Category: Self Growth

Where In The World Is Dagny

It is finally time for me to come back to YouTube. I am so excited to be filming again and to share all my new content. So, first, where in the world I have been?

As of filming this clip, I have been living and working in Accra, Ghana for one whole year. Crazy, right? The growth I have experienced during this journey is really wonderful, which is why now is the perfect time to share my adventures and tips. Check out the video for my life updates, new content coming to my channel, and all that good stuff.

November 10, 2019
Connect the Dots between You and the Boss

To work for the boss or be the boss, that is the question. As the work environment continues to shift with the changes in demand, preference, and technology, measuring the value of your time, skills, and opportunity is updating as frequently as your favorite smart phone software. So, what should be your main priority? Connecting the dots. Let’s talk about it.

The notion that if you do not focus on building your dream, someone will hire you to build theirs is true, to an extent. You can learn how to leverage both transitions. When you are working for or with someone else, you can pick up a lot of skills, contacts, and indirect mentors while assisting their goal. Depending on your personality, this can be easy or daunting. The key is not to get lost. Always connect the dots between what you are doing now to where you want to be.

The timing in how long you need to connect the dots and when you feel you are where you want to be varies. Life does have a sense of humor and you will always be the focus of the joke. Maybe that perceived dead end is where the open door is located, if you just turned on the light. Just keep reminding yourself to stay active. But also release control. I will admit that I have the challenge of holding on to things for the sake of committing to finish it and letting go of things for the sake of avoiding rejection. Promise, I’m working on it.

As you maintain that focus, the dots become clearer to connect. If you can honestly say you have been doing the work…the real work…consistently, then there is no reason to doubt or be anxious about where you are right now. You are probably doing better than you realize.

Now, what about the future of the office space. Well, according to this Medium article co-working spaces, official and unofficial, are the future for office space. Apparently, by the year 2030, over half of the workforce will be freelance in some way. Can you believe that is almost only 10 years! What does this mean? Flexibility is key. I find this really fascinating because it encourages us to refocus how we measure our value. My work or contributions are not based on a desk. They are based on my brilliance. A project or job can transform into a career with multiple branches connecting multiple industries. This really pushes us to think outside of the box. The career you are building now possibly did not exist 10 years ago and might look very different 10 years from now. Embrace it.

I will admit that I learned all of this as I was experiencing it. With all the books I have read and advice I have listened to, I feel the main thing that has kept me showing up is having faith that what is for me will not pass me. Your attitude makes the difference. How are you navigating your career? Do you have any tips to add? Share with me in the comments. We can all learn from each other.

Also, remember to connect with me on Instagram and Twitter. I would love to hear from you.

July 10, 2019
Why Self Love Leads To Success

It feels as if we are all searching for the perfect self-love routine. Bouncing back and forth between striving for a work-life balance and accepting you are not the only one out here who has no idea what they are doing. This never-ending cycle of deep quotes, trending starter kits, and virtual gurus makes me wonder if we are really making progress, or just (again) passively consuming what is convenient. I believe there is no one-size-fits-all answer to self love, but there is plenty of room for us to dig deeper to nurture our souls and refine our perspective in life.

Loving yourself should go beyond material things. It is fine to use quotes, incense, crystals, bubble baths, etc, but be careful of not getting so caught up in creating your self-love package that you forget to hold yourself accountable. Do you also meditate and journal? Are you taking your exercise and eating routine seriously? Are you being intentional with who and what you surround yourself with? Do you speak honestly to yourself?

The thing is, you can consume enough personal development information to last you several lifetimes. The key is how you implement that information. This is where trusting the process comes in. Being optimistic does not always have to correlate with being naive. Rather, I believe it means having strength in keeping the faith. Trust that everything will work out to your benefit as long as you honestly do your part. Heal the baggage you never realized you were carrying. Reflect on the lessons you have learned with every win and failure. Love yourself. Not just the persona you share with the public, but every aspect of your soul.

Once you do this, it will feel like abundance is falling out of the sky. I really feel that all of the blessings and opportunities that we wish for and have yet to imagine are already ours. They are all lined up waiting for us to be ready to receive them. When you love yourself and allow your mindset to evolve, you are open to receive all the good you deserve and know how to use it. So, go ahead and take that risk. It will all be worth it in the end.

