A Safe Space

Hey, Loves…I know I know it’s been way too long. I’ve been putting a little energy into the social webs but I have not forgotten about my first love…my blog. And I am back because I am learning so much and seeing things so clearly. My move back to my hometown of Miami had some great surprises up its sleeve.

 What I’ve learned about myself is that in order to be at my best, to feel inspired and motivated, I must feel a sense of safety. I learned that it is important that I be grounded in a space where I can feel most like myself. Starting fresh and living with my dad for the most part has a lot of positives. But for someone like me who cherishes my authenticity and my autonomy living in a home without my footprint can be hard. This is a beautiful full circle moment for me, but I needed to create a space that reflected my style and energy. In all the places I’ve lived on my own, in my adult life, there was always a place where I could let down my hair and be refreshed. I realize that this is a vital part of who I am. This was not the time to forget that.

 So, in my own room where I spent my teenage and young adult years, I decided to add my footprint and make it my own. It turned out to be a great idea. First, I added fresh flowers and I started feeling a little more at peace. I went on to change the comforter and sheets and I felt like a new woman. There was also a feeling that I didn’t think I would experience. I realized that as a teenager I felt so powerless in that same room because the way it looked had a lot to do with what my parents chose to buy for me and back then to be honest my room did not feel like me. So being able to come back and make it my own, filled a place in me that I didn’t know needed to be healed.

 I am treasuring every lesson I’m learning in this season. I’m learning so much about my needs and learning ways to make sure those needs are met and that my soul is nourished. I am being so much kinder to myself. The same kindness that I’ve extended I’m leaving space for some of it myself and it feels great. I’m leaning into the help and rest I’m receiving. Take it from me do not ignore your needs and the things that you can do in your life to make you feel safe and grounded. I realized that I can only operate from my best self when my soul needs are met. Pay attention to the things that help you fly.

 With Love,

Cree

Easier Said Than Done

One of my prayers has always been for me to be shown my blind spots. As wonderful as that sounds, that’s one of those prayers in line with asking for patience, the prayer sounds way easier than the reality.  Sooo yea I pray this prayer and then God lets me hear my thoughts. And contrary to my belief they were not that great. My optimism about life was not translating to my optimism about myself. 2020 was way harder on my psyche than I completely understood. I’ve always been sorta kinda hard on myself, so I have been working on giving myself a lot more grace. But in learning to give me grace there was this little annoying thing called my thoughts.

Blouse and Pants: Amazon The Drop @karenbritchick

Heels: Chinese Laundry via @thedrakecloset

Purse: Zara Headband: H&M

My most recent experiences had wreaked havoc on my ability to dream big and to believe in my purpose without reserve. I wasn’t giving myself enough hand claps, enough I am proud of you, enough good job Cree, enough you can do this Cree, etc. It was more like, are you doing enough, can you really do this, are you enough? The answer to those questions is yes by the way. But I had to start reaffirming those answers to myself. Because I was being so hard on myself, I began to question my own worthiness. If this sounds like you at all, don’t worry I am here to let you know that you are not alone. A work in progress over here. The operative word being progress. I know there are going to be days ahead where I feel more sassy and ready and days when I need a little push. And you know what that’s okay because it makes me human and it makes God the man. In my weakness, He is made strong.

I also had to think about the things that I allow into my thoughts. The music I listen to, what I watch, what I take in on social media. Whether we want to admit it or not these things matter. I know we like to think that we are strong enough all the time to filter out the negative, but we are all vulnerable at some point and to some level. No one is above our propensity to become what we surround ourselves with.  Monitoring the environment I create is important.

I am learning every day how to be a better me to me. It takes time, effort, and intentionality. If you know how to be kind to yourself then it translates to others. Your first Guinea pig should always be yourself. I am dedicated to doing the work that it takes to grow but also being kind to myself in the process. I believe that having that balance will keep me mentally and emotionally healthy.

With Love,

Cree

My Hawaii Travel Experience

Beach in Maui

If you’ve been hanging out with me on Instagram and YouTube then you know that your girl went to Hawaii. It sounds amazing right, but it was one of the scariest decisions I ever made. Hawaii has always been on my bucket list, but it was somewhere I thought I would go in the distant future. But then it was staring me right in the face when my best friend asked me if I wanted to take the trip. I immediately said yes, because I knew it was something I needed to do.  This was even before I resigned from my job, knowing I would resign from my job. But as the weight of my yes begin to sink in it got a little scary because I often let my practical stand in the way of moving forward. Buttt long story short, I went to Hawaii, and it has been one of the best decisions I ever made.

There is a coinciding get ready with me video that goes into detail about my spiritual and emotional experience. Things changed for the better and God is so good in His sovereignty. So check that video out for the details. In this blog I wanted to give all the details on where we went, where we stayed and our excursions.

Islands Visited

Black Beach in Kona

Cover Up: Boohoo

The Big Island

City: Kona

Stayed in Holday Inn Express: it was comfortable and served its purpose. But was small and not many amenities.

Excursions:

Luau at Ubekes Fish Market: the food and drinks were great. Small intimate setting. Highly recommend. Reserved through Veltra website.

