Blocked.

Sometimes I wonder whether or not writer's block is real or if it interchanges between an excuse and something to blame for my lack of production, my lack of discipline. Then, there's that word discipline, a concept that I've only recently began to associate with writing, simply because writing a whole novel requires a level of discipline that I know I haven't fully tapped into. I can't just wing it. I can't just go with the flow. 

To be fair, it's not just the novel experiencing a hold up; I even find myself struggling to come up with something to write in my own journal, despite the million thoughts running in and out of my head constantly. I haven't blogged in what feels like forever. These days my words are reduced to whatever I come up with while I'm scrolling my TL and engaging with my followers. Nothing about that sounds healthy in terms of what I put out into the world as a writer and aspiring author. 

Although I read quite a bit, every time I complete a book I'm dissatisfied with the fact that I haven't finished the first draft that I started over 2 years ago at this point. Writing is not only something I've always known I wanted to do with my life to some degree, but also something God placed in my heart to do a very long time ago. There is a divine purpose behind it and it's a rather uncomfortable position to be in to not be living out what I was called to do, essentially. 

Even in this moment, as I'm scripting out the words to say on a blog I'm not sure that anyone still reads, I'm forcing myself to write through whatever is stopping me from putting thoughts on paper, on a digital blank canvas, just because - like I said - it's been a while, and I really do need to get back in the flow of writing. It breaks my heart that the most natural thing in the world to me hasn't been easy for me as of late. Maybe if I spend less time on social media...

I digress. 

On top of all that, I'm in the middle of re-branding my business acumen, re-branding my entire life really, creating new goals with deadlines for myself, and aiming to be on a totally new wave by the time January hits. 2024 is a mere 4 months away. I've committed 2024 to being my Kobe year with a message of "Do it for Kobe" on days I don't have the will power to do it for myself. The end result, however, is always to glorify God. 

I cannot for a single second expect for next year will be any different from the past few years if I continue down the road of procrastination and not giving 100% to the things I know I'm supposed to be doing. Because if I'm being honest, it's hard to call this a writer's block when there's a myriad of reasons why my creativity feels stagnant. It could mean my Sacral Chakra is blocked, as I do consider myself to be a spiritual person and one who is not always aligned properly with my highest self, my highest vibration. It could mean a call to action to unpack, get settled in my new place, clean + cleanse my physical space. Or it could be a need to surrender, give it to God, ask for guidance and direction from the omnipresent, all knowing, all seeing God. Who knows? Maybe this blog post is just the breakthrough I needed. 

So far this year, I've read a total of 31 books with a GoodReads goal of 50. It would be a dream for my book to be 1 of the 50 I read, or at least a bonus read. Finish the first draft before the year is over. Breathe. You got this. Nothing wrong with a little pep talk to stop myself from spiraling. 

Now I feel ready to conquer the world at 11:24 a.m. How fitting that the minute is 24. 

Ps-if you would like to know what I'm reading or what books have my attention at any given moment, follow my #Bookstagram (IG): @BookGyalMagic 

20|22 Vision

The vision + the mood for 2022 is going to be wildly different. I’ve slept on myself, my ideas, my talents, my dreams for way too long. I can’t allow another year to just pass on by without going after everything I want and fully trusting that God will fill in the gaps with what I need. I’m focused on what’s ahead, not looking back, because I believe that what’s in store for me - on the other side of fear and doubt - is far greater than what lies behind me. 

This will be a peaceful and drama-free year, because I am absolutely exhausted by all the stress, rage, emotions, etc. that come with drama. I won’t have time for any of that. Staying focused on getting back to a place where I’m hella focused and too busy to entertain anything that doesn’t align with the life I’m aiming to build for myself. It’s game time and I’m in it to win it! 

This year, I intend to:

…be the happiest and most fulfilled I’ve ever been happy

…have a thriving and successful business and career in A LANE I CREATED FOR MY DAMN SELF. 

…be at peace.  

