Necole Bitchie Announces 'It's Time To Move On'

The popular blogger, Necole Bitchie, who has taken the celebrity gossip and entertainment world by storm over the past seven years shocked many by announcing on her blog that she was walking away from what she had become most known for.

This is probaby the most difficult thing I've ever had to do, and I will cry after I write this.  I am very saddened to announce that today is my last day as a 'celebrity gossip blogger'.  It's also my last day running the site as you know it, NecoleBitchie.com.

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She went on to talk about her difficult road to stardom in the blogging world and how she overcame personal loss and even homelessness to become a well-known figure in the entertainment world.  

Necole says over time though, she wanted to become known for more than what she could write about a celebrity's latest life events.  She really desired to live a more purpose-driven life and celebrity gossip just was not part of the legacy she wanted to leave behind one day.

I was really inspired by Necole's bold decision to step out on faith and walk courageously towards the life she really wants for herself despite the money, 'fame', and what others will say or think.  It is encouraging to see a woman aspire to want to live a more meaningful life and inspire others to do the same in the process.

Necole wrote:

As I transition into my next chapter over the next few months and hopefully launch something new and positive, I can only hope for your continued support. 

It's not a 'goodbye!' per say. It's a 'See you soon!'

I can not wait to see what is in store for Necole because I know whatever it is, it will make a true mark on our generation. Good luck Necole! Thanks for also encouraging me to continue to step out on faith and be okay with my decisions in life.   

Practicing Mental Hygiene

It's a gray, cold day here in the ATL and I'm at home deep conditioning my hair for a (hopefully) cute, coil out.  Usually while I'm doing my hair, I will get caught up on my latest Youtube subscriptions or listen to some music.  This morning, I came across HeyFranHey's video and the title caught my attention right away.

In a day and age where we tend to pay a lot of attention to how we look physically and how well we are doing financially, we often forget to think about how our mental state is connected to our overall well-beings. When someone famous commits suicide or dies from an overdose, then we talk about all of the why's and how's for a few weeks.  After which it's back to focusing on Instagram pictures and what size our waist is.

In this video, HeyFranHey talks about how vital it is to pay as much attention to your mental/emotional health as you do to everything else. It could even be argued that this deserves priority over everything else.

As someone who has dealt with depression and toxic thoughts/emotions, I know firsthand how battling thoughts of worthlessness, suicide and just flat-out hoplessness can (and will) affect every other part of your life.  While I go to the gym a few times a week, work on my yoga techniques, try to reach healthy hair goals, work on my professional life, and make sure I go my bi-weekly facials, I know that it is a must that I take time out to examine and nurture my thoughts and emotions. Lord knows they get really out of control sometimes and I feel like giving up and running away!

Without  peace of mind, balance, emotional healing and positive thinking I will not be able to be the successful, well-rounded individual I am striving to be.

What do you do to practice mental hygiene?  

Sunday Ramblings

Hey, loves! What are ya'll doing today?  Me? I'm listening to T.D. Jakes, writing and sorting through bills.  I'm also trying to muster up the desire to do some semblance of a workout.  I haven't seriously worked out in about a week.  Ugh! One of the ways I try to motivate myself is by looking at older pics of myself at the gym (sounds vain or lame but, it works most times!)  The above pic was taken about two weeks ago.  

I'm probably one of a handful of people who finds it so hard to work out during stressful times.  I feel like the time at the gym is time I could be spending doing something to remedy whatever obstacle is at the forefront at the moment. 

I have had the most trying two weeks physically, financially and emotionally.  I literally feel like I'm in a serious battle with my thoughts and emotions.  I''m in such a dark place some days that it scares me.  A few events that have taken place really threw me for a loop and I'm having a harder time coping than I realized.  

I've been reading my Bible like crazy, upping my vitamin D daily intake (most people are deficient and it can directly affect your moods!), and forcing myself to write and combat the crazy thoughts with positive ones as much as I can right now. Although I have not had much luck with therapists in the past,  I may need to find someone's couch to lay on for a few sessions. 

I know this will pass soon.  

