What have I learned in 2016? You can’t do it all by yourself. As much as we think we can, we can’t. We need a team or a tribe to hold us accountable and essentially help with bringing the bigger picture to life. I have items on my vision board that didn’t come to fruition this year, and you know what. That’s okay. Add on to them or change them. New Goals, New Year! I took some trips this year that…
Happy Halloween! I was feeling quite nostalgic, and this is probably the last time I wore a Halloween costume that I loved. Queening since 1989-1990 Lol! The second annual #SteeleThankful Challenge kicks off tomorrow, and I’ve had people asking me well what is it really about? In a world where there is so much chaos, unhappiness, fixation on material things, I feel there is a need to really look inside of ourselves, and find what we are truly thankful for….
How long Lord? How long do I have to wait for the right opportunity? How long do I have to wait for “the one?” How long before you bless my kids to do better or want better? How long before you deliver my family member from their addiction? How long do I have to wait before I can pay off this debt? How long before this flight leaves? (Lol my life in 2015 😩) How long do I have to…
So, what’s up with the title RJ? Where am I going with this? Over the weekend I was reminded that the culture of “colorism” still exist. Colorism: prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group. I was cruising around social media, and noticed a few things that were disturbing. It’s 2016 and in an age of #blackgirlmagic we are still making comments about light skin vs. dark skin. Then…
Everyday we should strive to learn something new. Even the days when I feel like doing absolutely NOTHING; I’m constantly learning. It could be something as simple as a new word from the dictionary, or about my family history. Never get into the habit where you become comfortable with where you are, because it will become impossible to grow. I didn’t want to go to the gym this morning. I kept thinking what if I skip today, it won’t hurt…
I almost said, No. I almost missed the opportunity. I almost decided to play it safe. I almost missed the chance to leap. Oh, but my faith wouldn’t let me do it. When I heard one of my childhood friends was hosting the annual event for the International Natural Hair Meet-up Day in my hometown I couldn’t wait until tickets went on sale. I wrestled with the idea of being a vendor before purchasing my ticket, but didn’t think I…
Looking at debt accrued after undergrad and the amount I racked up in grad school I can’t help but ask myself one question. “Why did I take out so much in loans?” To live? Well, I had a full-time job, but shoot I wasn’t making NO MONEY! The only time I get upset about my student loan balance is when I receive that dreaded letter that states that my debt to income ratio is too high. I get it! I…
I woke up for my 5:30 AM workout with a new mindset. How bad do I want to be the best ME this year? I’ve never wanted it so bad. Getting my finances, health, and spirit in order, and celebrating my birthday! Yes! O-o-o-ah-ah-ah, Turn up! Lol. I honestly chose to chill today, reflect on how far God has brought me, and continues to keep me. So, I decided to write this letter to myself. Dear R.J., It’s the year…
Curses are real. One bad decision has the potential to haunt you for years! One decision that was made in 2004 nearly ruined my life. I was an undergraduate student, and I thought I was living the life. I had my own apartment, car, and to some it appeared as if I wanted for nothing. That was not the case. I was secretly racking up personal student loan debt because I was too ashamed to say that I was in…
I spent some wonderful summers in Richmond, VA as an intern. I learned a great deal, featured in the local newspaper and news station. It was truly an amazing experience. #SteeleThankful for it. I wanted to master the art of reading 19th Century manuscript before I departed my final summer in Virginia. It wasn’t until I came across primary documents with black borders that I became more intrigued. My good southern friends would refer to it as, “mourning” stationary/letter. What…