Just Slow Down......

I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I was when I first moved to Atlanta. I was going to take this big City on like nobody's business. I had so much to prove. I had to prove I was good enough, I wasn't going to fail AND that I could make it.

Fast forward to today. As I sat and took time to reflect, I'm so thankful that after I realized I had nothing to prove to anyone, life became simpler and easier. Once I realized the only people I had to prove anything to was God my father ( and all I really have to do is Love & serve him) and my children, everything that was supposed to happen started to happen.

Yes, I took a few " L's" but they were just setting me up for the ultimate Wins.

I will celebrate 8 years in Georgia( Lord's willing) this November. 8 is the number of new beginnings. I've declared this year's mantra " I will not lose & Whatever is meant for me will not pass me by". I believe that with every ounce of life in me. Our lives are not a race. It doesn't matter when you arrive to the finish line, it just matters that you don't give up in the process and that you make it.

I wanted to be the 1st in my family to do a lot of things but as I lived and became a mother, other things became important and I realized that it IS important that I become my children's 1st.

I challenge you to stop and take your time. You want to build an empire? You can, there's no rush. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was the world. God took his time forming each and every creature. He took his time forming the sun, moon and stars. He even took time to rest. So when your body speaks, take heed and listen.

As quick as I want to be done and live a quiet married life some where with my amazing husband, I have to first build, date and marry. Can't get to the end result without working the middle.

I challenge you to work the middle, work your right now. Don't give up, slow down, make adjustments, make changes, become your best YOU.

Don't rush to just get done, you'll miss the lessons and strength you'll need in between.

Signed,
Simply Living, Simply Learning, Simply Cheneka

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!!! 

I'm talking to YOU...

I'm up. It's 4:20am and never mind... Lol 

We got in from our Holiday travels close to 6pm. I had a long list of things to do once we got home. Unpack( who am I fooling, that stuff will stay in the bag until I need it), pull out holiday decorations, run to Walmart and relax. I guess my body said otherwise. I climbed in bed a little after 8, I woke up to 6 texts, 2 missed phone calls and a warm, cozy, toasty place: My HOME! 

Traveling is fun. Being with family and friends is heartwarming but nothing compares to being HOME. Whether you're married, dating, single or in between, Nothing says safe better than HOME. 

I know this is an earlier than normal blog but I'm sure somewhere, I have a subscriber who will read this( I hope)... Lol

My Lovies, I'm challenging you to Be Happy. My Thanksgiving trip taught me a lot. While people enhance our happiness; true happiness starts within YOU.. I remember praying to God that happiness would find me. That HE would send someone to make me happy. It wasn't until I started to shed unwanted baggage that I found HAPPINESS in its purest form. ME. #CatchIt

When I stopped chasing people and entertaining their bulls$&@t, I soon found out that I'm worth more than they could offer. 

So cheers to Thanksgiving 2015. This year, I stayed in 1 place and was happy. I wasn't running around trying to see everyone because for once, all I needed was at my mom's house. 

Who's up for this challenge? For the next 5 days,I want You 2 be HAPPY... Not that fake oh I'm happy, I want you to be happy in your soul. Love yourself, your Family, your Friends and be Happy in doing so. I find happiness in the simplest things these days. Thanksgiving night, I cuddled with my little people in my mom's ottoman and although it was tight, I was HAPPY. Of course they argued but it's expected, my babies are special! 

We control our destiny and happiness( I mean you do know God has the final say but that's another blog for a different day).. Let yours start today! 

Signed, 

Cheneka IS HAPPY😊

Music with Meaning....

There's nothing greater than seeing thousands of people getting together to enjoy great music. As my Dora and I arrived to the Amphitheater, we saw tons of people bringing in their coolers, lawn chairs and comfortably dressed to enjoy the Silk, 112 and Jagged Edge Concert. 

Im not big on outdoor concerts( although I do attend them) but this one was quite dope I must say. We arrived in our VIP area and instantly began to mingle ( I mean we ARE the founders of Women Who Network, that's what we do). We enjoyed a few glasses of nicely chilled wine, the pre-show( ok, here's my truth, the first act was Pastor Troy. While in the salon a few years back, my stylist was talking about Pastor Troy. I naively asked, "Where's his church".. She responded, " Neka, he's a rapper". We laughed for hours! Lol), a McDonald's contest and then the show began. 

The first group Silk, was not a fave growing up but a was able to Rock to a few of their songs.. 

My all time fave guy group( aside from New Edition, Jodeci, BBD &New Kids on the Block to name a few) 112 was the second act.. I was in absolute heaven. Hearing them live took me back to high school and my early 20s. Certain songs,( Peaches & Cream, Cupid, You Already Know, I can't Believe) I remembered exactly where I was and what was going on in my life. Music of the 90's had meaning. When you dated, it meant something. If you questioned your relationships and your boyfriend, the right song made it ok.. Gosh I love 112. The kicker though, I grew up listening to them but we're all the same age. Lol

Lastly was Jagged Edge. Another fave. My sister always reminded me how much my daughter's father looked like Brandon. My all time fave song will always be, " I Promise".. Their songs also remind me of certain events of my young adult life. 

