Lifestyle: Searching for Purpose| Vision| Dreams

I don't know about you but I've seen so much growth in myself over the past few years. But, one things is there is still so much more that I want to learn, to do, and discover. Not only in the world, but in myself. PURPOSE is what I've been searching for. I have visions, dreams, and goals but they are all mixed in with the purpose that I am seeking.

Have you ever sat still for a moment and thought "What Am I Doing" or "Why am I not fulfilled in life"? That's because there is something deeper in you waiting to be released. Self- awareness is huge, sometimes I have to say GOD, X-ray my life and find what I need to change or do.

We all have dreams, goals, aspirations that we want to achieve. It is all VERY MUCH POSSIBLE! Believe in yourself and work hard. REMEMBER that everyone won't be there to applaud your forthcoming's but it is not there vision and that is okay. If you have not started on the thing that is eating at you everyday, I'm here to tell you that you better fasten your seat belt and LET LOOSE! I've made up in my mind that I'm not stopping myself and no one else will be either.

Lipstick & Love,

Erica 

If you don't build your own DREAMS.....

   You know the quote that states "If you don't build your own DREAMS, someone will hire you to help build theirs?"

What does this quote mean to you when you read it? Does it make you draw back and think about your own life or are you taking the necessary steps to build your own DREAM?

I walked into work today, the day after CHRISTMAS and as I got out of my car in the cold weather still very tired, I said to myself WHYYY? Why do I have to keep going into someone else's dream job day after day tired, dragging, and feeling like my dreams are just at a stand still.

Many times we push our goals to the side because of doubt and fear. We are afraid of failing and it hinders us from even taking the initiative to get started. Or once we do start then we stop. I remember as a kid I had so many dreams, I always knew that I was designed to be GREAT. But, as I've grown a lot has changed. Each day I battle with what my purpose is and why I'm not living my to my full potential. The potential that I know for a fact is inside of me fighting to come out of it's shell.

Are you feeling the same way? What passions and desires do you have that you are sweeping under the rug?

We live in a world now where there are so many women out here building their dreams and branding themselves that we all can do it. It's going to take a lot of blood, sweat and tears. It will be days that we want to throw in the towel and give up, but we have to remember that the ending will be much greater that our beginning. Let's stop wasting time, Let's knock down the door of fear and procrastination. 2015 will be the year that we see our Dreams Flourish into something that we would have never imagined. You READY B? LET'S GO!

Lifestyle: Career Choices

Filed As: Lifestyle/Career/Success/Future

...In this day and time every one wants to be known as being the successful person or living out their dream job. All women want to be CEO's and I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T Chicks in my "Boosie Voice". It's the right thing to do, I guess. Instagram has all the ladies looking like they are the best of the best with having their own business or starting from the bottom, now they are here. I may sound very catty right now but I am honestly speaking the truth. Honestly, what I am trying to say is that I am proud of Us, Ladies. But what we need to show as well to the women of the world that it is not all peaches and cream, and it takes a lot of dedication and hard work to build an empire. It's not always lavish and there are some days where things aren't amazing, but if one keeps pushing then she can achieve anything that she have in her mind. 

So, in good news. My career life has been a fluctuation of good news and not so good news. I changed job roles in the past months and to say the least it has been one of the most challenging experiences ever. But, as of August I am now a part time Medical Instructor/Teacher at LAI. I will be teaching Anatomy and Physiology for a few weeks. I am excited and nervous because 1. I have never taught in my life before, 2. I am teaching older individuals like myself, and 3. I don't even know where to began, I am self taught. But you know what is crazy, I don't have any teaching degree just my medical experience. So to say it is a BLESSING, is definitely an understatement. 

I think I may have a few pointers for others like myself when it comes to career goals and such. 

1. You do not have to keep chasing your dreams, BEGAN to CREATE them.

2. When one door CLOSES, remember another one will OPEN.

3. Be a RISK-TAKER, dive head first.

4. Find others in your CAREER field to help mentor you.

5. SURROUND yourself with people who want to see you SUCCEED and mean you WELL.

6. STAY PRAYED UP, remember that your plan does not work out, GOD already has PLANS for you.

6. Don't be afraid to TRY NEW things, you may never know how GREAT you can be at it. 

Lipstick & Love,

XOXO, Erica W.

Lipstick Canvas: Lifestyle Inspiration

I absolutely loved this quote as soon as I seen it. Isn't it crazy how when you are struggling or not in the realm of where you should be, you see how others don't believe in you. They may downplay your motives, kill your dreams or belittle you. You can tell them of your dreams or the actions of your life plans and you see how they brush it off like she will never do it. 

But, as soon as you surpass to a new unexpected level you have people questioning how did you achieve this and that, now they are intimidated by your ambition and hard work. They question your achievements and accomplishments. You know why, because they didn't believe in you in the first place. 

