WHY NOT BRING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A PLAN....?

Hello Gorgeous,

I am so excited for the New Year. 2014, I'm ready. Are you?
I wanted to take full advantage of the new year so I spent the last two weeks of 2013, and the first week of the new year creating a vision for my life and fleshing out my goals. One thing I learned from my MBA classes is that every successful business has a vision and a daily mission that guides them toward that vision.

For the past three years I made the standard vision board. I glued pictures of things that I wanted to accomplish with in the year, and I placed the board somewhere I would see it each day. I saw some results, yet I realized that I just expected everything to just to happen. I wanted things to fall into my lap. I wanted to conquer my new city, yet I stayed in my comfort zone , I wanted to become a runner yet I never ran. I wanted to fall in love yet I never gave anyone a chance to get close to me. Those things never happened. As I reflected on the past year I realized that those things that I put the effort into actually happened. I spent months looking for an apartment, and moved into my perfect place last summer. I wanted to change my style so I cut my tightly coiled hair into a Mohawk and I loved it. I wanted to visit my family three times within the year. I made it twice. I know there is something to this vision board thing so this year I did a  little bit more. I created a 3 to 5 year vision, broke my visions down into goals, and used my calendar to insert the goals into 3 month periods. I want 2014 to be a year of change.

Here's how I did it...

1.) Reflection: I thought about what worked and what did not work last year. I realized that I did not want to make random goals each year, and a new vision board. I decided that I wanted to work toward something.

2.) Clarified My Vision: I thought about the life I wanted in 3 to 5 years. The woman I wanted to be, the career I wanted to have, my relationships, finances, relationship with  GOD, and the things I wanted to experience. This time I really composed a vision board filled with broad reaching goals.

3.) Broke My Vision Into Goals: I took my big vision and broke them down into categories ( spiritual, beauty, fitness, finance, career, etc.). I placed goals in each category that would help me get to my vision.

4.). I gave myself a deadline: The first 90 days of 2014 to accomplish those goals, after the first 90 days I'll reflect and write new ones to get me through the 2nd quarter of the year.

5.) Scheduled: Each day/week I scheduled in time to work on my goals

6.) Tracked: Brought a calendar to visually track my progress....


Create a Vision, design goals and go for it...

Love,
Sham

Why Not: Sow Good Seeds....+ 1

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:6

 

 

Hello Gorgeous,

 

It feels so good to write again. I have been working so hard for the last couple of months; focused on school,  a new job, and figuring out life in a new city. I finally feel like life is calming down and I can share some wisdom  that I have picked up along the way.

 

A few months ago one of my very close friends shared with me a lesson he was learning in his life about planting seeds...

 

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

proverbs 11:24-25

 

Most of my life I have thought of reaping what I sow only when I give off negativity. If you give negativity you will get negativity. As I got older I began to see the concept in a new light. If I give positivity I should receive the same thing. This concept of  reaping what I sow was  taken further for me with a little wisdom from my friend I'll call him Dr. Wisdom. He gave me this thought:

 

" Be careful where you plant your seeds, plant them where they will grow"

 

After months of rolling this thought in my mind I finally have been able to receive what he was telling me. I should be intentional about my actions, they should lead to my goals. Not only should I plant good seeds I need to plant good seeds in fertile ground. I need to plant seed that will grow and reap an abundant harvest. I have begun to investigate my life and  have realized that my actions or my seeds are invested in ..sleeping, working, and watching television. Now what does that reap ladies....a mediocre life. My goal is to have an extraordinary life therefore I need to plant extraordinary seeds.

 

 

Here's the plan!

 

1. Spend focused time working on my goals

2. Become the master of my time.

3. Let go of the things that are time wasters.

What types of seeds are you planting? Let's work together to plant the seeds that will grow your dreams.

 

 

 

 

What do you think about joining a book club?

I want to start a book club that will bring women together to discuss titles that inspire, empower, and encourage life long learning. What do you think? Would you join? What are good titles to start with?



