Tag: Inspiration

Guest Blogger| Passionista Brandi Thompson |Just Give Me Jesus

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista-

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Brandi Thompson is a dear sweetheart I had the pleasure of meeting during my days attending The “Unsinkable” Albany State University. She has a joyful spirit that makes you smile every time you are in her presence even if you’re not in the mood for smiles and laughs. I had a change to watch her grow from a freshman to the AMAZING women is she today. I look forward to more of her greatness as she walks in her passion.

Now introducing my FIRST ever Guest Blogger and fellow Passionista, Brandi Thompson…. 

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Living in a world filled with famous sayings, its hard not to start a blog without one… For the longest, my favorite was: “not all who wander are lost”. Little did I know, I was living my “best life” on a lie.  For 22 years, I wandered. Truthfully, I was lost. Dangerously, I was so lost I didn’t even realize I needed to be found. Honestly, all who wander are lost.

 

 

How lost, is lost?

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From the age of 11, the taste of liquor satisfied my curiosity for the “good life” I would see on VH1 and MTV.  It was like the stock market – high risk, high reward – The higher the shelf, the better the taste. For 11 years, I struggled with blacked out drunken nights, near death intoxication, and a loose sense of moral direction.

From the age of 13, I chose to jump in and out of relationships with guys just to appease my insecurities. Being touched cured my need to be loved. A title soothed my longing for identity no matter where it came from. For 9 years, I indulged in a series of soul ties with many men (and 1 woman if I’m being honest) whose inner connection gave me “peace”.

From the age of 18, my wandering led me away from the nest of home to a new land to roam – ready to be conquered. With no sense of identity, purpose, and security, my aimless journey led me into the arms of an emotionally abusive man. I convinced myself that ‘leaving was easy’ and ‘my damage has to be worth something’. For 3 years, I endured an emotionally debilitating relationship built off a false perception of mental fortitude all to say I was “loved”.

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For 22 years, I wandered and filled my heart with the joys of the world, adding layers of darkness to my heart, building a life on sinking sand. My wandering grew dark, cold, depressing… the person I displayed was never an accurate depiction of the dying person I was on the inside. I was beginning to understand why suicide seemed to be the answer 9 years ago.  Being at war with my reality and convictions created a battle of inner conflict that I began to question my own purpose for being here.… After 22 years of wandering, all of the questions I had, the “good life” I was longing for, the “peace” is desperately needed, and the “love” I was searching for all could be found in one place…. The answer to it all was Jesus.

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“There is nothing I desire that can’t be found in you. You’re everything that I’ve ever needed… Just give me Jesus!”

 

 

 

The new passion I found to live the life God has called me to live has redefined my life. His plans have surpassed my expectations of the life I thought I was supposed to have. His will has created a new perspective of what really matters in the world.

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What good is my business if my family isn’t truly saved?

What good is owning a home & nice car if salvation hasn’t reached all four corners of the Earth?

What good is my life, or anyone else’s, without Jesus?

In Him, you will find your identity – the knowledge to recognize you’re a child of the most high.

In Him, you will find your purpose – the reason He created you to be here.

In Him, you will find your stability – the foundation to stand firm on your purpose.

Inwardly, there has always been a love to help people with a problem and to have a great time with amazing people. No wonder event planning and designing party décor became my career aspiration. As I continue to give my life’s plan to God, He continues to open my eyes of how HE wants me to solve problems by having a great time with HIS amazing people for the Kingdom.  There is so much peace in his plan! You may be thinking, “well what about my dreams?”

Be passionate about your business. Be dedicated to your education. Be invested in the present life you are walking in. Embrace the development taking place in each season you are in. Seek correction and direction from the wise ones who surround you. Develop your talent, master your craft, and perfect your gift. Do all of this while posturing your heart to desire the One. In Him, you, your plans, your goals, and your business will have identity, purpose, and stability!  

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What good are our passions without a true Passion for Christ?

All who wander are lost… but I pray you wander into arms of Jesus.  