Big Island Circle Tour (Kailani Tours) – included breakfast and lunch, coffee farm, wine tasting, black sand beach and volcano national park. The Big Island still has an active Volcano. Highly suggest if going to big island. Learned so much about the history of the island.

VRBO in Maui

Bikini: Ross

Maui

City: Lahaina

Stayed in a VRBO vacation rental right on the beach – Marcie Anderson Owner. It was awesome. Great vibe!

Excursions: Sunset Cruise—was fun…nothing super special. If you’re looking for something chill to do on the water, then I recommend.  Reserved through Viator website.

Best Experience: Maui – we fell in love with Maui. The weather was amazing. Hot yet breezy the entire time. The Beaches were gorgeous. The vibe of the entire city is awesome. We are definitely going back to Maui.

Best Food: Lahaina, Maui – Restaurants: Sixty-Two Market, Fleetwood and Mala

Best Drink: The Mai Tai at Ubekes

Recommendations:

Rent a car. We rented a car on Maui and it was one of the best decisions. We rented the car through Turo.com, where individuals rent out their personal car. We had a great experience. The woman, Nancy,  that owned the car (Volkswagon Tiguan 2021) we drove was awesome and gave us great recommendations for restaurants to visit and they were spot on.

 With Love,

Cree

Sunset Cruise in Maui

Discouraged but not Defeated

If you know me, you know that I like to keep it positive. But no one has positive emotions all the time. My tenaciousness and willingness to walk in faith does not mean that discouragement does not happen. I experience all the myriad of emotions we experience as humans. I may have graduated from a certain response level, but I do feel discouraged. Having dreams and aspirations are a sure way to encounter this emotion.

Top: Pretty Little Thing

Pants: H&M; Belt: NastyGal; Shoes: Silly Habit Shop

I believe that we all have a vision for our lives. We want to reach the level of success that we each define for ourselves. (And I hope you are defining this for yourself with God’s guidance). We also very often paint a picture of what it is going to look like. Life does not always give us the nice and neat picture we paint in our minds. It can be a very hard pill to swallow. Process is not for the faint of heart, there are hills and valleys. And many of those valleys are pulling yourself away from the lull of discouragement. Giving in to this emotion is a sure way to give up because discouragement sees no way forward. It eats away at hope.

It is very important that we not only acknowledge the feeling but the source. I often ask myself what is triggering this emotion within me? Why do I believe that what I am hoping for is no longer available to me? Whatever that trigger is, I take it to God until I feel better. That might mean taking it to Him repeatedly until I feel better, until my hope is restored. Discouragement never tells us the truth; it is often a distorted sense of reality usually brought on by comparing our lives to others or thinking there is not a space for us to flourish. When I get triggered, I have to be reminded of the beauty of my journey. I also must remind myself to up my game at times because self-pity is not my friend. My why is bigger than this feeling. And God’s plan is bigger than my feelings, because it’s not just about me. It’s about glorifying God and those who I am purposed to connect too. I won’t lie sometimes I get over it rather quickly and other times I have to walk through it for days, but I always come out on the other side, and you will too.  Don’t let a moment of discouragement disrupt the plan that God has for your life. You may have to pause and re-access but keep going girl, you got this!

 With Love,

 Cree

The Reward of the Road Less Traveled

Though our journeys are long and winding roads full of highs and lows there is no better feeling than walking in your God given calling. Being in alignment with the will of God does not mean that life won’t get heavy. But when it does there is a sense of purpose that overcomes the hard moments. The reward of the wholeness felt makes it easier to keep forging ahead through the discomfort.

Jeans: Dickies - Original Design by @intuitiveheartmetaphysical

Crop Top: Zara

Trust me I didn’t get this brave on my own. I credit my relationship with God and the beautiful souls that he has brought into my life for my confidence. Without God’s goodness and the generosity of those He has worked through, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Our inclination is to rest our hearts on the hard places in life, but I can truly say that the good truly has outweighed the bad. When I chose God’s rhythm over my own, I felt like more of myself than ever. I don’t know why I thought that my creator didn’t know what he was doing, I know laughable. I can say that much of who I am I can’t take responsibility for. My surrender gave God the room to change me and thereby my life. The first important step is always surrender.

I call this the road less traveled because there is no one meant to take your God ordained steps in this life but you. Our pride often gets in the way of true surrender and trust in God. I believe that many of us need to return to our childlike faith. As children we often have a good grasp on, for lack of a better term, “the spirit” of life in its simplest form. Then life, family, society often get in the way.  Most of us began to display our gifts very early in life…blessed are those of us whose guardians recognized it and invested in it. But some of us have had to dig deep and allow it to service again. God will remind us, we just have to listen…in that comes our freedom.

I can’t promise you fame and fortune at the end of the road less traveled but what I can promise you is peace, fulfillment, and contentment, things far greater.

