Tell Me What They Taught YOU... HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!

 Tell Me What They Taught YOU

The way YOU treat people will give THEM a life of lessons…

And they might remember your name... just saying...

Move accordingly! 😉

HAPPY NEW YEAR/ HAPPY WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH/ HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY Y’ALL!!! I wanted to end the year with this post, but I let time get away from me…I admit! However, we’ll start the year (new month, sorta) off with some food for thought. While it may not bring you luck like collard greens, black-eyed peas and a rabbit's foot…Mmmmhmmm HA! 

I hope it engages YOUR PERSPECTIVE.

 

I want this post to seem sensitive…

because it is…

but also self-reflective…

because it is…

but also, to help strengthen our level of compassion…

because we all need more.

Tell Me what they taught you…I wanna know!

Girl, first of all… WHO ARE ‘THEY’? what are WE talking about?

Is this a group, parent(s), 1^st grade teacher, friends…WHO?

They are the ones that raised you, grew you, expanded you and/or made a turning point in your life …so whoever/whomever, they are…

What did they teach YOU?

 I won’t get into the specifics of the “they” in my life but some specific things ‘they’ taught me…I want YOU to know for yourself and teach them to someone else.

Remember how I told y’all that I’m privy to some ‘interesting’ conversations…well they are still going on and it has me wondering…

what have some people been taught? Like… have you directly been taught this, or did someone’s actions (or lack thereof) teach you this…why is this a part of your conversation, thought process, values, etc.?

Maybe I should change this to ‘everything a daughter should know’ ???? Hmm?

IDK but I want this information out in the world on one page…

 

IT HAS TO BE SAID.

                                  

1. YOU don’t beg anyone to care about YOU. Either they do or they don’t… just let them know what is important to you.

2. You’re no one’s savior even if you've helped them. Making yourself feel obligated to someone when you’re not a licensed professional to deal with their situation(s) is dangerous. Pray and keep it moving.

3. You’re loved and filled with Purpose…nothing will EVER change that.

 

4. No one’s beauty compares to yours…I don’t care what anybody says…GIRL, NO ONE IS YOU.  

        I NEED YOU to understand that you’re beautiful without looking outside the mirror. My mother taught me that I am who I am without any other opinion, it is instilled in me from childhood. I met someone that tried to mar my thoughts of self…I no longer know that person. Trying to make me feel the same size as you will never keep me in the same room with you…no, thank you. Go. Vai.

 

But seriously…once YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT YOURSELF…STOP looking for outside confirmation of YOUR BEAUTY.

5. Your choices are yours. Don’t be (a)shamed for putting you first. There will always be someone ready to blame YOU…so own what you do, the good and bad. And keep it pushing.

 

6. Protecting your peace reflects valuing your peace. I’ll be the first to admit that there are parts of the day when I love drama and being a drama queen… BAYBAY but for comedy reasons! The drama I bring tends to be for hilarious or educational purposes. I am not about to start a conversation with someone about something that I know is going to stress me out and not provide any solutions. No, thank you. This does not mean that I don’t let people vent to me, I do, I listen. BUT you listen to my thoughts after, PHAHAHa!

7. The appearance of power will never replace actual power. Take a deep breath and think on that.

 8.  If you change your mind, it’s changed. Learning not to say sorry WILL be a HARD lesson, and I mean hard but necessary. Especially because we say sorry and don’t mean it, way too often.

 

9.   Ignoring warning signs can cost you your life. If they had pre-stalker behavior in the beginning…it will only increase. For example, in the beginning you decided this wasn’t for you, blocked their number because it was done…but soon after, they purchased a new number to get in contact with you. Seems harmless to some but the reality is that this individual is not going to keep getting a new number but find other ways to track you down. The same goes with people you first meet, especially at your job or similar environments. If you think it's something 'off' about them...KEEP YOUR DISTANCE, don't get up close trying to figure them out...TRUST ME, LEAVE THEM ALONE---I've been taught this lesson more than once. Cheers to me actually learning it!

10.  Don’t waste too many people’s time…one or two but don’t make it a habit! This could be dangerous like #9… Some people really think you’re ‘the one’ and wasting their time will hurt.

