*Debt Free, Now What?*

I'm so excited to announce I am debt free! Last week I paid off my last student loan 🙌! That was one of the best feelings 2018 could have given me. I told myself this year I would be more selfish and accomplish all the goals I set out for myself. This was one of my biggest because I was working on this for 4 years. And next month will be 10 years since I graduated from college. It was very imperative to me that I completed it.

Even though it took me four years. I believe it could of been completed sooner. However, I was busy doing things for others, and didn't forcus 100% on myself. Let me tell y'all when I did everything changed for me. 

After I became debt free, I immediately started looking at my "WHY" that I wrote  prior to getting out of debt. I had a long list of reasons that gave me something to focus on afterwards. So, now I am gonna list the things I will focus on after debt freedom.

• Get my emergency savings fund fully funded by end of 2018. I'm already halfway there.
• Start a car fund to get another car. My car now is on her last leg. And I need to find a new one soon.
• Increase my retirement savings funds to get that free match 💰! My retirement is automatic by I have to increase my contribution.
• Take more trips and vacations I love traveling. It is my number one passion.
• Save up to start a business. I know in my heart entrepreneur is in my blood. After all I went to school for business. And I love creating and this mixes my two loves together.
• Start an investment fund for my niece and nephew. That will be one of my ways of giving back.
• Start my own charity/non profit for teenagers to find their passion!
• Write a book based on my life and motivation inspiration. This is very long over do this is something I wanted to do in my early 20s.
• Move to another state...I need a change of scenery.
• Invest in my Robo advising account I opened this year. 
• Retire early
• Build my net worth
• Possible purchase a home or rental properties.
• Give, give, give....I am a philanthropist at ❤

If you can live like no one else for a little while. You can live like no one else later. Debt free is the way to be😘

*52 Savings Challenge*

The 52 week savings challenge is an awesome way to save money. I started on my journey around April of this year. And I plan to finish by Nov 3rd of this year. I keep my chart on my refrigerator to keep me motivated daily. Once I complete a week I highlight it from the list. And I also keep track of how much money I have all together. I keep a screenshot on my phone letting me know how much more I need. And sometimes if I know more money is coming I despoit more money in my account. That is the reason why it won't take me a full 52 weeks. Also, I opened an high yield savings account. That way I could make interest off of my money. Instead of having it in a big bank. Next, I added all my CC interest credits to my savings as well. That helped me a lot as well. 

The last thing and most important is to cut out unnessary spending. My biggest ones were eating out. I cook my meals at home now. If you write out your budget and stick to it that will help. I can talk about budgeting later. 

Saving is fun you just have to stay motivated, and know your end goal. I keep myself focused on my savings goals because a smart woman is a financial savy woman. Yes, I had to turn down several trips this year but my main goal was bigger than traveling. Once you have a goal you stick with it like I said. And now come Nov I will have extra funds in my account😁 💰. 

*My Niecey Pooh*

My niece is pretty, funny, and adventurous. I love her to the moon and back!

~Money Can't Buy Everything~

True there are some things money just can't buy. Don't spend your life just chasing after it. There are some people who are rich monetarily, yet are broke and empty in other ways. 

~The Mind Set of Entrepreneur~

This is my mind set while working a day job. I constantly am visioning a way out of the rat race. I know I have super high expectations for myself. An entrepreneur mind is always going. Creating and connecting the pieces of the puzzle. The mind set protects the dream and vision from distractions. The mind set is strong and clearly focused. The mind set is me. 

I am an entrepreneur! If that is your goal you can say it too. 

~Find Your Passion Live Your Passion~

There is no reason we should work our whole lives to fulfill someone else's dreams. Unless that is your dream job and you love it. However, today I am speaking to the majority who have gifts and dreams yet are afraid of stepping out on them. Well today I say no more!!! If you haven't found your passion yet ask your friends and family what they think your gifts are. Try new things to see what excites you. And link up with someone who has found their passion and I guarantee you will find yours too. It's really that simple you don't have to know everything. You can be ignorant and still be on fire. You don't have to have all the pieces to the puzzle either. All you need is confidence and action to start working on your dreams. You will fall but continue to keep pushing. One day your dreams will come true. Stop giving your energy away to something you don't love. It's about time to feed you passion. Doing something you love will free you.

