Half Time....and living

Hey Good People!

It has been a while since I last wrote a post.  A sistah has been trying to live the heck out of life.  Many of you probably already know that I turned 35 years old this year, ran a half marathon and  planned a wedding in 6 months (who said I don't like a good challenge?). What many of you might not have know is that I also enrolled in a class which I finally completed in May!

This post is not to brag about my life but I want to challenge you to think about the fact that we are half way through the year. What else would you like to accomplish?  For me it's not just crossing off things on my bucket list but really being intentional about the life I create for myself.  Yes, I have been really blessed but along with those blessing have been many challenges and much sacrifice. I realized this past year that I am my best version of myself when I am true to myself, working towards my goals, and stretched outside my comfort zone.  We are more stronger then we think!  

The #1 reason why people give up so fast is because they look at how far they still have to go, instead of how far they have come.  So, my recap at the beginning of this blog is necessary, it reminds me of how much I have accomplished and reminds me how strong I am.  I also shared the the happy moments but their have been some hard lessons also!  Most of all I am so looking forward to continuing this year with accomplishing more extraordinary things accompanied with some hard lessons, it is those lessons that make us resilient. Bring it!  

Take the time to be reflective today.  Make note of how much you have accomplished in these last 6 months.  Then take stock of how and with whom you want to spend the last 6 months.  Don't worry if you are not their yet.  What matters is your intentional living, your plan and purpose.  

Share with us what the next half of year will look like for you!  I look forward to reading.  Remember to live, love & share. 

See you again on Thursday.  I will be sharing my tips for booking on Airbnb.  

Love, 

Lo --

Knock, knock... Who's there?

What in 2015 did you let pass you by?  Was there an opportunity that you forgo because you thought you were not ready or worthy?  Please do not believe the hype and think that you have to have it all put together in order to begin, because you DON'T.  It might not seem like it at the time but everything that you have been  through has been leading you to this very point in which you need to be.  Recognize your greatness and walk into what has your name on it!  I found this car commercial which is so true about life.

As seasons shift change is on its way. With change comes opportunity.  It is up to you to seize it! This New Year is an opportunity to grab everything that is yours.  Now GO get it!

See you again next week!

Lo--

Got a plan!?

What have you conquered since the beginning of the year?  What is left?  With only a couple of weeks left it is super important to write down your accomplishments from 2015 and more importantly to write down your goals for 2016.  

This year has been a season of really building a relationship with my Creator.  By doing so I have learned so much about myself in the process.  I have had to really lean and press on God for many if not all things.  Most of all my relationship with God has allowed me to RELAX (working on it everyday).  I have gained perspective of my journey  and I am willing to fail why trying along the way.  

My challenge to you before we welcome and ring in the New Year is to get silent, reflect, and write down both your accomplishments and goals.  It is just as important to write down what you have accomplished as much as it is to set goals for where you want to arrive.  We all work differently on what works best for us individually but here is what I like to do:

1. Unplug for a couple of days from the phone, internet, TV and social media

2. Write down 5 things I want to realistically accomplish if I could not fail trying

3. Then, I journal about my plan either from my 5 things or things I have been constantly working on

4. After, I write down important factors such as: Who I will need to accomplish my goal? How much money I might need to save? Should I seek an accountability partner during my journey? What are the resources I will need to get this done before the new year? What are my check in points (put dates around your goals)

5. Many of the things we psych ourselves to begin and never finish, fails because we don't have a solid plan.  Plan out your journey.  Njeru always says,"when you want to travel somewhere for the first time you never just get in the car and begin driving.  No!  You map out your journey.  You bring things along with you, you might even detour but you plan out your journey before hand so you can finally arrive at your destination."

6. Learn from your past!  Don't do the same thing that did not give you, your desired outcome.  

Come on PEOPLE!  We can do it!  Share with me how you are planning for the new year in the comment section of the blog.  I look forward to reading. 

Remember to live, love & share!

