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How to Create a Vision Board Mid-Year

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How to Create a Vision Board

If you’ve been here for a while, you know how I feel about vision boards. If not, allow me to fill you in. I wholeheartedly believe that a well-thought-out vision board can be significant when goal setting. For years, I’ve created my own and I’ve even had to pleasure of leading a vision board workshop through my women’s empowerment organization, Fearless Woman I Am.

I created this year’s board at the end of 2019. Before getting started, I already had my word/theme for the year, as well as my anchor scripture. Visually, I knew I wanted my board to be simple, and I also wanted to use both words and images. My complete board now hags in my home office, directly on the wall in front of my desk. Placement is key.

If you want to create your own vision board or refresh your current one, it’s not too late. We still have six months and two seasons left in 2020. Here are three simple steps:

1. Make it Fun 

Plan a vision board party using Zoom or Google Meet. Invite a few of your friends or family members to join you and make it a virtual party! To start, you will need:

  • old magazines and catalogs
  • a corkboard (you choose the size) or large poster board paper
  • scissors, push pins, glue, tape, colorful pens, sharpies, & stickers
    • the materials depend on your board base – corkboard or paper

2. Decide on a Theme

This step is important because it determines the images you’ll need to look for to create your board. Think about what you want for the rest of your year to look like. Think about what you want more or less of. What words or phrases come to mind? If you need help deciding on a word, here are 30 suggestions.

3. Make Your Board Visible

Once your vision board is complete, hang it where you can see it. I always suggest hanging vision boards in prominent locations (i.e. your closet, home office, near your nightstand, etc.). Your vision board is a tangible reminder of your goals and aspirations. Why would you not have it displayed for daily viewing? If you’re worried about your board clashing with your home or office decor, I suggest using a corkboard. They usually come with black, white, or wood frames. That way, you can match the frame to your decor. * Note: If you make a smaller 8 1/2 x 11 version, you can even put it in a picture frame on your nightstand.

All in all, your vision board should motivate you to accomplish your goals. It’s really that simple. So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your board today. And if you already have a 2020 vision board, don’t be afraid to reevaluate your goals, recreate or tweak your board.

3 Simple Ways to Create a Mid-Year Vision Board

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#WNJInspired | Why Your Vision Board isn’t Working

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Before the clock struck midnight, I already had in my mind that 2016 was going to be an AMAZING year! My top 3 goals were to travel A LOT more, save and make (more) money and become more active. Of course I got right to work and started creating my vision board. However, by the end of the first quarter things just weren’t adding up. I was frustrated because I created this grandiose visual plan for the year, but things weren’t jumping off.

I beat myself up about it for days, but I finally came to my senses. After getting real with myself and talking things over with my Starting 5, I realized the issues(s). If you’re anything like me this post will help get you back on track and help make 2016 a productive and prosperous year. Here are 5 reasons why my vision board wasn’t working and why yours may not be working either.

Why Your Vision Board isn't Working

1. You can’t see it. | You need to place your vision board somewhere you can actually SEE it. We take hours, sometimes days, gathering images and quotes for our boards. So why not show it off? I placed mine above the wall over my desk, but moved it to the closet when we rearranged the room. I had every intention to hang it back up, but as time went on it stayed leaned against the wall in the closet. Vision boards need to be somewhere visible. Period. If you make a smaller 8 1/2 x 11 version, you can even put it in a picture frame on your nightstand. Think about it, how can you achieve something if you don’t even know what the goal is?

2. The images are boring. | Vision boards are probably the best visualization tool we can create. Our minds are wired to respond to visual stimulation. Therefore choosing powerful and intriguing images to represent our goals is vital. Let’s be honest, no one wants to look at boring and drab images everyday. My first vision board wasn’t well thought out and the bland images proved that. Get creative and make your vision board come to life with exhilarating imagery!