Hey, I know I am not there yet myself. However, I have major goals and I will not stop until I succeed. I am working very hard this year to get my feet warm. Major things are gonna be in the works and I am super duper excited!!! And of course I will be blogging about my journey along the way. Once I make it I want to teach other. And people I teach I want them to be better than me. 

Also, my mentor gave me this bible verse to read. Proverbs 3:6 "In all things acknowledge him, and he shall direct your path." I guess that pretty much sums it up. Trust God and he will lead the way. Life is meant to be joyful and free. Start living life freely my sweet candycanes!

~Steve Jobs & Keys to Success

So I was studying Steve Jobs yesterday. I came across this video about his 7 keys to success.  I decided  to share it will my bloggers. So here they are enjoy and apply them to your life!

1. Do what you love (Passion is everything)
2. Have a clear vision and stick with it, even if you have to give your gift away for free
3. Say no to 1,000 things (you have to reduce the clutter)
4. Kick start your brain (do something new)
5. Sell dreams not products
6. create insanely great experiences
7. master the message (you will be judged on how well you communicate)

 

~Eric Thomas~

Eric Thomas (etthehiphoppreacher) is one of my favorite motivational speakers. I'm posting this video to help you finish this year out with a BANG! I hope you enjoy it, and make sure you watch part 2!

~When Life Gives You Lemons~

~When life Gives you lemons, make lemonade~

Today I went to the refrigerator to get something to drink. What I discovered was nothing was there but milk. I didn't have a taste for milk, that's when I seen my lemons in there. I was like, you know what....I'm going to make myself some lemonade. Wow, if that wasn't the best lemonade I ever tasted!! There is going to be a time when life is going to throw you lemons. Those lemon are going to make you a stronger person if you take the right approach on the situation.

~When life gives you lemons, make the best lemonade you ever tasted~

-Me

~Beyonce~

I love Beyonce, and this video explains how hard work truly pays off.

BTW-four is my favorite number too!

~The Magic Touch~

image: comforttouchmassage.com

So, I was speaking with my cousin the other day, he is currently studying massage therapy in school. It seems like every time he learns something new, he can't wait to tell somebody. I'm usually that somebody that he tells his new found studies too lol. One day he said something to me that I never will forget. He said "my instructor told us that every massage therapist has a different touch. So if a client find a therapist they really love, they should stick with that person." Also, she told the class about how some of her clients use to stalk her for her skills.

The "Magic Touch" is not just for massage therapist. You have the magic touch too, yes I am talking to you. The "you" who is reading this right now. Your magic touch makes the people in your life love you the way that they do. Your magic touch is the skills that you have, your God given talents. Your magic touch is what makes you unique and not like the others. It can be as small as smiling and saying hello to everyone you pass daily.

What is your magic touch?

~Under Construction~

I'm under construction

My Blog is under construction

The season is under Construction



Construction simply means the art, trade, or work of building. Whenever we want to change something in life we work on building ourselves. We are the ones to create our blue print of what we want. We are in charge of our own legacy. We have the power to make things happen. You could be working on constructing a relationship, friendship, lifestyle, higher education, or future dreams. Whatever it is the time is now to do it, because time is ticking and you are still breathing. The year will be over within a blink of an eye (time is tricky).

So will you go under construction with me?

~ The Power of a Dollar~

Have you ever wonder how powerful one dollar is? I mean one dollar isn't nothing but 100 pennies, it's not worth that much right? Nope, that is totally wrong, and today I am going to share with you how powerful one dollar is.

Take one dollar out of your wallet and hold it in your hands. Now think about how many people had this same dollar too. Imagine how people used this dollar...it could have been used for transportation, food, water, and a billion other things. Now look at the same dollar bill and think of how many people gave this very dollar away to someone else. I told you a dollar can mean so much more than what most people can even imagine. This dollar bill could have been someone's last dollar and now it is in your hands.

Yesterday, I was at the library trying to print out a letter and I only had a twenty dollar bill. I asked the librarian for change and she didn't have it. I thought I was about to go on a mission to get a dime to print my letter.