…have one of my dream cars by the end of the year

…love in a beautiful oasis of a home in the city I love 

…be surrounded by a group of genuine, driven, positive, loyal, kind, loving, and supportive individuals who make up my thrive tribe 

…have the funds + flexibility to …travel often with the people I love

… My partner and I are in a healthy committed relationship grounded in God, love, trust, and mutual respect. 

…have a life full of luxury and 

adventure 

…attract unique, high paying clients every month, consistently. 

…stick to a workout regimen ((“May the abs continue getting flatter and the booty + (pockets) continue getting bigger”)) 

…be the best human I can be and fully tap into my potential

“What I’ve learned is to always keep going…because, eventually, that storm passes…” — Kobe Bryant | RIP 

How to Live Your Best Life and Be a Success Symbol in Any Industry | The #CreativeBossBae series

It's the first month of 2018 and the #CreativeBossBae series is finally back!!! The most recent segment, 8 Steps to Becoming the Woman of Your Dreams, premiered Summer 2017 and goes hand in hand with this one, so the continuation of the sequel was long overdue. Because my creativity has been heightened by the ambiance of a new year, I figured what better time than now to bring this series back. 

 I created this life guide of sorts, because I'm surrounded and inspired by so many creatives in varying fields. The whole purpose of this series is to highlight some of the things I'm constantly learning on my own creative journey. Hopefully, it inspires someone who is actively seeking insight on what it takes to chase dreams the creative way (because the "right way" doesn't necessarily exist). With that being said, I present my 7 tips on how to live your best life and be a success symbol in any industry: 

Photo Credit: Melissa B. Cortez via Unsplash

01. Live on Your Own Terms 

We all have the freedom to define what success means, whether it's having a bomb career, taking care of a family, both, or something completely different from the norm. Who cares if everyone thinks college is a waste of time and money? If education is important to you, pursue it. If you want to climb the corporate ladder, do that. If your only aspiration in life is to work, read, and travel the world, do that shit. On social media especially, we're so exposed to so many different opinions about how people should live their life, but at the end of the day, it's your life. Your dreams - no matter how crazy they are to outsiders looking in - are valid, so don't allow society to alter what matters to you. It's all a matter of...

perspective.

02. Experience Life in Real Time. 

Speaking of social media, don't forget that there's an entire universe outside of the internet. Life extends beyond what's trending on Twitter. For most of us, our entire livelihood is based online, however, it is okay to unplug every once in awhile to get a fresh look of reality beyond the computer screen. Live offline. Listen to play list that keep you alive and podcast that keep you motivated and inspired. Explore the beautiful world around you, even if it's just to have ice cream with a friend, to recharge and reconnect with the things that truly matter in this life. Like the lovely Mara Hruby once stated: 

"We create within our own experience." 

I completely understand why Ms. Hruby lives by that simple, yet powerful mantra, because I believe that to be wildly true. Exist out loud. 

03. Pay it Forward. 

Success should build character, not create a superior complex that prevents you from helping others. There are so many people who lose so much of their identity in their career, that even a small inkling of success makes them believe they are better than the person on the come up. Strive to climb as high as possible, but take advantage of opportunities to help someone who aspires to be where you are, but is also willing to climb with you. Keep in mind that everything you've worked so hard to achieve can turn to ruin in an instant, so it's important to stay humble. Plus, self-made is a myth. No one - and I mean no one of your favorites - achieved what they've been able to achieve alone; not Yara Shahidi, not Issa Rae, not Tracee Ellis-Ross, not even Beyonce. 

Photo credit: Hannah Grace via Unsplash

04. Believe in your Dopeness. 

Confidence is purely magnetic. Not only does it attract opportunities that align with your purpose, it attracts genuine people who are aligned with your purpose as well. In the age of social media, it's easy to get lost in the game of comparison, but it's vital to never lose sight of the things that make you unique. Always believe that you are more than enough; whatever/whoever fails to see that may not be for you, but that doesn't take away from the value of your beautiful, authentic self and what you do bring to the table. Boss up & prosper, beloved.