Make sure to surround yourself by people who truly care about you and your life. Many don't want you to succeed and are only there to hear of your downfalls. 

I asked myself the same question after reading this quote. Erica, why are you stuck in the same position and feeling how you are when you the sky isn't even the limit, you can go above and beyond. It's time to change and transition my life. 

This quote speaks directly. Just reflect on it for one moment. It screams my name all over it. 

Photos: IG 

Let's Talk: Law of Attraction

 

I'm so not focused today, well I am but I'm not. You get my jist right??? I've been busy trying to get things in order for new levels of success in my life and although it's a lot of work I don't mind it at all. I'm ready for the fruition, I'm ready for progress and challenges. I am ready to attract everything that the universe gives to me. One of my daily brewed teas that I love to drink is called Yogi  which comes with inspirational messages attached to the bag. I've gotten two that states Let things come to you and in regards to that my mantra for 2014 (that I actually got from Myleik of Curl box) is "Need Nothing, Attract Everything" Ironic right?

I've become an avid reader again and lately I've been reading two books, Russell Simmons Rich book and also the Secret. I watched The Secret on Netflix some time ago and to say the least it was very intriguing. The thoughts, the power, the attraction that we have in our life is something that many people don't even realize that they have. Everything is based on the law of attraction, and we can have whatever it is that our heart desires if we ASK, BELIEVE, and RECEIVE. It is really that simple. The thoughts that we have manifests what we bring into our life. 

Go ahead and imagine yourself having that million dollar bank account, that house with the green lawn, your dream job, your figure 8 shape, whatever it is... Align yourself and your thoughts with the universe, and watch what happens... 

I can't tell you all how excited I am for everything to unfold in my life, I am getting my thoughts in order, myself in position to receive so much in the next few days, months and years to come. I AM READY!! 

ARE YOU? 

Lipstick & Love, XOXO 

Let's Talk: School & Reality

Education/ Real Life/ Careers/ Dreams

*Does Shimmy down the hallway at work* It's Friday everyone, the weekend has arrived. So this week I have been extra hard on myself and it has weighed me down so much. I have over thought and evaluated every aspect of my life and it has made me feel powerless at times. Remember I'm human, no sugar coating on here. Everyone has a purpose in life, we are here to fulfill that destiny and I think sometimes people don't realize in the end it's not about you and anyone else but the person who placed you here.

So let's talk about Education and Reality. Everyone knows that no one can ever take your knowledge away from you which is a very powerful thing to have these days. Taking time to learn everything that you can whether it is in a school setting or not equips you for everyday living whether good or bad. You remember the excitement you had when you were about to graduate high school and go on to your on my own college days. Swimming suit shopping and gearing up for beach week and just so happy that you wouldn't have to grace those doors of your high school any longer. But what you didn't expect was that this is where real life really kicked in, this was the beginning of your mold to what ever was in store for you in the upcoming years.

Think about many forms that you fill out it and it always asks you what were your parents highest education level. Have you ever wondered why did they want to know about your parent's education when now it was about your education and what was in front of you. Did you think that they were basing you off of how far your parents went? But in reality whether your parents or you completed a bachelors or doctorates, never finished elementary or even seen the cafeteria of a high school you both could still be very intellectual and very successful in life.

You know one thing I wish I could have really taken grasp on in my younger years? It is to take advantage of the free education that is given to you because college is in no way inexpensive and you would be in total debt unless you are riding on a full scholarship. See I've tried college online and community college etc., but I have placed myself in debt and have yet to finish my degree. I know in my heart that I want to be a psychiatrist and I can't see myself doing anything else unless I mean I can get a gig in fashion or beauty. But Psychiatry sparks my attention, it is the ying to my yang. I can see my name on that door Dr. *****. Helping others become the best that they can be in life, it has always intrigued me in understanding what makes a person go crazy, what triggers their mental into such states and mental health really get's swept under the rug more times than often.

So with that being said, since my loans have literally kicked my ass and I've made an agreement with Sallie Mae just not too long ago, I can't figure out what to do about school. But I've figured out that this blog is a way of uplifting and inspiring others, helping women like me, showing the unmasked side, and just giving and accepting advice can be my career and goal without the paper and signed initials for now. Being in the humanitarian field and philanthropy is something I crave and I hope to one day achieve.

We see individuals everyday without degrees who are on Forbes, who are running successful businesses on social networks, and who are making a difference in lives all over the world.

So my question is do you think one should always obtain that paper to really work in their dream job? Leave your comments below and let us know.

Who inspires you? I enjoy reading Rob Hill Sr quotes and he inspires me. Kenny Burns is another well rounded man whom inspires and encourages. Myleik of Curlbox is such the business and empowerment god mother. And many others I'm inspired by whom I don't even have to mention it's obvious such as my mother and father who have grounded me and made me into the woman that I am, my loves and my son, my friends and others whom I just see go after what they want in life.