 With Love,

 Cree

Comin in Hot

Hat, Dress and Shoes: Thrift

Wow Loves, it seems like ages since I’ve been on this platform. But I’m back like I never left. And it is summer summer,  summer, time! I’m so excited about Summer 2021 because I’ve made so many changes and taken important steps forward. I’ve made the necessary changes in my life to give me more freedom to write and explore my creativity. I even started a YouTube Channel ya’ll! By the way Subscribe to my channel Intellect in Heels. It is an extension of all that I do here and I hope that I can build a beautiful community with all of you.

Loves, all it takes is a decision and it will propel your life substantially forward. I thank God for giving me the courage to make that decision. He is extremely good. Not just for the tangible things He provides but the spiritual guidance He provides. I knew that leaving my job would be freeing but not like this. My heart and mind are so unclogged, and I feel so good. When you’re moving in a space that is not in alignment with who you are it is such a burden. I fully understand why it was so difficult to remain consistent. But your girl has all cylinders on now and I’m ready. Like I stated in a previous post, the choice is ours. You can choose to live on the sidelines and blame life or other people for your situation or you can make a decision to turn the tide. God literally gave me a choice: (1) remain stuck or (2) live the life you prayed for. I chose the latter of course but staying comfortable was appealing. Only because taking a step of faith is scary.  Comfort meant keeping my income but remaining stagnant and therefore miserable. I’m just not that girl.

I’m so grateful for all of you for sticking with me on this journey, and I hope we can continue forward together. I have so much more in store. And since it’s Summer and we’ve been able to move around a lot more, girl have you some fun!

 With Love,

Cree

The Choice is Yours

Most people will say it’s their year because they experience an outer event that makes them happy, and that’s all well and good. But this year is my year because I’ve learned the strength and blessing of taking responsibility for my joy. How have I done this? By making a choice.

Outfit: Thrift via The Drake Closet

Brands: Dress - Banana Republic Jacket — Express

Shoes: Old

I have been unhappy with certain aspects of my life for a while now and a part of me was expecting things to change without me making a conscious decision. I will admit I was tired and I didn’t really want to have to make the extra effort. I was able to get away with it for a minute but I realized that it was exacting a heavy price on my joy and peace. I could no longer avoid not making a decision. I had to refocus and be intentional about how I wanted to experience life. After all, it was ultimately up to me.

As 2020 ended I knew that I was coming upon the precipice of two divergent paths. I decided that I wasn’t going to continue on a path that led to unfulfillment, the path that had me hitting the proverbial wall year after year. You see I had made security my idol. I had begun chasing after the feeling of safe instead of focusing on my purpose and completely trusting the plan of God. Yes, I too am human. This is why it is so important to take time to evaluate your life because it’s easy to miss things due to blind spots. This was a blind spot for me. I was holding on to safe to my own detriment. It was time to let go and allow the unknown to come rushing in. I was praying for God to change my situation, to remove hindrances…but the hindrance was me. It is true that we are our own worse enemy.

A choice has been made. The path that I will always choose is purpose and destiny. Sometimes it takes me a little while to drum up the courage but it’s God’s will for me! Like I said news to come…currently trusting God to roll out all elements of the plan. Can’t wait to see what’s to come, not only do I pray that it will bless me but that there will be an overflow that will inspire you to choose purpose and joy. God has a beautiful plan He wants to roll out in each of our lives, listen and stay true to your rhythm. The choice is yours.

With Love,

Cree

What it Takes to Become

The New Year is upon us…

I was going through some of the files in my computer and I happened upon a poem I wrote in the early stages of my blogging. I thought it fit perfectly in this season of my life. Because we never stop becoming.

Robe: Thrift

Crop Top: Nasty Gal

Shorts and Slippers: Forever21

Can you see her? She expresses herself in the cadence of my voice and in the far reaches of my thoughts. Can you feel her? She makes herself known in the reach of my arms, the length of my legs and the years of wear on my skin. Can you hear her? She calls in the night forcing me to sit upright, not allowing me to wallow in self pity. Calling for my highest self to come forth. The angst of knowing there is something greater. Can you taste her? The bitter sweet that fills my tongue. I don't know whether to reject it or swallow it down like honey. It tastes so familiar and yet so foreign. Can you smell her? Her sweet perfume that permeates the room. Ha it's almost nauseating as it overwhelms me. I can't almost stand to breath but if I hold my breathe I might miss something. There is a distinctness to her scent, I know it...

Who is she? She is beauty. The best and the worst of me, the good, the bad, and the ugly. The inner depths of my soul, the stirrings of my spirit. The higher calling to be. I can't escape her, I try but she's never far behind. Tugging at my heart, interrupting my thoughts, telling me there is more. She's there when I lay down to sleep and she stares at me until I wake up the next day. She's so pesky, why won't she go away. She's like a fly buzzing around my head, I swat and she dodges me. What does she want from me? She wants my surrender, I know the moment that I give in to her that my life will change, that the scales of untruth and lies will fall from me like dead skin. Yet why am I so afraid of my own truth, to stare her down and own her, to wear her like a pretty dress and show her off. Because if I reveal her I can't take her back,I can't put her back in the closet. Once the seal is broken and I let her loose, my neatly packaged lie will fall apart. I won't be able to hide her anymore, yet hiding hurts, it stifles, it makes it hard to breath. But it's comfortable, it replicates safety, and nobody has to know right?  But I know and it eats away at me and she just won't leave me alone. I open my eyes and she's back, I give her my hand and I say yes.

