3days left to still be GREAT~~

2016 is 3 days away.. I must admit I'm

A bit nervous. I haven't shared this with to many people but I'm going back to school in January!! Eeeekkkkkkk!! Lol

I've been so nervous about this phase of my life but I know it's time. There's this 5 year plan I'm working on and in order for it work, I have to start making progress. I've made numerous attempts at returning but I never carried through. 

I was a bit discouraged because a majority of my credits will not be accepted but as I talked to my best friend she helped me put a few things into perspective. I'm excited and nervous at the same time but I know it's now or never.. I'm so thankful for the awesome people in my corner who've been pushing me. Your support is appreciated more than you'll ever know. 

3 days away from 2016 and I'm

Already ahead! 

My Lovies, pull up your boots by the strap and get it done!! You have no excuse, the ball is in your court. You got this, you can make it happen! Ready, Set, Go!! A lot can happen in 3 days. 

Signed, 

Neka T. Speaks 💋

Making it Count....

2015 is coming to an end.. It's always so easy to ask where has the time gone.. If you're anything like me, you're already gearing up for 2016.. But there's still 4days left. In these 4 days Anything can happen( and I mean it in a good way).. 

A long lost love could return( 💙), you could go to Goodwill and purchase something that's worth millions, you could win on a scratch ticket, you could be approved for a new home, receive an acceptance letter from the school of your choice, receive an apology, a phone call from someone you thought you'd never hear from again, a settlement in your favor... I mean it's endless!! Anything can happen in 4 days!! 

Today my Lovies, I challenge you to make these last 4 days count. You still have time to accomplish BIG things. You want to start saving? Don't wait til 2016, save $10 for the next 4 days and go into 2016, with an extra $40!!

 I know I'm going to make these days count!! Let's not be so quick to say nothing can stop me in 2016, when there's still a few days left in 2015 that can set you up real good for 2016. 

I'm using these last 4 days wisely, I challenge you to do the same!! We still have time!! Make it count!! 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka 

This Christmas....

Merry Christmas Guys~ 

2 years ago, my Women's Org collaborated with DesTaja Happy Home, out of Stoughton,Ma. We were able to bless 2 single moms with giftcards and a few other things( DesTaja assisted us with giftcard purchases for their dinner and little gifts, my women's org partner Lina B, provided& signed her book). This year, we did not sponsor any families as our blanket drive was bigger than expected( we fed over 200+ men, women and children).. 

However, my heart was filled as my mom called and shared with me the kind gesture my Aunt Sylvia performed this Christmas( Founder of DesTaja Happy Home). A little background on DesTaja Happy Home: my aunt founded this home a few years back. Her oldest daughter experienced a traumatic rape at the age of 12. It took years of healing for both Sylvia and her daughter. Through a few other life events, Sylvia realized it was time for her to give back. Founding this home has been very near and dear to her heart. I can honestly say, it has changed my aunt in so many ways. I've always loved her but I now have a new respect for her and what she's been called to do in this life. 

She's also a breast cancer survivor. While in Chemo, she met another woman who was also fighting cancer. 40+ years old, single Momm ( oldest daughter in the military, 2 or 3 young boys). Cancer had eaten half of her body but she still wanted to fight. Sadly, she died earlier this year. 

She also experienced the loss of another friend who left behind small children. With young children, it's more important to recurve gifts than money so, My aunt along with another "Secret Santa" decided to be a blessing to that family this year. While she was out shopping yesterday, she was talking to my mom subtracting things off her list. As she stood in line, a woman tapped her back and said, " I'm sorry, I didn't mean to easedrop but I heard you talking on the phone and wanted to help, here's a few dollars towards your cause, I hope this helps". The woman placed 5 crisp $100 bills in my aunt's hand. I can only imagine the fullness of joy that filled her heart. 

Yes, it's great to take care of our own families but when we step out of our 4 walls and taken care of others who are less fortunate, that's when we truly understand the meaning of Christmas. 

My aunt is probably going to kill me then cry( yes in that order) but today, I wanted to salute Sylvia " Rebecca" Hobbs. Founder of DesTaja Happy Home. I love you lady and I'm proud of who you are becoming.. 

Sincerely, 

NekaTSpeaks 

He's a Believer...

Here's my truth, I stopped believing in Santa a long time ago. I remember 1 year in particular, my brothers and I were acting like pure donkeys. We woke up on Christmas morning to  an empty tree. Boy were we upset. We each took turns knocking on my mother's bedroom

Door inquiring about our Christmas gifts. I remember that year in vivid detail. I had requested a clothes of course, money and shoes. There was this sweatsuit in particular I wanted and I knew " Santa" was going to bring it. What a sad reality when we woke up and every gift was gone. Lol 

We sat quietly in our bedrooms waiting for our gifts to magically appear. My mom continued on with the day like it was nothing. Friends were outside with their toys and we sat and waited. 

