Good Friday #587: Don't Hide the Struggle (Friday, March 30)

From the outside, most of us have awesome lives...even more so now with the popularity of social media. Yet most would not be able to guess the struggle you went through to live this wonderful life. Maybe you're hiding it because you fear it will make you seem less strong; or because you don't want it to define you; or maybe it's not even intentional. But consider this: Your struggle/story may be exactly what someone needs to hear to get them going again.

this photo was taken 7 years ago while I was on set working ... before instagram. I had just purchased a ‘00 Toyota Corolla cash. the driver side door lock didn’t work so I had to climb across the passenger seat to get in (it drove though) 🤷🏽‍♀️. my hair was short because for the most part it saved me money on products I couldn’t afford. not long after this photo was taken I’d learn I was renting a house that was actually in foreclosure. I slept on the floor there for a bit with no AC. the note on the door said I had two weeks to get out. no old friends or family within 3,000 miles. none of those things prevented me from doing my work and giving my best. listen to me: there ARE NO HERO STORIES that don’t involve trials to triumph! so if you’re going through it, keep going. #mytaughtyou

A post shared by myleik (@myleik) on Mar 3, 2018 at 2:53am PST

Good Friday #586: Now (Friday, March 23)

How often do you ever just sit and appreciate the moment you're in?

This week isn't a story; it's almost everybody's story...Few take the time to savor this moment.

I wrote this last night because I always seem to start my day in a panic and it ruins the rest of it. Try starting your morning slowly and with purpose. Breathe some life into your bones, and remember to take your time 💙 🍃 🍃 Art | @_minimalista 🍃 🍃 #leahstone #art #feelings #hope #love #handwritten #fire #lettering #stigma #art #bae #potd #writers #timesup #feminism #digitalart #babe #wild #pink #words #blackandwhite #vibes #poetry #wisdom #wild #gut #quotestoliveby #roadtrippin

A post shared by Leah | memory recorder (@leahjstone) on Mar 23, 2018 at 9:50am PDT

Good Friday #585: When You're Going Through It (Friday, March 16)

"I am often asked what advice I would give to my younger self if I could. My response is always the same: I wouldn't. I needed to pass every challenge, to win, lose, and do everything in between. That's what formed me. Every course, every path, every bump, every speedway, every great thing, and every bad thing created me – and I wouldn't trade any of it for the world." -Serena Williams, Black Girls Rock! Owning Our Magic, Rocking Our Truth. Edited by Beverly Bond

When you're going through a challenge, it always seems like the worst time in your life.  Like there is no end to the trials and you just won't make it through. And although it might not seem apparent just then, there is something great waiting for you at the other end. Every challenge is building you...hold on.

Good Friday #584: It's Your Story, Write It The Way You Choose (Friday, March 9)

You can write your story the way you choose. Don't let anyone else determine the chapters, or the ending.

#NewBlessingAlert I remember volunteering from 3am-9am at FOX16 back home, when I had just quit my job at Dillard’s. I just wanted to learn. They hired me as a camera operator and my supervisor told me to “hang up my dream of being on air, because I don’t have a look for tv and can’t even talk right.” Had another supervisor say I “didn’t fit” their audience and I should stick behind the scenes because I was great at finding stories for other people. Since then, I’ve done radio in three markets, and was on air INTERNATIONALLY everyday with TMZ and now I’m in Market 24 doing full time RADIO and getting back in TV, all at the same company where it all started 4 years ago. Who would’ve ever thought?! Don’t tell me that MY God isn’t faithful. The worst thing anybody could ever tell you is NO? you owe it to yourself to get out here, get this work and TO BE GREAT!! @lakia4real I love you and thankful for God crossing our paths - this is just the beginning! TUNE IN TO “GOOD DAY CHARLOTTE” starting this Sunday, you might just see a new face giving you all the biggest trending topics of the week to get your Day started! #mydopediary #AllyOnFOX

A post shared by Ally The Pub (92.7 The Block) (@allythepub) on Mar 8, 2018 at 9:50pm PST

Good Friday #583: Rebranding (Friday, March 2)

It doesn't have to be always be hard - love, success, happiness. I know, I know, it doesn't feel right without some struggle, but it's not a pre-requisite.

There is this commonly accepted belief that in order to experience success or a desired outcome you have to struggle to get it. It’s part of the “pick yourself up by the bootstraps and if you work hard enough you’ll achieve the American dream” school of thought. • ‪Socially accepted beliefs do not have to be your normal. Everything you desire in your life doesn’t have to come with struggle and struggling through an experience won’t make it successful if it’s not for you. ‬While sacrifice may be part of your path, there may also be some experiences that happen with ease. • If you are having an issue identifying with this belief, that’s okay, life has a way of doing that to us. Sending you love and praying that you experience more ease.

A post shared by My Fab Finance ® (@myfabfinance) on Jan 12, 2018 at 9:39am PST