JenOni

#empower

My Inspiration: Why Leave My Comfort Zone? -My First Blogging Conference

BH15-going

What happens when we are nudged out of our comfort zone?   I see OPPORTUNITY and INSPIRATION!!!!!

After my blogging consultation in June with Danyelle Little over at Cubicle Chick, she suggested I try to attend Blogher15 even if just for the day.   Our conference call was my wake up call to put the wheels in motion toward defining a niche and the “golden carrot”   I never considered myself large enough to attend a blogging conference so I must admit attending any blogging conference was put on the back burner.    In June I  had a great 2 hour meet up with Janeane Davis over at Janeane’s World and the best advice I walked away with is “don’t compare yourself to others”.   This resonated so loud in my head!!!!

After registering for the conference,  I realized this is an excellent opportunity for all women(of varying levels) who impact social media in some capacity.    I am planning to attend for one day so it is important to make the most of the day.   Based on Friday’s  schedule,  I have outlined the day to attend multiple sessions that will help me build a better  brand.    I have reviewed the sponsors and plan to network with as many as possible!!!!  The prospect of networking with brands and bloggers is going to be an exciting day!!!

Danyelle shared this great article as a must read before attending a conference, Read This Before Attending Next Blogging Conference!!!  This put my day in perspective so off I go with a STRATEGY!!!

The ride to NYC  should give me plenty of time to make notes, plan and strategize!!!!

Packing List for one day at Blogher15

  1. Tote Bag
  2. conference  schedule
  3. camera and USB
  4. Ipad and charger
  5. business cards
  6. notebook/pens/folder
  7. phone and charger
  8. sanitizer/pain reliever
  9. makeup case
  10. trail mix/gum
  11. sweater
  12. flat shoes(just in case)

MENTAL NOTE TO SELF: PICTURES!!!!PICTURES!!!!!

Stay tuned…….

 

Life: Divorce -My Story in My Voice

DDCM#3

If life gives you lemons, make lemonade…..

Hey Everyone!   I am so excited to start a new series, Diary of a Divorced CocoaMommy™ on my blog.   This will be a chronicle of my journey after being separated and divorced.  I was separated for two years and my divorce became final three years later.    I am a firm believer in being transparent with personal experiences to educate.   I feel this is absolutely necessary for African-American women.   If we are truly a sisterhood, we MUST INSPIRE and EMPOWER! Please forget what you see on reality shows, my series is a transparent chronicle of my own experiences in my words.   It is real life based on the good, the bad and the ugly.    My chronicles are not meant to bash another individual but provide a platform to assist others who are in similar circumstances.

You Need a Village:

I speak on it “takes a village” which typically refers to rearing our children.  Well, guess what WE need a village too!  We need a network of supportive people in our lives as well.      For those in this circle keep in mind a person going through this transition needs support not a replay of their decisions “why did you do this?”, “you chose him”, “I would have done this” etc., etc.    Guess what?   If you encounter this negativity, MUTE the noise.

DEEP EYE ROLL!!!!

giphy

 

Be mindful this transition is extremely challenging for your child(ren).  I know it may feel like an ACT OF CONGRESS but try to put your best foot forward.  Speaking from experience, I wish I could hit the REWIND button!   Do your best, children learn by example.    Make an effort to be PROACTIVE AND LESS REACTIVE!

Lastly, create a network of support for your physical and mental well-being.   This means surrounding yourself with those who provide praise and uplift and will at any given moment CHECK YOU if necessary! Everyone needs a MAYA in their corner to say……

 

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By all means make it a point to make time for yourself without feeling any MOMMY GUILT!  If you have a custody agreement that allows time to yourself when children are with another parent, TAKE ADVANTAGE!   Try something new like taking a gourmet class, ballroom dancing, learn to play an instrument, go back to school, take a cooking class, yoga or Pilates.    It should be an activity that allows you to take off your mommy cape.    is beneficial to your physical and mental well-being!  If co-parenting works for your situation support this dynamic for the benefit of your child(ren).

Hopefully, my experiences will give you a better perspective to see this transition as an opportunity to grow and persevere!   We control our destiny and the ability to have a fulfilled life. Please keep in mind I am a true testament of growth and development.   As one sister-friend said, “by the grace of God”.   It is a daily process so don’t get bummed if you’re not there yet.   We’re all human and will have our good days and bad days.  There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!!! and remember if takes more muscles to frown than to SMILE!!!

giphy (2)
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out via email at info@cocoamommy.com.

Thanks so much for taking the time to tune in to my series!!!