3. It’s not specific enough. | If you’re not specific about your goals they’ll be harder to achieve. On my 2014 board I had a phrase that read, “work out at least 30 minutes 3 time a week”. That is very specific. Unfortunately I didn’t live up to the phrase, but it wasn’t because the goal wasn’t clear. It was because I didn’t take enough action to make it happen.

5 reasons why your vision board isn’t working for you. #wnjinspired

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Why Your Vision Board isn't Working

4. You’re not taking action. | Vision boards don’t work by themselves. Once they’re created, that’s when the work really stats. We’re responsible for making our boards work for us. How do we do that? By taking action! It’s great to have pretty pictures on your board, but if you don’t do the work to achieve the goals that’s all you’re left with – pretty pictures. Do the work and take action; you’re worth it!

5. You don’t look at it enough. | In this post I mentioned the importance of looking at your vision board everyday. I now look at mine every morning and every night before bed. If I’m working from home, I look at it several times throughout the day. One year I actually took a picture of my board and made it my iPhone screen saver. It was a great reminder for me to keep my daily actions aligned with my vision.

Be specific with your goals and take action. Make your vision board work for you! #wnjinspired

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So tell me, did you create a vision board this year? If so, how are you making your vision board work for you? Let me know!

Don’t be afraid to reevaluate your goals, recreate or tweak your vision board and start taking action. If you need more inspiration on how to create your vision board, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. I’ll be sending out an extra dose of vision board inspiration, pretty pictures included, in a few weeks! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Lifestyle | Why Vision Boards Are Important

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The wait is FINALLY over – today is the day I reveal my 2015 vision board! In the past I’ve shared some vision board tips, as well as my 2014 board. Last year’s board was extremely helpful in keeping me on track and on task. Thankfully, I was able to accomplish a huge amount of what I’d planned. I even accomplished some goals that I didn’t even include on my board. Literally watching my vision board “come to life” fueled the fire and I was determined to take my time in creating a very specific vision board for 2015.

Why Vision Boards Are Important

2015 Vision Board

I’ve been asked several times why vision boards are important. We’ve all heard that seeing is believing, right? As a visual learner (my) vision boards serve as a daily and tangible check list. Seeing what I want to achieve through images and phrases has become vital for my success. I can talk about what I want to do and the plans I have all day, but without a physical reminder I’d be all over the place.

Vision boards are daily reminders to help keep you on track and on task.

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As I mentioned earlier, vision boards keep you on track and on task. These boards bring clarity to your vision. Writing your goals with pen and paper is a great start, but creating vision boards allow you to go deeper. Seeing your favorite quotes and powerful images on a regular basis get and keep you excited for what’s to come!

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2014 Vision Board

Vision boards are also important because they reinforce your purpose. If you keep your board in a place where you look every day, you’ll have no problems remembering what you’re working towards. I still hang mine on the wall over my desk. I go in my office everyday so I’m forced to see it. This definitely helps reinforce and reaffirm my purpose daily.

Reinforce and reaffirm your purpose on a daily basis by creating a vision board.

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So tell me, what’s on your vision board for 2015? Why do you think vision boards are important? Let me know! 

This year is moving right along and I hope you’ve all taken some time to think about your goals for the upcoming months. I’m very excited about my year and I hope my excitement has rubbed off on you. Stay focused, stay positive and remember that it’s never too late to start a vision board. Start today if you have to you! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

#WNJInspired | 7 Vision Board Ideas to Make Your Vision Board Come to Life

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I just started reading Sun Stand Still and the book talks about having audacious faith. The book couldn’t have been more on time because for the past few months, I’ve been praying and trying to figure out how in the world I’m going to achieve some (very) bold goals next year. I’m a firm believer in faith, but audacious faith is a whole other level. So while reading the book, I started my 2015 vision board. My goal is to make my vision board come to life and having audacious faith is the only way I’ll be able to do so. That said, let’s check out 7 Ways to Make Your Vision Board Come to Life!