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

images via Google

Chasing Dreams: Paying the Cost for it.

Chasing our Dreams is a distinction of living and not living, our fantasy and our reality. Your dreams only become your reality when you take a step towards making it happen. But dreams can be confused with our true purpose. I believe that your true purpose is something you go to sleep thinking about, wake up too, and can't stop thinking about it. It is what you know so badly you were put on earth to do. It is not your get rich hustle or get known quick scheme. It is merely breathing life into what you love!

You have to pay the cost for your dreams. At times you will not make any money from it, when you first began you may be putting all of your money into your dreams. But showing your passion and perseverance while still working hard without any currency will eventually bring great rewards and benefits. You have to learn to start from something and build from there. It is like being an intern for yourself or for a company that brands what you want to do, and working your way from the bottom to the top.

Sometimes your dreams may require you to leave behind a current job that is stable which brings in your source of income to take care of yourself. Some people are not scared to leave their job and pursue their dreams full time. It may take moving to a state where your dream is known on the forefront and taking a low paying job for now; stable income vs minimum income. This will disrupt your financial stability but it will only disrupt it for a temporary time, just think there are bigger things ahead. Moving away can also mean getting a roommate, but just wait on it.... That penthouse that you have been eyeing is still in position to be yours.

I don't think that Chasing your Dreams only bring about negative effects and situations because in the end when you finally reach that level that you have been working so hard to get too it will leave you fulfilled and happy. Now I can't claim that once you get there it will be all gold and glitter because that would be like saying we never have any bad days. More Work, less Rest. But realizing the reward is far greater than the struggle. And always remember do not let others kill your vision because they don't have one of their own.

~Happy are those who dream and are ready to pay the price to make them come true ~ Leon J. Suenes

Photo Credit: Google Images

Empower: Who is in your Circle?

Photo Credit: Google Images

Today I was thinking what should I write about that could motivate us or fuel our mind and this topic came to me quickly. Last night I had a group chat with my friends and we talked about great things, motivation, buying homes, and our accomplishments and such. I said to them I look at what I have achieved and the things that I have accomplished and yet the things I still have to do. You know you can either look at the glass half empty or half full, or you can just be grateful that you even have a glass. 

But the main question to this is WHO IS IN YOUR CIRCLE? Your circle consists of the people that you are around, that can add or subtract into your life. Remember the saying birds of a feather flock together? At one point I would say that was not true, you don't have to be like the people you hang around but you know what, the people that you closely associate yourself with can have an impact on your actions and lifestyle just as well as the surroundings you sit in. Keep business minded, positive people in your circle and you are likely to set goals, learn new things to embrace into your future, and reach your highest potential. Keep shallow minded people, gossip, negative thinking, negative acting individuals around and you are likely to drown in your own misery and theirs as well. One message that I keep posted up around me so that I can always reflect back on it is from Colin Powell. Let these words sink in, and you know what before the new year comes go ahead and CLEAN HOUSE! You have no more time for people who can't push you to soar to newer levels, to the TOP we go!! 

The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. 

As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are... Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you. 

Consider this: 
Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person. Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere... 

With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. 

"A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." 

The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate - for the good and the bad. 

Note: 
Be not mistaken. This is applicable to family as well as friends. Yes...do love, appreciate and be thankful for your family, for they will always be your family no matter what. Just know that they are human first and though they are family to you, they may be a friend to someone else and will fit somewhere in the criteria above. 

"In Prosperity Our Friends Know Us. In Adversity We Know Our friends." 
"Never make someone a priority when you are only an option for them." 
"If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters." 

“Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude..".. 

Colin Powell 

Lipstick & Love XOXO 

Empower: Staying Passionate about your Dreams

Photo Credit: Google Images

Do you have dreams, goals, and aspirations? Are you doing everything in your power to create possibilities for them? We all have a purpose in this life, a calling and not just a hustle that brings money. I believe that some people confuse their true purpose with their temporary careers. You know that feeling you get when you know what you want to do in life, when you see something that reminds you of your dreams, and how you just want to do everything to bring it all to life. At times, we let obstacles block our view, we let fear keep us from getting started, or we let others talk us out of our own visions. 

"Allow your Passion to become your Purpose, and it will one day become your Profession." It is important to stay passionate about what is on the inside of us. We have to keep our flame lit so that our light keeps burning and never dim down. I think that in order to stay passionate you have to feed your mind and creative being each day with new ideas. You have to also stay consistent with your passions. Don't let days slip by and procrastinate, remember the saying don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Journaling your thoughts is one way to open your mind up and fuel it. Get started, you can be whatever it is you want to be, you can do whatever it is that you want to do, but it all starts with YOU!

Lipstick & Love XOXO