keep this post short and sweet. Tomorrow truly isn’t promised. So, what exactly are you waiting for. Will there ever be the “right time”? The answer is NO. Now that you know this, start NOW.

 If you’ve ever experienced death of a loved one the loss and grief you feel is overwhelming. One of the things you may think of is all the what if’s and should of could of’s. All of the things you wish you could have said or differently. I’m trying my best not to focus on this aspect of my loss but to focus on the good memories we shared. Grief can allow you the opportunity to put things into the proper preceptive. We do not know the time or hour of our demise so live within the dash. This is the time in between your birth and death. The dash is the time in your life where to try to live an abundant life. A life full of memories. A life full of service. A life full of meaning, while praying that I impact as many people along the way. This is my ultimate goal. To accomplish all my goals but letting God’s will be done. Whether that’s from teaching you through my tutorials or giving you a peak into my life and struggles. The motive is to incite in you the will to live within your own dash. This life is filled with so many ups and downs and through it all I encourage you to live. This post is dedicated to Abraham Johnson Sr, my grandfather. Rest in peace Pop. You have inspired me to live without regret. This next chapter is dedicated to you.

You are good enough. You are good enough. Yes you! You are good enough. Sometimes you have to repeat it until it sticks and I had to remind myself of this recently. It’s ironic, people can say things to you, thinking that they are “helping” you but don’t realize they are deflecting. Deflecting their own insecurities, emotions, and baggage onto you. In this, the words that are being spoken to you can make you feel sad, insecure, and even depressed. I’m speaking against that right now. That’s why we have to be very careful who we allow to speak into our lives as well as mindful of what we say to others. I’ve learned that sometimes silence is best. Not for them but for you. In these silent moments you must remind yourself that you are enough. Your mistakes don’t define you. Even in your weakest moments, you are enough. When you don’t feel beautiful, you are enough. When the world seems to be against you, YOU ARE ENOUGH. I can’t stress this enough.

As I write this, I’m reminded of a conversation I had recently that made me feel so broken and unworthy. It seemed as though no matter how hard I tried to please people I was never good enough. I just couldn’t get it right. My efforts were being overlooked and only my flaws were highlighted. Does this sound like you? Have you also been in this position or were you the one with the magic marker highlighting all the negative you see in others. If so I encourage you to read my previous blog post (HERE).  My best didn’t seem meet their standards or expectations of what or who I should be. Boy ole boy, I can write a few pages on other people’s expectations for YOUR life. I digress, as I thought over what was said to me I realized that although I’m not perfect my best needs to be enough for me. I can’t and won’t allow anyone to put their expectations of what I should or should not do, feel, or say affect me to the point I feel less than. Not today or any other day for that matter. I AM ENOUGH.

In short, as you continue on your journey to improve yourself mentally and spiritually be mindful of the thoughts you allow to settle into your mind. Speak positivity to yourself and to others. You would be surprised at what a kind word or gesture can do for others. If you are enough then make sure the people you surround yourself with feel like they are enough also. Speak life into your friends and family and continue to encourage yourself.

You guys I’m having a amazing time filming these daily vlogs. It’s a great way for me to show you some of the behind the scenes of my day and share a bit of my world. As hectic as my days are I’m making it happen. In today’s vlog my daughters are showing you their grades and mommy is eating ALL the candy. Check out today’s vlog to see what I’m up to.

 

I decided I wanted to end this year on a bang. How do I plan on doing that you may ask? I’m doing Vlogmas this year! Insert slow wine and slow twerk. I am trying so hard to vlog every day until Christmas. Now I know I have a lot going on but I really wanted to participate this year and I’m doing my best to vlog every day. Wish me luck because I know I’m going to need it. Check out day one of Vlogmas Day 1. It’s been a while since my last vlog so I’m a bit rusty, so bare with me.

Glitter, feathers, happy people, and lots and lots of dancing. This is my idea of a perfect birthday present and that’s exactly what I experienced over the weekend. Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival is the largest outdoor festival in North America. The city of Toronto comes alive with the sounds of Calypso, Soca, Salsa, Zouk, Reggae, Chutney, Steel Pan and Brass Bands. This event has been on my bucket list for ages. I have always been a huge fan of Caribbean music. As a child I grew up listening to reggae and over time fell in love with Soca music. When I tell you, I dance every single day… EVERY SINGLE DAY. I really wanted to cross somethings off my never-ending bucket/goal list this year. I mentioned in a previous post that I was crossing something of the list and it would be “colorful” well this was it.

 Playing Mas is officially off the list! (Insert slow wine) I had the pleasure of doing just that this weekend by playing Mas in this year’s carnival. I’ve always wanted to wear the big feathers and celebrate the coming together of other cultures. It’s so much more to Carnival then the customs but for the sake of today’s post let’s just say it’s been a dream of mine for many years. The band I played Mas with was called Carnival Nationz. Within this band there a multiple section themes and my section had the theme Hero. You can see the differences with the customs that are worn by each section. It’s such a beautiful display of color. This is an actual judged event in which each band is judged on customs and creativity of themes. Carnival Nationz is the reigning champion for the last 8 years and I had the pleasure of playing with them this year. Below is a mini clip of me having a good time with my boo thang Alyssa as well a few pictures from the parade. Also if you would like to get more information on this event click HERE for more information.  What are you looking to cross of your goal list this year? I would love to hear from you. XO