Well Atlanta, thanks for a great night of music with some of the most vocally blessed men of the world.. A great night, not a dime spent ( thanks Sandy) and videos that will last as long as I have this iPhone 6.. 

My loves, I challenge you to play some good music and let it take you away.. I'm pulling out some of my 112 and Jagged Edge today and I'm going to dance and sing my life away!! 

Signed, 

Music is Life 

I Came 2 Win

Life is full of so many obstacles. This year alone( and it's only June 15th), I've taken quite a few blows but I've always found the strength to keep going. On most days, where it would've been easy to wallow in my pity, I would hear my son's voice or my daughter would text me and instantly I was reminded why I have to keep going. 

Saturday evening, a sister friend invited a few of us to the ColorFest 5k. Although we arrived later than expected, we were still able to get in FREE and participate.  I must admit, this has been one of the best "Me Time" breaks in a while. I can honestly say, I've truly enjoyed doing what I want, eating what I want( I haven't gone to the supermarket since the kids left) and sleeping in late. 

Saturday night was a reminder that, I may not have everything I want but what I need is always provided in abundance.  As I watched the people around me and jumped up and down to the " What's up what's up", it hit me: Life is good. If I continue to press, stay Optimistic, support others and go after my dreams, one day I'll have it ALL. 

Love, Peace and Happiness surround me daily but I have to chose to allow them to manifest in my life. 

Today lovely people, accept what you cannot change and choose to Live your life happy and in color. 

So what it didn't work, so what you had to cry, so what you have a Buick instead of a Benz. You're here and ALIVE. 

I've Come to Win and losing will never ever be an option.. I challenge you, 2 Live!! 

Signed, 

Ms. Sunshine 

Just breathe...

"Life will consume us if we let it". CTH™

I'm learning little by little the importance of just being me and stealing moments away for myself. I find it hard but this year, I promised to make me time a priority. Why not? I make my children and their needs a priority, my service to church, my business( single mom clients) and the needs of my close circle a priority, so why is it so hard to take a moment or two just for ME? 

I like long walks

I like to laugh

I like to read

I like to shop( window shopping is cool) 

I Like the quiet 

I like Art

I like listening to music 

I like long car rides

Even talking about anything other than parenthood is a plus.. 

When I began to find the time and just focus on me, I've found out that it gives me strength. And just a little bit of strength goes a long way. 

Today lovies, I challenge you step out of your 4 walls of home life or work life and find you. Take a moment to breathe, go have coffee, get a manicure, go for a walk, meet a S/O or friend at the library or movies, cook a meal. Find a moment for you. And in doing so, you'll find it easy to Just Breathe.... 

Signed, 

I'm Living and it feels good!! 

In the Wind...

Ahhhhhhhhh, last week and this day has come to an end. Car accident( not me but a client), late parents, early mornings, late work nights, 3 Worship services, sick kid, Ended.. Done, Finitto! 

As I lay here and reflect on this day, I'm so excited for MY Life. I've made some great connections in Georgia. The best part about it, I'm just getting started. With an upcoming EBook and so many other great collaborations, events, activities and trips.. You'll catch me looking cute and blowing in the wind. 

As moments come and go, I'm thankful that I have the Victory in Every area of my life. Everything may not be exactly how I've envisioned but it's not as bad as it could be. I'm glad that my Savior loved me enough to die and forgive me. 

This week as I catch the wind in my beautiful natural hair and experience a few Marilyn Monroe moments, I'm going to take it all in and enjoy.... 

You should too! As I always challenge you, this evening I just want you to Live, Be Free and Happy! Smile, it looks good on YOU!

Signed, 

Happy to Be Me 

If only for a Moment...

This morning I woke up feeling just like a " bag of money". What it truly means I'll never know ( I have lame girl tendacies), however I woke up feeling great. Prayed and started my morning. Washed my face, brushed my teeth and got my daughter up for school. 

Proceeded with the morning and because she was running late and I was feeling good, I dropped her off at school. I smiled at the other cars driving thru the drop- off line and wondered if they were feeling like " a bag of money" like me.  Lol

I arrived back home and continued feeling happy until.....

I started checking on my sister girls and they had so many things going on with them. My heart began to sank and some revealed they were in their feelings, 2 felt discouraged and one dealing with serious family issues. Ahhhhhhh, the woes of life. And it never stops. There's 24 hours in a day and if you're anything like me, you go thru the day attending to everyone else's needs and not your own. 

My challenge for you is simple: if only for a moment find a reason that fills you with laughter, joy, happiness and smiles. Take a few moments and make them yours. Heck, think about that " bag of money" and how you would spend it... 

.... Tithes, shoes, new vehicle, vacation, a house, yup you get it!! Just to name a few. 

Don't worry about tomorrow, for it is not here. Use today and focus on what can be done to bring YOU happiness. 

I'm sure there's a rap or phrase that goes with a " bag of money" but in the meantime, if only for a moment I'm going to live like I got it!!

Signed, 

Cheer Up, put a Smile on your face!!