Whitney Nic James

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#WNJInspired | What I Know For Sure About (Almost) Making it Through Your 20’s

July 10, 2015 by Whitney 3 Comments

One month from tomorrow I’ll be 29; the last year of my 20’s. While this fact has terrified me a few times before, I’ve had a change of heart. I’m now excited to enter into my last year as a 20-something year old. This year alone has taught me so much about myself, love, faith, family, and friendships. I’m no Kanye…I don’t have all the answers, Sway. However I do know 5 truths about (almost) making it though your 20’s. 

Making it Through Your 20's

1.  It’s tough, but SO worth it. Your 20’s are no joke. Responsibility sets in and all of a sudden you’re actually an adult. Scary I know, but fear not. The responsibility will help you grow and you may actually appreciate those hard, seemingly unbearable lessons you will endure. Paying bills (on time), getting that credit report in good shape and the small things like following up with emails and returning text messages/phone calls will all make you better. Trust me, it’ll be worth it.

2. You can’t eat that. I am still learning this, but I’ve realized that the burgers, fries and shake runs have to become less and less. Junk food just doesn’t agree with me anymore and it’s been a hard lesson to learn. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a good Shake Shack burger or a Taco Bell nacho cheese flavor taco. But moderation is key. More green stuff, protein and water will do your body good…and make you feel (and look) better!

3. Your faith is everything. I’ve been a believer since I was little, but in my 20’s I’ve realized that I’m much more spiritual than religious. I take different things from different religions, practices and make it work for my lifestyle. However, my foundation remains solid and my core beliefs remain the same. I read the Bible and attend church, but I’m more about living the life of a purpose driven Christian. My actions speak louder than what I say. I luh God and he’s the only one for me! 

5 truths about making it through your 20’s. #wnjinspired

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4. Build on small wins. Gone are the days when I believed in overnight success. It’s all about consistency and building on small wins. I appreciate working hard and I understand that those small wins are sometimes even more gratifying than the huge ones. I’m honestly OK with having a bunch of small wins under my belt instead of one or two big wins that’re few and far between. Think about it…

5. Invest…in yourself. Your 20’s should be the time when you start investing in yourself; your goals, plans, business and family aspirations. Now is the time to invest in all of that! Start saving some money for that house, new car, cross-country move…whatever it is. It’s about you and what’s going to make you better in the future. Being in your 20’s gives you permission to be just a little bit selfish, as long as there’s a purpose to you your selfishness. LOL.

6. (BONUS) Friendships change. I’ve been blessed to have the same best friend since grade school. Her friendship remains constant through whatever we go through, but I can’t say the same for everyone. And that’s OK. Friendships change and to be quite honest, I don’t believe all friendships are meant to last. Some may come back around, but when you have to work so hard to make a friendship last, is it really worth it? Being someone’s friend should not feel like a chore; it should be effortless and balanced. I’m thankful for my best friend, and those few good friends I have in my life who may not always agree with me but tell me what I need to hear. That’s true friendship.


So tell me, what do you know for sure about making it through your 20’s? Let me know!

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Filed Under: Inspiration, Style, WNJ Inspires Tagged With: #5Truths, inspiration

5 Truths | What I Know for Sure About Blogging After 5 Years

July 3, 2015 by Whitney 9 Comments

I was chatting with my Mom the other day and I realized that I’d been blogging for about 5 years now. WOW! I still can’t believe it sometimes. When I started blogging I had no clue how many opportunities would present themselves and I didn’t know how much about myself I’d learn. It’s always rewarding looking back and realizing that this hard work really is paying off. So today I thought it’d be helpful to share 5 what I know for sure about blogging tips. 

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1. It Takes a Village. I wouldn’t have started blogging if my husband hadn’t nudged me to publish my thrift store findings and tips. Without my parents constant support and idea sessions, I’d have no direction. My 13-year-old sister pours ideas out on a daily basis, and she’s a big help when it comes to editing my content. Even my grandmother has chimed in on the edits and content ideas. My fellow bloggers (in and outside of the DMV area) have helped me articulate blog post ideas, and of course you (the readers) have given me SO much support throughout the years. From emails, tweets, messages, blog post comments, and even stopping by at events to say hi have been a source of inspiration…it means the world to me. And I would not be such a dedicated blogger without my entire village. THANK YOU! 

2. It Takes Time. Like most of us, I had that microwave mentality when I first started blogging. I just knew I was going to be an overnight sensations. HA! Not even. It takes time and endurance to be a committed, trusted blogger. The quality of your content depends on your consistency and effort, and taking your time is a big part of that. Also, valuing your time is crucial. Are you attending certain events to be seen or is there really a purpose to you being there? If there isn’t, you could be spending your time doing something to enhance your craft. Be mindful of how your spending your time as a creative (entrepreneur) and take your time when working to get to the top of your game.

If you don’t have a tribe/village behind you as a blogger, you need to get one ASAP. #wnjblogs

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What I know for sure about blogging

3. It’s All About Relationships. At the core, I’m a loner. I don’t prefer crowds, but you’d never know it. When I socialize and network, I make it a point to meet 3 new people wherever I am. And by meeting them I mean getting (and remembering) their full name, business name, and walking away with a business card. Building relationships with (the right) people is also a key factor in being successful. Relationship building takes time, and it also requires a follow up with the people you’ve met. Mattieologie has some great tips on how to be taken seriously when you haven’t made it yet that you may find helpful. She also has a podcast (Ask Mattie) that answers a lot of questions you may have about blogging. Check it out!

4. Learn, Be Social & Enjoy the Ride. I don’t like school/classroom settings. I get that, understand it and I’ve accepted it. However, I love to learn. It’s like air for me; a necessity. Learning tips and tricks form other successful bloggers, as well as the in’s and outs of entrepreneurship has been awesome, especially since the beginning of the year. Attending seminars (online and in person), traveling to conferences and meeting like-minded people has allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and really grow. Deciding to blog with a purpose and with intention was the best decision I’ve made, and since I’ve done that I’ve been enjoying the ride a lot more. Be social, get out there and find classes and activities that will enhance your career and better you as a person. It’s worth it, trust me.

5. Everyone will not wish you well, and that’s OK. This is the toughest pill I’ve had to swallow, but in some strange way it’s been satifying. I have become more aware of those people around me and have made a conscious effort to only have people in my circle who not necessarily agree with everything I say, but respect me and want the best for me. Time is everything and spending it with people who have your best interests at heart is crucial. Everyone won’t be on your team and everyone won’t root for you. It’s fine. Accept that, understand that it’s part of life, and don’t take it personal. Don’t let it break you; keep going and remember your purpose.

Time management and consistency are key factors in achieving success of any kind. #wnjblogs

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So tell me, what do you know for sure about blogging? Anything I mentioned resonate with your journey? Let me know!

As I said yesterday, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. I’ll be sending out free printables and resources for blogging and entrepreneurship. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while, so why not now?? As always thanks for reading and keeping up with me on social media. Until Monday, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Filed Under: Blogging Tips, Inspiration, Style Tagged With: #5Truths, blogging, enterpenuership, inspiration

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