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#WNJInspired | 10 Things I Wish I Knew 10 Years Ago

February 25, 2014 by Whitney 28 Comments

Lately I’ve had some really inspiring conversations with some pretty amazing people. Most of whom I speak to on a daily basis, but then others I rarely converse with (except via-social media). These conversations have inspired today’s post. Looking at the title, 10 things I wish I knew 10 years ago, I’m sure you can relate. We all have (at least) 10 things we wish we knew 10 years ago, right? I mean looking back to 10 years ago, I was a 17-year-old aspiring journalist who was out of this world excited about heading to college with my best friend on a soccer scholarship. I was carefree, exuberant, and thought I had all the answers – I was ready for the world! At 27, I do miss somethings about being 17 but for the most part, I wouldn’t want to go back and relive those days. I would however tell myself these 10 things…

1. Mommy & Dad are right. 99% of the time, they’re right. Just listen…and thank yourself later.

2. When people show you who they are, believe them. Maya Angelou said it best and boy is this true! Knowing this will save you a lot of time and energy.

3. Enjoy the moment. Life goes by way to fast. Take time to enjoy and cherish life’s simple moments because you can’t get them back.

10 things I wish I knew 10 years ago. #wnjinspired

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4. You get what you pay for. Taking the easy or cheap road isn’t worth it. You’ll end up spending even more time and even more money fixing your mistake(s).

5. Try new things. Be open to new foods, travel destinations, experiences, etc. Don’t be so quick to write something off. Give it a try; you might like actually like it!

6. Say no. Sometimes you have to say no to certain things. Accept the fact that you can’t do everything you want. That’s life.

7. Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is proof that you’re trying. You may fail before you succeed, but that’s not a reason to give up. Failure builds character.

Don’t set a deadline on figuring out who you are. It takes time – you’ll figure it out. #wnjinspired

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8. Friends are there for a reason and a season. Understand that everyone who comes in your life isn’t meant to be there for a lifetime. There are a few friends who will be there ’til the end but meeting new people and finding new friends is natural. It means your evolving.

9. Appreciate good friends. Those few friends from #9 who you know will be there til’ the end, appreciate them. Life is short and a few good friends will help you through just about anything.

10. It’s never too late to become the person you were meant to be. Don’t set a deadline on figuring out who you are. It will take time, but don’t worry – you’ll figure it out.

So tell me, what do you know now that you wish you knew 10 years ago? Is there something on my list that you agree with? Let me know!

As always, thank you for reading and feel free to leave your comments below, or even tweet them to me! Until next time, be blessed & stay safe…XO!

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#WNJBlogs | 10 Things I’ve Learned About Blogging

February 18, 2014 by Whitney 39 Comments

The other day, I looked back at my very 1st blog post from March 2011 and instantly realized that I’d grown so much as a blogger. I actually leave my old blog published because from time to time, I look back at where I started as motivation. Especially on days when I’m not feeling it. That said, I want to share 10 things I’ve learned about blogging. Maybe you’re thinking about blogging but unsure of “what it takes”. Or maybe you’re already a blogger and you find yourself at a fork in the road, unsure if you want to continue blogging or not. Whatever the case, I invite you to check out this post. In one way or another, I hope it helps. 🙂

1. Stay True – Regardless of what’s “popular” or “trendy”, blog about what you know and what you’re passionate about.

2. Be Consistent – You don’t have to blog every day but, have some kind of blogging schedule so your readers know when to expect your posts.

3. Connect – Do your best to respond to blog comments and questions. When a blogger responds to my comments, it shows me that she/he actually cares that I visited their site.

4. Network – Attend as many conferences, meetups, etc. that you can afford. This keeps you up-to-date on the latest blog trends and it keeps you motivated.

5. Be Nice – It’s a small world, but an even smaller blogging world. Word travels fast so, be careful how you “act” online and in person.

6. Plan Ahead – This is something I’ve gotten better at, but I’m still working on it. Planning your blog posts and social media posts saves so much time. Especially if you have a life outside of blogging.

10 things you should know about blogging.#wnjblogs

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7. Work Together – Working with other bloggers is a great way to introduce yourself to a new audience. Find another blogger that shares your interests and figure out a way to team up!