Finally around 7pm( I remember because Wheel of Fortune had just come on), my Momm came into the living and gave us our gifts. That was the absolute longest wAit ever... Whew, now that I've vented:: 

My 4 year old loves the idea of Santa. While I'm no Scrooge, I'm just no longer fond of the whole Santa idea. For the last 2 weeks, our Afterschool talk has been about Santa. "Mommy, we have to leave Santa milk and cookies".. "Mommy we have to leave food for the reindeer".. 

And while I'm not fond of Santa, I love Elf on the Shelf( check back tomorrow to meet our Elf Marissa) and my bestie has called me out on that lol. "Cheneka Trene', how can you participate with Elf on the Shelf but no Santa? We have Elves because they work for Santa".. I laughed but it made sense. 

I've decided, although it's late in the holiday season to once again indulge in the idea of Santa. It's not about me. It's about the joy it's going to bring to my son's face knowing Santa ate the ginger snaps & cranberry juice( suggested by my guy friend because I'm more than likely going to set the gifts up under the tree as Santa's helper). It's about the joy and cheer Santa brings to all the little girls and boys. 

So here's to you Santa and all of your elves and the Mommies & Daddies who work for you.. 

Signed, 

Cheneka Believes 

 

A little Photographer Love..

For the past 6 years, I've lived in Atlanta, Ga. I can honestly say, they have been the absolute best. I've learned to believe in myself and trust the process.  Yes, I've faced adversities, I've cried, I've wanted to leave but I never gave up..

I could go on to say so much but that would take away from this amazing Beast Female Photographer who's about to take the world by storm. 

The woman behind this amazing shot is non other than MY sissy, MY day 1 since my 1st month in Georgia, Karm Howard. 

I mer her at church. I've never told her this but her face, her kind smile and genuine concern was another reason I fell in love with my church. There were some Sunday's I was truly considering going back home and I would see her and she'd love on me and Li. We exchanged numbers and from there we've grown into more than friends, she's My SISSY. She's my kids TeTe, she'll pray with and for me and she's even put me in my place a time or two and has checked my attitude( if you know me, not everyone can get me together real quick). 

But let me tell you WHY she needs to be THEE photographer for your photo needs. She's just amazing hands down. She has an eye for great shots too. This summer, my parents visited from Mass and my father expressed he wanted professional pics done with the grandchildren. I called her up, told her what we needed and even with a gloomy overcast, she produced some shots that we will enjoy for years to come.

I'm excited for her future and where her love/ passion for great pictures will lead her. I'm a bit torn because i want her to be a bridesmaid when that special day rolls around;(fingers crossed, feeling optimistic)  and I also want her to capture every moment because she knows me oh so well. 

I urge you to go check her out on Instagram at ShutterChicAtl.. You will NOT be disappointed. Tell her NekaT sent you.. 

Here's to My Sissy, my thrifting motivator, my praying sister, the Checker & Face fixer Karm.. I love you and I'm excited for this phase of life you're about to enter.. Can't wait to see your pictures featured all of the world.. 

Signed, 

I Support Thee Greatest 

You'll know it's Real...

I've learned that it's not LOVE that has hurt us, it's people who have pretended to love us that have hurt us. 

Love is an action word that carries a lot of emotions. What makes love so real is that it allows us to genuinely look past our hurts, flaws, heartaches and failures and share an intimate piece of our heart. 

I must admit, I haven't always been in a place where I've wanted to LOVE. But as I've grown and matured, I realize the Love I've shared has been deposited into some people who have never experienced true love. 

While we find it easy to hide behind hurt, build walls and ignore what our hearts speak, when it's your time to be on the receiving end of the Love you deserve, there's nothing or no 1 that can hinder it. 

Today Lovies, be thankful/ appreciative  for the ones who love you with no pretense. Accept that their love comes from a place of honestly. It's time for us to stop running from Cupid and allow the arrow to get us. One of my favorite artists sang, " when you love someone sometimes you gotta let them go and if they come back it means so much more"~ Vivian Green

Live and be in Love. 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka 

 

Don't just clean the Outside...

Owning a vehicle isn't always what it's cracked up to be.. But if you want it to run poroperly, maintenance is a plus. I spent a little time at Meineke this am. I was scheduled for an oil change but I ended up needing a little more done( wasn't in the budget but where there's a will there's a way). 

After leaving, it hit me that my truck hadn't been cleaned outside nor inside since Thanksgiving. There's a $4 express car wash in my neighborhood so I stopped. Can I tell you if felt good taking care of my truck. As I went through the wash, I heard my Aunt Tric'e's voice. "You just can't clean the exterior, you have to clean the interior." I thought of my life. At one point in my life, I looked together on the outside but on the inside I was dying and dirty. I was carrying so much stuff. Some was mine and some belonged to others. They left unwanted deposits with me. 