What have you found most helpful in enhancing your level of self love? Let me know in the comments below.

I have to mention how much I love these shoes. I found them at the Souk in Marrakech. Aren’t they fabulous!! I have a thing for shoes that are fun and elegant. They are so comfortable and I love the unique pattern.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Sweater: The Limited; Pants: ASOS; Shoes: Souk in Marrakech; Earrings: Souk in Marrakech

August 16, 2018
How To Refresh Your Life

A fresh start should not only be reserved for new year’s resolutions. It can also be at the beginning of a season, the end of a month, or the middle of a week. We all blossom at our own pace, so why not refresh on our own schedule? If you are feeling stuck, bored, or just going with the motions of your daily routine, it is probably time to consider refreshing your life. Here are some tips to get started.

Make a list of topics you want to learn about. Learning something new or mastering a craft helps you exercise different parts of your brain and body that might have been dormant for a while. I am always picking up knowledge or skills, from history to technology to food to style. Sometimes, I will admit, it feels random. When will any of this be relevant? That is not the point. You should do this for you. For pure joy. Explore some videos and blogs on the subject, then pick up some books to dig deeper. Make it a project to pick up a new skill that you enjoy. This will help you use your extra time productively instead of dwelling on being bored or feeling stuck.

Eat for your health instead of your hunger. As trendy as healthy eating is now, it still takes a proactive effort to maintain wholesome eating habits. Not only do you have to plan meals, you also have to pay attention to ingredients and packaging. As we all know, most advertising bends the truth. To stay motivated, clarify your eating priorities. Do you know what your body needs to be healthy? or are you just hungry for a certain figure? or are you just hungry? My relationship with food has gone through some changes as I have tried to balance my health, which has all been a learning experience. Food should always make you feel good. Explore new recipes. Visit your local farmers market. Host picnics or dinners with your friends and family. If you understand how to use it, food can heal more than you know.

Grow stronger in faith. Feeling stuck usually has something to do with our connection with faith. Whether you are religious, spiritual, or a hybrid, being aligned with believing in something bigger than yourself can really support your life. It can provide guidance, clarity, and community. Meditation and affirmations are a great way to find balance and clarity at your own pace. At the moment, I am searching for podcasts to enhance my affirmations and faith. There are so many resources out there for every belief. This is not something you can be passive with. Take time to breath and pay attention to what you are drawn to.

Bring closure to the past. I know I have mentioned this before, which is why it is so important. Holding on to the past will always make you feel stuck. It will block you from seeing how far you have come and all the opportunities ahead. Instead of suppressing past hurts or mistakes, reflect on what is bothering you and bring closure to it. Journal about it. Talk to someone about it. Then let it go. I mean really let it go. You need to make room for your blessing. Do not allow your past to hold you hostage.

How are you refreshing your life? What would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: The Wrap Life head wrap; New York & Company leather jacket; H&M dress; Modern Vintage sneakers

January 27, 2017
What is Behind the Power of Kindness
There are times when I am sure you wonder how kindness can survive in a world full of suffering. After all of the scars we pick up from life, how could there be any room for kindness to breath. To be honest, kindness takes an effort to maintain. It is easy to give in to the feelings of betrayal and sadness. We then shield ourselves to prevent us from getting hurt. It is that shield that we need to pay attention to. Even though it helps to protect our heart, it can also block it. Here are some tips to balance that shield.

There is a quote about crossing oceans only for people who care about you. I feel that method limits your heart. It is not about being a door mat, but you cannot allow an unknown response determine your behavior. Being generous with your effort and kindness will always bring good karma back to you, regardless of how the other person reacts to you. We hesitate to do this because we get attached to what we are giving. Have you noticed how you might not think twice about sending a donation, but will talk yourself out of personally caring for someone else when there is no guarantee the kind gesture will be reciprocated? You need to re-focus that attachment. Understand that your kindness is not shared for others to like you, but to help make the world feel less cold.

