Self-Assessment: Do you know how powerful your thoughts are?

Is Fear Controlling Your Life? 🤔

Scriptures say 'Be of good faith your faith has made you well'. But is fear, doubt and insecurities still holding you back?

Now, now.. we can't blame everything on COVID-19, can we? It always amazes me when I have conversations with people and they say “oh I could never do that”, “Oh, you’re doing cool things, that’s for you not me”. Or similar self-limiting responses. I’m not writing this blog as if I’m the DON of life or 'I’ve arrived, here’s how to be a hot shot'. No. I realized how some of my thoughts were keeping me in chains. If you’re in a similar place, let’s get into it! 

First things First, How to tell if you’re living in fear:

1. Do your Thoughts control your actions?

This is a big one. I saw this saying “Sow a thought, reap a deed. Sow a deed, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny.” In Millennial Translation, this means in order to do a thing you have to first think it. If you can see it, you can achieve it. Your thoughts lead to attitudes; attitudes lead to actions; actions lead to those achievements. It all begins with the thought life. Your achievements will be the sum total of your thoughts.

2. You’re a perfectionist. ‘

If you strive to make sure that everything is perfect, then you might be living in fear. If you weigh alllllll the cost of doing something or not before you move forward, you’ll be hesitate on taking any action at all. It’s healthy to weigh the pros and cons of a decision, especially big ones. It’s unhealthy to become paralyzed over them. Perfectionism is a sneaky little devil because your life will be controlled by what you cannot do and how you might fail.

3. A risk? Oh no! You never go outside your comfort zone

Living in fear means you won’t take as many risks either. Where some people will do courageous things, (like quitting a job they’re very unhappy at, choosing peace instead of drama, speaking up for themselves, breaking off a toxic relationship, moving to a new state/country, starting a business, starting a new work-out/going to the gym, learning how to do their makeup, the list goes on) you might feel more comfortable playing it safe or going about things the same way you always have. I’m not saying life is all about newness, adventure or excitement, but every once in a while, it’s OKAY to take a chance on something you’ve never done or is out your comfort zone. Yes, this could be a personal preference. Or it could be a sign of cowardice. Which one is it for you? 

4. Procrastination…it hurts typing it too 😅

We all have priorities. Easy tasks or much harder ones. If you love to procrastinate and choose it each and every time, this could be a tell-tell sign that… *you guessed it* you are living in fear.  I mean, some could be laziness or.. it could be the latter. Some tasks you need a certain level of energy for and postponing to a later time may be most advantageous, I get that and I’m not referring to that. We all know what procrastination is so I won’t get into the details. 

5. Are you constantly playing the blame-game?

It’s easy to push our hopes, desires and dreams aside when we have excuses: My job/school overwhelms me, I don’t have the money or the resources, I don’t have time. Or blaming your family or friends for past hurts and transgressions. I know the pain and scars are real. And I also know... it’s time for healing. If you’re looking for a sign, this is it. If we continue to hide behind blame and excuses, we will stay hidden forever. And this negative feeling will be driving your life. Disrespectful, right? 

These are the top 5 reasons that most affected me. There are several more, but for the sake of time, we’ll end here. So why is fear dangerous? 

I’m glad you asked. Fear is dangerous because if we let it, it will keep us locked up in the prison of the comfortable and predictable, which prevents us from reaching our true potential. Living in fear causes a double conundrum where you’re unfulfilled with the status quo yet afraid to pursue anything better. 

I am in no way diminishing the very real effects of anxiety and mental health. I am an advocate for counseling, therapy, exercise, good diets, and making sure you’re putting your best foot forward daily. I understand this could be tricker for others, but I know we are meant to live a life free of unhealthy limitations and stressors. The way I choose to look at life is that it happens FOR me, NOT to me. Truly understanding and accepting this concept is the first step to fulfillment. When you put an end to the blame game and start letting God be God in your life, endless possibilities open up to you.

What helps me:

• As I mentioned, I am proactive about my life. Not reactive. Life happens for me, not to me.  I prioritize my faith and my ability to walk with the Holy Spirit. Jesus enables me to understand bits and pieces of the future and plan accordingly. If there is something unexpected that comes along the way, I know it’s nothing surprising for God and soon I will be back on my merry way. 
• Be Growth-Minded. People often give up on what they want because they believe that reaching their goal is beyond their abilities. You don’t believe you deserve a life of peace and joy? Welp, you won’t have it. You don’t believe you’re called for greater? Welp, maybe you’re not. How could you change your life if your goals are unattainable? Most successful people have gone through many obstacles, and many of them don’t have a fixed mindset. They stay flexible and when a setback comes, they overcome it. Simple. Always always always seek a solution. Don’t stay at a problem. 
• ADAPT. We are built to adapt. Whether good or bad, experiences are meant to teach you one thing or another about yourself and the world around you. 
• Lastly, be PRESENT. Live in the moment. Stop missing your life. Put your phone down. Step away from the computer. Take up a new hobby. Meet new people. Start living instead of worrying.

