Mantra for July - Cultivate Connection
This morning as I was on a long walk with my labradoodle puppy, Zoey, I looked over my right shoulder and saw the rolling hills of Austin from the pedestrian bridge downtown.
It isn’t common for me to stop and pause, I felt like this moment was one to capture and also one to get connected. I immediately turned off my music, set a timer for 5 minutes, and parked myself on a bench to sit and be still.
As I began contemplating I heard the sounds of birds, the breath of runners, and realized the vast space in the environment around me. I realize that having strategic pauses in my life get me the most clear in choosing the next step to take on my journey albeit with my business, side-hustle of Own I.T., a LLC and non-profit to enroll and evolve rising leaders in the cybersecurity industry, and most importantly (and often the last on my list), personal direction.
I LOVE the beginning, middle, and end of the month. It is a reminder for me to reflect, shift, set goals, and create intentions and actions for what I want to have happen.
If ANYTHING were possible, whether is it obtaining a new skill OR starting the relationship you want, a more improved one with yourself, finances, or a significant, the time is now to create.
After walking Zoey for 3 miles, I chose to take some alone time to focus on goals, doing the little and big tasks I’ve put off the rest of the week, and getting clear on the list of achievements to celebrate from the previous week.
Saturdays are my day off. I choose to work on projects and it takes an act of Congress for me not to schedule the day fully or set timers on myself. So today I choose to only schedule a double-sweat and time to spend with friends, everything else is creative and extra.
I decided to take my creative juices on a walk to downtown, to enjoy Houndstooth coffee, and tackle the projects and “adulting” responsibilities I’ve been holding off on. As I was standing in line thinking about how good the Taco Deli breakfast taco (Jess Special, avocado, eggs, and also named after me) would taste, I got clear that the month of July for me is about connection.
That means everything I do will be to allow space and create from the intention of connection. I notice how segregated I try to lead my life...yoga girl over here, cyber Bey over there, diva hustler boss babe there, and lastly, 27 and running from personal romantic relationships over there...yup, I admit it, getting “tied down” at 27 actually brings me the most fear. You see, I know that in my life when I get uncomfortable or are avoiding significant transformation or change, I travel. Ever since the end of February when I discovered I wanted to quit my first job, move to a new city, start a new job, and launch a non-profit, I began traveling A LOT. Now that this is no longer a secret, I feel free to share that the luxurious lifestyle painted on social media is not aligned with reality or how I actually am dealing with challenges and triumphs through this transition and monumental growth phase in my life. The past week I began cleansing. This looked like removing dating and social media apps from my phone, eating cleaner, sweating more, and getting present to the input and output in my life to live in a more conscious and intentional manner.
I have always wanted to blog. What held me back was the opinions of others or impact from others reading the hidden truth. This is a space and access to vulnerability. My intention is connection and this vehicle is the most authentic way to allow family, friends, and others a window into the personal discoveries, obstacles, and possibility created in my life. As I began a movement, Own I.T., I chose not to share my story or even own that I founded this idea until a full year later. Brene Brown’s work speaks to that when we own our story, authenticity and vulnerability are present and profound through sharing.
Now, I choose to share. Share the greatness, get you connected to inspiration, and offer resources through personal discoveries that give you access to freedom in your life.
How to Set Monthly Goals:
Choose a word - CONNECTION
Make a GRATITUDE List for the upcoming month
Celebrating birthday - NYC with ZTA sisters, Austin with friends
Level 2 Baptiste Yoga teacher training - time with Cat and Julie
First Quarterly Review for Work, Successful first 90 days
Time with family on the 4th
Being in New York....(did I mention this already?)
Define a skill you want to master - Kayaking, Dating, Professional Performance / Pauses (consistency for creative, execution, and reflection time)
Set vision and goals 3 categories (Personal, Professional, Health)
Go on 3 dates weekly (friend, prospect, mentoring)
Outline curriculum and integration of Own I.T.
Launch global movement in the most organized chaos and fun way possible (dev. advisory board and also personal support)
File for LLC / non-profit
Plan Own I.T. October in Houston, Austin, San Antonio
Teach YOGA at an amazing studio in Austin
Sweat daily - Try new XT weekly
Eat clean and green - less sugar and carbs
Sleep for 7.5-8hrs daily, take power naps if necessary
Connect / Reflect on progress week
Set micro and measurable goals
July is my birthday month. A new beginning to a new year of life. I choose to inspire greatness. To connect spiritually and be present to capture life moments around me, and to get clear on vision and direction of the legacy I chose to create and leave in the world.
What will you choose to create? Believe in your vision. Know that if you dream it, it is possible. Don’t settle for a life playing smaller than the actual amazing, imperfect, and powerful human being that you are.
