Listen if you’ve ever felt it or you’re feeling that right now, I’m here to encourage you NOT to hide behind that. Life is always throwing things at us that we don’t feel quite ready for; nor worthy of but the time is NOW!

Two weeks ago I heard my pastor say “The thing you keep quitting is the thing the devil doesn’t want you to complete.” *oooo-wee* I felt so seen when he said that. I go back and forth and back and forth about how I want to show up in this world, but I know darn well that I desire to speak on big stages. So why do I quickly call myself an imposter whenever I’m presented with opportunities? I think it’s my knee jerk reaction when I’m sensing discomfort. But we all know growth comes from uncomfortable situations. 

So I tackled my imposter syndrome head on and said “YES” to being a guest on Wives Wine Down with Best selling author, content creator, and host  Shonda Brown White!! I believed I belonged in that space and that helped me to stop hiding and just show up. All I ever want to do is show up and be me; inhabiting my truth…knowing it’s enough. So that’s exactly what I did and it felt really good! 

Watch the replay below!

And as for you, go to the mirror and remind your reflection that you are NOT an imposter! 

Rooting for you, Fam! – 

-Lauren

We got the opportunity to work with some really dope peeps for our NO HIDING summer release and I wanted to take a minute and highlight what NO HIDING means to them:

“NO HIDING to me is being the best version of you within your own [personal] standards.”

@Briggs_Xaviir

To me NO HIDING is being transparent. Being who you are – flaws and all. Walking in your true self no matter what others may think”

@IAmCourtneyDenise

NO HIDING to me means to come out of your shell and show up in the world as 100% yourself. I think you get more out of life by owning who you are.

@BrilesheGaston

What does NO HIDING mean for you?

When we don’t ask, we don’t get and you know the phrase – “A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.” So that makes me think – what are we hiding from ourselves that we don’t ask for?

I think sometimes we fall in the trap of feeling like we have to have all the answers, but that’s false. Some answers come over time. You can also make a choice and pivot later too! But just all together not asking yourself is a dangerous pit to fall into. Asking allows us to expand our thinking and dream bigger.

When I’ve taken the time to boldly ask for what I want, I’ve manifested those things! But It wasn’t  just a one and done thing. I took the  time every morning to write down the same list of goals . I also wrote them as if they’d already happened. It’s amazing how writing down goals and dreams allows us to be super intentional about our lives. There’s so much power in being able to advocate for ourselves.

Last year, was my first year writing my goals/dreams out and by the end of the year most of things had come to fruition! We had a baby on the way; We cleared most of the debt; We had our best financial year ever; We worked with coaches/counselors; We grew the Relinquish community and more! Like none of it would have been possible if I were hiding behind believing I don’t know what I want.

I believe that you know what you want too, but you may just need a little encouragment to dive deeper to get it. I’d also challenge you not to play small, but to dream and ask big. Don’t worry I’m still working on asking boldy too, but we can’t hide behind not asking. We’ve got to keep knocking down the barriers that hold us back.

So what do you want, but are not asking for currently?

*If you’re just now joining us, check out the intro video below and be sure to shop our NO HIDING tees here!

If you’d like to reach out, please email me at LaurenRelinquished@GMail.com

What advice would you give to other women who may be going through a similar experience or season in their life? *  Seek God daily. It may be hard to change over night, although we desperately desire it. As long as you keep building your relationship with God steadily & consistently you’re going to eventually wake up a changed woman.

Today, what are some things you do and/or say to remind yourself who you are, so you can better stand in your power? *    I speak to any insecurities I have. If I have a negative thought like I’m not pretty enough, or my body doesn’t meet societal standards, etc. I fight back with a scripture. For ex: You are fearfully & wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

We believe one of the most powerful statements someone can make, is an “I AM ____” statement because it allows them to confidently affirm who they are and helps to remind and reassure them. What is your personal I AM statement(s)? *    I Am Courageous.

