Whitney Nic James

Navigation
  • Home
  • About
  • Style
    • WNJ Style
    • Thrifted Style
    • Personal Style Linkup
    • Thrifty Friends
  • Inspiration
    • #WNJInspired
    • #WNJSocial & Blogging
    • Healthy Living
  • Lifestyle
    • Gift Guides
    • Events
      • Columbia & Baltimore
      • DC & Northern VA
      • Non-Local
    • WNJ Eats
    • WNJ Travels
  • Thrift With Nic!
    • Meetups
    • #TWNTour
  • Contact

#WNJInspired | 25 Life Lessons Learned from My Mother

May 9, 2016 by Whitney 8 Comments

My mother and I have always been very close. I cherish our relationship and I’m extremely grateful that we’ve maintained a healthy and loving relationship all these years. It’s not something I take for granted. I’ve watched her play the role of a daughter, mother, wife, business owner and friend. During the past 5 years, I’ve especially paid close attention to how she manages to juggle it all while running a business. I’ve pretty much been a sponge. Working with her has allowed me to witness first-hand the in’s and out’s of being an African-American woman entrepreneur/business owner. Whenever I have a question, idea, or thought about a business she’s the first person I turn to.  

Having a healthy & loving relationship with your mother is a blessing. #wnjinspired

Click To Tweet

life lessons learned from my mother

I marvel at how she talks to and encourages both my sister and I. Raising two daughters, one 29 and the other 13, isn’t always a walk in the park. But she does it effortlessly while making sure we each have access to her whenever we need it. Watching her as Mrs. James, the wife, is always inspiring. I’ve actually become a more understanding and loving wife because of how I see her treat and interact with my father. Her patience and kindest towards my grandmother, her mother, has also taught me how to be a better daughter.

25 lessons from @whitneynicjames’ Mom about life, love, business & more! #wnjinspired

Click To Tweet

Mary’s daughter, Dennis’ wife and Taylor and Whitney’s Mom has taught me some of the most important life lessons. And do you know what impresses me the most? Through all the lessons, she’s remained humble, impeccably stylish, and above all, graceful. Take a look at the top 25 life lessons learned from my mother.

life lessons learned from my mother

Faith + Family

  • Always say your grace and always say your prayers.
  • Have kids when you’re ready.
  • In everything, give thanks.
  • Family First.
  • Have Faith.

Life + Love

  • Don’t hide the gifts God gave you to; figure out how to use them to help others.
  • Everyone is not your friend & everyone is not going to like you.
  • Independence is always attractive.
  • You teach people how to treat you.
  • Experience life & travel often.
  • Sometimes love isn’t enough.
  • Keep the spark alive.
25 life lessons from @whitneynicjames’ Mom about faith, family & more! #wnjinspired

Click To Tweet

Business + Money

  • You have to spend money to make money.
  • Have more than one bank account.
  • Loan money wisely, but not often.
  • Everything is negotiable.
  • Love what you do.
  • Work hard.

Health + Beauty/Style

  • Understand your body and listen to what it’s telling you.
  • Wearing makeup every day is not necessary.
  • But always wear lip gloss or lipstick.
  • Wash your face before bed.
  • Sleep on a silk pillowcase.
  • Don’t buy cheap shoes.
  • MOISTURIZE.

* More Beauty + Style Tips HERE *


So tell me, what do you think about the 25 life lessons learned from my mother? What are some lessons your mother has taught you? Let me know! 

When I was a child I never wanted to be “just like” anyone, except my mother. After reading this I’m sure you can understand why. I can’t wait to pass down what I’ve learned to my children one day.  If you still have your mother in your life, I encourage you to show her some love (in your own way) while she’s still around. Life is short and each day we’re blessed with, we should show those we love just how much they mean to us. Until next time, stay safe and be blessed…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Twitter // Snapchat // Facebook // Newsletter

Filed Under: Inspiration, Style, Uncategorized Tagged With: family, inspiration

Lifestyle | 5 Things Dad Taught Me 

June 22, 2015 by Whitney 7 Comments

Happy Monday, everyone! This weekend was a great one, but the highlight was spending Sunday afternoon/evening with my Dad. The family headed over for dinner and game night and of course, we had a ball! I don’t just celebrate my Dad on Father’s Day, but having a special day set aside to do so is such a treat. Watching him enjoy his children and family really made my day. My Dad is an easy going guy; very even tempered, patient, and extremely hard working. He’s also the sweetest man I know and has taught me what to look expect from a husband. Being a man, it’s OK to be tough. But having and allowing your sweet and gentle side come across from time to time is important too.