The Layers of Discovery Tour {A to Z}

My girl, GG Renee from All the Many Layers is doing it again!  A few weeks ago, I wrote about her #30Layers30Days challenge here and how it allowed me to take a second look at some issues I didn't realize I still had not dealt with. I shed a few tears, wrestled with my emotions, read, wrote and prayed every day for those 30 days.

At the end of the challenge, I gained a better understanding of myself and was able to refocus and readjust my goals going forward. It was just on time for me considered the slump I have been in--feeling just trapped, confused, and dejected.  It was a truly spiritual experience for me.  It also felt good to engage with women who were coming together to share ideas, encourage and uplift one another.

So fast forward to a few days ago when I am scrolling through Instagram and find out that GG Renee has started The Layers of Discovery Tour {A to Z}.  She has brilliantly created a series where 26 bloggers will each take a letter of the alphabet and choose a word to write about that relates to self-discovery. For each day from October 6th through October 31st, you have the opportunity to visit a different blog about a different topic from a different woman's perspective.

Today is Day 3, C is for Courage by Minnie G of Life in 100 Words.  Take a minute to check it out and continue to follow the tour by going to All the Many Layers.

You can follow along with the tour by following #LayersAtoZtour on Twitter and Instagram and by checking for updates on this page daily from October 6 - 31.  Gain some inspiration, get to know a lot of beautiful, down-to-earth women, or receive some emotional healing.  Whatever you take away from the tour, it will change you for the better!

Sunday Chronicles: My A-Ha Moment

Hi, loves! Do any of you watch SuperSoul Sunday on the OWN channel?  I call it my "get right".  I intimate interviews with authors, actors/actresses and others really help me to gain perspective and encouragement in dealing with the given situation or obstacle of the moment.

This Sunday I watched the interview with the author of The Alchemist, Paulo Coehlo, and I really got the a-ha moments I needed-- a confirmation of sorts from God on which direction I should take.

"You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it's better to listen to what it has to say." - @paulocoelho #SuperSoulSunday
— Super Soul Sunday (@SuperSoulSunday) September 6, 2014

For the past year or so, I have been grappling with a few things.  Downright agonizing and stressing about. My career plans, relationship, practicing patience, and the list goes on and on.

 One of my most pressing issues is deciding which career path to continue on and figuring out HOW I am going to get there.  One side of me thought that the most practical thing to do would be to continue in education and get my Master's of Education but, another side of me is  so drawn to the public health field.  I had previously applied to a Master's of Public Health program that I was accepted to but, due to some financial setbacks I could not attend.  Talk about discouraged and depressed!

I felt so down (I have even shed a few tears out of frustration) but, I thought that maybe it was a sign that I should pursue Education further.  However, something in me keeps telling me that it is really not what I want long-term.  I have a deep desire for something other than Education....and my heart truly knows it.

There are people close to me who tell me that Education is "safe" and given the economy, I should stay in this field because I will always have a job.

"It will be the best decision right now."

"You're getting older and it will take too much time to pursue another field."

"You can always go after what you want later."

My thoughts? 

When did 33 become "too old"?

Why should I do something I do not feel fully vested in?

What if it works out and my spirit can finally feel fulfilled?

Faith over fear (my life's motto since Jan. 1st).

I'm not sure how I will work out all of the details but, I know and believe that if God placed the dream in my heart He will also provide a way to work it all out perfectly.  It feels scary and it has been difficult for me to go against what others are telling me but, I now know what I need to do and I need to honor the purpose placed within me.

I have not read The Alchemist yet but, it is next on my reading list (right now I'm reading Me Before You by JoJo Mojes).  Seeing this interview this morning has really impacted my life and it was just what I needed.  I feel like a weight that has been so heavy on my spirit has been lifted and I can now move forward a little more confidently.


Have you read The Alchemist? What did you think?

What is your heart telling you to do?