8. Learn to DIY– When it comes to the blog itself, a lot of blog tweaks and changes can be done by you, the blogger. You don’t have to hire someone to do every little thing for you. If you’re investing in your blog, why not learn a thing or two about how to run a blog?

9. Trial & Error – Try posting at different times for a few weeks and pay attention to which time brings more traffic. You can also do this for your social media sites too!

10. Have Fun & Keep Going – For me, blogging is fun. I love to write, meet new people and connect with readers so it’s a perfect match! 😉 Also, don’t get discouraged because you “only have a little bit of followers”. Followers will come and even if they don’t, remember why you started in the 1st place.

So tell me, what are somethings you’ve learned about blogging? Let me know!

I hope you’ve found this post helpful. As always, thanks for reading! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

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WNJ Inspires – Love, Part I

January 28, 2014 by Whitney 10 Comments

Are you all ready for another inspirational blog post? I must say that these posts are some of my favorites. I love inspiring you, my readers, because in return you all inspire me by leaving such amazing and sweet comments. It’s such a blessing, and I’m so thankful….thank you all for inspiring me.

Today, I want to begin talking about love. I’d like to think of myself as a “lovey dovey” and happy person. I love to smile, I hug everyone I meet, I laugh (a lot) and I’m that cheesy friend who sends cards and letters for every small occasion. 🙂 I am the way I am because I was raised in a household filled with love. I never had to wonder if my parents or grandparents loved me – it was a given. To this day, I still say I love you whenever I hang up from talking to a family member.

LOVE Sweater: Lane Bryant// Cardigan: Lane Bryant// Slacks: Marshall’s// Shoes: Thrifted// Necklace: eBay// Watch: Charming Charlie

So what’s the big deal you ask? I think sometimes we get so caught up in life’s day-to-day routines that we forget how much an, “I love you” or even a smile can lift someone up. I’ve lost some pretty meaningful people in my life and boy, what I wouldn’t do just to be able to hug them and say I love you. Life is so short and the world can be such a cruel place. Letting those you love know that you love them imperative. Even if you’re upset with someone close to you, find a way to get over it and move on. It’s not worth it. Here are 3 easy ways to let your loved ones know you love and care about them.

1. Send an “I’m thinking about you” text to someone you haven’t heard form in a while

2. Set aside 5 to 10 minutes out of your (busy) day to call & check in on someone you love

3. Hug more

Do you tell your loved ones you love them? Is there someone you may want to reach out to and remind them how much you love them? If so, waste no time. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…..XO!

P.S. Don’t forget to linkup your recent outfit post with my weekly Personal Style Linkup!

**Linkups: Style Sessions, WIW & Love Your Look **

2014 – Getting in Spiritual Shape

January 6, 2014 by Whitney 36 Comments

Hello and Happy New Year to everyone! It’s SO good to be back to blogging after a few weeks of (necessary) rest and relaxation. I was able to regroup and refocus, as well as spent a lot of the time with family and a few friends. I also had time to work on my vision board – something I’d been dying to complete.

Sweater: Macy’s (Alfani)// Necklace & Heels: Thrifted // Faux Front Panel Leather Leggings: Macy’s(Style & Co.)// Clutch: Love, Cortnie Earrings: Bakers (Old)// Bracelet: Monet (Macy’s)

Without showing every single vision on my board, below is an image of my work in progress. I just put the final touches on this weekend. Simply put, I pray 2014 is a year of personal, spiritual and financial growth, as well as a year full of good health (for me and my family), traveling and networking. However, the most important goal is to be in better shape spiritually. I believe that if I focus on that, everything else will follow.

*In this post, I broke down my 5 more or less aspirations for the year*

I can happily say that my husband and I are on our way to becoming partners/members at a church we’ve been attending for almost a year now. While we have a home church, it’s important to us that we build our spiritual selves somewhere that shares our same beliefs, as well as provides a congregation with faces of all colors and all different backgrounds. That was one of my main goals and to be in the process of transition to our new church home excites me!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and were able to catch up on some z’s, as well as think about your own personal growth. Until next time, be blessed and I’ll be back tomorrow…XO!

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**Linkups: Mix it Monday’s, Monday Must Haves, Friday Fab Favorites, Monday Funday, Monday Mingle, Working Girl w/ Style, Get Your Pretty On, Monday Morning Gossip, What I’m Loving Friday’s & Friday’s Fave Favorites**

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