What is your name? *
Trekina Rajeanné
How would you describe yourself? *
I’m was created to create and add sparkle to the world.
A lot of times in life, women experience different seasons or stages in life when they may not feel as confident, nor as strong, nor as powerful . Can you describe a time when you’ve felt that way and how you overcame it? *I was blessed enough to have 2 sets of parents. But, my life was turned upside down when one of my mothers passed away when I was 24 and then my dad passed away when I was 26. Two months later my now husband asked me to marry him. I was lost and drowning in pain, but everyone wanted me to be happy and excited. I could not shake the heartbreak and depression. No one seemed to understand what I was going through. Everyone wanted more from me than I could give… so I pretended to be okay. I smiled when I was crying inside. It wasn’t until I started having horrible panic attacks that I realized I couldn’t continue like that. I overcame it when God started sending people to remind me that there’s a difference in being alive and living. It wasn’t until I starting doing the things that really made me happy that I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. I had been hiding in the dark for too long with a huge bubble around me. I had to chose to see the path that God was lightning for me.

What advice would you give to other women who may be going through a similar experience or season in their life? *
Do one thing a week that truly makes you happy. The world seems heavy when you keep everything in so let it out. Speak your truth so you can be free.

Today, what are some things you do and/or say to remind yourself who you are and to stand in your power? *I pray for God to lead me in the direction that he wants me to go because I know he will give me a life beyond my vision. I also look in the mirror and remind myself that I am strong, beautiful and creative.

We believe one of the most powerful statements someone can make, is an “I AM ____” statement because it allows them to confidently affirm who they are and helps to remind and reassure them. What is your personal I AM statement(s)? * I Am Creative

I was blessed enough to have 2 sets of parents. But, my life was turned upside down when one of my mothers passed away when I was 24 and then my dad passed away when I was 26. Two months later my now husband asked me to marry him. I was lost and drowning in pain, but everyone wanted me to be happy and excited. I could not shake the heartbreak and depression. No one seemed to understand what I was going through. Everyone wanted more from me than I could give… so I pretended to be okay. I smiled when I was crying inside. It wasn’t until I started having horrible panic attacks that I realized I couldn’t continue like that. I overcame it when God started sending people to remind me that there’s a difference in being alive and living. It wasn’t until I starting doing the things that really made me happy that I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. I had been hiding in the dark for too long with a huge bubble around me. I had to chose to see the path that God was lightning for me.

What advice would you give to other women who may be going through a similar experience or season in their life? *
Do one thing a week that truly makes you happy. The world seems heavy when you keep everything in so let it out. Speak your truth so you can be free.

Today, what are some things you do and/or say to remind yourself who you are and to stand in your power? *I pray for God to lead me in the direction that he wants me to go because I know he will give me a life beyond my vision. I also look in the mirror and remind myself that I am strong, beautiful and creative.

We believe one of the most powerful statements someone can make, is an “I AM ____” statement because it allows them to confidently affirm who they are and helps to remind and reassure them. What is your personal I AM statement(s)? *“I Am a Creator”

What is your name? *
Lovey
How would you describe yourself? *
Outgoing, Intelligent, organized, thorough, fun loving, persistent 
A lot of times in life, women experience different seasons or stages in life when they may not feel as confident, nor as strong, nor as powerful . Can you describe a time when you’ve felt that way and how you overcame it? *
Loss of loved ones. Pray, recognize & respect God’s plan, pray, seek support, pray, accept help, pray, keep going and pray some more.
What advice would you give to other women who may be going through a similar experience or season in their life? *
Pray, seek support, accept help. Allow past memories to help get through difficult times.
Today, what are some things you do and/or say to remind yourself who you are, so you can better stand in your power? *
Pray often (I know I’ve said this a couple times, but I mean it) and listen for God’s directions too! I say affirming words too.
We believe one of the most powerful statements someone can make, is an “I AM ____” statement because it allows them to confidently affirm who they are and helps to remind and reassure them. What is your personal I AM statement(s)? *
I am a child of God Almighty!