With Love,

Cree

Fall is a Vibe

I thought that I could turn my back on Fall, but loves Fall is a whole vibe. It is something about this season that brings me back to myself. It’s a time when I release all the heaviness of the year and decompress. Here in Atlanta, it has gotten cooler a lot faster than usual and I am enjoying it. Life has slowed its rhythm and has given us all an opportunity to reflect. I know that there is still a lot of crazy going on but with all these good vibes it has lost its hold.

Lounge Set: Nasty Gal

I’ve lost the urge to fill my free time with mindless TV watching instead I have made time for real reflection. I lose some of that during the summer. The summer just makes me want to be a lot more carefree. But there is a quiet resolve that I feel in the Fall. I feel more deeply in this season and the introverted Cree is in her sweet spot. I know that the days are a lot shorter but that just means they are a lot cozier. And I do not mind that extra hour of sleep that I’m going to get, I am not mad at that! Making time and space for internal work is so important to me and there is no better time than the Fall.

I make the most of this time by journaling and spending a lot of quiet time with God. And not just my morning quiet time per usual, but on weekends I sit in His presence for as long as I need too. It is refreshing and motivational. I get the additional push I need to move through another winter season. Apart from the holidays, winters are typically not enjoyable for me. Cold is not my best friend, to my skin or my emotions. Therefore, I am intentional about going within in the Fall and preparing my spirit for the Winter months.

And we definitely cannot ignore the fact that it is boot season. Boots are this girl’s best friend, and this season’s offerings are fabulous. I’m doing everything I can not to break the bank. I am a shoe girl with all of my heart. Fall fashion is so much fun and multidimensional, a fashion season after my own heart. Follow me on Instagram (cree_in_heels) for a daily dose of my looks. I’m not sure which season has earned my undying love Fall or Spring. But I just can’t shake Fall. Let’s chill and reflect together.

With Love,

Cree

 Photos & Editing by Lucretia Scruggs

Be Ready

Loves, yes it has been a while. My life has taken a turn for the different. And this is why it is so important to be in tune with God and the rhythm of your life. Because when life switches up, you want to be prepared. Does this mean that it won’t feel slightly jolting? Absolutely not, but there is definitely going to be a part of you that is expecting the change, even if you don’t know exactly what the change will look like. I knew something was coming, so I wasn’t completely thrown off when life took that turn for the different.

Sweater: Abercrombie & Finch Dress: Nasty Gal Shoes: ASOS

I will say that my relationship with God is the defining factor in my response to change in general but especially this change. Oftentimes God will push us into seasons that He knows that we are prepared for but that has not quite clicked in our own minds. So, when I experienced the push, instead of operating out of fear (relying on my own strength) I leaned into Him. Because of our relationship, I knew the push was coming from Him so I turned to Him for guidance. One thing I have learned is that God does not push us into change/opportunity to leave us alone to figure it out for ourselves. God is not just God in the struggle, He is also God in the elevation. In both scenarios, I am aware that I need Him.

I will be honest I didn’t want this particular promotion because I didn’t think I needed it. This is why I call the change different.  I felt like it was time for me to move on. But now I realize it was exactly what I needed. Because it was a promotion in an area that I am well versed in. I realized that to get to where I want to be, I would need to grow my leadership skills in the industry where I have the most knowledge. Another point for God who knows exactly what we need, the process is important at all levels of life. Remaining humble is vital. It is important for me not to get ahead of myself, which is always my prayer. There is a verse in the Bible that illustrates this so wonderfully it basically states that what seems right to man is folly. We think we know but we are never as wise as we think we are. And your girl falls into that trap too, so relying on God as my source and trusting His guidance is the win for me.

Being ready for me means listening to the voice of God in and out of season. I’m listening to Him, even when things seem mundane and boring because I understand that every stage of the process is important. Ignoring a step means not being prepared and delaying the elevation. I don’t get lost in the outcome or what happens next, I keep my head down and keep it moving. Not getting lost in the outcome helps me not get attached to how I think things should happen. So, I am always ready for the switch up. If 2020 has taught us anything it is be ready for anything!

With Love,

Cree

The Balancing Act

What a time we are living in. I, like most of us, didn’t know what the future would hold but I definitely did not think that life would look like it does. But it teaches us to always be ready for life to surprise us. We all get lulled into a sense of reality that we are comfortable with and it’s jolting to be pulled out of what we feel is normal. But we’ve all had to level up.  What has been super important to me is not hoping things get back to normal per se but reaching for a better me in this new reality that I have been given. Yes, given…because we’ve all been given this opportunity to expand, to reach a little higher and go a little deeper. How I manage it is also very important.