Lo

 

On Assignment

In the car on my way home I always pray and thank God for another day!  After praying I got caught reminiscing about my humble beginnings teaching.  It is so interesting how instrumental and significant God plays a role in each of our lives.  I was thinking how I first started teaching it was almost like an accident but not really when I think back about it.  I started teaching at a "rough" school in Newark for two years.  God was testing me to see how strong and tough I was (grit).  Too only, realize that I would stay in Newark for another five years teaching at another school.  I would not have been able to withstand five years at my last teaching position without the hurdles of my first two years.  Hindsight is 20/20.  At my last school I learned that I am more then a conquer.  I am strong.  I needed those seven years in Newark to only prepare me for where I am now. I question and wonder what God is up to now.  I feel like  I know am on assignment.  In fact we are all on assignment.  We are forever evolving and advancing.  I am so looking forward to see what God has in store for me in 2016!  Stay tuned (wink).  

Have an extraordinary weekend.  I look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday!

xo, 

Lo--

Mind Over Matter

In October, I entered a weight lose challenge at work.  I initially entered the challenge to lose this extra love weight that I gained.  When I first started the challenge I was coming in last each week during the weigh-ins.  It did not bother me, because I figured that I did not have as much to lose  and I would be fine (setting. Don't do it.  Be the best version of yourself always).  A co-worker pulled me aside before the 3rd weigh in and asked me what I was doing to stay in this challenge, to be a contender? Her pep talks, 5 am wake your ass up text messages, and daily water check-in's really helped and motivated me (everyone needs a cheerleader in their life.  Who is your cheerleader?).  I slowly began to shed pounds and feel healthier.  I even ran two 5k's and planning to run a half marathon next year (I put it out there so now I got to do it!).  

This post is not to brag or catch you up on what I have been up to.  I want to ignite you to challenge your mind.  YOU are stronger then you know!  You can do anything you put your mind and heart to.  Something that started out as a workout challenge has become a lifestyle for me.  It is no longer about loosing weight has it is more about being healthy.  Working out helps clear my mind (working out it about ME.  I love me). There are also times that I don't want to work out and I make sure not to beat myself up about it but regroup and set new goals (forgiving myself and moving on.  Not letting it mean more then what it really is).  

When I am running in a race, I am not running against the nine-thousand other runners but I am running against myself (I got this).  I am setting goals and speaking life/truth to myself (I am more then a conquer).  During my race I am encouraging myself and not settling for mediocrity.  Isn't that what life is all about!?  We are all running our own race and there are obstacles we will have to overcome, and we  have people that we will need to lean on.  We will also have to have faith and set goals.  Keep going!  Don't give up and remember beloved, that you can do anything you put your mind to!  Be strong! Be encouraged!

I look forward to seeing you again on Thursday!

Remember to live, love & share. 

Lo --

Two Constants

A lot of us seem to live in extremes with being controlled by our past or obsessed about our future, that we miss our present, we miss our now.  The perfect gift that each of us are given is how we choose to live our life each day, in that particular moment.

Yesterday's post I was reflecting on what I am most grateful for, which is my journey.  What I am present to is that I am learning that there are two things that are constant in my life:  God & Change.

I have decided to stop fighting change.  Change is enviable.  If we are intentional on working on what is now, what is present then we can ultimately effect what happens to us tomorrow.  We should always invest our time in the moment, it will have a direct effect on our relationships, education , pressing situations, anything.

The other constant is God.  God is always present and will never leave or forsake you.  I have have experienced good and difficult times.  What I know for sure is that I have made it through.

I want you to be present to living in the moment.  Remember to breath and take stock of God at work in your life.  Even when you think you don't have much to be grateful for, stop to figure out what you need to do in this present moment (don't forget to exhale and breath).  I bet God will see you through to tomorrow.

I pray this post leads you to live, love & share.

See you next week!

Gobble Gobble

Thanksgiving has always been my dad's favorite holiday.  We usually are the one's to host Thanksgiving at my parent's house.