 

 

 

Ciao Bella,

 

Shameka

 



 



 

Inspired: A Couple of Forevers

 

 

 

I stopped writing, I was not sure if posting on SheMogul was something that was leading me to my purpose. I also did not know if I really enjoyed it anymore. While searching the web looking for some style inspiration for a new hair cut I ran across an article Curly Nikki wrote about Chrisette Michelle's recent weight loss, new hair cut, and why she became a vegan. After reading that article I stocked Chrisette Michelle on Google reading anything and everything about her life change and new upcoming album. I was inspired. She made me want something different. I wanted to strive for something better for myself. It inspired me to write again, to share again, and it reminded me of the reason I started SheMogul. My goal is to inspire you all to dream bigger and take the steps to make those dreams a reality.

 

I am excited to be writing and creating pieces that inspire and inform you. I am also excited to challenge myself into creating a better experience for you here on SheMogul.

 

 

If you have not already, check out Chrisette Michelle's A Couple of Forever's!. I am in love with this song. It makes me believe in love again.

 

 

Tell me what you think of A Couple of Forever's new track?

Natural Hair: Whats more important length or style?

 

 

 

I have been natural for two years, like many others in the natural community I have been focused on growing healthy tresses that when straightened reach down to my butt. Lol. I know! Well two years in and I am drowning in hair. The longer my hair gets the more I hate it. Why you ask. First, it takes for ever to do . To wash, condition, and twist takes at least 3 hours. I really do not have the time for that. This translates into me not washing my hair as often as I should because I do not want to deal with it. It also translates into me throwing it in a high puff most days to keep it somewhat tamed. Finally, I'm really tired of twist outs, braid outs, puffs, and the like. I don't feel fierce with a head full of hair, I feel like a little girl with a hiding behind her hair. Am I sacrificing style for length? What do you think ladies; is length more important than style?

 

  

Leave a comment and let me know what you think about continuing to rock a TWA opposite to the big curly fro...... Those of you who have make the second big chop weigh in!

 

*photos from Pinterest

 

Shameka



Why Not Reinvent Yourself....?

Hi Gorgeous,

Spring is fast approaching. Time for new and fresh things to emerge, and old things to die away.  Those old things that are holding you down or back should be laid to rest so the new and improved you can emerge.

Spring is a time of plans and projects

Leo Tolstoy

 

 

 

It is the perfect time to take those things that you can not stand about yourself and turn them into things you love. REINVENT yourself woman. I give you permission to become the GORGEOUS, SEXY, BOLD,CHIC, SMART woman that your desire to be. It starts with recognizing that their is something that you want to change, and simply taking the steps to make it happen. Don't spend another day secretly being jealous of the diva in the cubicle next to yours because she has great style,  and a killer hair cut. Or have a girl crush on the woman who owns the coffee shop that you frequent in the mornings because she had the confidence  to leave the corporate world and do something she loves. Do the work and I promise you, you will be the girl with the fly boutique on the corner with the amazing style and confidence to boot.

 

Here are some ways to get started:

 

 

1. Take note of the things that you would like to change this spring. Make a list. After you make the list write down one or two action steps that could lead to change.

 

Ex. I hate my hair!!!!!

 

1. Look up some styles online that I would like to have

 

2. Go to a salon and get a consultation on what would work best for my face shape and my life style.

 

 

2. Change your attitude. To make this change you need confidence. You need to make up in your mind that no matter what happens you are going to stay on the journey to make you a better you no matter what or who stands in your way. Remember people start acting funny when you start to change.

 

3. Gather a support team. Pick people that love you and want the best for you. Gather your ride or die homies and go for it. These will be the people who give you that extra little bit of something to ask your cute next door neighbor out for drinks, or tag along with you at a speed dating event, or even stand next to you as your give your life to Christ.

 

4. Research. You know what you want to change, you have made up your mind and you have your support team. Now what? Research. Talk to the lady who owns the coffee shop or the girl in the next cubicle, find out more about them. Connect. Ask them how they developed the style or the confidence. I'm sure they can give you all the tips and tricks to get you started. And if that doesn't work their  is always Google and one of my favorites YouTube ( you can find a tutorial on almost anything.)