11.   Everybody does not need to know where and how you live. Stop inviting everybody over and giving out the access code. Protect your space and you’ll know the people and things/habits drilling a hole in your “boat.”

 

 

12. Set up boundaries…they will literally save your life one day whether it is mental or physical.

13.  Lastly, YOU ARE God’s gift. To quote Aaliyah, ‘I’m not just anybody.’ People should know that it is a privilege to know YOU because… well, it is! --More on this later!!

Hey, I hope this was helpful, insightful, and encouraging for the next phase of life! Cheers to a great 2022!!

See you around the world somewhere,

Ms GYC Girl YOU Crazy, Lauren Alicia 

So you're ready to travel solo?! Female SOLO Travel Mindset Checklist

Hello y’all!! Did you get something out of the last post? 

Did it add to your faith? 

Well, I hope it did!!

I was going to post another one on the same theme (kinda)…BUT I’m going to let that one marinate a bit, penetrate the soul and allow you to checkout some of my OLD but ever so RELEVANT POSTS. Rethink giving up and keep on PUSHING!! 

YOU ARE THE ANSWER TO SOMEONE’S PRAYER.

GYC Girl YOU Crazy’s blog is going to be intentional with its posts…but if you want something weekly, subscribe to the YouTube channel!!

 

So… YOU are ready for solo travel? Or you’ve already been and want to make your next trip better?

In this new GYC, I’m going to talk about a little bit of everything. As I mentioned in the last post I’ve been traveling a lot. Since 2016 until now, I’ve traveled ALONE every year (excluding 2017) to multiple foreign countries. So, I’m an expert (international) solo traveler with lots of tips! 

YOU can READ or WATCH BELOW!!

https://youtu.be/e0jxwZdC6T0

1. YOU are the Customer, unless something becomes free don’t let anyone treat you differently.

2. If you are uncomfortable, it’s not right. If you don’t like it, it’s not right.

3. If you don’t like how your tour guide is treating you or behaving, reset the tone. How? Change your seat. This circles back to #1, you are a customer the entire trip. If the guide becomes too comfortable while you are in the front seat, move to the backseat and vice versa.

4.   Be flexible but do what makes you comfortable. If you have a relaxing plan that turns chaotic. Trust me, take a beat and adjust because if you mentally prepared for a relaxing day and the day becomes full of events/ activities…you can easily throw off the vibe and plans of the following day.

5.   YOU are in CHARGE. THIS is YOUR trip. YOUR Journey. If it doesn’t benefit you and you don’t feel like volunteering it, don’t do it. NO will be your best friend on this trip. BE selfish. On solo trips you do not want to feel like things are uneven, like people you don’t know are getting more out of your presence than you are.

6.    Give someone you trust access to your bank account. YOU never want to be in a foreign country and NEED more money and/or not be able to access it.

---------------------------------------- Okay, this is the only one that I need you to figure out; if you don’t have someone…I discourage solo travel. This is the only thing that would make me say don’t do it. 

Quick GYC story, I lived in Japan for 2 years (stories and advice, coming soon…I PROMISE). I had a bank account and because I travel, I had a debit card. Having a debit card or using a debit card isn’t common in Japan because cash is king and there are ATMs everywhere for you to use your cash card or international card… Anyway, unlike banks in the USA, when you ask for a debit card, you write down your pin number for the bank staff member to enter…you don’t punch it into the calculator for accuracy… The staff member thought I wrote some numbers that I did NOT and activated my card with the numbers she thought I wrote. I was able to use this card everywhere that didn’t ask for a pin (not knowing that I have the wrong pin) and like I said…it is more common to use cash. Fast forward, I’m visiting Hong Kong at the Nike store, I’ve ran out of currency, I needed these FLY sneakers…I pull out my debit card, they need my pin (there’s no way around it) and it declines (wrong pin)…WHAT THE #$#$%%, YOOO!!! Anyway, I pulled out my credit card and bought the sneaks. I call the bank to complain/fix it but they only speak Japanese (more on this in another post)… I NEED MY MONEY, the trip is not over and now, my American bank card isn’t working (but I don’t need to be locked out of that, so I leave that alone). I can’t access my money. 

