When I was a 7 year old I had this annoying habit of putting on my best British accent around my family and friends and asking "would you like some tea?" I always dreamed of living in London and everyone around me knew it.
At age 10, my 5th grade teacher asked us to write down our future careers on our "About Me" poster. Of course I wrote down,"psychologist." (I found this poster in my garage a few months ago and laughed at how detailed this "About Me" poster was!)
Fast forward many years later. I was blessed with an opportunity which allowed me to live London for 2 years, and I currently (among many trades and jobs) work as a
therapist and counselor. (Praise Him!)
I've begun understand the power of words (especially when coupled with actions). I developed the habit of not only preparing to achieve my goals, but also proclaiming them and believing that they will come to fruition. At the start of this year (well 18 days ago lol) I started to apply the below methods once more and I wanted to share with you all in hopes that all of our visions and goals will manifest in due season.
I've begun understand the power of words (especially when coupled with actions). I developed the habit of not only preparing to achieve my goals, but also proclaiming them and believing that they will come to fruition. At the start of this year (well 18 days ago lol) I started to apply the below methods once more and I wanted to share with you all in hopes that all of our visions and goals will manifest in due season.
4 Ways to Successfully Achieve Your Goals
1. Declare it,
out loud. Speak your goals out to yourself, your friends and your
family. Repeat them verbally until you start to internalise it. Remember your words shape your thoughts which shape your behaviours, which shape your actions (which in turn, shape your achievements).
2. Write it (the vision). Always write your goals down in a place you can see it. Write in your journal (and also outline clear and practical steps), write on a white board or poster in your bedroom, write it on a small piece of paper and stick it in your wallet (I usually tape my note to my laptop or on my desk at work). Habakkuk 2:2
2. Write it (the vision). Always write your goals down in a place you can see it. Write in your journal (and also outline clear and practical steps), write on a white board or poster in your bedroom, write it on a small piece of paper and stick it in your wallet (I usually tape my note to my laptop or on my desk at work). Habakkuk 2:2
3. Prepare for it.
Create habits and routines that
will allow you to ease into your goal. This might be waking up early, getting organized/managing your time, writing and reading more, or loving and serving more. Make sure your method of preparation is intentional and realistic. Is your goal to travel this year? Start a savings plan. Is your goal to make a career switch? Set up informational interviews with people in your dream profession or take the necessary educational steps. You have to prepare for what you pray for, right?
4. Put a praise on it. Start already praising God for giving you the grace to pursue (and achieve) what He has so fervently placed on your heart. Rejoice and give thanks for the obstacles. failures, and
big (and small) victories along the way. Believe with all your heart that whatever you are asking of God will manifest (Mark 11:24).
Photos by: Melissa C. Olguin | @melcolguin
What I'm Wearing:
I brought in the year with this tulle skirt via Charlotte Russe via and a blush velvet dress, worn as a top ;) via H&M
Photos by: Melissa C. Olguin | @melcolguin
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Have you noticed that whenever God is getting ready to pour out a blessing He puts you in such a position that feels like you're being shaken, pressed, and beaten? (Sound familiar?...ahem, Jesus...but that's a blog post for another day lol).
Right before a season of change you might have noticed that your environment shifts. You become uncomfortable, you might feel completely broken, you might feel a sense of defeat and maybe even hit rock bottom. Sometimes God positions us in the most uncomfortable way (mentally/emotionally/
(Wait. Let me just define position for y'all so you know).
a situation or set of circumstances, especially one that affects one's power to act
a particular way in which someone or something is placed or arranged.
I know I've been there many times. Well here's the thing: we have two options in this moment of discomfort.
- Stay down and give up. Don't let your brokenness position you for your blessing and allow yourself to be distracted by your discomfort. OR
- Rise, fight and prepare for a greater position.
(When I moved to London a few years ago, I stuck with option 1 for several months and almost missed out on all the opportunities God had waiting for me while abroad...simply because I spent so much time being miserable and in doubt).
I've chosen both options in my season of discouragement so I'll tell you this:
God's not done with you and He's waiting for you to choose option 2.
To be honest, sometimes we don't feel like rising. It's easier to stay down, stay under our comforter (in bed) and think about how uncomfortable we are. Rising is so much easier said than done. (In a next blog post I'll share 3 ways to rise from discomfort).
Don't be distracted by your discomfort! I promise you, you'll miss the blessings God has by holding on to a mentality of defeat. But when you begin to rise, amazing things start to happen. You start to find true joy, you'll love again, and you'll be awakened to pursue your passions with a fire you never had.
You may not see God working on your situation right away, but trust me, your story is already written and He's giving you an expected end. (But don't take my word for it: Jeremiah 29:11)
What I'm Wearing:
Patterned Dress: H&M
Lace Up Heels: River Island (London)
Photography by: Melissa C. Olguin
Patterned Dress: H&M
Lace Up Heels: River Island (London)
Photography by: Melissa C. Olguin
Over the last few weeks, I've become extremely intentional about finding joy unspeakable.
I've made out time for things like retail therapy, travelling across the country, brunch with friends, and simple girl's night (gathering with friends who make me laugh). And to be honest, I've felt happier (a short-term emotion).
I realize that joy unspeakable simply comes from spending quality time with the one who loves you the most, who gives you strength, provides for you, gives you hope, and yearns for you to cast your cares on him.