I’m very thankful for my Dad’s tough and gentle nature. I remember living with my parents while in college; every morning Dad came in before leaving for work to say good morning and kiss me on the forehead goodbye. Some mornings I’d be like, for real tho?! Lol…but I appreciated it so much and I know that he has and will always care. Sure, I get a good morning kiss and hello from hubs every morning, but I do miss my Dad in the morning every now and then. I could go on and on sharing memories and lessons, but here are the top 5 things Dad taught me. 

5 Things Dad Taught Me

1. Dare to be Different. Following the crowd has never been my style, and I get that from my Dad. In high school he drilled this in my head and although I didn’t always get it then, now I do. And I’m so glad I’m a traveler of the road less traveled. Not only has it gotten me pretty far in life, but it’s also made me a wiser person.

2. Raise Your Hand. This one is pretty simple, yet something I’m still learning to do. My Dad (and Mom) have always been there for me and have provided me with whatever I need to succeed. However, at times I find it difficult to ask for help. Especially from my parents. I think sometimes I want to be so strong and handle everything on my own that I forget that having parents is a blessing. They’re there to help and make life a little easier. Of course I’d never take advantage of them, but when I need help (with anything) I know I can raise my hand and ask. I may not get the exact help I want, but I always get the help I need.

3. If it Makes You Happy, Do it. Over the past few years there have been a few tough decisions I’ve made and thanks to my Dad, I was able to make them. I sometimes find myself concerned with what others may think or how they may feel about certain decisions. However thanks to my Dad, I have learned that I have to make me happy first. I have to live with the decisions I make. And as long as I’m not hurting anybody, doing what’s best for me is the best option. Period.

5 Things Dad Taught Me

4. Be Consistent. My Dad is the most constant person I know. Like, for real. He’s been the same kind, gentle, patient, yet strong man ever since I can remember. He’s also always worked hard and provided his family with the best. The older I get, I’ve learned that being consistent is something rare these days. While this may be true, being consistent never goes out of style. Just ask my Dad.

5. Enjoy Life. As hard as he works, my Dad enjoys life. He enjoys traveling, getting a relaxing manicure and pedicure (my Dad stays fresh), and just relaxing and chilling at home. I’ve learned that life gets busy and life is too short not to enjoy it. Vacations, staycations and moments to woo-shah are key to staying happy…and living a better quality of life.


So tell me, what has your Dad taught you? Let me know! 

I’ll be resuming the Personal Style linkup tomorrow, so be sure to come back and check it out. Until then, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // Newsletter // YouTube

** Linkups: Small Victories  **

Filed Under: Family, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: family, inspiration

More & Less for 2014

December 20, 2013 by Whitney 29 Comments

TGIF!! 😀 The weekend is finally here and I am SO ready to do nothing, lol. Before heading off to enjoy the next few days, I had to end the week with my final post for 2013. While I have my personal goals written down and (some) displayed on a vision board, I wanted to share my 5 “more and less” New Year aspirations with you all.

  1. More Faith – Having a positive outlook on life and a strong faith go hand in hand. I plan to continue building my faith, as well as my spiritual relationship, in 2014.
  2. Less Stress – The late bills, “unlost” pounds, the guilt of missing out on an opportunity…all that will stay in 2013. I’m starting fresh with no stress.
  3. More Passion – I’m sure of my passion and purpose and I plan to continue walking into my destiny as the New Year unfolds.
  4. Less Fear –  Going back to #1, I will have more Faith and less Fear. I will trust my instincts and go with my gut feelings. My intuition is maturing…I will embrace that.
  5. More Love – Thanks to my 11-year-old sister, I have gained an even greater love for community service and volunteer work. In 2014, I will spread even more love and joy to others through volunteering and serving my community.

I hope you all have a wonderful and joyous holiday season, and a FABULOUS and prosperous New Year! I will be back to posting in January  but in the meantime, feel free to keep up with me on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Be blessed and be safe….see ya in 2014! 🙂

____

2013-memories

*2013 Highlights*

____

*Linkups: Friday Fab Faves*

Filed Under: Inspiration, WNJ Inspires Tagged With: family, goals, life

Search Blog

Top Categories

More Categories

My Top Posts

  • 7 Bible Verses to Renew and Refresh Your Spirit
  • Life Update | I Have Androgenetic Alopecia
  • 13 Bible Verses to Celebrate Your Birthday
  • Personal Style | How to Style a Kimono 3 Ways
  • Faith | 5 YouVersion Bible Plans Every Woman Needs to Read
  • About
  • Lifestyle | Why Vision Boards Are Important
  • Personal Style | All Black Outfit + Keeping a Minimal Wardrobe Budget Friendly
  • 13 Scriptures for Hope & Healing During Trying Times

Copyright © 2023 · Foodie Child Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress