Be Intentional About Your Growth 💗

Growth is inevitable! There’s pretty much no  way to get around it. At some point in life, you’ll find yourself growing into a better person, whether it’s mentally, physically, spiritually, intellectually, socially, or a combo of all of the above. It’s just bound to happen between birth & death. 👶🏽👵🏾

     Since March is my birth month ♓️, we’ll be focusing on growth. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve began to focus more on growing on all levels. Being stagnant isn’t an option over here…especially since my brain needs to be occupied with something at all times. But like with most things in life, the journey hasn’t always been sweet. Let’s venture through the last 365 days…🗓️

When You Realize the Need for Growth…🌱🤔

Turning 45 felt like another milestone last year. Fresh off of an amazing bday vacation, I started the year on a high. I was happy, well rested, & felt extremely loved. 🥰 It was exactly how someone should start off another year of life. 

     I knew the rest of 2023 was going to be busy for me. That Lil Girl had cheer competitions all over the state, & the natural social butterfly in her had me knowing for certain she’d either keep my house packed with friends or be on the go with friends. 📣And since they start taking state exams in third grade, I needed to make sure she was prepared. Person #1: ✅.

     The Boy has been in the process of learning to participate in this wonderful quest we call adulthood. Parents of older teens know what I’m battling. 🤦🏽‍♀️ Between trying to teach life skills (when he listens) & the mess that comes with starting out as an  adult, I knew I’d have my hands full there too. Person #2: ✅

     Throw in the middle teen boys staying for the summer & husbae traveling a lot for work, & I knew I was destined to not be able to sit still for long. On top of all of the family obligations I was going to manage, I knew I wanted to go harder with Intentional & possibly do something different in my career. I knew the next year would be full of me putting work in to elevate myself, but I needed a plan. Rest of the Washington crew: ✅✅✅

Growing Is a Process… ☘️

Once I set my goals, it was time to put feet to pavement. 🚶🏾‍♀️I was willing to use every resource I could find to elevate my life. I started listening to motivational podcasts a lot. And I mean A LOT LOT! 🎧 I read more books that could educate me on how to take it up a notch. 📚 I started attending classes, conferences, & other events to gain more business knowledge. 👩🏽‍🏫 I was determined to know as much as possible to get me one step closer to attaining my goals. 

     I knew growth would be uncomfortable though. Nothing that’s truly worth it is pain-free or easy. That meant I needed to be mentally prepared for whatever would come my way. I knew it wasn’t going to be rose gardens & sunshiny days the entire journey though. Things hit the fan for awhile in July, so I had to focus on my mental health more. 🧘🏽‍♀️ I had to change some people, places, things, & methods around me. I couldn’t make moves in the position I was in, so I did what was best for me & picked up some meds.

     After I got acclimated to the medications, my whole mood was different. Think going from Chris Brown’s song “11:11/Angel Numbers” to French Montana “I Ain’t Worried About Nothin.” I didn’t care about a thing. Stuff went on, & I was zenned out humming to myself. Not having to deal with my anxiety made it much easier to venture off into new areas. 💡

     I think my first big step was not only going to a business conference, but also talking to other people there. I usually go straight to a corner where I can see everyone & do the bare minimum amount of interacting due to my shyness. 🫣 At my second conference, I ended up having a ball with 2 of the women who were sitting at my table. In fact, I’ve been at a few events with one & will be attending another out of town with her in August. 

     Don’t get me wrong, I’m still shy AF. But when it comes to my business, I know I have to put that feeling to the side, sit in the discomfort, & handle my business. Interacting with others is one of the most important parts of being a small business owner. If I wanted Intentional to grow, I needed to boss up & step outside of my comfort zone. And so she did! 🙌🏽

     I explored other jobs & had a few interviews too. Although I didn’t get the positions, I was still glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. And besides, what’s for me is for me, & it’s all in God’s timing. I don’t know the specific reasons, especially since I was told it was a hard choice, but I know there’s a reason why I’m still in the position I hold. There’s a purpose for every situation God puts you in, & I’m just trying to fulfill it the best I can.

Measuring Growth 🌳

Every end of the calendar year & birth year I try to reflect on the previous 364 days. With every year, there have been setbacks, & some were hard pills to swallow. However, there were way more highs than lows. I’ve come to see that starting your day off with a positive frame of mind can set the tone for the rest of the 24 hours. 🧘🏽‍♀️ Ain’t nobody trying to be Eeyore with a rain cloud following them all day! ⛈️

     My Intentional products cover me on the positivity vibe. Every product has a positive affirmation, so even when I’m not feeling at my best, I have something to remind me that I can get there that day. Right at the top of every page is something positive to remind you who TF you are! Every day you should remind yourself of the dope person you are! 🥰

     Even though I write in my planner & journal before I go to bed, I review the planner every morning to remind me of my important tasks of the day. It would be hypocritical of me to suggest customers use my products when I don’t myself. I created them to help others since they’ve worked wonders for me. They give me something tangible I can reflect on & really see how far I’ve come. A for sure ego booster! 💪🏽

     Springtime is near, so it’s time for things to start growing again, including you. Over the next 3 weeks, we’re going check ourselves, figure out what we want out of this thing called life, & gear up for the spring 31 Day Self- Care Challenge. Join me on this journey of elevating our lives! 💐