Never Settle for the Bare Minimum in Life or Style + Snakeskin Style

Don't settle for the bare minimum! As you walk through this week remember that you are worthy of the best life has to offer. Sometimes you are blessed with it due to no extra effort on your own part and sometimes you have to work for it. There are times when you only get the bare minimum out of a situation because you don't enter it situation expecting more, asking for more, or with a willingness to work for more. I call that operating from a place of lack instead of a place of abundance. If I decided to settle for the bare minimum alone this past week I would have: missed out on an incredible 7-course meal where I was able to network and spend time with some amazing people (I'm an introvert at heart so networking doesn't come naturally to me but I decided to step outside my comfort zone), missed out on an opportunity to negotiate the terms of a business deal I'm excited about, and I would have spent less quality time with my son. This list could go on and on but I want to make not settling for the bare minimum real to YOU in case you needed some motivation.

When you have an abundance mindset you understand that there is always room for more and more will always make room for you. Remember to be clear on your desires and expectations for yourself and the situations you find yourself in. You deserve way more than the bare minimum so don't settle for it ever in jobs and careers, relationships, your finances, etc.

While we're on the subject of not settling, I don't believe we should ever settle when it comes to the things we wear. Only wearing something one time because you think it only goes with one outfit is settling for the bare minimum in your style. Have fun with your style and if you really want to get the most boom for your buck, buy things that can be styled in a variety of ways. I have so much fun wearing this outfit because I did a monochromatic snakeskin look and this print is one of my favorite neutrals. When I first bought these boots last year, I envisioned wearing them with a bunch of solid neutrals but decided to have fun this time around and pair them with the same print! How do you style animal prints?

Top & Skirt - Zara (sold out) | Boots-Steve Madden | Shop this look below

Standout Sneaker Style + The Power of your Personality

As you walk through this week, stand confident in who you are. You have the power to bring light and color into every room and situation you walk into just by being yourself! There was a time when I was depressed three years ago and questioned that, especially in my career. But God has shown me over and over again in so many situations throughout the years that He has given me the perfect personality to make a positive difference. I know I use career stories a lot and that's because God has taught me so much about me, Him, His power, and the power He has equipped me with throughout my 6.5 year career. Feel feel to read my promotion story from this year to understand more and be encouraged. 

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Okay, let's get back to discussing the power of personality! So about a week and a half ago, I got a message from my director (my boss's boss's boss) to do a short-term assignment. I never saw this assignment coming and definitely never thought I would have the opportunity to do that kind of work, but that's just how blessings work sometimes. When we're busy staying in our lane and minding our business, God decides to bless us with an opportunity to use the skills we already possess. This role allows me to do something I absolutely love so even though it's work, it doesn't feel like work. It really feels like walking in purpose. 

The coolest thing about this assignment is that it allows me to do something I love and have a passion for, connecting with people. When my director and later my senior manager shared why I was chosen for the opportunity they both said my personality and the unique skills I possess. WOW! When they told me that I had to pause and thank God because I prayed for this moment. No, I didn't pray for this specific opportunity, but I did pray for God to allow me to find favor with my superiors, all whom I need to excel and to enlarge my territory. The answer is this temporary assignment. Now, it comes with its fair share of challenges but I know God has placed me there for such a time as this. If God can give a self-proclaimed introvert like me the gift of forming meaningful connections with people and guiding them to see their power and strengths, just imagine what God can do for you!

Now let's talk style! I don't buy sneakers often, but when I do they must be cute and comfortable because shoes are meant for walking! The Nike Dunk Cashmere "Lemon Twist" sneakers are the first pair of dunks I've gotten since high school and I think I'm in love with them lol. When it comes to buying new shoes, one of my main deciding factors is can they be styled with multiple things I already own. Well, these dunks definitely can and that's one of the reasons I'm so excited about them. As you can see, they are the perfect shoe to bring these cream Target sweatpants, sweatshirt, and pink Banana Republic coat together for an easy, comfortable and casual fall/winter look. 