Surprising, I didn't have to step outside the library doors, a nice young lady in front of me asked me how much change did I need. I replied "I only need a dime to print my letter." She said "well here is a dollar keep it." I was so happy and I thanked her for that, without her help I would of been driving around trying to get change. Also, she gave me more than what I needed 90% more at that. I was so elated and than I begin to think how God works miracles through people. This year I have been giving dollars away to homeless people and random people I didn't know just because I wanted to show some gratitude. I started off doing it when I did a Gratitude Challenge with my life-coach, and I haven't stopped after the challenge.

I am so happy the world revolves around in a full circle. Believe me what you give to the universe, it will give right back to you. So that same dollar you have in your hand, I want you to give it away to a stranger. That's right someone you do not know and see how fast that dollar comes back to you. Money never stay in one spot it moves; it is currency and a current means "passing from one to another."

It is your turn to pass the dollar. When you do it leave me a comment and tell me how it goes :)

~Signed Simplycandycane~

~Formula for Success~

By: Motivational Speaker Zig Ziglar's

1) SET A GOAL.
2) WRITE DOWN THE GOAL. DATE IT.
3) LIST OBSTACLES THAT YOU NEED TO OVERCOME.
4) IDENTIFY PEOPLE, GROUPS OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU NEED TO WORK WITH.

5) MAKE A PLAN OF ACTION.

6) IDENTIFY WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.
7) SET A TIME LIMIT.
8) KNOW "WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?"

There is a formula for everything in life and to be successful you need one too. I hope you guys enjoys the formula it makes a lot of sense to me!!

~Time for a Change~

I decide to write about something that has been on my mind for a while now. I think a lot of things that people put up with is because they get use to it and become accustomed to it. Well, the truth is you don't have to put up with it, you can always do better. Change is waiting for you and you need to be ready for it too.

Letting go wouldn't be so hard if we were not so scared of change. Some people stay in mess because they get use to it, and they can't see themselves grow out of it. Instead, they decide to keep running in circles and they don't get nowhere. If those same people took one second and realize that change is a part of life than they wouldn't be stuck in that situation. Life is all about evolving and growing.

You are suppose to be involved and living life because.....

"time waits for no one, and you shouldn't either"


"Dust settles and you don't"

Decide to make the change and make it NOW!!

~Release Me, Better Yet I am Releasing You~

image:satirtraining.org

Have you ever felt like in order to get something, you have to rid yourself of the mess?

Well, if you felt that way you are absolutely RIGHT! In order to go to the next level of where you want to go you have to let go of the MESS. There is no easier way to put it, I have to keep it real with you. I know a lot of people who are waiting for the mess to release them first. Let me tell you, life does not work like that. In order to be successful you have to evaluate the good and the bad. You have to be decisive and make a decision, on what doesn't belong in the equation of your life.

If you do not decide the opportunities that you really want will not come your way. You will be stuck at a crossroad, trying to figure out which way to go. So today decide what kind of mess you need to release it could be: problems, bad habits, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, place of employment, negative relationships, laziness, and drugs. I really don't know what it is for each one of you, but you know what is stopping you.

So, today decide to release that negative energy and reflect on liberation. I honestly believe you have the power to make that move today. Life may have knocked you down with the negative, but you will get up with the positive. You are strong and wise enough to get the best. You deserve better things and in order to get them you have to let something go.

Remember don't wait for "it" to release you, you release it 1st!!

~ Time to release yourself, my Sweet Candy Canes :) ~

~Limitless Goals~

What do you want to do in life? What direction best suits you?

Well, whatever that dream is for you in life remember to set NO LIMITS!! See sometimes we can mentally stop ourselves from wanting more. If you want to hear the true let me tell you "it is OK to DREAM big." Go out in the world and expect to receive the things that you want and the universe will response. I mean if you want a mansion, 5 car garage, your own business, red bottom shoes, long hair, nice figure, a strong family, a closer relationship with God go for it. The truth is nobody is stopping you from living a limitless life so don't you stop yourself from it either.

You better push, and I mean push hard like a mother in labor. If you want to get that baby out, the only way to do that is to keep on pushing. I never heard of a baby coming out in one simple little push. It takes multiply pushes to receive life and one is not going to do. So get ready to get back up and try again, and again, and again. You are capable of maximizing your life, goals, and dreams.

So do not create barriers for your life, instead expect to receive those things that you want. Because if you don't set goals for your life people will play off of that. I want the best for you and you want the best for you too.

