By Katrice
I woke up this morning and tweeted: "Today is going to be a great day."
Within an hour, my attitude was going south quickly. An email ... growing To Do list, not being able to shop {what I do when stress overwhelms me} ... anxiety. I was literally sitting at my desk becoming more discouraged by the moment, and then I sent a message to my best friend; just a few lines lamenting a challenge ... {this from the woman who has turned her life into one big ongoing challenge. smh}. I started out with, "It's so unfair." I waited for her to reply in agreement.
She did not. She wrote back: "To whom much is given, much is required."
I always talk about "the impossible." I've had my heart set on so many "impossibles" that I can't even count them all, and sometimes while I'm on the path to it, I become frustrated with the process. I'm inevitably frustrated with the discomfort of being made ... I mean, that's all each level really is. I'm being made over and over again, and realize that when you are made into something different, even if just slightly different, some part of you must change and another part fortify ... etc., etc.
I don't do vision boards or pen lists of goals, but I do constantly make declarations. I make declarations about who I am and who I hope to be. I am powerful. I am resilient. I am free. I am resourceful. I am generous. I am focused. I am loyal. I am fearless. I am capable. I am a success.
Sometimes, I have to stop and say these things to myself, and then get back to the seemingly impossibles ... and expecting.
Remembering that I expect because I believe.
I woke up this morning and tweeted: "Today is going to be a great day."
Within an hour, my attitude was going south quickly. An email ... growing To Do list, not being able to shop {what I do when stress overwhelms me} ... anxiety. I was literally sitting at my desk becoming more discouraged by the moment, and then I sent a message to my best friend; just a few lines lamenting a challenge ... {this from the woman who has turned her life into one big ongoing challenge. smh}. I started out with, "It's so unfair." I waited for her to reply in agreement.
She did not. She wrote back: "To whom much is given, much is required."
I always talk about "the impossible." I've had my heart set on so many "impossibles" that I can't even count them all, and sometimes while I'm on the path to it, I become frustrated with the process. I'm inevitably frustrated with the discomfort of being made ... I mean, that's all each level really is. I'm being made over and over again, and realize that when you are made into something different, even if just slightly different, some part of you must change and another part fortify ... etc., etc.
I don't do vision boards or pen lists of goals, but I do constantly make declarations. I make declarations about who I am and who I hope to be. I am powerful. I am resilient. I am free. I am resourceful. I am generous. I am focused. I am loyal. I am fearless. I am capable. I am a success.
Sometimes, I have to stop and say these things to myself, and then get back to the seemingly impossibles ... and expecting.
Remembering that I expect because I believe.
By Katrice
1 Geo Print Kisslock Clutch | C Wonder | $38
2 Teal Bandeau Dippy Hem Maxi | Miss Selfridge | $65
3 Silver Chain Peter Pan Necklace | Miss Selfridge | $16
4 Jenny Bird "Hear Me Roar" Lion Studs | Endless | $70
8 Suede Tie Sandal | Calypso St. Barth | $135
9 Lemon Collared Shell | Dorothy Perkins | $45
By Katrice
I'm on Day 8 of my shopping hiatus and feeling like I can do this. I saw someone in a white blazer on Sunday and it reminded me of one in my own closet ... which led me to an electric blue silk dress and a pair of eyelet shorts ... and as you can imagine — so much more.
I'm on Day 8 of my shopping hiatus and feeling like I can do this. I saw someone in a white blazer on Sunday and it reminded me of one in my own closet ... which led me to an electric blue silk dress and a pair of eyelet shorts ... and as you can imagine — so much more.
By Katrice
I love makeup, and I love makeup artists equally as much. A MUA who teaches while working, even better. Of course, my technique never comes close to the transformation delivered by someone who's mastered the art of it all, but I appreciate every little bit shared. Makeup master Londyn Juwelz had me at hello.
Since the first time I worked with Londyn for a My Vicarious Life photo shoot, I have been enthralled with his work -- on my face and beyond. And I'm proud to say that a "Londyn Look" fan club of sorts has formed in my circles. I've been promising a virtual makeup chat with him ever since.
That golden moment has arrived! Me + Londyn + You = an MVL Makeup Chat you won't want to miss. Londyn will join us on the MVL fan page on facebook Thursday, June, 28, 2012, from 7 to 8 p.m. Londyn, creator of The Artistry Londyn and distinct "Londyn Look" will be chatting with us about Foundation, Concealer and Eyeliner during the virtual meetup, so get your questions ready now!
Makeup novices and product addicts, unite!
RSVP here and be sure to join the virtual meetup on June, 28th!
RSVP here and be sure to join the virtual meetup on June, 28th!
About Londyn Juwelz
With pigments as his medium, brushes as his tools, and the face as his canvas, Londyn tells a story of beauty, energy, and unadulterated attitude. Whether on the set of a magazine shoot or in the privacy of a photographer’s studio, his work is as versatile as it is unique, with an injection of his own personal style.