 05. Never Be Afraid to Try/Do Something Different. 

Sometimes we're faced with decisions we are almost forced to make on our own. Mom is telling you one thing, best friend is telling you something different, and it feels like the whole world is depending on you to stick to one thing. It doesn't matter that your whole family expected you to become a lawyer, you are not limited nor obligated to live up to everyone else's expectations. No matter where you are in life, you are allowed to change your mind/career direction the way you see fit. 

Photo credit: Ovayo Ntlabati via Unsplash

06. Marry Your Dreams; Success Will Follow. 

Be a passion chaser. What I mean by this is completely immerse yourself in the things that fuel your spirit daily. Do those things that make you jump out of bed each morning and look forward to each new day. By applying the concept of marrying dreams, you are actively and intentionally creating your own success story, consciously shaping the world you exist in. Work smart, be/stay consistent, and never give up on yourself. 

 07. Allow Failure to Refine You. 

Resilience is key. Despite what field you're in or what path you choose, failure and disappointments are bound to happen. How you respond to the inevitable, however, is completely up to you. Generally speaking, learning how to bounce back from failure with grace determines how far you go in life. In addition to how you respond to failure, stop allowing potential failure to stop you from going after something you truly want. In essence, fear doesn't really exist. 

 Follow me on Twitter + IG: | ♡ @ChymereA

How I Turned my Creativity into a Profitable Side Hustle and Thriving Brand

Don't you just love when the creative ideas are flowing steadily and everything is working out perfectly in your favor? Although incredible in essence, these rare moments occur once in a blue moon. They key to making my ideas sustainable was learning how to tap into the momentum that drives my ambition and brings my creations to life...and I'm here to motivate you - whoever you may be - to do the same.

The book I'm currently reading, 'Hustle: The Power to Charge Your Life with Money, Meaning, and Momentum' by: Neil Patel, Patrick Vlaskovits, and Jonas Koffler was the launching pad to get some of these ideas of the ground. Not even halfway through the book, the message - clear as day - resonated and page by page, I began to rediscover the dreams inside of me that I shamefully allowed to sit dormant for way too long. Without spoiling context, the book explores the art of the hustle in a unique, yet quintessential way and it's highly recommended for anyone interested in owning their dreams, as Patel, Vlaskovits, and Koffler so eloquently put it: 

"Owning your dreams feels different, perhaps even strange. It involves living an engaged life; making your best, most decisive choices; not being afraid of the consequences; and correcting your course along the way."

Although I am currently studying to eventually become an engineer by trade, it's a passion of mine to write, because as my bio suggest, I am a multi-dimensional creative. I too would like to write and publish books to help guide creative entrepreneurs in their success journey and through adversity, but how could uphold my integrity and script an entire book based on what I have yet to do? My morality discerned that there are levels to teaching other people how to be successful, which is one of the many lessons I've gained since opening this phenomenal book. 

However, I do have a certain level of expertise that can potentially help others.  The same quest that preceded the initial intrigue may be similar to someone else's journey, who may feel the need for inspiration and knowledge acting as one. That leads me to discuss the 7 tips that has allowed me to [unofficially] launch a profitable side hustle and brand, both of which are a constant work in progress, and hopefully wills you to create, execute, and sustain successfully.  

1.Explored my strengths and weakness.

What are my talents and unique gifts? What skills do I have that I'm good at? What areas that are inclusive to owning a business aren't necessarily a strength of mine and who can I recruit to help me? All of these questions are crucial to evaluating and accessing what you bring to the table, should you decide to build one for yourself. It set the tone for how your product/service speaks for you and prepares you for some of the challenges you're bound to face while trying to establish a name for yourself and your brand. 

2. Determined what passions of mine were profitable.

The question I had to ask myself was: what am I currently doing (for free) that could be a potential stream of income? That question alone changed the game for me, because although I had a general idea, now was the time for a deeper understanding. When I started to dig deeper, all the uncertainties and realizations about myself were magnified, some of which took years to uncover. Finally, I arrived at a place where I could organize and compartmentalize in order to progress forward.