 

5. Take Action. You have everything lined up, now its time to get to work. Not tomorrow now. Take that flying leap and don't turn back. When I went natural I knew that I would have to make a drastic change to stick to it, so I chopped my hair off to maybe and inch and a half. I'm not going to lie I was a little terrified, but I knew that to make the change I wanted I need to just do it. And I did. And I don't regret it.

 

 

*Photos taken from Pinterest

 

What changes are you making this spring? Share!

 

Good Luck On The Journey To A Fiercer You,

 

Shameka





Feburary Favorites

Hi Gorgeous;

I can't believe February is almost over. It seems like the month has just started. It has been a world wind month for me. I started a new job so I have been trying to get my schedule together. I have yet to master the right schedule that allows me to get the most out of my day and  week, but I'm still at it. With that being said my favorite things this month help me wind down after a long day of work, get me ready for a restful night of sleep or help me recharge.


I love Vanilla Cream candles. I burn them at night just before bed. They always make me feel comforted and at home. I usually pick up my favorite one at Walmart for around $5. They also last a while. I have been burning my candle each night while I get ready for bed. It sets the mood for sleep.



I found this body wash at Bath and Body Works during the after Christmas Sale. The were on sale for $5, so I decided to try a bottle. I originally went in to get their Vanilla and Lavendar Sleep bath foam, guys that stuff is amazing. Since the detox was on sale a picked up a bottle and fell in love. When I shower with this I feel warm, clean, and like my body is ready for sleep. So after I used up my first bottle I went back to the store and got a couple more bottles. I believe this was a limited edition product. After I run out I will definitely be going back to my beloved Vanilla and Lavendar bath foam. I recommend this product for those of you who have a hard time fall asleep at night. It really helps you leave the dirt of the day in the show.


This Dr. Teal's I picked up from Walmart for around $5 bucks. This product is a life saver on those days when I feel like I just do not have it in me to go anymore, those days when I am stressed, my body is achy and sore, and I just need to escape. I soak in this for about 20 minutes and am ready for bed, homework or just relaxing. Its a product every girl should have around for those tuff days.

 

 



How do you recharge after a long day? Share your tips and tricks!

 

Shameka

5 Things to Think About Before Going Natural

 

 

Hi Gorgeous,  

 

With my two year natural-versary  coming up I have been thinking about what's next for my natural hair. I have been toying with the idea of chopping of my curls to rock a fierce TWA for the warm months;  yet I love my curls, coils and kinks and want to continue to let my fro do what it wants.

 

 

 

So as I sail toward my two years and have embraced all the joys and challenges of natural hair I have a few words of wisdom for those of you who are thinking about making the big chop or are embracing their new kinky texture.

 

1. Before you make that chop sit down and figure out why you want to go natural. If you do it because everyone else is doing it than your not going to last for long. Getting to know your new hair is a challenge that has to be embraced before the first snip of the scissors.

 

2. Have definite goals for your hair. After you figure out why you want go on this journey identify a goal for your hair. Some goals that loads of naturals have is for their hair to be healthy, some women want to grow their hair to a certain length. Click the link to check out an article about successfully setting goals for your natural hair.
 

 http://www.curlynikki.com/2012/09/how-to-set-successful-hair-goals.html
 

3. Understand that people are not going to understand your choice, and be okay with that. When I first went natural people thought I was crazy. I had some really harsh things said to me especially from my family. If I was not confident in my choice I would have went back to my relaxed tresses.

 

" What are you trying to bring black back?" -said to me by my brother

 

4. Find some resources, a natural hair guru will help you learn how to take care of your coils. When I first went natural I went to youtube to find out what products to use and styles to do on my hair.

 

Here is one of my favorite natural hair you-tubers CharJay. Check out her Channel.

 

 

For those of you who do not like watching videos then check out a natural hair blog like curlynikki.com

 

5. Accept that your hair and your journey will not be like anyone else's, so be prepared to search for tricks, and tips that work for you, your hair, and your schedule.

 

Being Natural Ain't Easy, But It's Worth It!

 

 

All you naturals, why did you go natural? Share your journey....

 

Shameka