A native of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY, Londyn Juwelz’ is an accomplished and creative makeup artist with experience in all aspects of media makeup: fashion, video, and print. His passion for art started as a child where he had aspirations of becoming a fashion designer, attending New York City College of Technology majoring in Fashion Marketing before he “accidentally” fell into the world of makeup.
With pigments as his medium, brushes as his tools, and the face as his canvas, Londyn tells a story of beauty, energy, and unadulterated attitude. Whether on the set of a magazine shoot or in the privacy of a photographer’s studio, his work is as versatile as it is unique, with an injection of his own personal style.
By Katrice
So, if we chat on facebook or Tweet each other, you know by now that I have called off shopping for 90 Days. Clearly, my life most recently revolves around escalating challenges; Each one is a little more insane. But, I'm game. Ha! A couple months ago, I saw a blog post by MVL friend Jonell of FIVEFOOT9 about taking a break from shopping for 6 months. I was intrigued and immediately wanted to try something similar. I stuck a pin.
Then, I moved.
As I was unpacking my clothes and accessories in the extra room that I'm making into a closet {stay tuned for a post about this}, I realized that now was the time. A mountain of shoes, tags on blouses and a jewelry armoire bursting at the seams ... That was the bedroom. In my bathroom, products galore. If you visit, you'll almost always leave with beauty products to try. I digress. I looked around and thought, I need to make some changes. What kind of changes I'll make is still under consideration. But, in the meantime, I'm positive I can maintain — professionally and socially with what I already have. And so, I decided to refrain from shopping {clothing, accessories, beauty products, spa services and other small everyday luxuries like fresh flowers} until September. September 10th to be exact.
{I love beauty products.}
So, if we chat on facebook or Tweet each other, you know by now that I have called off shopping for 90 Days. Clearly, my life most recently revolves around escalating challenges; Each one is a little more insane. But, I'm game. Ha! A couple months ago, I saw a blog post by MVL friend Jonell of FIVEFOOT9 about taking a break from shopping for 6 months. I was intrigued and immediately wanted to try something similar. I stuck a pin.
Then, I moved.
As I was unpacking my clothes and accessories in the extra room that I'm making into a closet {stay tuned for a post about this}, I realized that now was the time. A mountain of shoes, tags on blouses and a jewelry armoire bursting at the seams ... That was the bedroom. In my bathroom, products galore. If you visit, you'll almost always leave with beauty products to try. I digress. I looked around and thought, I need to make some changes. What kind of changes I'll make is still under consideration. But, in the meantime, I'm positive I can maintain — professionally and socially with what I already have. And so, I decided to refrain from shopping {clothing, accessories, beauty products, spa services and other small everyday luxuries like fresh flowers} until September. September 10th to be exact.
I'm excited for this challenge as I've never done anything like it. 30 Days of nothing but water was a success, though it was a hard-earned one. I'm expecting to go through this one with more grace and actually didn't have an expected end result when I decided to begin. But, I am being careful not to spend money in other areas unnecessarily because there is extra to spend. Although this is an exercise in discipline most of all, I will be counting my savings toward turning my room into a closet complete with spectacular shelving and organization options. Stay tuned.
Have you ever done a no shopping challenge? If so, what were your rules and how did it turn out?
By Katrice
A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.
Dear Katrice,
I guess I'll start this letter off with the one profound thing that has become increasingly apparent over the past few years ... the thing that I believe has begun to be a rousing theme in your life and that it is your courage. Before 2006, I would never have described you as courageous ... though I know it was always something you desired to embody. To that point, I am so proud of you for not shying away from these 30 Days of Truth. It has been 30 days of freeing yourself, which is sometimes scary. I love that you are committed to reconciling to the bottom lines of your life and that you used this challenge to face some realities head on.
I love your natural hair.
I love your desire to be of service to others and how that has threaded every facet of your life together. I love that you love hard, despite past hurts and are able to let go of things that could otherwise weigh you down. I love that you are forgiving and unselfish. I love your humility and willingness to acknowledge God as the center of everything you are, possess and all that you do.
I love your mind.
I love that you plan and work ... even planning and working out your life, leaving very little to chance.
I love your zest for life and striving for better all the time — from knowledge to style and experiencing the world. I love that you're an avid dreamer and hold fast to dreams until they have been realized. And with that, that you believe there are few, if any, limits on what you can do and have.
I love that you have chosen to be happy and have taken your happiness on as a guiding factor in the decisions you make about both the present and the future. I love that you have chosen to ever be better. I love that you have chosen resilience. I love that you have chosen to live a set apart life and the narrow path. I love that you have chosen to be free. I love that you revere the power of choice. I love that you revere the power of God.
I love that you love life.