My dad has always appreciated family and friends coming together, having a meal and celebrating the present and future.  .  

We are 43 days out until the New Year and I am in what I  like to call "reflective mode".  I want to make sure that I am ways playing at my best (which is not ways easy).   

In these 43 days left I am most grateful for my journey.  This year has been a very telling year for me.  With ups and downs and some plateaus.  I have been stretched in unimaginable ways.  I have formed a stronger relationship with God that I have never experienced before and I LOVE IT.  I am thankful for my family who I count on 100 times a day.

Next week around the dinner table, with your love one's , breaking bread with new and old faces, let's us be reflective upon our journeys and remember that your current situation does not dictate your finial destination.

Remember to live, love & share.

I look forward to sharing again on Thursday!

Ps. Visit this link for a Thanksgiving DYI project just in time for next week.  

The Next Right Move

I just read this and wanted to also share this video of our "fairy godmother, Oprah"  I pray it helps you to calm your story in your head and figure out your next move.  Let's start planning and making decisions not based off of our fears and disappointments but based off of our goals and purpose.    

"The way you think about things when your are going through them will define how you'll end up once your're on the other side. Think positively.  Hustle always".  Let the hustle begin!

Watch this video all the way through and press repeat!

Till next time beloved!  Make sure you remember to live, love & share

lo--

Letting Go!!!

Yesterday was confirmation that I need to be comfortable with letting go and letting God.  I realized that some things are out of my control.  The old Lolade would have freaked out and over reacted.  The new Lolade understood that some things are out of my control and I have to be okay with that.  I am quickly realizing that when I have good intentions, and focus on God's plans then I can't go wrong.

Many times I am what I would call a "blessing blocker".  A blessing blocker is someone who gets in their own way, when God is trying to move and shift somethings in your life.

 Letting go and Letting God allows you to have freedom around certain situation.  It does not mean you care less.  I just don't get hung up on the bullshit that's all.  I focus on the plan and develop my focus on what really matters.

I am intentional to what I give my power and time too. I have a choice: I can sit around and complain and lament OR I can be the mover and shaker that God intended me to be (I choose option 2).

If you are not feeling at peace around a situation or a certain someone.  LET IT GO!  Ask God to bring peace and freedom around your struggle.  Ask Him to make you stronger and give you wisdom. Now you have to surrender.  You can't ask God to take over if you are not willing to surrender unto Him.

Yes, you are going to have to wait and stay faithful that He will provide (I am constantly working on myself during the in between time).

Let me know what you are letting go to allow God in.  I will be your prayer partner!


Till next time remember to live, love share and Let GO and Let God!\

Lo--

Ready, Set, GO!

So many times we are in the dreaming and planning stages that we are never in the implementing stage!  What I mean is that we have desires and dreams but we never move from that dreaming stage to actually beginning.

Many times we are either overthinking it, to scared to start, or just keeping it in our heads.  I want to encourage someone out their to move your plan from paper to actually doing it!  I read this quote by Francis of Assisi, "start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible".  Things happens in stages not over night.  Nothing has every been accomplished without a process.  Your dreams that you are aspiring for will be a process.  Understand it is going to take time and you will need to be patient.  You will need a long term view to face the everyday challenges.

You will never know how far you can really go if you don't begin.  Majority of the time you don't have to have it all figured out to begin.  Once you have your plan, resources, and faith you have a recipe for starting the process.  Most of us allow the conversation in our head to delay our "ready, set, go!"  Remember the life you live now is simply made of the stories you have told yourself previously. What is your story you are telling yourself today about your ready, set go!?  Today is the best time to start.  You are either producing excuses or you are  producing results!

Lastly, God has blessed you with the dreams, skills and talent that only you can use to transform the world.

On your mark, get set, GO!

See you again real soon. Remember to live, love & share.