As I began to work on my inside, it changes the appearance of my outside to match what was taking place. 

I found my happy, I found Joy. I started smiling more and I even lost some unwanted weight. 

My Lovies, as we approach the end of 2015, let's find time to clean up inside and outside. What you carry on the inside will pour outside. Be carriers of Peace, Love and Happiness. It will change your life and soon it will become your way of living. 

Today, I'm not only driving a clean truck on the outside but the inside is clean too( until the boy finds his way inside).. 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka 

Fit MY way

I like food but I LOVE fitting my clothes and they not feel snug way more. I'm a lowkey fluffy girl but I work hard at keeping it together. 2 years ago I decided no more struggling with finding clothes to fit. I'm now comfortable in the skin I'm in. 

I had to realize it wasn't the food that was going to kill me, I was killing my self by carrying excess baggage. One day I woke up it hit me, you're not the pain you're carrying, you're not the hurt nor the bad relationships. You're Cheneka, simply put and you need to find her. You've lost enough, it's time to win again. 

Don't get me wrong, some days I struggle with completing my 2 miles, hell I struggle with finding the energy to do it. But deep down I know it must be done. 

This week, I've hit the pavement and it feels so good being one with nature. The outdoors is my best friend. I find peace and serenity. I can talk to God and even cry( good happy tears) if I feel like it. I added ankle weights today. At first it was a bit uncomfortable( but we all know a little bit of uncomfortable never hurt anyone, it pushes you to greater) but once I got my sway( yes hunni I work these hips when I walk) it was easy peasey!! 

My Lovies, I challenge you to start, find, continue on your journey to being fit on your terms. So what you have friends who like the gym and are smaller around the waist. We each work and succeed at a pace that's best for our lives. My faves are walk/ runs, jump rope, squats and walking with weights ( 1.5-5lbs).. This is what works for me, I challenge you to do what works for you and watch you'll get the results you want!! 

It's Thursday!! Be Tough, your were built for it!! 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka 

I'm in Love...

Oh yes I am! In love with the concept of building a life that I love.. 

Took quite a few bumps, detours and start overs but I finally get it, I got it and now I'm good. 

My first shot at being a business owner has been an amazing success. I knew my idea would work but who knew for 4 years my service would remain in demand? I'm forever grateful to my clients and staff for trusting me and riding the waves. 

As 2015 comes to and end, I'm beyond excited for all the new things I'm allowing myself to build upon. When you love someone or something, you'll go to the ends of the earth to make it work. These size 7.5s have taken me far in 2015 and in 2016 we will continue to trod the distance. 

I've found out that waking up happy every single morning sets the tone and the atmosphere for my day. Life is looking up. I'm not only building a life that I love but I'm building a life for my children to love. It's exciting yet scary but I'm

Here for it. 

Love Life: it's going to happen. I believe it, trust it and I'm excited.. 

Physical Life: I'm going to continue working hard at being aware of my body and tuned into my need to be healthy and fit( on my terms). 

Parental Life: I'm looking forward to watching my children grown and become who they are destined to be. 

Spiritual Life: God hasn't left me, he won't leave me and as long as I stay receptive he's going to keep guiding me.. 

Financial Life: the more I invest in MY dreams and MY education, the rewards will be priceless. 

My Lovies, your declarations may be different than mine but if you start making them now and setting your self up for greatness, you will not fail. 

My heart is still full. For once I see everything coming full circle and I'm loving all that I see.. Stay tuned, only up from here!! 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka 

I listened...

I woke up yesterday with every intention on attending both services at church( didn't happen arrived at the end of 10:30), supporting my Lil Gal in her Aladdin performance at school and doing laundry. Well, my body had other plans for me. As I'm getting older, I'm learning to listen to my body and REST when it says rest. I came home after church, cooked dinner and climbed into bed and closed my eyes. It wasn't my intention to sleep as long as I did but the body spoke. I could hear my children and as long as there was no crying or screaming I knew they were good( if they took showers or not I'm not quite sure.. Shrugs). 

We get one body in this lifetime and we have to treat it with care. There are so many things I still must accomplish, places I must go, people to see etc.. So when it says rest, I listen and rest. When you're a nurturer, you tend to forget about yourself because you're so caught up in caring for others. But we're no good to others if we're no good to ourselves. I must be good to ME 1st and today my body reminded me. 

It's now 3:27am. I have cleaned the kitchen and put dishes away, I vacuumed the floors, picked up all of my son's cars and other figurines, helped Elf on the Shelf Marissa, folded blankets, hung up jackets and sipped on some citrus water( PSA, water is good for you) and now I'm

Back in bed. 