3. Educated myself on the pros and cons of owning a freelance business.

When  researching how to start a freelance business, the first thing most people do is look online. Of course, thanks to the power of the internet, I was bombarded with information. One of thing I found to be super helpful was a step-by-step guide created by Latasha James, who just so happens to be a friend of mine, called Freelance Fridays via YouTube. It was through this guide, packed with helpful information and tools for business, that enabled me to develop a template that created a focal point for my research and gave it more structure. In regards to coming up with a formula for my own success, that was up to me to decide. No, I did not go to school for business, computer science, and graphic design. The goal was to maximize the tools and resources available, despite the disadvantages I have. 

4. Began to work like a boss before I decided to be one.

For me, this was an act of manifestation. By getting myself in the rhythm of a life I did not have, I prepared myself for the life I wanted to created. Things such as waking up a few hours earlier, conducting my day to day as if I already managed a small group of people to participate in the development of my business, balancing life and working within the parameters of my set "business hours", and so forth. Furthermore, I became my first client by designing the website for my personal brand, as well as The Sky Box Suite.

5. Developed a strategy.

This step involves setting yourself up for long term success, such as setting up all accounts and proper documentation, and calculating income, revenue, and appropriate pricing. Even if you do hold a degree in finance and/or business related related fields, this part is probably going to be the one that takes time and focused work, but it's for your own protection as a business entity. 

6. Time to execute.

The work is done; everything is in place and all your enterprising ideas are organized in way that is cohesive and easy to follow. Now it's time to execute and how you go about execution, marketing, and getting the message out is completely up to you. For me, it was a matter of letting the work speak for itself and allowing things to happen organically. 

7. Surrounded myself with people who wanted to see me succeed and wanted the same for themselves.

Last, but not least, it's important to be mindful of the people in your vicinity and intentional about who is in your circle. This often overlooked component is just as important as executing a plan. It's vital to keep people around you who, not only want to see you win, but do whatever is in their power to help you do so. It's one thing to be encouraged by someone who has never had what you're striving for and is content in whatever position life tossed them in; it's a completely different energy to be pushed by someone who is equally ambitions and passionate about living life on purpose. 

When Preparation Meets Opportunity | Cheers to the Next 10 Years

Photo by Joe Hu on Unsplash

As I spent some time towards the end of 2017 reflecting on the year, I started to think about the last time I sincerely believed a year was my year. It's around this time that people are typically putting stake in the claim, entering a new calendar cycle with this whirlwind of optimism that was bound to sizzle by April. I know for a fact that I've been this person many times before, where - almost naturally - blank canvas and new beginnings excite me, but the momentum dies down by mid-year, if not, early spring at best. However, something about two thousand eighteen just feels...different. 

I looked to my old journals for reference, because I really wanted to know what my thought processes were over the past several New Years. I finally found my answer. Although I'm always pretty optimistic, the last time I truly believed within myself that it was my year was back in 2008 and honestly, I don't have much to show for it now. Damn. 

With that time frame in mind, I gave some more thought into what my intentions are for this year. The concept of 10 whole years going by was pretty surreal to me. I could remember being that young, bright-eyed girl; so care-free and full of excitement and hope for the future. Then, my mind couldn't stop thinking about what happened to her, like that version of myself was just some rag doll I traded for a fair shot at adulthood, and I really started to miss her. 

Slowly, but surely, the person I used to be crept into my quiet time as a reminder to my current "grown-up" self that that same girl is still very much alive, and all I needed to do to revive her is let go of all the fear that has been holding me back, all the pressure to fit into a certain box, and just believe again.  It was that simple.

Strangely enough, this conversation I was having with myself inspired how I want to move in 2018. Considering the last time I felt super amplified by a new year was a full decade ago, I decided on the spot that everything I touch this year will be a set up or preparation for the next 10 years, therefore if another 10 years flies by before I feel like I've reached a pinnacle again, I can look back knowing that I 1000% maximized the opportunity to make 2018 my year. I'm entering a very pivotal phase in my life where I really want to focus on purpose and making sure everything within my reach has long-term value.  Time is precious, so - in my mind - I only have one shot to get it right and for whatever reason, that kind of pressure leads me to think that this is going to be one of my best years yet. 