Lo

Persisting through your passion

As always, another week, another post to feed your soul.  This week I want to talk about persisting through to your passion.  There will be times that you begin to question if you can make it or if it is worth it!?  It most certainly is worth it.  

The first thing you have to realize is that you have to mentally gear up.  The mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts, your life will start to CHANGE.  We are what we think and speak.  What are your thoughts around your current situation or about yourself?   The Universe has a way of projecting what we speak as our truth. Visualize yourself achieving your goals.   Positive thoughts create positive outcomes.
  

Second, there are lessons that you have to learn during every season,that lesson is, stay humble.  While you are waiting for things to change, waiting for promises to come to pass, we should not become disconnect with our Creator.  During this time you are patient and humble.  Timing is everything. Sometimes it is just not your time yet.  Remember not to rush the process. Nothing good comes out of rushing God's plan for your life  (sidenote...I am working on this).

The next thing that is tied to patience is being discipline during your journey.  Many of of you follow the brother named, @Raeholliday on Instagram.  He recently posted this, "whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come. Remember everything you have faced, all the battles you have won, and all the fears you have overcome."  When you feel like throwing in the towel, throwing up the middle finger (y'all know what am talking about) remember to stay disciplined.  Discipline is an aspect of knowing what you must do and following through.  Disciple is learning how to do the next best step.  

Lastly, you know when you are chasing the right purpose because you are granted everyday with favor and grace. "The more you are thankful, the more you attract things to be thankful for." God would not have brought you this far to let you down.  Thank Him for the mini victories and watch Him bless you.  Graduate is the foundation of blessings.  Being grateful where God has you. Your blessing is on its way.

I look forward to sharing again this week.

Remember to live, love & share

Lo--

Going to the chapel

Going to the chapel and were gonna get married....

Yes, so I am officially engaged!  I can hear all my girlfriends say, "it's about time".  I have know Njeru (my fiancee) for over 10 years.  A lot  can happen in 10 years of learning someone.  You get to see someone pick their nose, hear them snore, and share the best laughs with.

We are currently taking our pre-marital classes at church with our pastor who will be marrying us this Spring of 2016.  

The classes have really revealed how much work we will have to put into our marriage.  It also has revealed the importance of God in our relationship and future family.

Here is what I know for sure:

I am marrying Njeru as a whole complete woman.  He is getting the best version of Lolade.  Now, I am not saying I am perfect but he is getting me as someone who has learned to love every part of myself from my toes to my hair follicles.

I am also learning patience and listening is important in a relationship.

My relationship and walk with God has strengthen and I am so happy to have found my equal who loves God more then me.

I realized that love will fizzle and we both will need to call on God for guidance ("Jesus, take the wheel").

We are also establishing friendships with other married couples and looking at good examples of marriage.

Lastly, we have decided that divorce is not an option. We have committeed to God being apart of our individual lives as well as our marriage 

I am looking forward to having many more years with this man and a life time of journeys.


Thank you for letting me Share :). Remember to live, love & share

See you again on Thursday!

Lo

This is us a year ago.  We traveled to TN to hike the Smokey Mts. 

Not for rent

Who are you renting your space to? Is it people's opinions? doubt? fear? is it the opinions of those closest to you?  Your mind is your sacred real estate.

That's right...unless they are a good tenant, otherwise shut out the extra noise.  When I chose to leave my job last year I did not tell many people about this transition.  Why?  Because I did not need to solicit anyone's opinion on what I valued to be true for myself

Some people felt like I kept a secret from them.  The truth is that when I am alone with my thoughts and with God I can not turn to anyone  and ask "should I do this or not?" When I am with God and myself  I am not seeking consensus but seeking clarity.  Being alone with God in prayer teaches me to TRUST Him alone.

In the mist of life happening you have to be intentional about spending time alone and with God.

Til next week,

Remember to live, love & share.