* See Also, 11 Things to do Everyday to Live a Better Life 

Vision Board Ideas

1. BEGIN. So many people have asked “how to start a vision board”. It’s simple; just begin. Commit to making one and go for it!

2. Be Specific. In order to make your vision board really come to life, be specific with the words, phrases and pictures you decided to add. On my 2014 board I had a phrase that read, “work out at least 30 minutes 3 time a week”. That is very specific and although I didn’t live up to that as much as I would have liked, the specific phrase and goal was clear.

3. Keep Track of Your Progress. What I did this year was thumbtack my vision board ideas to a cork board. Every time I achieved a goal, I took whatever picture or word down that symbolized that goal and put it in a jar. At the end of this year, whatever is left on my board, I will re-evaluate and see if that goal fits into my 2015 plans. If so, I’ll figure out how to tweak it. In doing so, I hope it won’t be left hanging at the end of next year.

7 Ways to Make Your Vision Board Come to Life #wnjinspired

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4.  Create a Board with Friends & Family. When creating a vision board, it’s fun to invite a few family members or friends to join you. You can share and verbalize your goals with the people you trust. In a way, sharing your goals out loud helps hold you accountable. When you tell someone your plans, they know and can remind you of your goals throughout the year.

5. Refer Back. Throughout the year, refer back to your board. What goals have you already achieved? What goals do you want to tweak or even add to your board? It’s OK to change your goals; just be sure they’re specific, sensible, and well thought out.

In order for your vision board to come to life, you have to SEE it on a daily basis.

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6. Make it Visible. Hang your vision board on a wall you walk by or look at everyday. In order for your vision board to come to life, you have to SEE it on a daily basis. Seeing the board will serve as daily motivation, as well as a daily reminder to get things done! I actually took a picture of my 2014 vision board and for a few weeks out of the year, that picture was my lock screen on my phone. It was constant reminder of my purpose and it really helped keep me on track.

7. Be Encouraged. Some days, weeks, or even months it may seem like your vision board just isn’t working. Don’t get discouraged. Achieving goals takes time, effort and persistence. Don’t give up; keep going and remember that tomorrow is another day to get it right! 😉

So tell me, have you started working on your 2015 vision board yet? If so, what are some of your goals for the new year? Let me know!

For more vision board ideas or ways to stay inspired, check out my tips on how to stay motivated. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Lifestyle | 5 Black Women Entrepreneurs to Support this Black History Month & Beyond, Part IV

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Today, I’m wrapping up my Black History Month series. I’ve enjoyed highlighting some of my favorite Black women entrepreneurs. As I said in Part I, Black women are making tremendous strides in numerous fields. We deserve to be celebrated and supported, and my hope is that after reading each post, you will do both.

Related Post: 5 Black Women Entrepreneurs to Support, Part III

Black Women Entrepreneurs

1. Roni, Personal Styling | Roni is one of my favorite personal style bloggers, hands-down. She has impeccable taste and an incredible eye for fashion. Roni’s love for bright colors and vibrant prints matches her personality! If your wardrobe or closet is in need of a fashion overhaul, I suggest contacting her ASAP. This New Jersey-based fashionista offers services including, but not limited to, personal styling and personal shopping. Click HERE to find out more about Roni’s style services.

2. Tiona Blyden, Christian Mentorship & Entrepreneurship | I was introduced to Tiona a few years ago. At the time, I was growing in my faith, becoming more clear on my purpose, and navigating my way through married life as a semi-newlywed. One of my prayers during that time was to connect with like-minded, married women. A few months later, one of my friends invited me to a 5 a.m. prayer call challenge, hosted by Tiona. Over time, our relationship grew into a beautiful friendship. I’ve watched and supported Tiona’s growing business, Proverbs 31 Boss, and I couldn’t be more proud of her success. She has a gift and a passion for helping women, especially wives and mother’s, grow in Christ. If you’re looking for a Christian mentor, click HERE to connect with Tiona.