Monday Inspiration: Finding the Beauty In the Tragedy of Loss

I recently learned of a couple on Instagram who unexpectedly lost their baby boy a few days after birth.  My heart dropped immediately just reading about what they went through.  Amelia Kathryn had a normal pregnancy, labored for twelve hours and then had to have an emergency C-section due to the baby's heart rate suddenly dropping.  After birth, little Landon was placed on life support but, his organs were continuing to fail.  Amelia and her husband documented the entire journey through pics and words....on Instagram, as they were going through it!  From the time he was placed in the NICU and given a dim prognosis until the time that he was taken off life support and she could hold him while he took his last breath, they posted pics.  It was amazing to me that Amelia and her husband were able to share with the world what they were going through and look at the positive amidst such a traumatic circumstance.

Their courage and strength really touched me and I cried and prayed for this couple as if I knew them personally.  Although our situations are not the same, I still know the pain of suddenly experiencing the loss of a baby and it is the most terrible feeling ever.  There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about what could have been.

To all of the mothers who have experienced the loss of a child, you are not alone and your child's spirit is with you always.  To learn more about Amelia's story, you can follow her on Instagram @ameliakyoga.

Monday Inspiration: Choosing Happy

Happy Monday, loves! For today's edition of Monday Inspiration, I want to challenge all of you to be conscious of your words and thoughts.  I picked up this book from Barnes and Noble a few days ago, "Every Day A Friday Journal: How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week" by Joel Osteen, after I had a few days of feeling so blah and overwhelmed with everything going on in my life right now.

Today's reading said :

 "You attract what you put out. If you complain all the time, you will only attract other complainers and their unhappiness, but if you get up each morning with a song of praise in your heart and sing it all day, you will attract praise, happiness, and joy.  So put a smile on your face.  Go out determined to enjoy each day". 

I need a change in my life in so many areas and I realize that I have to change my way of thinking, first.  If I go around all day, every day feeling anxious, on edge and worried about what could happen then I will never be able to attract good, positive changes into all aspects of my life.  

Despite your situation today,  be encouraged and choose to be happy.  It will get better!

Remembering Maya Angelou

I was so surprised to learn of the passing of world famous poet and author, Dr. Maya Angelou when I turned on my computer this morning.  Ever since I read "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" as a child, I have loved listening to this great woman speak and have read any of her books that I could get my hands on. Even as an adult, her words of encouragement and courage have given me strength throughout different times in my life.

Her life and words taught me to push forward through any obstacle, to love being born a woman, and to always believe in the better to come.

Another beautiful angel has been called home but, her words will live on forever.  Thank you for using your life to lift others up.

 What are your favorite Maya Angelou quotes?

A Special Mother's Day Wish

Happy Mother's Day to all of the hardworking, sacrificing, unconditionally-loving mothers out there! Today is your day and I hope that you are made to feel loved and appreciated.

I want to take a moment to also recognize the women who so desperately want to be moms, have been dealing with infertility, miscarriage or loss of a child.  I know that  when Mother's Day approaches, I feel that 'no-so-good' feeling coming on--the one where I want to binge on junk food and get all in my feelings, turn my ringer on my phone off and cry a little, which is what I did last night.

I could not help but feel some type of way seeing all of the mothers talk and post about their children and how blessed they were.  It is the most isolating feeling to want to experience motherhood and still not know why it has not happened for you yet. Or, in my case, to be living with the thoughts and memories of the baby that could have and should have been here today but, he/she is not.  At times, I feel silly about bringing it up because I don't want to be the Negative Nancy casting a dark cloud on what should be a joyous day but, I know that there are other women who feel forgotten and alone every Mother's Day.  So, here's to a day that makes you have good feelings about where you are in life and to feeling like you are enough without being a mother yet.

Be encouraged today, you are loved!

On My Way to Having Healthy Babies (and other PCOS banter)

I came across probably THE most helpful, informative site ever!(In regards to natural ways of managing PCOS that is.)  Most of you may already know that I was diagnosed with PCOS some years ago and have been on a rollercoaster journey to find ways to balance my hormones naturally and one day have cute, little healthy babies!  In fact this blog was created as a place to share information I have found, natural remedies and other tips I have tried.