Today, I want you to write down your goals on a piece of paper. And next to your goal write how you plan to achieve those goals. Yes, I am giving you an assignment and it will benefit you in life if you do it. I am doing this because I love you and I want the best for you.

~Keep Striving my Sweet Candy Canes and remember to do it with no limits~

~I Will Not Stay Here~

Have you you ever felt like you were missing something in life? It's like cooking something but it's missing one ingredient, and without that missing substance the taste is bland. Well, in life you can have the same kind of taste when you are lacking something. If you are a bland person you are not a dynamic person. A dynamic person always has something going on in their life and they are full of joy. They're always going somewhere and trying new things. They do not let life or anybody stress them out and believe me these people are well seasoned. You do not have to give them a taste test. They are always on point and they will stay on point.

I know you don't want to live a bland life and I certainly don't want to either. Especially, when we are able to dream BIG, think BIG, and receive BIG things. That's exactly what we are going to do. We will not stay in the same mindset as we did before.

Instead, we will recognize what we want and how to get it. We may be here now, but soon WE WILL NOT!!

~Do Not Depend On A Second Chance~

"You don't always get a second chance, so make the right decision the first time."

-My Aunt Vanessa

image: Wikipedia.org

I am going to teach you something and I hope it sticks with you for the rest of your life. And that lesson is the quote I posted above. I know in society it may seem like second chances are everywhere, but life is no video game. There are not short cuts, extra men, and quarters to add to the machine when you mess up. Sometimes all you have is one shot and that is it, and that can either make you or break you. The great part about this is YOU ultimately have the power to choose what you want.

Yesterday, I watched an amazing documentary on ESPN about a famous college basketball star by the name of Len Bias. As soon as I got done watching it I knew I was going to blog about his message. You see Len Bias was an extraordinary basketball player for the University of Maryland in the 80s. He was also drafted to play for the Boston Celtics and was the second overall pick. Len Bias was even compare to the superstar Michael Jordan.

Although, Len Bias was so talented he never got the chance to play in the NBA. He died 48 hours after he was drafted from cardiac arrhythmia. Len Bias was so excited about his victory he wanted to celebrate with his friends back on his college campus. That fatal day he overdose on cocaine (most say it was his 1st time using the drug) and had a seize and stopped breathing. A star in the making was gone to soon, but I believe his story shares a special purpose today.

You see Len Bias made a decision that night that caused him his life and dream. He was only 22 years old and was on the verge of making history. What if Len Bias was the next Michael Jordan? We will never know that outcome because of the wrong decisions that were made that fatal night.

Do you get the message? Do you see how one decision can cause you your life without a second chances? Do you understand the impact it can cause to the people who love you? In life you can not give into peer pressure, you have to have a mind of our own. You have to learn how to stick with your decision and not give in. You have to be strong when the going gets rough. You have to stay on our P's and Q's. And most importantly you have to make the right decision the 1st time.

~How to Get Out your own Way~

I decide to do a book review on Tyrese's book "How to get out your Own Way" If you read my previous post you will know why I purchased the book if you didn't read it click here. I got his book the Hard copy at Borden and Noble's at the mall last month, I read it in a week. I can say this book is really good I have recommended it to my co-workers, family, and friends. Some people even came up to me to ask what I was reading. When I told them they wrote the name down so they could purchase it for themselves.

I feel the title speaks for itself...have you ever though you were holding yourself back? If the answer to you question was "yes" you are absolutely right. I always say "The only person stopping you from being you is "YOU." You can not blame your family, the economy, your professor or your boss for your life. The only person that is you can blame is yourself, yes the person that is staring back at you in the mirror. Often times we block ourselves from the blessings God wants for us. We do it out of fear sometimes or other times out of ignorance because we don't know. So when you learn this and start blaming yourself you will see that things begin to unfold. You will really get an eye opening experience because you will realize the power lies within you.

In the book Tyrese tackles commitment to your goals, hustling, why cheaters cheat, the circle of five friends, how actions speak louder than words, finding your purpose and much more.

I am going to share a part of the book I like.

"You should expect a lot of people to say no. But don't get discouraged, because when one door closes it means that door wasn't for you, or that could mean that the timing for your idea wasn't right."

-Gibson, Tyrese. How To Get Out Your Own Way. 2011 (222)