Dress: Zara Belt: Nasty Gal Boots: Doc Marten Headband: H&M

The key for me is managing my day to day with the looming and prevalent unknown. I have learned to differentiate between the things I can control and cannot control. The things I can I keep in order and the things I cannot I leave to God. Life is coming at us all hard, we don’t always get a choice in what happens to us, the only choice that we are often given is how we respond. My response is not to allow this moment to make me a victim. I have to draw on my faith that says that the One I believe in has overcome all the difficulties of the world and will provide me what it takes for me to overcome this. His track record in my life is solid.

What is also important for me is taking each day as it comes. I prepare myself with prayer but I allow myself to be open to the good and the challenges that come in any day. I do have hopes, dreams and plans in my heart for my future but I surrender them daily to God’s ultimate plan. My day to day actions in the present are the set up for my future. I rest in allowing my days to flow in and out of my life. Holding on to the important stuff and letting go of the unnecessary. I find ways to ensure that I am holding on to my joy and peace so as not to lose my grip on reality and the things that truly matter these days. Some days this is harder to accomplish than others and then God graciously gifts me the next day and I start fresh.

Each day demands something from us, I try to show up as best I can. Giving it my best shot but also resting in God’s sovereignty. Life these days is a true testament to the balancing act, figuring it out as we go and making sure we are not leaning too far to one side.  Make this moment work for you, there is something in it for all of us.

With Love,

Cree

Life in My Lane

In my last blog post, I touched on the importance of operating from my niche, basically my purpose. I have said this a lot but the noise is super loud on social media these days, more than usual, therefore it is important to do a soundcheck. It is okay to be a slight skeptic of the information that comes through social media or any other medium. I have crowned myself the google queen. I never take things at face value. I often take on my own research to make sure that the information is valid. I love learning so I will admit I find myself falling down the rabbit hole on some random subject a lot of the time. But I digress, what I really want you to get from this is that it is very important to think for yourself. Even if you agree with the information or the thoughts given you ultimately determine your response.

Top: Marshals (2019) Pants: Thrift

I will also admit this, I have always been slightly averse to following the crowd. I have for most of my life never liked being forced into a point of view. That is why I wholeheartedly take responsibility for my actions because I surely made the decision myself. I will rebel if I think in the slightest I am being manipulated into something. So I already have an aversion for just going along with things if I haven’t thought it through for myself. So I understand that this way of being is sort of innate for me. So it can be easier said than done. It takes a lot more effort to question what has been presented but it is important that we find our own voice so we can live out our full potential from that place.

This reminds me of my relationship with God. My relationship with Him could never thrive if I did not personally make a decision to know Him for myself. I was raised in the church and it would have been easy for me to settle into sort of this outward show of Christianity because that is how I was raised. But I wanted to know more, I wanted to be able to make a real decision for myself. And I did and it has been the best decision of my life.

It is super easy these days to fall into groupthink, but the way things really change is that we move within our gifts and skillsets. We are all uniquely made for this time, there is a reason we are alive right now. Don’t allow the noise to make that decision for you. I would hate for something to be left undone because we are living in a lane that is not our own. One of the great things that I have learned from my identity in Christ is that He sees me for exactly who I am and I live from that space. I implore for you to first understand who you are and then move through life from that place. My hope is that we leave nothing wanting because we have done exactly what we were put here to do.

With Love,

Cree

Photos & Editing: Lucretia Scruggs

Summer Paradox

One of the most profound lessons that I’ve learned during this time is that sorrow and joy have to co-exist and that both can exist in the same space. We often try to live our lives in either one or the other state without realizing that life is a jumble of it all. I realized that I had to be okay with the constant irony of life. I also begin to understand that we can’t absorb it all. We have to find a place where we fit, a place where we can contribute our unique sensibilities to the world without becoming overwhelmed by all the needs of the world. I always feel so much better when I am operating from my niche and filtering out the ways of being that don’t align with my own. I’m not saying not to take in other perspectives what I am saying is don’t forget to be yourself.  We are all made and designed for this time, so don’t forget what your part to play is.

Sweater: Marshalls Shorts: Boohoo Hat: Walmart: Old T-Shirt: Thrift

This is how I choose to move through this summer 2020, allowing joy and sorrow to co-exist in the same space.  I cannot allow myself to go too far in either direction but maintaining balance. I find myself laughing with joy and shedding tears of anguish in the same day and for me that is okay. There are times I feel helpless and empowered all at the same time as well. I understand that there is no right or wrong to feeling what we feel as long as we process those feelings. Just as much as I love the sun shining I enjoy the summer rain. And the crazy part is that in the summer both happen over and over in the same 24 hours and I find comfort in that. Summer reminds us to be flexible to wear shorts and pack an umbrella, to be prepared for the spastic weather patterns. I have allowed this understanding to inform how I am moving through this season.

I can’t ignore the heaviness of life right now but I also can’t forget to breathe. I believe that what often causes us anxiety is trying to overcome the guilt for the light moments when we allow ourselves to laugh. But be reminded we need those light moments to survive and to keep going. Laughing is high on my self-care list. Joy is necessary. I will be honest, I miss the freedom of summer, that feeling of limitlessness we all feel…festivals, traveling and just taking up space outside. But I thank 2020 for imploring me to never take these things for granted again. But also to learn how to be okay with the hardships that life presents. I will admit I am an eternal optimist but this year has been a lot for even me. But I am trying to keep the fun of summer alive even with the social distancing awkwardness and the hard but necessary discord created by social justice. I have to allow these spaces to coexist, I hope you will too. SUMMER is NOT CANCELED!