LAUREN, What did YOU do?! I called my trusted person and asked to borrow money where we both have secure access. Done. 

Please do not NEED to do something strange for a piece of change abroad, including scamming. **please pay back your trusted person ASAP so they can remain your trusted person…thanks!! 

I need you to survive, YOU could be the answer to my prayer!! ;-)

***One more thing about your trusted person...especially if it comes down to borrowing, which isn't always the case...BUT make sure this is a person that understands that you need to wait until you are using a trusted internet connection to make the transaction because you don't want to check your sensitive info on every countries internet 👀. Alright, I'm done with that.

7.   Never keep all your money in one place. It is perfectly fine to dig for your money because if you must dig, that makes it harder for a thief to quickly grab, and possibly might decrease the price of what you are buying (specifically in bargaining situations, ex. markets)…win-win.

-------------------I do this all the time for more than one reason but it is extremely helpful to take your time. LET NO ONE RUSH YOU, seriously. 

8.   Know your limits. From alcohol to your bedtime. This will also assist in how you bargain shop. You must know when to walk away. For example, in bargaining situations I have specific things that I always buy on vacation anything else is impulse buying, I know this about myself. If the price isn’t what I’m thinking… respectfully, I am walking away. I rarely come back from vacation with random things, or overpriced stuff that I don’t need or wish I didn’t buy.

9.    While you want to be respectful of different cultures, do NOT be afraid to offend people when you are spending your money. Why? When you are solo traveling with or without a local tour guide, the reality is that you are by yourself (plus the God you serve). Everyone that you meet and pay on your trip has a limited obligation to you… only your opinion matters. Only you know the value of item to YOU. Remember, this trip is about you. DO WHAT YOU WANT and give yourself some grace!

10.    Leave room for change. From hotels to activities to tour guides. Only you matter on this trip.

11.   This is a bonus but probably the most important. Know who you are. If you are passive-aggressive, know that. If you are a flirt, know that. If you are a confident person, don’t forget that. When you are alone in a foreign country, all these things will be tested. However, when you return home or a familiar place, you’ll reflect on the time you had, and realize that all the things you experienced will reform and re-shape the things you already know about yourself (this will make more sense after you return). One of my best examples of this is… NOT needing anybody to confirm the joy of what I experienced. Many people that know/knew me…strongly dislike this about me, BUT I DON’T PROVE NOTHING (NOT A THING) TO NO ONE. Solo travel did that.

Get your mind in check before you travel (alone).

See you around the world somewhere,

xx Lauren Alicia, GYC Girl YOU Crazy (the one and ONLY)

P.S. I have more rules for myself than this…but y’all might actually think that I’m crazy ;-) !! Plus, I’m interested in your tips. Tell me below!!

P.S.S. I know this post might seem mean and self-centered BUT... I want YOU to BE SAFE AND have the best time.

CHECKOUT MY DUBAI VIDEOS!!

Open Doors, Open Doors

“Little to no traffic, green lights, minimum distractions, a little rain but no worries, your windshield wipers are working, the GPS is instructing, you’re listening and even when you miss that turn…still no worries because it re-routes…and now, you’ve arrived where and when YOU were supposed to be there…which is on time.”-A description of a life that trust the process

“Every time I said yes, I was granted access. And now I’m walking in my worth as a promise fulfilled by my Purpose.”-US

“I agree, every appeared opening is not for me but peace follows the doors that are open and welcome me.”-Just Plain Ole GYC, no commentary 

Say it with me… “Open doors, open doors!!!!!”

…Think about it…

It’s that moment when you said no (mentally and verbally) to ALL things against your purpose and truly decided to follow…

Then, BAM (or whatever sound effect of your pleasing) your open door became visible!

It became YOUR sign that you were actually going in the right direction, aiming for a target with an exciting end goal, and creating something that pleased your soul…

…That moment when peace became more than just a word but a realization that this purpose/desire/dream is happening, revealing itself right before OUR EYES!!

Ahhhhh…this is the life!!

