This past year has been full of great learning experiences for me. Yes, my blog has been active for more than a year. But you didn’t see me celebrating any Blogaversary or poppin champagne, and I could have. But for me this is real. I somewhat was very disappointed in myself for not being able to accomplish some of the goals I set for myself. And we all have our moments but as I’ve realized, I’m a control freak. And I’m working on that. The past six months during my hiatus I’ve been apart of three great wedding parties, earned a new position at work, helped my baby girl get through her first year of Elementary school, helped my big boy transition to middle school, had a few friends transition to the next life, started creating new directions in my own life and really finding me.
It took me a long time to except my wonderfully kinky hair, my thick thighs, my double Ds, and this bout to be non existent kangaroo pouch. But it’s me, love me or leave me alone. I thought because my life revolves around my children that my life was over. NOT!
It’s something Amazing about hearing “‘Mommy you look Beautiful,” or “Mommy I Love your dress”. Me taking the time to put my makeup on and get back into my smell goods and fall in love with fashion again like a fairy tale romance. I’ve taken everything I’ve learned over the years and started focusing on my passion.
As most of you know this time last year, I was dealing with the loss of my job. I attended a women’s empowerment conference that weekend that brought me out of that rut. During that conference I was offered a scholarship to the Blogalicious Conference in Las Vegas. Needless to say due to other family issues I had to decline. It hurt my heart because I knew this was something I needed
, but I accepted that it wasn’t my time. This year when the conference was announced, I read that they were also looking for volunteers to work the conference. Now regardless, I knew this year I was going no matter what. But in my heart I immediately felt obligated to not only attend but give back what was extended to me. Nobody owed me anything, but God brought Stacey, Xina, Jazzy, and a few others into my life that weekend for a reason. I thought bigger, better, broader and because of them, I’m grateful.
In mid April in prepping for my sister’s big day, my mom and I were in the middle of Costco. My phone went off with an email alert. I looked down and literally started shouting in the store. My mom asked what happened and I started screaming “I was accepted in Blogalicious Social Squad!” I slowed my shouting and start looking around the store. She said ” shout if you have to shout cause you deserve it.” YES, I DO!!!!!!!!!
I’m not just building a brand or an empire. I’m rebuilding ME. ME is a mommy, a girlfriend, a sister, a lover, a teacher, a student, a proud thrifter, and a businesswoman. I can accomplish my goals. And there is more of me coming soon and in more ways than one.
This year my son and I are being challenged with the same task……ORGANIZATION. Thanks to BLMGirls, my Blogalicious family and other fellow bloggers in following them and reading more everyday, I’m learning more and more the best ways to organize me. Juggling motherhood, a 9-5, a blog and trying to build a business.
This year:
– I will celebrate a Blogaversary
– I will launch my business
– I will Make them proud
After my kids I turned into an introvert. I lost friends due to them not understanding the responsibility of motherhood. I felt betrayed, I was scared to trust people or get close to people. I became shy and quiet, which was never me. But it was not until I connected with soo many women that had similar stories that I realized it wasn’t just me. We are never alone in this world and for anyone that thinks you are the only one. Think again! This year, you will get to know ME. Jameelah and Jaye, the Gemini twins.
Thank you God for my growth. This year. And the fact that I’m sitting in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia to experience and participate in Blogalicious5! This weekend is the start of my New Year.
I will be posting all week.
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Let’s take this journey together.
single2gether 
So Proud, Happy and tears of Joy & Gratitude
I love it J. Happy for u! Love u!
You know I’ve got your back sis!!
Jaye you are beautiful and inspiring. Life takes us all on a rollercoaster ride and has a way to spining us up side down. No matter how rough it is you stayed on screaming for more! You are a super woman and a super friend! Keep focused and keeping moving forward. Not many can say they are doing what they are passionate about. I’m proud of you.
This is an awesome testimony! Thank you for sharing it. You never know who feels the exact same way and needed this encouragement from you. I can’t wait to see what you produce in your rebirth!
Love this testimony to the power of YOU!! I look forward to seeing how you grow, and continue on your journey. You have such a wonderfully positive and joyful spirit….don’t ever allow anyone to dim your light.
This was just beautiful to read! And, in some ways, you’ve inspired me. Thank you.
This is my first time visiting your blog. Thanks for sharing. Your post was moving. I was recently laid off from my job – and now I am for the first time in a long time focusing on me. Started a blog today — looking forward to this new journey.
So positive and inspiring! Thank you!