 

 

 

Shirt can be found at www.dopeanalogy.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkIaJo7T3Bc

#SelfcareNovember | Week Recap

Published on by Kadi2 Comments

Hello Passionista…

VOTE TODAY! YOU’RE VOTE MATTER! YOUR VOICE CAN BE AND WILL BE HEARD!

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November has been pretty amazing so far. There is so much to look forward to between now and the end of the month. If you follow my social media accounts, I have been posting my daily recaps of the #selfcarenovember challenge. This challenge has really been going well for me. It is helping me slow down and be more mindful.

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Day 1: No Complaining for a day

I thought no complaining for a day would be hard, but what it lead to was me not talking much that day.  It was different but not so bad. I listened to music and podcasts most of the day and I felt much more energetic.

Day 2: Do something kind for someone else 

It was a long work week for me. Honestly, I don’t know why. It just seemed like the week dragged out. Friday on my way to working, I thought I’d get Krispy Kreme donuts for the office. Sweet treats always make me feel better and nothing is better than a warm donut about an hour after lunch. And I know if I had a long week, so did my coworkers.

Day 3:  Buy yourself a gift (something you really like)

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As I was in Big Lots I came across some nice smelling candles. I love candles, But I only buy bath and body works candles. I thought to myself, I can buy other brands of candles. If you like the scent get it. So I bought it. Big Lots is dangerous. I spend more money there, than I do in Target. That’s bad! Not really tho, cause Bigs Lots as great discount stuff for everything.

 

 

Day 4: Pamper Yourself 

Sunday was a great day for pampering myself. I woke up early and started cleaning up my place. I was even in the mood to rearrange some of my furniture for comfort. Once I was done cleaning, I took a hot bath, relax and listening to ” Don’t settle for safe” by Sarah Jakes Roberts.

Day 5: Write a letter to someone

I decide to write my letter to a decaesd loved one. It felt good to release some of those inner thoughts in a open letter.

Are you taking the challenge with me? How’s it going? Let’s dialogue!

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Self Care November

Published on by Kadi1 Comment

Happy November!

I can’t believe it is already November… 2018 is almost over!

So, many of y’all know I have been really into self care and trying to focus on taking better care of my mental, physical and emotional health.  As the year is coming to an end, I have been really working towards accomplishing my goals, finding myself (who I am as an adult?) and not stressing over things I can’t control. I’ve come to realize that self care is the best care. Sometimes you have to step outside yourself and evaluate the things  and people in your life? I have decided to make November a #selfcare month.

I realize that I am growing everyday. I’m not a teenager anymore. I’m not a college student anymore. I’m young still, but I’m an adult. A real adult!  This year has been a eye opener that I need to focus more on me and cater to my needs a little bit more than I have been. But that come with saying “no” and removing myself from thing that are unhealthy and not meaningful to me. I thought it would be easy but it’s honestly been hard. So here is my start to treating Khadijah better for Khadijah.

Take this journey with me for #selfcarenovember! All month I will be sharing my self care tips, jewels, and quotes on my social media outlets. I will also be blogging my experience, thoughts, feelings and emotions along this journey. I really want to create a open forum to release my inner complications and connect with people who may be going through or feeling the same as me. So, let’s connect!

Save the Self Care November 30- day challenge photo below and take the challenge with me. Be sure to share on social media using #selfcarenovember. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter… I’ll be use to share and repost.

SN: I just realized next month is December …. that means BLOGMAS and blogs everyday… Lord help me! I do plan to participant this year. Blogmas is a whole lot, though. Planning blogs, prepping blogs, writing and editing blogs, just a lot. Pray for me.

DIY Wall Art

Published on by Kadi1 Comment

Hello Passionista!

One of my favorite YouTuber’s Raven Elysee inspired this DIY project after watching her Decorating My House DIY projects + New Furniture vlog. I have been re- decorating my apartment with more things of my style. I want every room and every decoration to reflect who I am as a person. I consider myself to be very creative, I love creating things. So a lot of my home decor will be D.I.Y projects. For instances, the Hexagon Shaped Shelves … click here to see blog.