And on the other side…finally understanding why people say,

“Never forget YOUR WHY.”

…

If your open door has yet to show itself…No worries, I’ll talk about that in a minute.

Please Note: This is Not “Questionable Closed Door”…I don’t think?…But go check it out anyway because it was one of my first blog posts!! Thank you!! I’ve come a long way!!

But…THIS open door, you walked through it, and even in moments of weakness…you eventually kept going and that one open door…welcomed MORE open doors!! (yes…I will be saying “open doors” a lot…deal with it and get ready for em’ please!!)

“Girl YOU Crazy”

It’s like going the right speed, at the right time and getting all (well, mostly) green lights because your foot does need a break…arriving on time to the place that you may not have been all that sure you were going to be …"on time"…maybe even started thinking of a “I’m not late” face or story (hey…I’ve done both…) BUT everything just began to fall into place.

And the more you said yes to the reason you were designed…the more opportunities presented themselves for YOU/ME/WE to say YES to.

Open doors, open doors.

I want to talk about allowing yourself to have no limits to living out your purpose even if RIGHT NOW seems amazing…and it took so much to arrive at this place you’re in/at right now…

The more YOU/Me/We keep saying Yes to purpose the more YOU/Me/We have to say Yes to.

I think I just said that… but I’ll leave it because … I want to.

It’s having that aha moment and everything just clicks! And you truly understand…

I was built for this.

Then that next step…I was built for everything connected to this, my purpose!!

Open doors, open doors.

Do YOU hear me?!

“Girl YOU Crazy”…you were thinking it! Or maybe not… because THIS is the REAL DEAL!!

There is nothing like being at the right place, at the right time, saying the right thing(s) to the right people.

Personal GYC Commentary on My Life:

When you process the past you just might find a bigger dream with deeper impact and greater influence.

I once believed that I can’t___________.

+I can’t write stories because my 7th/8th grade English teacher gave me C’s on all my stories’ rough drafts, and did not seem interested in me making progress to a better grade… which is how I grew to love poetry…I always earned A’s.

+I can’t seriously be transparent with everyone because what’s the point?

+I can’t give advice on my experiences because they need to be validated with an expert educated specifically in the subject, and I also need to need the advice that I’m giving in my own life.

+I can’t design because apparently my designs have been done before...

+I can’t speak to crowds because public speaking frightens me.

+I can’t genuinely give because when I do I have this remorse/regret/fear that I just took something from myself that I can’t get back, and I’ll have less.

The list probably goes on but these were my big points!

See the thing is…

I realized my open doors by saying yes/I CAN to Purpose/Dreams that honored my worth and design, despite ANY naysayers, discouragement, negative feelings/thoughts, or lack of confidence/trust in certain abilities.

As much as the “can’t” might have initially been true, honest feelings and/or intentionally meant to stop me…I persevered/pushed/fought to decide not to remain where I was so that I would have room to grow further.

I NOW believe and know that I can______________.

+I can write.

+I can blog.

+I can write books. I am an author. This year…I have 2 author credits!! Dear Divorce, Thank You being the first! And the second book is a women’s compilation that will officially launch this coming March in Canada!!!

+I can design. I am a graphic designer. I can design books. This year…I have 4 book design credits (for sure…this year isn’t over) including the 2 books mentioned above!!! And the other 2 for 2 first time authors as well!!

+I can share my life, my experiences. I can speak. I have a new level of transparency…it’s called you are not alone with your fears or triumphs, and in some way shape or form we are connected. So I will stand with you by relating to you... instead of pretending like I don’t know a level of what it is like to be you, or can’t have compassion for what you’ve been through.

+I can give. I can give and not feel like I am at a lost but realize the priceless gain.

Every area that began to unveil itself as “I can” connected and continues to connect me deeper to my purpose, opening door after door because of one open door that I said yes to.

Seeing one open door lead to many other open doors, which helped me grow my weaknesses and inabilities, turning my fear into courage. If there is one thing that I learned about “I can’t” is that there are many things we all “can’t” do or are not built/designed to do…but there is a difference in being able to pinpoint/verbalize your “can’t”…It is the beginning to your lesson and/or understanding.