Lo--

You are your BEST investment

Someone that I recently talked to left her job.  She shared with me her dissatisfaction about her job

and with her co-workers.  Many of you can relate with her about being unhappy with your job.  She mentioned being unhappy about several things but one thing that came up in the conversation was that she did not feel valued and  no one invested in her. Read on to see what I shared with her:

Jim Rohn said, "you don't get paid for the hour, you get paid for the value you bring to the hour".  Many people outsource the responsibilities of their life's outcome to others.  If you want to change your outcome or the results you are producing in your life then you must add value to yourself.  

You are able to press your reset button.  Now make good use of this new opportunity.  Understand what you want out of this experience that you did not have with your previous experience.  Don't blame anyone but what is the experience you want?  How are you willing to create that experience for yourself?  Who can help you create this experience for yourself?  People don't grow and develop by accident.  You must be intentional about your growth and develop. Remember that you are your BEST investment.  You must always continue to sow into your destiny.  

 Now for all of those reading this: I want you to write down your schedule for the week and weekend.  If your schedule does not  create time for personal growth then, you need to start to become more INTENTIONAL about your time.  Now I am not saying you quit your job.  What I am encouraging is that you substitute your time with reading a book, listening to a pod cast, networking, or creating your growth plan.  Whatever it is make sure you are working at it everyday to get you closer to what you want (be intentional).   

See you on Thursday!

Lo--

Ps.  This does not only apply towards a job.  This is also for those out there trying to lose weight or eat healthy.  Let this speak to your unspoken truth (speaking to myself now).  

Defining YOUR own success

Top of the hour, to everyone!

I hope that everyone had a restful weekend and the week is looking promising.  Thank you to

everyone who read the post on listening to your inner voice.  I am so humbled to hear that it spoke to so many of you.  That is the point of Lo's Notes, it is meant to encourage and have you to either continue or create the life you were born to live.

A psychologist friend of mine asked me, "what does success look like to me? " At that time I had really been working at what success looks like for ME.  It looks different for everyone.  I wanted to clearly define it for myself because I always wanted to be in a place of growth and peace around success.

I replied to her questions with, " success to me is when I love what I do, I can share it with others, and I can replicate it."  Once you define what success looks like for you, you can stop making other people's meaning of success dictate your life and this perfectionist syndrome which has defined your view of success.

This week everyone has a homework assignment from me. Journal what your definition of success is to YOU.

Then, share what success looks like for you  with me and the people in your inner circle.   Remember success is not about balancing everything, no one is looking for wonder woman or superman. Success is about the journey and less about the destination.  

Til next time, remember to live, love & share. 

Peace, blessing and much success (the way you define it)!

Lo--

Our Godmother said it best.  Don't you think?

Your Inner Voice is CALLING On YOU!

Hey My Loves,

It has been a while since I have written on Lo's Notes. I want to drop some knowledge that will hopefully leave you to listen to your inner voice and step outside your comfort zone.

At an early age we are taught not to trust people, places, things, and most tragically our heart's. Unfortunately sooner then later this leads to self doubt.

It's time to start listening to your  inner voice. Fear will drown your dreams and kill your decisions.
I am sure most of us wants to know how to begin to learn how to trust our inner voice.  Here are two things I want to leave you with:

      1. In spite of all your challenges and convictions of not being where you want to be, or having certain things , God's got your back!  He watches over you. There is nothing to big or small for God. 

         2.  Remember that it is your decisions and not your conditions that determines your destination. Move fearlessly in faith. Remember that when opportunity meets preparation, those are two ingredients for success.  

Beloved, take time this week and next to journal about the one thing that you are afraid to face. I challenge you to conquer your hesitation and listen to that repeated tug on your heart.  That is your inner voice.  

It is time to surrender and trust God to take you to the places you ought to be and surrounded by the people that will encourage you.

If this sounds like you, then I want you to share with me how you will begin to listen to your inner voice, that tug at your heart.

Til next time.  Remember to live, love & share.

LO

       Ps. Every time you compromise or settle for less then, you always get far less then you desire (wink).