For this project you’ll need:

  • Acrylic Paint – 3 colors (Midnight Blue, Pink, Nude)
  • Canvasimg_0182
  • Metal Flakes
  • Paper Towels

 

 

 

 

I purchased an 8 pack of the 10 x 10 canvas, I had a vision of doing tiled art on one large wall in my living room space. My new color scheme for my living room space is Blue + Pink, so I used those colors. And it add a third color I used a fresh tone nude.

I started by laying out my canvas on a table.

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Staring with the darkest color first, I dropped dots of paint randomly all over  t

he canvas.

With a paper towel, I swiped the paint from left to right. Making streaks, sort of.

 

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Before starting a new color, I used my hair dryer to dry the paint.

First I applied blue, then pink, then the nude paint .

 

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Lastly, I took the metal flakes and just tore off a few small pieces and placed them on top of the wet paint at random.

 

 

Here is the Finished Product

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My living has double doors that lead out to the balcony. I decided to tile 4 of the canvas paints on each side of the double doors. As you walk into the front door the back wall and double doors are what you see. I think my abstract art looking good in this spot, even though I visioned something different. I want to add some greenery or plants to this view. Maybe a tall faux plant in each corner under the paintings.

 

Hanging Shelf & Decor | Millennial Home Decor

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista!!!!

I’ve been on a quest to re-decorate my space. Someone once told me, “everything in your home is a representation of you”. So I want all the pieces of me to be reflected in my space. I don’t have many visitors, but I should enjoy my space. Hey, I’m the one paying the rent right?

I recently added this handing shelf and decor on the wall of my kitchen island. Greenery is really becoming my thing. I want to create a zen and peaceful ambience in my kitchen space.

  • Wood hanging shelf (15 3/4″ x 4″) $5 … from Five Below
  • Metal tabletop letter “K” $3 … from Five Below
  • Tabletop boxwood decor plant $3 … from Target

For only $11 (plus tax) I put together this zen piece of wall decor. You don’t have to break the bank to decorate your space. Some things are better when designed by you. Don’t be afraid to DIY some of your decor desire to save money and create special decor pieces that are meaningful to your space. For example, the Hexagon spaced shelves I made out of popsicle sticks and featured on a previous blog…. click here

Simple zen is the inspiration for this piece of decor, along with my complete plans for my kitchen space. It’s all still a work in progress, as I add new pieces … I will share.

Send me pictures and share you favorite home decor in the comments…

 

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Self Care Tip

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista

Day to day life activities can take a toll on you. But treating yourself every now and then and be just the cure you need to feel good inside and out. No matter how small or how big, treat yourself!

I’m a workaholic and busy body. It’s not a bad thing- I actually enjoy it. But I’ve had to learn how to treat myself to keep my spirits high on a day to day basis. On a weekly basis I try to treat myself to my favorite meal on Friday’s, which is hot wings with lemon pepper sprinkle and blue cheese on the side with cold vegetables. It’s nothing major but it makes me feel good and often times just what I need to wrap up a busy week.

Recently, I decided I wanted a new sofa for my apartment. I’d had my old sofa for about 2 years and it just was comfortable to me anymore. So after a month or 3 of budgeting more and saving I purchased a new sofa.

Purchased from American Freight Furniture

It’s soft and comfortable. Although, I don’t like the pillows I love the sofa. Don’t worry- I’ve already order new pillows on Amazon.

What have you treated yourself to lately?comment below.

Amazing Tour of “The Old City”

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionistas!

 

During my trip to Israel, I was privileged with the opportunity to tour “The Old City” of Jerusalem. There are no words to describe this experience. There was so much history, pride and culture in the atmosphere. I was amazed to see how multiple groups of people lived (and still live) together in PEACE.

The day started with meeting tour guide at the hotel and traveling from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which is like an hour drive.

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We started the tour at the “Tower of David” which is the highest point for The Old City. From the top of the tower you can lookout to the entire city. Being at the top of this tower was so quiet and peaceful. We spent almost an hour at the top enjoying the sunlight, as the tour guide told several of the most interesting stories that took place in this tower over the years.