5 Black Women Entrepreneurs You Should Know and Support this Black History Month #BlackHistoryMonth

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3. Monroe Steele, Blogging & Social Media | No one can style a little black dress or a monochromatic outfit as effortlessly as this New York-based fashion blogger. Monroe has her finger on the pulse of fashion, and watching her blossom into a full-time blogger and entrepreneur has been awe-inspiring! She’s a genius at storytelling through social media, and her writing style is concise, enjoyable and refreshing! Recently, Monroe began offering social media templates through her Etsy Shop to help other entrepreneurs monetize Instagram Stories, pitch to brands, and more! Click HERE for more on Monroe’s templates and style.

4. Jei Monroe, Thrifted Fashion | I was thrilled to connect with Jei on social media last year. After finding out we were both Leo’s and addicted to thrift shopping, we pretty much realized our connection was a match made in heaven! Based in New York, Jei is on a mission to “help the everyday woman be fierce, fabulous, and fearless by building up her wardrobe, style, and confidence”. Jei offers styling, branding and creative services to business clients, as well as the everyday working woman. She also hosts “IT’S THRIFT!” — A Curated Pop-Up Thrift Workshop. To connect with Jei and to find out more about her style, branding, and thrifting services, click HERE!

5. Whitney James, Women’s Empowerment | Of course, I had to round out this Black women entrepreneur series by including me! For the past three years, my women’s empowerment organization, Fearless Woman I Am (FWIAM), has been thriving. The purpose of FWIAM is to encourage women to BE FEARLESS while living unapologetically with intention, purpose and audacious faith. With each vision board event, ambassador’s meeting, and community service effort, that purpose is being fulfilled. To see what’s next for FWIAM, signup for our newsletter HERE!

Black Women Entrepreneurs

Below are five easy ways you can support these Black women entrepreneurs.

  • Join their online communities (i.e. social media, newsletter, mailing list, etc.)
  • Purchase an item/or one of their services
  • Gift one of their items/or services to someone
  • Share their information with at least ONE person you know
  • Share this post with your online community (i.e. social media, newsletter, link back to post, email, etc.)

So…who some of your favorite Black women entrepreneurs? Let me know below!

Until next time: be blessed, stay safe, and take care of yourself. Talk soon!

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Lifestyle | How to Make Things Happen in Business, in Relationships & in Life in General

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The older I get the more I realize that people are scared to make things happen. Whether it’s a business decision or a romantic one many people are paralyzed by either the fear of failure or the fear of success. I have been guilty of being fearful of both.

Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen. ~ Michael Jordan

However, I’ve learned that in order to be successful in life I can’t afford to be afraid of the “what if’s.” I also can’t talk about making things happen more than actually putting in the work to make them happen. Read ahead for 6 things to keep in mind while making things happen in your business, relationships, and life in general.

How to Make Things Happen

1. Commit 

  • First things first. In order for a business, a relationship or a marriage to succeed you have to be all in. Half committing won’t cut it. Period. Deciding to commit is both the hardest and most important part when it comes to making things happen.
Related: How to Choose a Word of the Year

2. Don’t Over Share

  • Whether it’s a new business idea or a relationship/or marriage, you don’t need to share everything with everybody.  My advice is to find three people to share those intimate and specific details with. These people should be trustworthy, honest, and loyal. If you’re in a relationship or married, the first person in this trifecta should be easy. Your partner. When it comes to the other two, pray for discernment while seeking them out, then go with your gut.
Related: Life Lessons at 31
How to Make Things Happen

Black Dress: Marshall’s // Long Cardigan: Bobeau, Nordstrom Rack (same) // Glasses: Beauty Supply Sore

3. Track Your Progress

  • Create a Vision Board for your business, relationship/or marriage. Place the board somewhere you can see it, and keep track of your progress and accomplishments. For example, say you have images on your board that represent purchasing office space, traveling to Europe or owning a home. Once you’ve accomplished that goal remove those images, and store them in a place you can refer back to. Eventually, you will have an empty board. An empty Vision Board equals accomplished goals.
Related: Vision Board Do’s & Don’ts