With Love,

Cree

How I Maintain My Joy

I know we have been hearing this a lot lately, but those of us from the more recent generations are living in unprecedented times for us. I imagine this is nothing new for the generations that have experienced moments we can only read about in history books. The one thing that I find comfort in is this, that there is nothing new under the sun. If they found a way to move the tide forward and thrive then so can we.

From COVID-19 to the racial unrest, there is a lot going on and it is easy to get lost in it if we are not careful. What helps me is to:

Dress: Forever21 Shoes: Silly Habit Shop Earrings: Frugal Finds NYC

(1)   Trust God. Even when the world is shaking I lean into my faith. God has always been super faithful and He has never let me down. I call on those past moments at this time. I recognize that He has always been my keeper and sustainer. How I keep my trust intact is to pray, pray, and pray some more. I sit at the feet of God daily.

(2)   I remember and remain planted in my purpose. My gifts, talents, and skills have not changed so I have to utilize them even in this. My thought is always how can I use these things to serve the moment and to serve others. I realize that I cannot be anyone other than myself. It does not help anyone for me to operate in a sphere that I am not called into.

(3)   I stay productive. I try to stick to my routine as much as possible. Time is not going to stop because the world is trembling. Keeping a sense of normalcy is helpful. There is so much that is outside of our control so being able to keep a schedule is important to me.

(4)   I get rest. I’m not only talking about sleeping. Don’t feel guilty for needing a reprieve from the world. I am not much of a news watcher but social media has been doing the most as well. On the weekend I am often up for hours without my television even being on. The silence is so refreshing.

(5)   I Laugh. I absolutely love sitcoms. Anybody that knows me knows that my favorite pastime is watching The Golden Girls. I also enjoy watching all of the old sitcoms on Disney+.  I make sure that I make room for laughter, it takes the weight off.

(6)   I hang with my people. I know that COVID-19 has significantly interrupted our social lives. But the great thing about the present is we have Facetime and ZOOM. Throughout these couple of months, I have remained in communication with my people which has been super helpful. Maintaining my community has been essential for me.

These are a few of the ways that have been a constant source of joy for me. We have to make room for joy, especially during this time. It is a valuable asset that I pull upon daily to keep me in a good headspace. I am no good at life if I don’t move from this space. I hope this inspires you to really think about ways to keep your heart lifted. In any way you can I implore you to reflect and be intentional about finding the things in your life that make your heart a little lighter.  

With Love,

Cree

Photos: Taken & Edited by Lucretia Scruggs

Bigger Than Me

My latest read is “Becoming” by Michelle Obama and yes I am a little late to the game. But I appreciate taking my time to read the book, because now I can read without the fanfare. And I absolutely love it, but this post is not about the book but it is about the thinking it has fostered. I never knew that I could relate so much to her life. There are a lot of parallels in our experiences that have caused introspection within me.

Bodysuit: Topshop Jeans: Zara

One of the thoughts that have come to the surface that is virtually always with me is that my purpose is bigger than me. Life can be hard and it’s easy when you’re going through something or living life day to day to forget that things don’t stop with you or ultimately revolve around you. It is one of the things that have really kept me especially when life got its hardest. I realize that my journey and story is not just about me. It’s about what God is doing through me. I realized that I couldn’t give up because someone is going to need me on the other side of what I was facing. It reminds me of how connected we all are and how important it is for us to understand and walk in our purpose.  

I will warn you that pursuing purpose is not easy. You will be challenged and misunderstood, get used to it, the enemy is out to hinder your forward progress. I also warn you not to be complacent, there is always going to be room for growth, don’t be afraid to elevate. This has sometimes been a challenge for me because you will outgrow people and things. It is scary moving from what you have always known to the unknown believe me it’s not comfortable. I always have to remember my why which is not solely about my purpose but how God is going to use that purpose to bless others. Please don’t give up on your purpose because there is someone who needs you to keep going. And for those of us who have walked away from what you know is your purpose or are afraid to pursue that nudge in your spirit, I hope this reminds you that someone needs your gift and light in their lives because it is bigger than us.

With Love,

Cree

P.S. Thank you to everyone that supports me and reminds me of why I keep going.

Summer is not Canceled

I was riding in my car earlier and I thought about something that I had seen on Instagram and it simply said Summer is not canceled. And yes I know summer won’t consist of the same large gatherings and festivals that we are accustomed too, we can find ways to work around it. There are no restrictions on enjoying the outside safely. My church congregation even had a drive-in service for the volunteers (door holders), we had worship in our cars and it felt so good to just be in close proximity with my church family.  Though things are a lot different than we would want, we have to find creative ways to thrive during this time.