Dealing with PCOS has been one of the most emotionally wrenching things I have had to deal with. All of the frustration, contradicting information, doctors that are not really that helpful except to tell me a list of medications I need to take and just feeling like less of a woman some days.  When I was first diagnosed, I was beyond devastated.  My first thought was that I would never have a baby--which was like a death sentence for me.  I was newly married and wanted desperately to be a mother.  I am no longer married but, my dream of being a mother is still something that I pray about every day.  I am determined to get my body in check and really get a handle on these symptoms.

So what's the name of the site?, you ask.  It is PCOS Diva and it has really been an answer to my prayers!

When I found PCOS Diva, I was in amazement at all of the information that was contained on this one site.  The founder, Amy Medling , is a woman living with PCOS who went on to have three beautiful children.  She covers all aspects of PCOS (diet, emotional, physical) and has tons of resources to help.  The PCOS newsletters, detailed meal plans, meditation links, supplement recommendations, etc. have really helped me in the few weeks that have passed since stumbling across PCOS Diva.  I especially love the testimonials of past and current readers.  A lot of times, I feel so alone in a world where it seems that everyone else around me is having babies and not dealing with any of this PCOS-related craziness but, PCOS Diva has really given me inspiration, encouragement and direction.  For that I am so grateful.

If you have PCOS or know someone who does, this site is just want you need! 

Monday Inspiraton: Staying In the Now

Happy Monday and Happy Veteran's Day, loves!

Today I woke up feeling very 'meh.  I'm not really sure why, I guess it's just one of "those" days.  I am also not completely happy about my situation and anxious for positive change for the future but, then I was reminded that all we really have is NOW. So, I'm focusing on doing what I can now with a positive attitude and leaving the rest to God.  The other alternative will just drive me crazy.  

Monday Inspiration- Embracing New Seasons

by Jessica Franklin of HeyGorJess

As school is starting back up and the weather has been getting a little cooler, I am becoming more aware of more than just the physical change of the season, but the spiritual and emotional changes as well. This past summer has been one of the toughest “seasons” I’ve ever experienced. It stretched me in so many ways– so much that at times I just wanted to quit everything. I wanted to give up on my paid L’Oreal internship, drop out of my summer class, and just lay in bed all day because of some of the confusion in my life. I literally did not know how I was going to make it– but I never stopped believing that I would. I knew deep in my heart that no matter how overwhelmed I felt, that God was going to bring me through victoriously. Even through the pain and stress–I still felt him with me, guiding me through day by day. I knew that God was using my circumstances to make me stronger and better. To develop perseverance and character in order to make me a better and more mature “me” (Romans 5:3-5).

Now that the summer is over and we are moving into fall– I am happy to say that I made it. I passed my class (barely–but I passed lol), I rockeddd my final presentation to the L’Oreal executive team that I literally slaveddd over all summer, and God has brought me so much peace in all areas of my life. It truly is a season of transition for me now. I have made it through the fire of the summer, and I am ready for this new season God has in store for me this fall.

I feel like the seasons give us a chance for a fresh start, and for change–even though so many of us don’t like it. We fear it, dread it, and avoid it because we don’t know what it will bring. But remember–change is good, and beautiful even. Look at the colors of the leaves as they start to turn red and orange, and the arrival of your favorite pumpkin latte at Starbucks (for you coffee lovers like myself lol). Change brings so much excitement and a new joy.

So as this season ends, be grateful for your past one and take in everything you’ve learned, but be open for the awesome new changes this season will bring. Don’t dwell on the past, but welcome the future with an open heart. I am sure that if you let Him, God will do so much through it.

Until next time,

My Super Soul Sunday

Sunday is probably my favorite day of the week.  I get to wake up when I feel like, do some cleaning and reorganizing, and do some pampering (workout, mani, pedi, deep conditioning of the mane, etc.) without any real time constraints.

Today, I tuned into Oprah's channel, OWN, and caught the tail end of her show, Super Soul Sunday.  Have you ever watched this series?  I really haven't watched it too many times but, today she was interviewing author, Dr. Brene Brown who wrote the book, Daring Greatly,  a book about love, living wholeheartedly and being conscious of the energy that you bring around those closest to you. I was on my laptop doing some work and I stopped what I was doing to listen. Brown shared a part in the book called, The Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto, that moved me to tears (I'm such a crybaby recently---SO not me).