4. Don’t be Too Hard on yourself 

  • You will make mistakes. A business deal will fall through. An idea won’t work. Your relationship will hit a rough patch. You will go through difficult seasons in your marriage. It’s ok. Nothing and no one is perfect. Give yourself some grace. You’ve already made the decision to commit, so dig in your heals and push through.
Related: Forgiveness & Grace
How to Make Things Happen

Purse: Marc Jacobs, Nordstrom Rack (Similar) // Sneakers: Jessica Simpson, DSW (Similar) //  Earrings: Nordstrom Rack (Similar)

How to Make Things Happen

5. Celebrate Your Success

  • Don’t be afraid to celebrate the good things that happen to you. The celebrations don’t have to be elaborate but then again, they can be. Afterall, you deserve it!

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. ~ Oprah Winfrey

Related: 21 Things to do This Summer

6. REPEAT

How to Make Things Happen

So tell me, what are some things you’d like to see happen in your life? How are you making them happen? Let me know!

Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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*THIS POST DOES INCLUDE AFFILIATE LINKS*

* Linkups: Style on the Dialy, Trend Spin, Visibile Monday *

Lifestyle | How to Choose a Word of the Year

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In my last post, I revealed my 2018 Word of the Year (WOTY). Although I’ve been coming up with a WOTY since 2016, this year I was prompted by my Lara Casey Goal Planner to add an anchor scripture to go along with my word. One I figured out my word, coming up with a scripture was relatively easy because I knew exactly what kind of scriptures I should search for.

But, back to my WOTY post… I received several messages, asking how come up with a WOTY. Not knowing where to start is totally understandable. I was in the same position a few years ago. Excited and ready to choose a word for the New Year, I had no clue how to pick just ONE word. So, if you haven’t decided on your 2018 word, below are a few tips to help get you started!

RELATED: 5 REASONS WHY YOUR VISION BOARD WON’T WORK

How to Choose a Word of the Year

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Your WOTY should:

  1. Be aligned with your yearly goals
    • list a few yearly goals and start thinking of words that are aligned with those goals
    • refer to your vision board for inspiration as well
  2. Help guide the work you do
    • think of words that correlate with your daily work and lifestyle
  3. Inspire you Daily
    • every time you see and speak your WOTY it should ignite some excitement, joy, or another positive emotion

When choosing your WOTY ask yourself:

  1. Can this word apply to more than one area of my life?
    • think about words that can be used in at least 3 area of your life
    • Example: WOTY – Revive // Areas of my life I want to REVIVE: (1) faith, (2) finances, and (3) marriage
  2. What do I want more AND less of in my life?
    • write down what want more AND less of in your life this year (BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF)
    • look back at your list and figure out what words can help you achieve those things

how to choose a word of the year (1)

I hope this post is helpful, and I hope it encourages you to come up with your 2018 WOTY. If you do, be sure to let me know which word you chose below! Thanks for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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Life Update + My Word for 2018

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I know, I know. It’s been a while. 4 months tomorrow to be exact. My last post was about preparing for a new season, and it’s ironic because looking back I realize that after publishing that post I was about to enter into a new season myself. It was a season that would require my full attention, meaning I would have to step away from one thing to focus on another. So, I decided to push pause on creating new content for WNJ in order to nurture my other brand, Fearless Woman I am. I struggled with this decision for weeks but in the end, I knew it was best. Here’s what I accomplished as a result:

  • Successfully Executed FWIAM’s 1st Vision Board Event 
    • Held in Columbia, Maryland
  • Created & Showcased 2 FWIAM Products
    •  Pillow & T-Shirt
  • Hosted our 2nd Annual Blessing Bag Drive for Generosity:Global
    • Collected & Made 75+ Blessing Bags for the Homeless in my hometown, Baltimore City

Accomplishing these goals gave me a sense of pride. Yes, pride. I am not ashamed to say that I am proud of myself! For almost 2 years, I was unsure about how to grow FWIAM. There were times when I had absolutely no clue what to do next, but despite the uncertainty giving up was never an option. I prayed for clarity and direction, and once I (finally) sat still long enough to hear what God was telling me, I knew it was GO TIME! I stepped aside and allowed Him to order my steps. There was no way I could have executed my vision trying to juggle both brands. Not the way I was doing it anyway. So, in the end, I am thankful for the unplanned, yet very necessary pause I took with blogging.