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The tour was very interactive and the guide allowed us to make decisions of how we wanted to spend the day. So after the Tower of David, we walked the walls of the Old City from one side to the other. Our next stop was to visit King David’s tomb and the Room of the Last Supper.

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The tomb of King David sits in a room that is divided, women enter on one side and men enter on the other due to religious reasons. This is a main attraction in The Old City, people come to pray at the tomb of David.

 

The Room of the Last Supper is was not what I expected. I expected it to be fully furnished with the a long table and painting on the walls, with dark dem lighting. But it was actually a bright empty room, only decorated with the details in the walls and the first trend of stained glass art.

Our next stop was to the main street of the city, which is historically known as the market. Here, we were able to see a masonic version of the map of The Old City. Over the years, artist have sought out to preserve the history od the old city with creating other masonic pieces to showcase how things changed year after year.

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Finally, after almost 5 hours of walking we stopped for lunch. The lunch was amazingly flavorful. Herb and Lemon seasoned Salmon with Rice and cucumber and tomato salad on the side with pita bread and of course I had to have a coke.img_0927

After lunch, we traveled to the Western Wall. There is an amazing story behind the Western Wall and why its such a main attraction. The Western Wall is a support wall of Mount Moriah. People go to the Western Wall to pray and reflect. There is a tradition that  you write a prayer on a little slip of paper and put it in the cracks of the wall. When the wall is full, the notes are pulled from the wall (but never read) and buried.

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We decided that our last stop of the day would be the Via Dolorosa, known to be the place Jesus was crucified. This stop must have been the most emotional moment of the whole day. The feeling was so powerful and inside I felt all types of emotions.

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When you first walk inside, there is a rock. This is the rock where Jesus body was laid after he was brung down from the cross. People come here to kneel and pray. Also it is popular for tourist to place items of value on the rock for good blessings things like wedding rings, prayer cloths, wallets, pictures or any other items of special value.

Inside the Via Dolorosa is the tomb Jesus was placed in for 3 days. I don’t want to get too biblical, but the bible states that Jesus was buried outside of the Old City. So, how can the tomb now be inside the Via Dolorosa, which is inside The Old City. After the burial and rising of Jesus, The Old City continued to grow. It grew to the point of the Via Dolorosa was build and the tomb was preserved inside. Many people (of all religions) enter this church to pray, fellowship and worship everyday.

If you ever have the opportunity, I recommend that everyone visit The Old City at least once in your lifetime. This is a place where all people, no matter your religion or nationality, are welcomed in peace and exist TOGETHER in peace.

Stay tuned for my next blog of my day in PARIS !!!!!!

Be Passionate! TTYL !

Martin Luther King Day

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionistas!

In 2009, I was a recipient of the Athens Area Human Relations Council Scholarship. Every year the organization hosts a Martin Luther King Awards Banquet. As a senior in high school I didn’t really understand the direct impact that a Martin Luther King celebration or scholarship had on the African American community.

Today, I am reflecting on the reason why we have Martin Luther King Day and what it really means for our culture, our community, and our history. I am disappointed in myself, because since that award banquet in 2009 I can not remember celebrating MLK Day.

I remember always being a part of my home church MLK Day program as a kid growing up. I even remember participating in some volunteer day programs. But once I became a college student, MLK day has just been a  free day. A day I was off work and had no classes. A extra day to hang with my friends and party or chill…. And I’m embarrassed, personally.

As a 20-something year old adult, I need to grow up and make a larger effort to participant in MLK Day event within my community- at the least. So if you are like me and have not really celebrated and embraced what today really means, I challenge you to make a change. I challenge myself to also make that change. Starting today!

 

 

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those who Create It

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Hello Passionista!

 

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I am a huge fan of The Breakfast Club morning show on Power 105. I was put on to this radio show when I was in New York for a summer internship during undergrad. Every morning, I started my day with Starbucks and The Breakfast Club. Now that I’m back I’m back in Georgia, I listen to The Breakfast Club Podcast and watch their interviews on the Youtube channel. “Donkey of the Day” is my favorite segment of the show… LOL I’ve even had to personally give some of my friends the “Donkey of the Day”. But most of all, they have very interesting interviews with not only celebrities and artists but philanthropists and activists amongst others as well.