Sweatpants-Target | Sweatshirt-Target | Coat-Banana Republic (old) | Sneakers-Nike sold out but available brand new at Farfetch and StockX

Pink Power Suit + Preparing to Slay Your Battles

Every woman needs some clothes that make her feel powerful, and sometimes a pink suit is the set of clothes to handle the powerful assignment. Needless to say, this suit makes me feel powerful and my favorite aspect of the suit is that the blazer also doubles as a dress. I'm so glad the blazer is long because I have gained a few pounds since I bought this suit early last year when I was a few pounds lighter and definitely ripped the pants while putting them on! Shop my favorite pink power blazers and pants below!

As you walk through this week, remember that batters are won through strategy, not by surprise. So sit down, create a plan, execute your plan and prepare to win! When setbacks and detours come your way, learn to pivot and pace yourself, not quit. If you quit when times get hard, you'll never know all that you are truly capable of.  You may be feeling pressure like you need to do the most because we're in the final quarter of 2021 but remember that constant striving will leave you feeling exhausted and unfulfilled. Take some time this week to reflect on your goals and create a plan to achieve them if you have not done so already. 

I want to encourage you to get more attached to the process of accomplishing your goals than timelines because not achieving something by a certain timeline can be discouraging and downright depressing at times if we're being 100% honest. But one thing I have learned on my journey over the past three years is that our timelines are no match for God's timelines. Sometimes our goals don't happen when we want them because we need to develop in some or many areas first. I felt like I waited too long for my first promotion when I was in my waiting season, but the skills I learned during the period of waiting propelled me so far in my career and led me to my second promotion a year later. So trust your process and the things it's teaching you!

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Styling Snakeskin Boots + Embracing Change

One of my favorite thing to wear in the fall is boots and these snakeskin boots are the perfect pair to instantly elevate any outfit! I actually got them on sale in Macy's last year for around $50 and I've loved them ever since. Not only are these Steve Madden boots comfortable, they are also functional because of the neutral print. I opted to style these with a utility shirt dress from Pretty Little Thing and Green sunglasses from Asos. How would you style these boots? I linked a few of my favorite pairs below.

Now let's talk about change. If you follow me on Instagram, then you know my post on Monday was all about change and it said: As you walk through this week, remember that you are allowed to embrace change, evolve and grow. You are allowed to change your mindset. you are allowed to adjust or reinstate new boundaries. You are allowed to exit your comfort zone. You are allowed to do whatever you need to do to live your best life. Personally changing my mindset has been one of the biggest things that allowed God to elevate my life and has brought me so much peace and happiness this year. Now what I do not like is when I have no control over the changes that occur in my life. 

Like most people, I like to have control over my life and one of my favorite things about adulthood is that control. So you can imagine how I felt this week when my senior regional manager at work informed me that he decided to make a regional schedule change that would require myself and all the other operations managers at my level to work the night shift. I understood the assignment and that he was making the change because he understands my gift and talent to create positive change and improve processes but I felt so crushed. I've been off of the night shift since August and it had felt SO GOOD to actually eat dinner with my family every night, have bathtime and bedtime stories with my son, and to actually sleep in my bed at night. Like not working nights has brought my family so much in this season. But then I had to remind myself that God has not brought me this far to leave me and I choose to believe this change will be temporary. Sure it may complicate my personal life and limit the time I spend with my son during the work week but I have faith to believe that it's also a setup for a blessing.

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Our Moment to Shine: Women are Winning!

Last week Issa Rae said "it's a me season" and I felt that in my spirit, not just for me but women in general. Women are having a special moment right now and I love to see it! I see so many of us living out our dreams, walking in answered prayers, stepping out on faith, thinking bigger, investing in ourselves, letting go of relationships that don't uplift us, and helping each other flourish. 

I personally know several women who are literally living dreams they've been working towards for years this year. I have friends who have left toxic work environments this year and re-claimed their peace while starting their own businesses. I see women expanding their families and living out their motherhood goals. I see women God honoring the desires of the hearts of women and those women are flourishing!