Learning to step aside and let God take control is tough, but it’s always worth it in the end.

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Propelling FWIAM wasn’t the only thing I did during my 4-month hiatus. I was knee-deep in my 1st 6-week fitness boot camp with my husband. This boot camp was also unexpected. Darrius was all signed up and ready to go, and I was planning on being his biggest cheerleader. Afterall, I was already walking a mile every other morning, and getting a lot better with my food choices. I was good, so I figured this boot camp would be great for him. He needed to catch up with me!

Well, fast forward a few days and I’m walking into the gym on Day 1 of the 6-week boot camp with him. Not what you expected, huh? Me either! But after hearing more about the process and reading some of the literature Darrius brought home, boot camp didn’t seem that bad. So I joined him. As time went on, I realized that he needed me to keep him on track with the clean eating and I needed him to help keep me on track with the consistent workouts. After losing several pounds and more inches in 6 weeks than I thought possible, Darrius and I actually joined the gym and have made the decision to make this lifestyle change, together.

* Praise Report: After the 6 weeks, Darrius went from diabetic to pre-diabetic and I have been fibroid free since August! 

I was thoroughly enjoying my life during those 4 months! FWIAM was flourishing, Darrius and I were getting healthier, we were spending a lot of time volunteering, as well as enjoying moments with our family and friends. Things were flowing effortlessly, and I felt like I was at my best; spiritually, mentally and physically. There were a few bumps in the road, but nothing too major. That was until a few days after Thanksgiving…

My brother-in-law, Hakim, unexpectedly passed away right after the holiday. Darrius and I were in Delaware with the family, laughing and having THE BEST time during Thanksgiving weekend, so to get this news after just seeing our brother days earlier was devastating, to say the least. My priority since that day has been making sure that my husband is OK, both mentally and spiritually. Yes, he and our marriage are always a top priority, but in this instance, it’s a little different.

Needless to say, this tragic incident has left both me and Darrius feeling out of it. I’ve noticed that some of our routines have been disrupted, and rightly so. The grieving and healing process takes time. However, around the Christmas holiday, I was thinking about the upcoming year and how I wanted things to get back on track. I don’t think, after such a huge loss, things will ever be “normal” again, but creating a new normal is definitely doable. Which leads me to my word of the year which is, REVIVE.

Revive: to give new strength or energy to

My goal in 2018 is to give new strength and energy to: 

  • My Faith
    • complete the Bible in one year (via the YouVersion App)
    • invite at least 1 person (or couple) to church once a quarter
    • become a partner at Bridgeway
  • My Health & Wellness
    • resume training at our gym at least 3 days a week
    • continue clean eating & increasing water intake
    • begin swimming again
  • My Marriage 
    • more date nights
    • more trips & events
    • more “phone-free” evenings
  • My Finances 
    • continue growing business
    • create new streams of income
    • TITHE + SAVE
  • Certain Relationships
    • make more memories with family
    • strengthen current friendships
    • cultivate new relationships

My reference scripture for my word of the year is:

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” ~ Isaiah 43:19

So tell me, what is your word of the year and why? Let me know below! 

I know this post was a long one, but I really wanted to share what’s been going on in my world for the past 4 months. I’ve missed creating new content and engaging with you, so get ready for the revival of WNJ. 2018 is going to be AMAZING. I can feel it, and I hope you’re ready because I’m taking you along for the ride! Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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