Dress: &otherstories Sandals: Steve Madden

One thing that I would implore from everyone is not giving up just because things are different. Life can be generous even when it is tough. We can’t let the moments when things don’t go our way stop of us from moving forward. Like we all know time is not stopping, it keeps going even on the days we can’t quite recall what day it is. Like I always say, we have to make the most of life. And our trials are also great opportunities for us to make the necessary changes that we need to make. Trials expose our blind spots and help us to dig in to the best parts of ourselves. Look at this as an opportunity, as said before, to be creative and find ways to have fun. Summer is supposed to be fun and we can’t allow Corona to put a damper on that fun.

I will be honest it is a little annoying when people are on social media and say things like summer or 2020 is canceled. Challenging times don’t mean that something is canceled, it means that we have to make do with what we have been given. Life was never promised to be easy, and there are going to be tough seasons for all of us even when this season is over. Let us allow this moment to equip us for the challenges to come. So I want us to change our mindset and framework around this time. Let us keep moving forward, loving each other, finding and living in our purpose, and enjoying the sun! I can’t say this enough, it is still going to be Summer my loves and we can’t let this time take that from us.

With Love,

Cree

I Used to Know Her

I have kept a journal/diary since I was a teenager and recently I read over some of my entries as a college student and I realized how much more grace I have for the younger version of myself. I have often looked back over that time and could only see my mistakes while overlooking the human that had made them. I realized I was being so hard on myself. In those words I am now able to see innocence and naiveté. I judged her so harshly without realizing how much she did not know. She was doing the best she could with what she had to work with and I am proud of her. Because that young woman took those experiences, learned from them and became me.

Blouse & Shorts: Old Shoes: Silly Little Habit

If I could speak to my younger self I would say girl you made it. You became everything you wanted to become and then some. God took all of that anguish and pain and turned it into a diamond. You’re going to finally overcome and walk away from that toxic relationship. You’re going to face and heal those broken parts of you. You’re going to learn and embrace your value. You’re going to learn that you are stronger than you think you are. You’re going to understand that every step in your journey was worth it.

That’s the beauty of finding a way to document our lives in writing. Even though I was a little rough around the edges, I was still becoming. A lot of what makes me who I am today are the decisions she made. The times she chose to be brave and to keep going despite the odds stacked against her. I write this not to expound upon the benefits of journaling but to help you see a different version of yourself. Many of us are stuck in limbo because we haven’t forgiven ourselves for past mistakes. We haven’t allowed ourselves to go back and put you back in her shoes and see things from her point of view. We have to remember that we survived and somehow that young woman found a way to make it and become you. Of course we would and should be making different decisions given the information we now have. But give her a break she made it despite not having a clear view of her future.

I hope we all take a moment and tell her thank you and to forgive her. Thank you for surviving and for not giving up. And I forgive you for not knowing and for making that wrong turn, you were doing the best with what you had to work with. Sometimes we have to look back in order to take a step forward. Don’t let your refusal to forgive yourself keep you from living out your purpose and experiencing life at its best. Often times its not others that you need to forgive but yourself. My ability to look back and connect with that moment in my life, touched and healed a part of me, that I didn’t even know needed healing. I am now able to look beyond my mistakes and see the best parts of me, the best parts of me that I will forever keep close to my heart.

With Love,

Cree

Who I Want to Be on the Other Side of COVID-19

If you read my blogs then you are somewhat like me and this time has made you really thoughtful of what it all means to and for your life. I’ve said this many times but I want to be changed and better on the other side of this Pandemic. There are lessons that I want to learn. There is an understanding that I want to take away. One thing that I have noticed is that there is always a theme that runs through all of our lives. Like our mortality, that nothing is guaranteed and that we are ultimately not in control. But for some reason, we often forget these things until we come face to face with them. I believe the novelty of this time is that we are all facing it together, the entire world. Even those of us that remember 9/11, we were affected by it but for those of us that didn’t live in New York or Washington D.C. our lives were touched but sort of kept moving as normal in a lot of ways. The hardships that we face in life are often isolated. We don’t often know someone who is experiencing the same thing as we are at the same time. COVID-19 has really come to every one of our front doors.

Jacket: ASOS Top: Pretty Little Things Jeans: H&M Sandals: Steve Madden Headband: H&M

As scary as this time is I am truly humbled by it as well. My trust and faith in God are at an all-time high because He prepares us for moments like this. Things like this may catch us by surprise but God is never surprised. He has been my keeper through this entire time and I continue to rely on Him for guidance and understanding. I will probably never fully understand the complete providence of this time but I am comforted by God’s presence and the light that He alone provides. I know that I will be forever changed and I want the things that I have so often taken for granted to become sacred to me even when all of this is over. There are those of us who just want things to go back to “normal” to be as they once were. And yes, I want to be able to hang out with family and friends again, go to restaurants, festivals and just be out in the world, absolutely. Our outer way of living will probably return to somewhat normalcy soon but I want my heart to be the hold out for me. I pray to remain grateful for every moment. I pray to be more flexible to the inevitable changes that come with life. I want to be even more generous with my time, gifts and talents. I intend to be more purposeful and intentional as I move through each day. I pray to be mindful of my thoughts and aware of how my actions affect others. I want to always feel connected to others, to understand that we are alike in so many ways.