True joy is long lasting. It has no time constraints and it's a feeling you experience regardless of your circumstance.
I've been resting in God's love and practicing loving Him out loud. In spending quality time with Him, I've found that I'm consumed by joy unspeakable (in spite of any [good or bad] circumstance). The secret to finding this joy is realizing you are absolutely and truly loved, accepted, and valued by the One who created all.
Now let me be real...I did not just wake up one morning, smacked with this realization...It took lots of time and more tears. I'm still growing and still learning to find my joy completely in Him...but I always find solace in knowing that this unique level of happiness is attainable.
"When you bask in His love, you experience a wellspring of joy bubbling up in your heart. And since the world didn't give you this joy--the world can't take it away."
What I'm Wearing:
Black Hat: H&M
Coat: H&M
Black Cropped Top: H&M
Pleated Skirt: (I've actually had this for some time so I don't remember!)
Black Pumps: Charles David (via Nordstrom)
Photography by: Melissa C. Olguin | @melcolguin
I had to stop for a quick praise break! That really hit home for me. God is not a man that He should treat us as our actions indicate. He is not out to "give us a taste of our own medicine." Rather, He aims to love us (while rebuking us), and shower us with the very best of blessings.
The reality is, when God takes something away from us, it hurts. We bargain with God. We ponder the what ifs, the shoulds, woulds, and coulds. But what we fail to take joy in is the fact that something great might just possibly be en route. We loathe being patient (lol..well let me speak for myself..the waiting is seriously my least favourite in this journey called life).
God is great at giving and taking away....But when He takes something away He'll never fail to slide through with an upgrade. Imagine what you had, but bigger and better. Imagine what you had, but gifted to you when you are actually ready. He's not petty and not trying to play us, so just wait on it! :D
What I'm Wearing:
I had the pleasure of shooting this look with Will, an extremely talented LA based photographer!
Insta: @Will_CPhotos
Web: WillCharlesMedia.com
T-Shirt Dress: Forever 21
Distressed Denim Jeans: New Look (London)
Orange Pumps: Aldo
Blush Watch: River Island (London)
Gold Choker: Aldo
White Backpack: Zara
Like many of us (well at least a majority of my friends and family), I was awakened by recent political events here in the States. I won't spend too much time discussing election results here on my blog, but I will say this:
I found solace in the fact that God cares for each and every one of us. He knows the desires of our hearts. He yearns to protect us. He promises to provide for us and could only ever want what is the very best for us. He promises to give us hope, a future, and an expected end (Jer 29:11). So please keep trusting and believing in Him no matter the turn of [any] events or circumstances. (We know God likes to show up and show out when we need Him the most! *Insert dancing girl emoji* Lol).
I'll leave you with this:
"And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28
So keep shining. Keep doing what you love. Keep being a light. Keep smiling, loved ones!
In the words of Kendrick Lamar, "We gon' be alright!" :D
What I'm Wearing:
(This was worn as a simple movie-night ensemble)
Top (body suit): Forever 21
Black jeans: Topshop Joni Jeans
Purple bomber: Topshop
Lipwear: Tulle by Colour Pop
Watch: River Island (London)
Sunnies: Amazon
Sunnies: Amazon
Photos by Melissa C. Olguin | @melcolguin
Hi beauties!
My intention for this blog post was to be absolutely real with you all...but I decided to tone the realness down and sugar coat some things (for now lol).
To be very honest, these past few months have been remarkably out of the ordinary...and painful to be woefully honest.
God has thrown a few curve-balls my way that I was not at all expecting. I mean, can we have honesty hour? Sometimes things in life happen to you, and they just suck. Like absolutely suck. There's no sugar coating here. Yes, all things work together for our good, but sometimes it takes a while to see the good. But I am expectant, hopeful, and soooo ready to see the good because I know God is working it out for me :)
Writing and publishing this post was extremely difficult because like so many of us, I'm used to showcasing the good in life...Over the past few months, I've experienced hurt and felt confusion (in regards to so many things pertaining to career, business, relationships..car problems (ha)..you name it). My experiences have made me eager for a fresh start, change, and renewal.
I've decided to take charge and let the whole 'new year, new me' (lol) cliche start now. I'm taking a leap of faith in my business, committing myself more to writing (and my blog..yay!), and being more intentional about letting God plan my life, while I focus on my growth.
I'm ready for a fresh start. I'm ready to move. I'm ready for a new environment, and I'm ready for new joy (pun not intended..but it worked!! haha).
I hope 2016 ends with a plot twist that is uplifting, refreshing, and absolutely needed for all of you..and I trust 2017 will be even more uplifting!
& with that, be prepared to see more blog posts from me :D
What I'm Wearing:
I had an amazing opportunity to speak at Loyola Marymount University's Fashion Society panel last week.
It was such a new experience and wonderful opportunity. I'm usually the one behind the scenes planning fashion events or hosting a panel discussion, so being on the opposite side was very different.
If you know me, you'll know I am absolutely AWKWARD and actually a bit shy when it comes speaking and letting my voice be heard. But I did it! I was super excited to have accomplished this feat especially because "Get Loud" (aka public speaking) was on my 2016 vision board.
I got to work with my friend from high school, Melissa C. Olguin on these shots. She is absolutely amazing!
Black Jumpsuit: Forever 21 (LA)
White Jumper: Zara (London)
Pink Coat: Primark (London)
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