My Sunday view- laptops, white toes and Super Soul Sunday

As a 30-something woman who has wished and longed for a child for so long, I can only imagine the love that a parent has for a child that they carried, birthed and watch grow every day.  This episode is for everyone (parent or not).  It was definitely life-changing for me. I live for these moments where I can read or hear something  that can change my whole mindset and every aspect of my life for the better.

Brown's 'The Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto:

"You will learn this from my words and actions—the lessons on love are in how I treat you and how I treat myself.

I want you to engage with the world from a place of worthiness.

You will learn that you are worthy of love, belonging, and joy every time you see me practice self-compassion and embrace my own imperfections.

We will practice courage in our family by showing up, letting ourselves be seen, and honoring vulnerability. We will share our stories of struggle and strength. There will always be room in our home for both. 

We will teach you compassion by practicing compassion with ourselves first; then with each other. We will set and respect boundaries; we will honor hard work, hope, and perseverance. Rest and play will be family values, as well as family practices.

You will learn accountability and respect by watching me make mistakes and make amends, and by watching how I ask for what I need and talk about how I feel.  

I want you to know joy, so together we will practice gratitude. 

I want you to feel joy, so together we will learn how to be vulnerable.

When uncertainty and scarcity visit, you will be able to draw from the spirit that is a part of our everyday life. 

Together we will cry and face fear and grief. I will want to take away your pain, but instead I will sit with you and teach you how to feel it. 

We will laugh and sing and dance and create. We will always have permission to be ourselves with each other. No matter what, you will always belong here.

As you begin your Wholehearted journey, the greatest gift that I can give to you is to live and love with my whole heart and to dare greatly.

I will not teach or love or show you anything perfectly, but I will let you see me, and I will always hold sacred the gift of seeing you. Truly, deeply, seeing you".
Read more about Dr. Brene Brown's book here

I was already in love with the Super Soul Sunday series on OWN but, today's episode makes me want to tune in every week and I will be adding this book to my reading list.  What are you doing that feeds your soul? 

Monday Inspiration: Just Do It

After recovering from some type of 'bug' for the past week, I have been seriously struggling with working out again.  But, I have some goals I am trying to reach and I know how much exercise has helped my PCOS symptoms so I am looking for any forms of motivation to get me off the couch.

While doing my daily scroll through Instagram this morning,  I saw this pic of Lana Ector, one-half of the mother-daughter Black Girls Workout Too duo.....

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..... and this quote on Pinterest (I'm really feeling this site!)

The pic of Lana alone had me sucking in my stomach on the couch.  This chick's body never fails to motivate me!  Then, this Nike quote was icing on the cake.  I had time to work out and really no excuse not to fit it in my schedule today.  So, I promptly got up, put in the Black Girls Workout Too dvd, and forced myself to get through the 45 minute workout.  I know that tomorrow I'll be glad that I did!

Tired and looking it!

What are you putting off that you can do today?  Taking that first step is all you need. 

When Life Knocks You Down

Hi loves! I missed doing this week's Monday Inspiration post and I finally had some downtime so, I decided to share some words of inspiration with you.  I'm pretty big on filling my mind with uplifting, encouraging words and music so, I am always reading or listening to anything that can keep me on a positive note.

 During my morning meditations or just throughout the day, I find myself saying certain Bible verses or reading quotes I may see throughout the day on Instagram or in a book. I am also switching up my workout routines and incorporating new types of fitness like pole classes (Woo Hoo! Much love to the ladies that work the poles on a regular for work or otherwise. So much fun and much harder than it looks!).  Life has really taken some turns for me and I'm doing everything to stay up!

"Not feeling this run I'm about to do..."

Before doing my workout this morning, I saw this quote on one of my favorite sites, Alexelle.com, and decided to share:

"He created both night and day. If its dark in your life right now, be patient. The sun always rises. And if it’s light right now, be thankful. But don’t get attached to the sun. It is in its design to also set. Praise Him for both the night and the day and know that He never sets."