I know that once we can socialize again we are going to be on an all-time high. Life is going to be fun again, but I pray that the high does not make me lose sight. I realize now more than ever, the blessing of life. The blessings of the privileges that I have in this life. May I always hold them close to my heart.

With Love,

Cree

Why Spring is Becoming My Favorite Time of Year

After a rather rainy and gloomy winter in Atlanta, I was more than happy to see the warmth and sun of Spring. I mean who wouldn’t? But Spring seems to be hitting a little differently this year and it’s not because of the Pandemic. It’s because I’m beginning to really enjoy the feeling of newness that it brings to the atmosphere. It’s like I get a dose of energy and euphoria when Spring comes along. And I think I like it. The added bonus is that my birthday is right in the middle of it. Even with all of this, Spring always held that second-place status to Fall for me until now. I think I’m starting to change my mind.

Headband, Dress: H&M Shoes: Steve Madden

The trees filling with leaves again and the flowers blooming creates a mood like no other. The energy just makes you feel grateful and slightly playful. Life seems a lot less serious and uptight. Spring makes the impossible seem possible and it helps me to dream again. When we first begin to social distance I was a little annoyed that when it finally warmed up I had to be stuck inside. But I realize being stuck inside in the winter with that awful weather would have been super depressing. Having to be sheltered in the Spring helps me to have something to look forward too. It keeps my spirit bright, even when the world seems crazy. Looking outside to full green trees and flowers blooming keeps my attitude positive. No matter how tough you are, winters are not easy to get through. Especially in places where the temperature drops significantly. Winter seems to turn everything black & white and Spring brings life back to color. Spring reminds us that there is joy on the other side of hardship. It reminds us that there is light at the end of the tunnel. And I like to be reminded of the inevitable joy that comes with life. We typically fixate on the lows but the highs help us to be grateful, they help us to live again. I recently wrote a blog post titled add a little Spring. And yet I still had yet to make the connection of the beauty that this season brings.  Spring to me is one big celebration of life, that after a harsh winter, life begins again.  

And don’t get me wrong I love a good boot, but I am a warm weather girl to the core of me. Being able to wear my toes out in a cute sandal is everything! I am loving this year’s trends as well. The square-toed and strappy sandal, the flowery dresses, the monotone striking pinks, blues and yellows are giving me life! It will make it all the better to go outside when we can. I won’t lie online shopping has happened in the quarantine and I can hardly wait to bring these looks to life. So loves I guess my mind has been changed. Spring has sprinkled her magic and I am a believer.

With Love,

Cree

The Body You Always Wanted

As winter turns into Spring and the hotter months are on the way many of us are talking about our summer bodies, the perfect bodies we think we’ll have because we’ve begun exercising for two minutes. No shade, but we’re always looking to temporary fixes when we really need patience and consistency. But I’m not here to write about your summer body but your year-round body. I believe having the body you want starts way before you hit the gym. It’s about embracing and accepting your body for what it is right now. It doesn’t mean that you can’t look forward to being in better shape or exchange your habits to healthier ones. It does mean that you are going to have to embrace your body and shape for what it is currently. For us older gals we may have to accept the fact that our bodies are not going to be the teenage version of ourselves. And for those of us who have born children, we rarely morph back into the exact old version of ourselves. And it’s not all bad. I love my 30+ curves. It makes me feel more like a woman. I will never be a size 0 again. Yes, I was a size 0 lol! And I am okay with that. I will also never have the full curves of Beyonce’ and I am okay with that too. We have to come to terms with the fact that our bodies are what they are, our bodies will evolve, and all of our bodies will do this differently.

Oversized Button Up: Zara (2019); Biker shorts: Boohoo Slingbacks: H&M

It is important that we learn to embrace the current versions of ourselves and stop trying to fit the new you into the old mold. Figure out your new body without comparing it to others. Especially, Instagram photos that are probably edited to perfection. Fall in love with all of you. The more you fall in love with yourself the more you will want to dress her up and treat her well. Learn what compliments your body and shape now. The better you look the better you will feel. Stop waiting for that day when… you don’t have to be in tip-top shape to look and feel good. Stop denying yourself new clothes and get rid of those rags you know you will never fit in again. Please believe me I have been guilty of this as well. When you lose the weight reward yourself with new threads because those old clothes are probably out of style anyway. The better you feel, the more you will feel confident to show up in rooms and spaces as the best version of yourself.

For example, my job changed to an everyday casual work environment. And while that sounds like an opportunity to not have to try for some. I refuse to use it as an excuse to go to work frumpy. And it’s not because I love fashion but embracing my body and style wherever I am gives me confidence. Don’t allow the world to tell you who you should be or shape how you feel you should dress or look. As the world finally turns the tide toward celebrating all bodies, celebrate your own. We don’t have to wait for society to catch up, let us be the change we want to see. Women are doing so many amazing things but we are still allowing society to tell us how to feel about ourselves. Make the vow to be the best version of yourself and that doesn’t mean being the smallest version either. Let’s make a commitment to love ourselves exactly where and as we are. Hot Girl Summer 2020 is on its way!

With Love,

Cree