5 Tips on Staying Creative, Maintaining Balance, + Finding Peace | The #CreativeBossBae Series

photo credit: Chymere Anais. iPhone 7+. Sun in My Belly Cafe ATL

Lately, it feels like I've been in a creative funk, where I haven't been able to focus on much of anything or refuse carve out time to dedicate to the projects waiting to be completed. Even this post was something that was put off for a while, because it felt hypocritical in a sense, because I wasn't at peace with what I was building and creating.

Now that I'm in a much better place creatively, I figured what better time than now to release my personal thoughts on staying creative, as well the introduction to #CreativeBossBae, which is a brand new blog series that aims to be a go to guide for inspiration, motivation, and resources for the art of the hustle. Not sure if this will be bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly; I'm still working out the kinks, but hopefully it's something consistent.

The most important thing is to allow things to flow, although this just might be one of those easier said than done things. We all have deadlines, whether they are implemented by our boss or ourselves, so things need to get done, but it's better to think about quality and not rush through something half-ass. 

Learning how to work on a strict schedule is tough. For freelancers, 12-16 hour days to work on their own dreams may not even start until they clock out of a full time day job. And then having somewhat of a social life and getting a decent amount of sleep is added to the madness. It's the age of the hustle for most millennials, I get it. Your go hard or go home work ethic and steadfast ambition will take you places, but it's still all about balance. Take an hour or two per week to evaluate your schedule and find ways to level out the playing field more efficiently to avoid driving yourself completely insane, ultimately burning out while neglecting other important things in the process.

In other words, stop and smell the roses. Often times, creatives tend to trap themselves in caves until they finish an assignment. I certainly do this, especially when I'm super invested and my motors are running, because I don't want to lose my idea or slow momentum. However, I'm learning that simply going outside to get some fresh air helps me focus a lot better. Go for a walk. Find a quite place to gather your thoughts and relax your mind a bit. Catch up with a close friend over brunch. All of these things are rather simple ways to stay balanced and not get so caught up in work that you forget that a world exist outside of your work/creative space.

Gather your belongings and change the environment in which you work. Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery. Most coffee shops offer access to free wifi with any purchase. When I lived in Greensboro, NC, I loved to go to places like Geeksboro to fulfill task I could quite do at home. It may even be a helpful to do things the old fashion way using pen and paper and brainstorm ideas outside or at the park.  Perhaps, you live near and are able to afford renting out creative/work spaces like Nex Atlanta, WeWork, or Jig+Saw, so it may be a good idea add that to your monthly budget. Take a day or two to explore your local town or city to find some cool places that provide a cozy atmosphere that you are able to work in. 

I'm super bad at this, because I'm obsessed, but it's definitely something I'm working on. We all know how addictive social media can be, especially when there are so many different applications (Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.) to sort through, but try to be cognizant of how much time per day you're essentially wasting scrolling through and refreshing your feeds. Actually, it can be a barrier that's stopping your own thoughts/ideas to flow freely as they could, as well as disabling you from getting shit done. Because the internet can totally be a distraction, breaks are absolutely necessary.

Listen to an uplifting podcast read a book by an industry expert and/or celebrity you're personally inspired by without distractions. Have a conversation with someone in your support system or someone you can exchange ideas freely with. Allow other reliable people to guide you in a more positive direction.

I truly hope this guide helps. Although it can be quite challenging to stay focused in such a hyper active realm of technological advancement, always know your ideas matter. Yes, there's a world that is waiting to receive what you have to offer, but protecting your peace is just as important as producing quality work and what better way to respond to your purpose than to start with peace of mind?

Book recommendations:

• Hustle: The Power to Change Your Life With Money, Meaning, and Momentum by: Patel, Vlaskovits, Koffle
• How to Be a Bawse: a Guide to Surviving Conquering Life by: Lilly Singh
• Deep Work: Rules for Success in a Distracted World by: Cal Newport
• You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by: Jen Sincero