life Archives - Whitney Nic James

Lifestyle | 7 Life Lessons You Learn in Your 20s

August 10, 2016 by Whitney 14 Comments

As I get ready to enter into a new decade, I keep thinking about the many lessons I’ve learned throughout my 20s. If I shared all of those lessons, we’d be here until my next birthday. So I’ve decided to share just a few. Read ahead to find out 7 life lessons you learn in your 20s.

Related: 10 Things I Wish I Knew 10 Years Ago

1. Know your worth. | If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 20s it’s to know your worth. It’s imperative to understand that wanting the best for yourself, and expecting nothing less, is exactly what you deserve. Know your worth, know your value and never settle.

2. Nobody really knows what they’re doing. | Truth be told, we’re all just winging it. Simply put, there is no “right way” to go through life. I’ve learned to focus on being the best version of myself, while being kind to others along the way, and leaving the rest up to God.

3. This world owes you nothing. | I’m not a fan of people who feel entitled. The world owes you nothing and we should not live life, expecting the world to give us what we think we deserve. I’ve learned that you have to work, sometimes harder than others, to get what you want/deserve. You get out of life what you put into it. Period.

* SPOILER ALERT * Even if you work your hardest, you still may not get what you want or deserve. Unfortunately, that’s life.

7 Life Lessons You Learn in Your 20’s. #wnjinspired

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4. The only thing constant is change. | Things, people, and situations change. Throughout my 20s, I’ve had to deal with so many changes. Prayerfully I’ve been able to move forward, but it’s been unbelievably difficult to adjust to certain changes. Your 20s are the perfect time to learn how to become more flexible and open to change.

5. There will always be someone better than you. | In your 20s it’s easy to feel irreplaceable and invincible. Trust me, I’ve been there. But never think you can’t be replaced because you can be. You’re not always going to be everyone’s cup of tea and as they say, there’s always going to be someone better, stronger, or prettier than you. This is why knowing your worth is extremely important. As long as you’re the best version of yourself and you give it everything you’ve got (at all times) you’ll come out of the top every time.

Related: 50 Life Goals in 7 Years

6. You can’t please everyone. | I’ve learned this lesson quite a few times in my 20s. While I respect the opinions of my loved ones, at the end of the day I have to make the best decision(s) for myself. It’s really that simple.

7. Some things should be kept private. | As much as I LOVE sharing my life on social media, I’ve realized that some moments are not meant for the world to see. I’ve learned that although I may be OK with sharing certain things, the other people involved may not want that moment shared. Also, sharing too much with the public leaves room for judgement, speculation and questions. Who wants to deal with any of that? I sure don’t. Trust me, keeping some things to yourself is definitely a good thing.

So tell me, what do you think about my lessons? What are some life lessons you’ve learned in your 20s? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and be sure to share some of the lessons you’ve learned in your 20s below. I can’t wait to read them! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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WNJ Inspires – What’s on My Bucket List, Part I

July 15, 2014 by Whitney 24 Comments

Every year around this time, I start thinking about my birthday. Born on August 11th, I’m said to be outgoing, self-assured and have a tremendous zest for life. All those are traits of a Leo and I suppose I agree with them. 😉 Well today I want to share 10 Bucket List Items with you – I guess that zest for life thing is kicking in, right?

My 28th year will be amazing. I’ve worked really hard this year and I’ve achieved many goals earlier than expected which is indeed a blessing. While I’m extremely grateful and thankful for everything I’ve accomplished, I’ve missed being spontaneous and trying new things. Sometimes we get so caught up in making a living that we forget to make a life. I read and posted that quote the other day on Instagram and realized that in my 28th year, my main goal is to enjoy life to the fullest. That’s why some of the things on my list are fun and silly, while others are more “serious” – it’s a good balance. 😉 OK, enough chit chat…let’s take a peek at some of these bucket list items, shall we….

1. Go to a concert (with one of my favorite artists) and sit front row.

2. Go zip lining. (this will help me overcome my slight fear of heights)

3. Train for (and run) a 5K.

4. Complete a few DIY projects.

5. Go to Essence Music Fest.

6. Go to a shooting range.

7. Get a bikini wax. (DONE)

8. Plan a spontaneous trip and just…GO!

9. Go on a tour of the White House. (SCHEDULED)

10. Complete the Daily Bread online bible course.

So tell me, what do you think of these bucket list items? Pretty reasonable, huh? What about you – what are some things on your birthday bucket list? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and I hope you’ve been inspired to think about more ways you can enjoy and live life to the fullest! Until tomorrow, be blessed and be safe…XO!