If there is something you want to do, I dare you to write it down and speak it into existence. Imagine yourself living out your wild ideas. You know what's one of my "wild ideas"? Leadership development, specifically developing young leaders and women of color. I always tell my husband how I want to do more in the area of leadership development in the future because it's truly a passion of mine. Well, today I had the opportunity to speak to one of my directors at work and he asked me what I'm excited about. Something in my spirit told me to tell me to share that passion with him and he not only supported my ideas, he also gave me the green light to build upon my wild idea. I say all this to say speak your vision, write it down, you never know who is rooting for you and willing to help you until you speak life into it.

If you see another woman winning, hype her up! If you see a woman struggling, help her out! We are our sister's keeper. Let's pour into one another. 

If this post resonated with you, please share with a woman who needs some encouragement or a woman who inspires you!

Stying Straight Leg Jeans + Slowing Down

One of my favorite fall trends that is part of permanently part of my style staples is straight-leg jeans. At this stage in my life, I'm just not into skin-tight jeans (unless I need to tuck them into boots) and I find high-waisted straight-leg jeans to be extremely flattering and comfortable. I found this pair at H&M in September and they fit perfectly! I love that they are slightly distressed without too many rips and they are affordable at less than $40. The quality is also great and these jeans have some weight to them. I jazzed these jeans up with my favorite Kai Collective Gaia top.

Now let's talk about slowing down. Last week Sunday I woke up with a headache, backache, and no voice. It took two days for my voice to completely return to normal and it hit me, I was burnt out! Now, this burn out didn't happen overnight, it was a gradual thing. Between waking up early for work every day, mom life, wife life, our family social life on the weekends, and working on my content when I can my body was just plain old tired. I'm one of those people that sometimes feel like if I'm not doing a lot then I must not be doing enough. Well I'm here to tell you that is a harmful narrative to have about yourself. My body got sick because it was begging me to slow down and rest and I ignored it. So my body took control and slowed down which left me no choice but to slow down. 

Before facing this particular case of burnout I used to only get burnt out when I found myself in a struggle season and felt extra pressure to go go go. However, I realized that my body can be burnt out when things are going well. I was burnt out trying to keep up with all the good things in my life while unnecessarily adding more to my plate when I needed to be prioritizing rest. I'm in a season where I'm living in my answered prayers and feeling like I need to constantly be working towards the next best thing. Well one thing my good friend always tells me is that "you don't have to strive". You don't have to strive for blessings, God is already going to give them to you. You don't have to constantly be in go mode because rest is essential to your well-being and opportunities will find you even in moments of stillness. Trust that what is for you will not pass you by and it is okay to slow down.

As you walk through this week remember that there is no reward for overworking yourself. If you don't slow down your body might break down and slow you down. Sometimes the most productive thing for you to do when you know you've been going hard on yourself is to rest and rejuvenate. 

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Slow Down St. John: Pacing Ourselves + Resting in Luxury Swimwear

As you walk through this week remember that it's okay to slow down. Life is not a race or a competition. While Spending last week in St. Thomas and St. John I noticed a lot of people there who are originally from the states or spent years living in the states and chose to make the islands their permanent home. When I asked some of these people what made them choose to live in St. Thomas, they all mentioned the slower pace of life was the key factor in their decision. They felt happier because they weren't rushing or living in a society that prides itself on grinding your way to death. They all had this calm and joyous energy that radiated through them based on the intangible elements of their lives. 

So as you walk through this week remember to pace yourself and enjoy things that nourish your soul.

If you could spend one week doing anything anywhere in the world and money was no issue, what would you do? Let me know in the comments section.

When I saw this swimsuit earlier in the year, I wanted it but wasn't sure if I needed to spend so much money on it. Well as the months went by and summer came, I decided that I deserved it. Also, the quality of this bikini is incredible. I also have a one-piece Andrea Iyama swimsuit from a few years ago and I have to say the quality is impeccable! I have no doubt this bikini will last me for years to come because it is so well made. It also comes in other colors but this orange spoke to me and I fell in love with it.

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