What is your name? *
LaChelle
How would you describe yourself? *
Booked and busy. Always trying to do everything while sacrificing nothing.
A lot of times in life, women experience different seasons or stages in life when they may not feel as confident, nor as strong, nor as powerful . Can you describe a time when you’ve felt that way and how you overcame it? *I thought I was so cute when I was pregnant with my first. Then I looked back at those pictures about a year later and did not like what I saw. That was the kick in the butt I needed to get my stuff in gear. That is when I really started working out regularly. Although I am still not quite sure where I want to be, I have come a long way. Working out has become almost an addiction actually. It is my me time. It is my outlet. It is my therapy. I will never be pregnant again so I know I won’t go back to where I was, but I am still on a journey to see how far I can go.
What advice would you give to other women who may be going through a similar experience or season in their life? *
Consistently is key. Getting yourself in your best shape is a process. A long process. Don’t give up. If you fall off for a little bit do not be hard on yourself. Give your self grace and restart when you are ready. 
Today, what are some things you do and/or say to remind yourself who you are so you can better stand in your power? *
I give myself goals and do my best to achieve them. For example setting PR (Personal Record) goals for running races and going out and rocking my race. Sayings: You are amazing. You are gorgeous. You are a great mom. You are a fabulous wife. 
We believe one of the most powerful statements someone can make, is an “I AM ____” statement because it allows them to confidently affirm who they are and helps to remind and reassure them. What is your personal I AM statement(s)? *
“I am enough!”

What is your name? *
Lauren 
How would you describe yourself? *
I am a continuous learner and lover of life, trusting my truth and learning how to show up better for myself and those around me.
A lot of times in life, women experience different seasons or stages in life when they may not feel as confident, nor as strong, nor as powerful . Can you describe a time when you’ve felt that way and how you overcame it? * I can remember when I was a teenager and growing up in a predominately white area and I didn’t feel super confident about myself or my beauty because I believed a lot of it was determined by what other people thought of me. But gaining confidence  from an outside source can be really exhausting and super volatile. I realized love starts with me and that no one could love me like I love me so i needed to search for that love and beauty inside of myself instead of waiting for others to tell me. 
What advice would you give to other women who may be going through a similar experience or season in their life? *
If you live for compliments of others, you’ll also die from the criticism. So you have to change your perspective and how you feel about yourself in order to have a consistent and healthy confidence about yourself. So I’d suggest working on your relationship with yourself, I personally feel journaling really helped me.
Today, what are some things you do and/or say to remind yourself who you are and to stand in your power? *
I remind myself that my power is in being me and I’m great and dope just the way I am.
We believe one of the most powerful statements someone can make, is an “I AM ______” statement because they allow us to confidently affirm who are and help to remind and reassure us. What is your personal I AM statement(s)? *
“I AM _DOPE AS IS!”

How’s everything going with you? 
Are you remembering to put one foot in front of the other and take it one day at a time? Are you being kind to yourself during this journey? 

So I was talking to a friend about this exciting (and sometimes exhausting) entrepreneur life and it made me think back to when I first decided I wanted to make a website and blog back in 2015. I remember thinking and talking to God about it and asking “Like what if no one reads my blogs? Seriously who’s going to care what I write?”

And of course God’s emphatic response was: 
“Do what you’re being led to do. Not just what you think people will show up for.” 

That was enough to help me with my launch  February 2015, but as I got into it and blogged week after week, month after month with almost no views, it got kind of lonely…sad. I interpreted that to mean, people didn’t care what I had to say/the work I was putting out. So naturally, I went back to God with it, like “Now God, you said – “ I was quickly cut off because God had his reply super ready for me: 
“I want to know that you can show up for 2 people the same way you would show up for 1000 people.”

So in other words – God told me he needed me to be faithful and manage the little he was giving me NOW, so that I would know how to handle and manage the more later.  

I get a little teary-eyes writing that because that’s a very on-time message for me right now. And I know it is for you too, otherwise I wouldn’t be crying in this parking lot as I type this out lol. 

As you continue to take steps forward in 2020, remember: Every season, stage and phase has a beginning. You have to start somewhere and sometimes it won’t be a lot. But as your trusting your truth and being led to certain places, follow faithfully. Manage your portions well and make the most of it! If you’re feeling stuck or lost somewhere, don’t be afraid to call on God for more direction. 

Don’t be discouraged, friend. Your grind is not in vain. Just be sure to keep showing up and to keep going no matter what it looks like. 
-Lauren

Luke 16:10-12
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?”
https://www.bible.com/116/luk.16.10-12.nlt

Matthew‬ ‭25:14-27‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money. “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! ’ “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’ “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’”
https://www.bible.com/116/mat.25.14-27.nlt