P.S. Don’t forget to link up your recent OOTD over on my Personal Style Linkup!

#WNJInspired | What I Learned from Master Class on Own, ft. Lionel Richie

June 24, 2014 by Whitney 8 Comments

Most Sunday evenings you can catch me watching Master Class on Own. I’ve been a fan of autobiographical and biographical content, filmed on written, singe I was a kid. I remember being fascinated with the story of Princess Diana and reading and watching every little thing that had to do with her reign as Princess all the way until her untimely death. I believe that’s where my interest in “celebrity lifestyles” began.

This past Sunday, singer Lionel Richie on Master Class sharing bits and pieces of his life story. Certain pieces of his story struck a cord with me. As he recalled his highs and lows in the music business, and in life in general, these 3 things stayed with me:

1. When you feel like you’re loosing momentum keep going forward.

2. Accept who you are and be OK with knowing what you want – like yourself.

3. Success can be lethal, if you don’t know how to handle it.

We can learn life lessons from anyone. #wnjinspired

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I’m a firm believer that we can learn life lessons from anyone. Some may think celebrities can’t teach us anything or think they have it easy, therefore they can’t possibly know about “regular life”. Celebrity is just a title. At the end of the day, they put their pants on and go through life’s challenges just like we do. Which is why I’m such a fan of this show.

I’ve learned new lessons, been reminded of past life lessons and been intrigued by so many of the episodes. Aside from Lionel Richie, some of my favorite Master Class lessons have come from Whoopi, Robin Roberts, Cindy Crawford and Goldie Hawn.

So tell me, have you ever watched Master Class on Own? If so, who’s been your favorite? Also, what’s one life lessons you’ve learned along the way? Let me know!

As always, thanks for reading, commenting and sending feedback. You all continue to keep me inspired. 🙂 I hope you all enjoy the day and I’ll be back tomorrow. Until then, be blessed and stay safe…xo!

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#WNJInspired | Being a Blogger, Feeling Burned Out and Saying No

June 17, 2014 by Whitney 13 Comments

Is it me or is there a “Feeling Burned Out” epidemic sweeping the nation? Every day I hear at least 3 people tell me that their exhausted, burned out or just plain tired of something. I know I’ve felt this way. There have been time when I literally felt like I was being pulled in a million different directions. I was constantly on edge, probably not a pleasure to be around, and extremely tired. I’ve even considered putting my blog on hold, more than once. Thankfully, I was able to get through these feelings and I was able to figure out what the root of the problem was. I was doing (way) too much.

Doing too much is the quickest way to feel burned out. #wnjinspired

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Doing too much is the quickest way to start feeling burned out. As a blogger there are so many amazing opportunities that come your way, but do you have to take advantage every opprotunity? You may feel that in order to “get ahead” as a blogger it’s neccessary to jump at every opportunity. Even if you’re not a blogger, you’ve probably felt this way at some point. Well, I’m here to tell you that there is power in saying no. Granted, I don’t have hundreds of brands clamoring to work with me (yet), but there are still opportunities that I’m presented with on a semi-regular basis.

Nothing can hold you back from what God already has planned for you. #wnjinspired

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I’ve learned that saying no doesn’t make me a bad person. Saying no (to an opportunity) isn’t going to hold me back from what God already has planned for me. I may reach my goal later than I expected, but what God has for me is going to be for me. Period. Same goes for you.

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As a blogger, I suggest saying yes to the opportunities that match your brand and vision. Eliminate the opportunities that don’t speak to you, even if you see that other bloggers are doing it. If it’s not your wheelhouse, keep it moving. And truth be told, if you say no to something that could have propelled you, (and your blogging career) it’s going to come back around. Maybe not the same way as it was presented before, but it will come back. Like I said earlier, what God has for you is for you.

So tell me, are you feeling burned out or have you felt this way before? Do you believe there is power in saying no? Let me know!

As always, thanks for reading and commenting. Your feedback, emails and comments have really kept me going on days when I was feeling burned out. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…xo!

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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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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.

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.
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.
More Passion – I’m sure of my passion and purpose and I plan to continue walking into my destiny as the New Year unfolds.
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.
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! 🙂

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*2013 Highlights*

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*Linkups: Friday Fab Faves*