- Yasmin Mogahed

What do you do when you are feeling down and out to stay encouraged?

Monday Inspiration: It Will Be Ok

It's hard for me to completely open up about my life (and I hate to come off as being negative or that I'm complaining) but, I feel like I'm in one of the toughest fights of my life right now.  I saw this quote and it reminded me that things will be ok. So, I'm looking forward and staying encouraged knowing that I'm in good hands no matter how dim things seem around me. 

Have a great Monday!

Inspiration Monday: Live Simply

Monday's here again...I could gripe about needing a few extra days off of work and not feeling like getting up or wish I was going to a different job but, I won't.  I'll be thankful that I have a job and that God saw fit to wake me up to see a new day for another chance to get it right.  How's that for positive thinking?

My inspirational quote for this morning is just about living simply and not overcomplicating life.  It really is that simple.

Happy Monday, loves! 

Monday Inspiration: No Fear

"I am deliberate and afraid of nothing"~ Audre Lorde

You may notice an ongoing theme here recently---no fear.  I don't consider myself fearless but, I am working on releasing unnecessary fears and anxiety from my life because they really keep me from functioning at my best.  There's a lot of uncertainty right now but, such is life.  Everything works out just as it should.

Fear nothing and have a great week loves!

Releasing and Changing My Thoughts

You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.- James Allen

I have really become more conscious about the types of thoughts I constantly have, the things I say and the things that I fill my mind with.  In the past year, I have seen that it has such a major effect on my life; how I feel, how I view myself, my ability to reach certain goals are all impacted by the thoughts I choose to fill my mind with.  

Lord knows , it can be hard to put certain situations and feelings aside, and not think negatively, angry, scared or upset. I have learned to feel whatever emotions come my way, deal with them the best way I can for a moment and release them. 

For many years, I harbored a lot of negative emotions and it took a series of unpleasant events in my life to really be able to sit back and realize just how toxic my thoughts were.  I was full of worry, anxiety, guilt, depression, deep hurt and unforgiveness.  I had to learn from it all and just let it go.   These thoughts were killing my spirit, taking me out of character, affecting my physical well-being and preventing me from reaching my full potential.  I was sick mentally, emotionally and physically, and I had to change.  I was hurting those around me and, at one point, I just didn't care anymore.  I had to change my thoughts which would in turn change my actions.  

I have yet to create a vision board (I'm late, I know) but, I have taken some of the quotes that I repeat in my mind on almost a daily basis and placed them on my bathroom mirror.  This way, when I wake up and I am getting ready to face the day I can be reminded of the positive quotes and scriptures that will uplift me and help shape my thoughts and actions each day.  It is important to feed your mind and spirit daily with affirming, inspiring thoughts so that you will be better equipped to deal with any of life's curveballs (and they do come!).  

This is one of the many techniques that I have incorporated into my daily routine and it has helped me become a more calm, level-headed person who is ready to deal with just about any situation.  Don't get me wrong, I still struggle with disappointment, fear and anger from time to time but not nearly as much as I used to. I am also grappling with some life-changing decisions that need to be made and it scares me sometimes.  As tough and strong as I put on that I am, sometimes I really don't know what is going to happen and I am almost terrified. But I do know that it will all turn out just as it should.  My whole outlook on life is changing for the better!

What words and thoughts are a part of your life ?  Do you think that it has affected the way your life is going?

Produced By Faith

I searched almost every Barnes and Noble bookstore in Atlanta for this book! I ended up ordering it from amazon. com and it got to my doorstop last week.  I am just 60 pages in but, it has already inspired me in so many ways.

The author, Devon Franklin, discusses how to hold onto your faith and beliefs while making headway through your career and other aspects of your life.  He is a successful Hollywood studio executive, a Christian minister and the husband of the beautiful actress, Meagan Good.

I feel like I could not have started reading this book at a better time in my life!  There is so much that has happened and so much more that I want to do but, at times I find myself getting impatient, down, and confused.  This book is reminding me to remember what is most important in life and to hold on to my faith each day.  I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is having issues with staying hopeful and inspired in their lives!