Life can freeze your heart without you realizing it. I sometimes joke that I have the heart of a 5-year-old and the memory of an elephant. Thus, I care too much, I feel everything very deeply, and I get hurt more often than people realize. Subconsciously, I found myself building a bigger shield and then wondering why I felt haunted by dark clouds. My shielded comfort zone was suffocating and consistently blocked me from opportunities. It might sound selfish, but being open with your kindness is not only about what you do for other people. It is about being a better you. I feel we were all given gifts to share through kindness. My heart has not grown a day older and my memory has not faded, but I am learning how to embrace my gift and share it in a way that protects me without holding me hostage.

How have I done this, you ask? For 2016, I feel like I have pushed outside of my comfort zone further than I have ever done in my life. By initiating conversations, extending invitations, and just showing up, I created opportunities to share my kindness. It can be a subtle thing, like giving a compliment, or a bigger thing, like volunteering your time. None of it is based on how others respond, but just a simple gesture to show you care.

Once you master this gesture of open kindness, you will definitely want to broaden your horizons. Here are some initiatives to check out:
- The Compliment Project: canvas your community in compliments to share kindness.
- Do Something: join a campaign to impact social change.
- TakePart: Learn about news and lifestyle to take action.
The shield you build for your heart should protect it to live longer, not block it from its purpose. The power behind kindness connects us to be a better person individually and make the world a more loving place collectively. How are you sharing kindness? Do you know of any other initiatives to add to the list? Let me know in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: H&M blazer; New York & Company vest; The Limited blouse; The Limited pants; DSW shoes; Vintage scarf; Aldo earrings; DSW purse
November 20, 2016
How To Have An Innovative Life + JORD Wood Watch Giveaway

Being innovative and thinking outside of the box are not only for inventors and historical figures. It is actually important to incorporate this type of thinking in your everyday life. It is easy to slip into a monotone lifestyle with responsibilities and challenges, which leads to feeling unsatisfied or disappointed. To avoid this, I make a point to surround myself with people and things that enlighten and inspire me. Recently, I was introduced to JORD Wood Watches, who are innovative with the business and design of their lovely watches for men and women. As a great and stylish example, I want to share with you the importance of surrounding yourself with innovation and how JORD Wood Watches is part of that. Make sure you scroll to the end to enter a JORD Wood Watches giveaway.

In a time where we have access to so many resources to implement any idea, it takes more effort to not become overwhelmed or just settle. This is why I feel it is important to surround yourself with inspiration: examples of others who made it happen and things that represent what you value. Understand that feeling uncomfortable is what will push you beyond feeling overwhelmed, if you accept it. Ideas that are easily accepted by others are not big enough. It might work, but it will not satisfy your desire and purpose as would an idea that others think is crazy. It is that challenge that will create something incredible rather than something convenient.

This is why I am so excited to share with you JORD Wood Watches. Each of their hand-crafted wood watches tell a story. I am wearing their Frankie Zebrawood & Navy watch. JORD only uses whole wood stock to create these watches. I love the pattern of this wood because it has so much character. It is like the imprint of a fascinating life. The large blue face is made with sapphire glass and feels modern and sleek. I love how this unique watch combines bohemian and polished style.

To me, this cool watch is part of an incredible idea. This is the type of innovation that can shake off life’s struggles and inspire an enlightening conversation. As simple as it looks, this mindset can really make an impact in your life. Taking the time to recognize and appreciate the innovation within and around you can help keep positivity a priority in your life. This wood watch is not just about style, it is about making a statement with substance.

Now, JORD is hosting a contest just in time for your Christmas list, because some of us do check off gifts before Thanksgiving or during Black Friday…right? All you have to do is fill out your name and email to enter to win a $75 e-gift code to shop JORD watches. Everyone else will receive a $20 e-gift code. It is a win-win for everyone! With so many unique women’s and men’s watches to choose from, you will definitely find something to treat yourself or a loved one. The contest ends December 1st. Click here to enter. Good luck!

Let me know which JORD watch is your favorite?

As 2016 is coming to an end, we all are reflecting on what we want to add and dismiss in our lives. How are you surrounding yourself with innovation? Let me know in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: JORD watch; Vinti Couture earrings; DSW shoes; T.J.Maxx purse; H&M blazer; The Limited blouse; Not Your Daughter’s Jeans pants

This post was sponsored by JORD Wood Watches

Unique Watch

November 7, 2016