I like Charlemagne’s style, how he carries himself and handle his business. In my opinion, he’s the same asswhole each and every day, on and off The Breakfast Club. I can respect a person who can be themselves where ever they are and whoever they are around.

Before reading this book, I didn’t know what to expect. But as I started to read the book, I admired his road to success. He is a person who didn’t go to college but knew what he wanted out of life. He took many setbacks and sacrifices in his career. Even working for free on “The Wendy Williams” radio show just for the experience and opportunity in the industry. Many people would not do that- for the simple fact that bills need to be paid so money needs to be made. But he took that opportunity and made it work for him. The reward from that was the relationships he built within the industry to move up to where he wanted to be.


I don’t want to give away all the good juice in the book. So, I rate this book 5 stars!!! And I challenge you to purchase the book, Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those who Create It, and read it.

I would recommend Charlemagne’s book to anyone who is battling with the decisions of life and opportunities to take advantage of. No, not everyone’s story will turn out like Charlamagne after reading his book. But, I feel like it can give a young soul inspiration to keep pushing and working towards their dreams. You gotta make things happen for yourself and not let anything stop you or get in your way. Often times, I reflect on some of the decisions I’ve made and Iask myself, “did I make the right decision?” Reading this book I could relate to the disappointment naturally felt from one setback after another. I could also relate to the grind and hustle he put into being a radio personality. Shoot- I’m still hustle and putting in extra time into what I want to do in life. 

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Side Note: I respect how he handled the Birdman interview. He didn’t back down on the things he had said.

“Honesy is my best friend”

-Charlamagne Tha God

 

 

As always, I purchases this look on Audible.com, where you can sign up for a monthly subscription or purchase audible books whenever you like and listen from any device.

Continue reading “Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those who Create It” →

Chapter 26

Published on by Kadi1 Comment

Hello Passionista!


This week I celebrated a birthday and I was more than overjoyed by the love I received. After a weekend of “good times” with my closest friends, I wanted to spend my special day doing something I’ve never done before.

I wanted to climb Stone Mountain …. And I did it !!!!!

I am not the workout type of girl. This idea came to mine because I knew climbing a mountain is out of my comfort zone. I knew it would be a strong challenge. I knew that I had it in me to achieve this challenge. But I also knew that I had it in me to take the easy way out of this challenge.


My journey up the mountain started off silent. But soon turned into lots of doubt, heavy breathing and many rest stops. It took an hour to get half way up the mountain and about another hour for finish. During my many rest stops, I thought about giving up and going back down the mountain to flat ground. I wanted to quit because the mountain was super steep and I was physically uncomfortable. But each time I stood up to walk back down the mountain I saw someone pass me that gave me motivation to keep pushing.


I saw a elderly man with two walking sticks walking like climbing that mountain meant nothing; if he can do it so can I.

I saw a father with his small daughter, maybe 5 years of age- I overheard the little girl say that it was her third time up the mountain; if that little girl had the courage to take on Stone Mountain so can I.

I saw a couple pushing one another to make it to the top- I want to be able to do that with my husband someday; if they can do it so can I.

I saw my father (who has had several back surgeries, but loves to stay fit) conquering that mountain like he was walking on water; if he can keep pushing so can I.

As out of shape as I am, I continued to push myself up that mountain in the Georgia heat. Let me tell you, the second half of the mountain is not friendly at all. I thought I wouldn’t make it several times. But as we reached the top of the mountain, I slick dropped a tear. The breeze felt so good on my sweaty skin. But just to know that it was over, that I made it to the top was such a happy feeling. And the view… the view is simply amazing.


Honestly, I thought I was crazy for even wanting to do it. But I am soooooo glad I did. I proved something to myself. I have always known that I can do anything I sit my mind to do. But the challenge of climbing the mountain was reassurance that nothing can get in my way if I don’t let it.

 

Happy Birthday to me !!!!!

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