So here's a Sorry to all the things that did not get done today, for once I'm ok with putting off things that can be done tomorrow( which is today). Lol

Thanks to my daughter for stepping up and keeping the house in tact, it wasn't burned down while I slept, so she won! And thanks to my Foreverfriend who reminded me when I'm tired I must rest.. It's now 3:34am and I feel my eyes getting heavy once again. I can probably get in another 3 good hours.. 

TaTa World, Again!

Signed, 

I'm Better 

My Heart is Full

My heart is full.. Today my organization served our 4th annual Food& Blanket Drive here in Atlanta. 

What could've turned horribly bad actually turned out to be a blessing in disquise.  We arrived at our normal location ready to serve and was greeted by this officer, who proceeded with kicking us out and calling re-enforcements. 

There were women in the lot with their children in need of a meal. We quickly stepped into plan B. In the process, a gentlemen started directing us towards Renissance Park where others were already giving. 

We were soon greeted by men of Omega Psi Phi and Alpha Phi Alpha who helped us to get set up. We were able to distribute blankets and toiletries. As we served, I had to take a moment to myself because as a single mom raising my children alone, my heart went out to the pregnant women and children who were in the park. 

While I'm fortunate to have my own business and provide for them, the harsh reality remains that some people are less fortunate. I'm grateful that my bills are paid, we have a roof over our heads and I'm able to sometimes not only provide what they need but what they want. This week, I challenged myself & my readers with a Happy Challenge. Mid week I realized, I'm capable of being happy every single day.  And I WILL!! 

Being of service to the men, women and children of Atlanta who are displaced is my charge. Every year the goal is that we serve more, provide more and give more. This year we exceeded with serving over 200 plus people.  As always, they reminded us to NOT feel sorry for them. They were filled with gratitude and in their own way they gave back to us. As tough as I would like to believe I am, this year the tears fell harder than ever. 

I'm always reminded of this gospel song sung by the great Walter Hawkins, " could've been me, outdoors with no food, no clothes. All left alone without a friend or just another number with a tragic end. But you didn't see fit, to let none of those things be and everyday by your power, YOU keep blessing me. Thank YOU Lord for all you've done for me"... 

Today, I'm thankful.. 

Signed, 

My Heart is Full

Women Who Network, LLC we did it again. Each year will get better and better.. 

Everyday Happy.. Just because...

My 5days of Happy Challenge has been a blessing to my life. Every single day I woke up with a grateful heart. I prayed and promised not to let anyone or anything disturb my happy place. 

It's been amazing to appreciate every minute of the day knowing the next isn't promised. I've accomplished so many things this week all because I decided I just want to be happy and accomplished. Now that I know and understand I control my happy, it has given me the confidence to speak into every area of my life that I need to change. 

There are so many things on the horizon for 2016 and they all include my Happy... 

What's your happy? What did the challenge do for you on this week? 

I know for sure I've looked at every area of my life through happy lens on this week. Don't get me wrong, everyday won't be peachy and some days may seem harder than others but I'm determined to see the happy. I'm no longer have  interest in being around Debbie Downers, I refuse to let your miserable life dictate my happy life. 

Today my Lovies, push yourself to continue seeing the happy in each and everyday. Thank God for your OWN life. Thank him for all he's doing and all he's going to do. You have the power within to achieve all that you've set out to accomplish. I dare you to do it with a smile 2, I certainly plan too!! 

Signed, 

Forever Happy!!! 

Hey You..

I absolutely enjoy complimenting others. I'm a Northerner, compliments weren't always easy to come by without it being followed by something slick. Now that I've migrated South ( 6 years strong of this Peach Life), I find it so much easier to compliment others. I will tell another woman she looks beautiful in a heart beat. No shame in inquiring about her outfit either! Lol I mean, if it were an exclusive I wouldn't see it posted on every IG Boutique.. Lol 

Compliments are good and for some people, they are needed. I've never been one to suffer from low self esteem but I have sistergirls who have and do. It breaks my heart because I find strength, beauty and love in each of them. 

When we learn to lift others us, it strengthen us as individuals. How you ask? Every single morning I stand in the mirror and I look at myself. I look at my nose that I used to hate. I've now come to embrace it because it's me. I look at the freckles now more visible than ever, I count the greys too. It's all apart of me. 

When I talk to ppl who are always complaining, I try my best to not feed into it but direct their attention to something positive about them. Sometimes it's a hard task but it's more draining to participate in a pity party. 

We all have moments of weakness. We're human, it's expected. But our daily goals should be to rise above anyone or anything that makes us feel inferior or weak. 

Today my Lovies, compliment someone! Better yet, compliment yourself. Have No shame in it either. Own your beauty and help someone else appreciate theirs. Be the added salt to the world, that is our charge right? Add taste to the tasteless?!! Ahhhh, #CatchIt!! 

Make it Great y'all, I just did because each of you reading today are beautiful inside and out.. And here's a squeeze just for you!! 

Signed, 

Lover of People, simply Cheneka!!