This series is inspired by Brunch on Chestnut.

January — the time for new beginnings, awakened adventures, and the shedding of old habits to be replaced by new ones.

I feel like as I’ve gotten older, I’m really starting to appreciate the beginning of new years.

Even though last year I was a bit fed up with the pressures of new years resolutions, this year, I feel a little differently. I’m taking time to reflect and create a plan for who I want to be, and that means creating these inspirational mood boards in the beginning of each month. Still a little shook (and terrified) that we’re bringing in the new year in less than a few days. Man, 2019 really went by so fast - and I definitely have mixed feelings towards it.

New Years Resolution

There’s so much I want for myself in 2020. Better health, more wealth, but especially more confidence and kindness to myself. It’s coming to that point where a lot of my friends are going back to school or advancing in their careers, and our paths are starting to deviate from one another. We’re not on the same playing field and level as we once were in college or even as fresh grads — and now, almost so quietly I didn’t even realized it was happening, we’re becoming different people. With different interests and skills sets and values. And not in a sad way, where we’re growing apart. No, more in a thoughtful way, like just understanding that we all have our own calling — some more financially rewarding then others and some more emotionally. Either way, with all of these noticed differences come the tendency to compare and frankly be insecure in my own path. And I hate that I feel that way.

This past fall, I unlocked the power of words and how important it is to speak God’s truth and life into your circumstances — and it really unlocked some powerful things. For the first time in my life, I felt so secure and sure in the promises God had for me. And it’s honestly been so breath-takingly incredible. I really want to tap more into that this year.

Word for the year: Create

For the past 3 years or so, God has been placing a word in my heart that I’ve meditated on for the year. I link everything that I do to it, and it’s more of a red-line reminder than a resolution to make sure that I’m focused. A lot of the time these words bring awesome revelations about myself that I didn’t even realize.

In 2017, my word was live. And I felt like God wanted me to really enjoy moments and relish in who He had created me to be, instead of being so caught up and enamored in what I lacked. It was such an incredible year and I truly enjoyed my time and found myself in some really incredible moments.

In 2018, my word was learn. I felt like it was time for me to sit back and heed guidance and lessons. In that year, I took time to learn from anyone or any experience I encountered - books, youtube videos, podcasts, sermons, my professors, pastors, friends, situations, everything. And I just gained all of this knowledge and began to apply it.

Last year, surprisingly, He didn’t give me a word. When I sought out for it, nothing came to mind - and although at first I thought it was strange - it made sense as the year went on. I realized He wanted me to take a step back and realize what I lacked and what was missing… which uncovered so much self doubt and spiritual bondage that had been hidden for so long. I did a self-analysis and decided to fast shopping for a year (I know lol) and by doing that, it allowed me to uncover so many generational curses that my family and I have had with finances. I also took a leap of faith and did a freedom group at my church, which helped me uncover all of the death and anxiety that I speak over myself and my situations when I feel insecure or doubtful.

This year, I feel as if God is giving me the word create.

And I’m actually really excited — because I think I actually have stopped creating. Especially, when it comes to this blog. Currently, there are so many drafts of blog posts from 2019 that were never “perfect” enough to publish. So many great ideas that I talked myself out of because I wasn’t sure if it would work. So many pictures I never published, so many things I never designed — and now’s the time to put that all behind me and truly envelop God’s word for me. That’s why I started the year with the video of my 2019 recap — something that I normally would have spent so much time perfecting that it would be irrelevant by the time I was ready to put it out.

So I have a goal to create something every week — whether that’s a blog post, a piece of artwork, a poem, a DIY project, a video — I just want to make sure I’m creating.

On My Calendar

January is such a busy month! I’m going to be starting a partnership with Yoga Works, where I’ll be practicing yoga at their studio for the next 3 months! I’m actually very excited but also a little nervous. I’ve always wanted to be yoga-bae, but never had the patience to stick around long enough to actually learn the flow and see results. I’m hoping with this commitment, I’ll be able to really grow in my flexibility and strength.

Tristan and I’s 5-year anniversary is coming up on the 25th of the month. Our dates are usually very chill and normally involve a movie of some sort (ok but seriously Studio Movie Grills are awesome) and it actually doesn’t upset me one bit. I’m just excited to spend time with him and recap on what a crazy journey these 5 years have been.

At work, it’s our quarter end but also the beginning of the year - which means preparing the quarterly materials and attending our annual sales and marketing meeting that’s about 3 days.

Also super excited for January because MLK — which means your girl gets a 3 day weekend smack dab in the middle of the chaos. No trips planned for January like last year (sad) but still plan to have fun.

Inspired By

I don’t know if it’s because we’re coming off of fall and winter, but I have been so into blazers, lately. White blazers, tan blazers, casual blazers, chic blazers, business blazers - all things blazers. And I love it - such a fun corporate babe vibe.

I recently picked up this beautiful camel colored one from Express, but the stitching is already coming out (smh) so I may return it and try to find a similar one at the thrift store. But I’m also really lazy, so I may just keep it and just deal with it.

Besides blazers, I’ve also been on the hunt for the perfect work heel — super cute but also super comfortable and something that screams “boss babe” with killer style. I found some really pretty ones at DSW that were on sale. They’re a gorgeous tan color with a comfy block heel. Which gets me thinking, should I put together a roundup of affordable and comfy work heels?

I mean if we’re being honest, long gone are the days where we suffer in the name of beauty. Why can’t I look like a corporate bae and feel comfortable at the same time, darn-it?! Still laughing at the comment I read somewhere about how heels were a misogynist invention to keep woman handicapped in times of trouble. I wouldn’t go thaaat far, but I am a huge advocate for beauty and comfort combined.

Home Happenings

Now that I have my apartment living room officially planned out, it’s time to buy furniture! I recently purchased my couch when I was in Dallas and it should be getting delivered by the end of this week (yay!). I’m trying to wait until it’s here and actually in my space before I start buying decorations for it (ie. accent pillows and throws), but it’s been so hard because I’m finding the cutest things at target! Also, totally inspired by this painting from target - and will either purchase them or do my own DIY rendition of them!

I also have officially set up my kitchen (which I will show later) and it looks so homey and cozy and makes me want to actually cook in there!

I’m also finally coming to terms with the low lighting situation in my new apartment. There’s this big tree that blocks the light from flooding into my apartment like it should be, and although at first it was really upsetting, I’m learning how to pray and design my way to a solution. I’ve started thanking God for the tree, and declaring life and light into my apartment. I’ve also switched around the layout of the apartment, and am planning to add some decor features to brighten up the space (think lots of mirrors, a light and airy color palette, and a disco ball to reflect light through out the room).

And that’s all the inspo for this month, friends! As always, thanks for tuning in. Excited for another year journey with you.

Keep Creating,
- The Corporate Queen

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