Still don’t know if your thoughts are holding you back? If you want to know what is in your heart, just listen to what escapes your mouth. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). There is a fierce battle raging for the control of your mind. But, let me tell you something wonderful. God created you SO marvelously where you can’t think two things at one time. So how do you keep from thinking what’s wrong? Just think what’s right. 

YOU GOT THIS! WE GOT THIS! 2021 is yours for the taking! If God is for you, no one can be against you. WHO BABY? No oneee 🗣

WHAT'S FOR YOU, WILL ALWAYS BE FOR YOU!!!💙

🎉A Testimony into God's Faithfulness: Acceptance to Columbia University + Exciting New Chapter 🎉

This blog is very different than my last, but they were written with the same heart. 

We hear this all the time, but let me start with this truth…. DELAYED DOES NOT MEAN DENIED. Again, a delay in your dreams, goals, the vision God has placed in your heart, that promotion, the next step, that healing, whatever it is… IT’S NOT DENIED, it’s already yours for the taking. It is on the way. It’s not a matter of IF it’s going to happen, it’s WHEN. The question is…are you ready to receive it? 

All of my posts have been written but it was on my heart to include a video for this entry. I wanted to share the full testimony because it’s been QUITE the journey. I also wanted it to be very personal and encouraging. I missed out on some details, but overall, the gist is there!

The purpose of this post is not to boast or brag about accolades, but to share God’s goodness and faithfulness. This post is for all my friends around the globe, whether you’re a believer in Christ or not. If you haven’t read my previous post or watched the accompanying video, start with that. 

I was cut off towards the end but THANK YOU FOLLOWING THIS TESTIMONY!!

Again, I want to reiterate…

Don’t stop watering your plant because we don’t have the luxury to determine when it’ll produce fruit. I’ve always believed that when God blesses your neighbor, that means He’s in your neighborhood! Don’t be afraid to share your testimony. It’s not prideful or arrogant. 

I’ve been blessed within the last TWO months with opportunities I was literally striving for the last EIGHT MONTHS! (To all my Type As: I know it's a hard pill to swallow. But sometimes, we need to LET GO and LET GOD. As cliche as it may sound, Rome wasn't built in a day. Relax, reset and remove your hand.)

Striving did nothing. I'm not saying to become lazy or stop being proactive but recognizing when it's time to let your efforts do its thing, is key. I surrendered my will, ambition and plans to God and His timing. I removed my hand and was blessed with cushion job offers to Fortune 5 companies, acceptance into an Ivy, and the opportunity to serve students and communities, however, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the favor, grace and peace God has bestowed on me in this season and the last. I went from feeling extremely rejected and completely overlooked to getting hand picked out of hundreds of applicants. The director told me this year they had a record high number of applicants and I was ONE out of SEVEN that was accepted into the program. Literally, all Jesus. Talk about FAVOR!!!

THIS IS ALL MY FATHER. Yes, Ashley is smart. Yes, Ashley has an amazing background. BUT…

Me, in myself, cannot take the glory for any of these things. I have been led, provided for, protected and inspired each step of the way which enabled me the strength to accomplish all of these things. This, along with, receiving very clear visions and dreams allowed me to remain encouraged and steadfast, even in silent and dry seasons.

I know I am called to impact hundreds of thousands of people (Spoiler Alert: we all are) and I cannot even scratch the surface of my calling without Him. I don’t like speaking about myself nor being the center of attention. I know I don’t have to be. In all honesty, I still struggle with Imposter Syndrome. But the fact of the matter is: God places us in high positions and equips us along the way to achieve extraordinary things. We all have the ability and privilege to partner with God to save souls and change the world. Now, how that looks is different for each and every one of us. But you do have the responsible to STEP out and accomplish God’s will for your life. 

Matthew 7:7-8, says “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

This is not just a cute verse. THIS IS A PROMISE. And ALL of God’s promises should be received with a YES and AMEN. (2 Cor 1:20)

No ifs, ands or buts. 

And if He didn’t make Himself clear enough… John 7:38 goes on to say “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” He is very clearly saying to His children that He WILL FULFILL ALL of His promises. He keeps every last one of them. It’s just a matter of when. 

This isn’t just for me! It’s for ALL of us! We have to remain submitted to achieve what God has already willed. God has already set you up. In high places, I’ll add again. The Bible says 'He has already prepared a table for you in front of your enemies' (Psalm 23:5). But get this, it’s not just for your enemies. He has already prepared a way for you to impact your community, family, friends, co-workers, students, your job, industry, all that. 

In addition, we have ALREADY been blessed with ALL spiritual blessings in the Heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3). Listen Family, you don’t have to wait till you get to Heaven to experience abundance and all God has for you here on earth. That’s what this verse means! Be sensitive to your spirit and move when it says MOVE. Be still, when it says be still. Most importantly, do not put God in a box. It is no longer the time to think small or to even put yourself in a box. We are meant to live extraordinary lives and the world is waiting for you to walk in your God-given rights and authority. 

He takes the broken pieces and turn them into glory. I LOVE this. I listened to Champion by Dante Bowe every other day! This song got me out of anyyyyy mood I was in. So worth the listen 😉

P.S: My DMS are always open. Received what you just watched/read? Let me know! 

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With love always💋