Dear Katrice,
I guess I'll start this letter off with the one profound thing that has become increasingly apparent over the past few years ... the thing that I believe has begun to be a rousing theme in your life and that it is your courage. Before 2006, I would never have described you as courageous ... though I know it was always something you desired to embody. To that point, I am so proud of you for not shying away from these 30 Days of Truth. It has been 30 days of freeing yourself, which is sometimes scary. I love that you are committed to reconciling to the bottom lines of your life and that you used this challenge to face some realities head on.
I love your natural hair.
I love your desire to be of service to others and how that has threaded every facet of your life together. I love that you love hard, despite past hurts and are able to let go of things that could otherwise weigh you down. I love that you are forgiving and unselfish. I love your humility and willingness to acknowledge God as the center of everything you are, possess and all that you do.
I love your mind.
I love that you plan and work ... even planning and working out your life, leaving very little to chance.
I love your zest for life and striving for better all the time — from knowledge to style and experiencing the world. I love that you're an avid dreamer and hold fast to dreams until they have been realized. And with that, that you believe there are few, if any, limits on what you can do and have.
I love that you have chosen to be happy and have taken your happiness on as a guiding factor in the decisions you make about both the present and the future. I love that you have chosen to ever be better. I love that you have chosen resilience. I love that you have chosen to live a set apart life and the narrow path. I love that you have chosen to be free. I love that you revere the power of choice. I love that you revere the power of God.
I love that you love life.
By Katrice
Something you hope to change about yourself. Why?
I hope to become much less critical. I tend to lean toward perfectionist-type tendencies though I would never consider myself an outright perfectionist; It's the only reason I have concluded for being so scrutinizing. I analyze everything and it's so unnecessary. I want to stop. I want to allow things to be what they are, and accept people how they are and where they are. I am certain that it limits me and I definitely don't want that. I want to be more open-minded and more laid back. I'm actually starting to see pieces of my mom's way of receiving and doing things show up in me, and I'm very happy about that. I always tell my best friend that she and my mom are ideal to me. With them, it just is what it is.
I hope to become much less critical. I tend to lean toward perfectionist-type tendencies though I would never consider myself an outright perfectionist; It's the only reason I have concluded for being so scrutinizing. I analyze everything and it's so unnecessary. I want to stop. I want to allow things to be what they are, and accept people how they are and where they are. I am certain that it limits me and I definitely don't want that. I want to be more open-minded and more laid back. I'm actually starting to see pieces of my mom's way of receiving and doing things show up in me, and I'm very happy about that. I always tell my best friend that she and my mom are ideal to me. With them, it just is what it is.
By Katrice
By Katrice
What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Even considering this puts me in a bit of a tizzy. The answer is simple: I'd have the baby. But, I'll just say, I'm glad this is not the case. lol
Even considering this puts me in a bit of a tizzy. The answer is simple: I'd have the baby. But, I'll just say, I'm glad this is not the case. lol
By Katrice
By Katrice
What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Questions like this always trigger an opening-of-the-flood-gates reaction with me. One thing pops into my mind and then an avalanche of others follow. However, throughout my 30 Days, I've learned that when I read the day's question, generally the first thing on my mind is the answer. And that was the case with My Vicarious Life.
I love MVL. Sometimes, just coming to my site makes me smile because it's where I'm constantly learning more about myself and feeling more secure, appreciating my nuances and where I've found you. I can't stop gushing {as I have so many times in earlier posts} that my blog gave me ME ... easily the very best thing going for me right now. Two of my friends had been encouraging me to blog for a while before I began, but I didn't know what I would talk about and was sure that no one was interested. Even when I started, I considered it a mere social experiment. I didn't expect it to be anything involved; Little did I know it would be my coming out. And the timing for me, at 35, was perfect. I realize now that this was the very organic beginning of everything — my voice, above all. Like a macro version of these days of truth, MVL on the whole is an unadulterated experience with me. I am myself here and have worked out so much through my writing that I am essentially comfortable just being myself now everywhere. Wow.
Questions like this always trigger an opening-of-the-flood-gates reaction with me. One thing pops into my mind and then an avalanche of others follow. However, throughout my 30 Days, I've learned that when I read the day's question, generally the first thing on my mind is the answer. And that was the case with My Vicarious Life.
I love MVL. Sometimes, just coming to my site makes me smile because it's where I'm constantly learning more about myself and feeling more secure, appreciating my nuances and where I've found you. I can't stop gushing {as I have so many times in earlier posts} that my blog gave me ME ... easily the very best thing going for me right now. Two of my friends had been encouraging me to blog for a while before I began, but I didn't know what I would talk about and was sure that no one was interested. Even when I started, I considered it a mere social experiment. I didn't expect it to be anything involved; Little did I know it would be my coming out. And the timing for me, at 35, was perfect. I realize now that this was the very organic beginning of everything — my voice, above all. Like a macro version of these days of truth, MVL on the whole is an unadulterated experience with me. I am myself here and have worked out so much through my writing that I am essentially comfortable just being myself now everywhere. Wow.