+The Lesson: Your weaknesses are a perfect place to grow strength. Have you ever heard the phrase, “Where you are weak, is where you are being made strong”?

All of my “I can’t” listed above became my fighting moments for “Oh Yes, I Can.” And how I stand and progress today.

+The Understanding: Everyone is not designed to do everything but if you love it, find your voice within it and use it that way…Remember “I got a voice & I use it”? Go beyond the surface to get to the substance. Keeping a perspective that allows you to embrace and honor ALL of who YOU ARE!!

When WE turn ‘I can’t’ into ‘I can’…we will begin to see the truth of ‘open doors, open doors.’ Then, take off all limits to the possibilities of who YOU/Me/We were designed to be, living freely in our Purpose.

Let me say this

A dream is vision, a surface, an image like the picture on the box of a puzzle. We won’t understand it until we’ve connected all the pieces together…even those that don’t look like they fit. If you want an open door that leads to other open doors, commit to your Purpose including all things attached to the journey of getting there.

…

 Some More GYC Quotes:

"If You're scared to go through that first open door for whatever reason, you'll never know ALL of the greatness that already lives within you." 

"All of YOUR open doors are an introduction to know more about the person YOU are but have yet to meet."

Stay tuned THIS December…for Part 2… Let’s delve a little deeper!! And YOU know that there will be an end of the year FREE GYCGIRLYOUCRAZY Book... Y'all are going to LOVE THIS!!!

Defeating Crazy with Courage,

Lauren Alicia, Miss GYCGirl…Walking Through My Opened Doors…Doors!!

Yes Ma’am!!

P.S. My Book, Dear Divorce, Thank You (EvenThough I Hate You) is in stores NOW and the GYC Lifestyle section is hopping…whatever that means! So go pick up your copy and check it out!! Please and thank you! And HUGE Thank you to those that have already picked up their copy!! Let me know what YOU think!!

P.P.S

GYC 2 Year Anniversary…It’s Our Anniversary! Levels & Quotes

I’m singing:

Do you know today is our day, it’s our anniversary…our anniversary! Da da dot ta!

Y’all remember…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByzBc-bRngk
Begin at 5:37

And this year’s anniversary video…

Quick Note: This is pure silliness!! Don’t watch if you’re looking to be inspired…maybe (but just in case…I did post all of GYC-GirlYOUCrazy.com’s original quotes below)? My silliness is the biggest form of THANK YOU that I can give; letting you know that I am comfortable with you…not everybody experiences this! I am thankful for YOU, _________(insert name here), and that you helped GYCGirlYOUCrazy bring me here… to a place of transparency beyond the surface and to the real issues!

Last year GYC was able to collaborate with Endless Dreams Foundation for the What Is Beauty? Campaign as we became a resource, and this year GYC has personally brought me to a place of vulnerability and discomfort for a greater purpose, and a Journey of Hate, Healing and Understanding helping me to write, publish and release on August 19, 2014 my 1st commercially published book, click here for details!!

Now WATCH my Thank YOU & appreciation at your own risk!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_feD34BvWU

May you access all levels of WHO YOU ARE Boldly and Passionately as you pursue purpose!!

GYCSideNote…Reminder: What is the story behind your blog name? Perspective decides how we see things. And negative words and phrases have the possibility to cloud our perspective. It was a moment of recognizing that “Girl YOU Crazy” can easily enter our thoughts because it’s said with a little laughter but the thing is…it can sometimes linger negatively… So…I flipped the meaning of something playful that can discourage, keeping it playful but using the phrase as fuel to accomplish/complete/finish and live your dream with great expectation & a smile. 

…And don’t forget the awesome new Lifestyle section!!!

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!! ALWAYS!!!!!

Be sure to checkout my NEW blog >> www.DearDivorceThankYou.com<< and Pre-Order my 1st book Dear Divorce, Thank You (Even Though I Hate You) Sincerely, My Parents’ Grown Kid: A Journey of Hate, Healing and Understanding

And as an added treat…

Checkout ALL of these GYC-GirlYOUCrazy.com post quotes/phrases from 2012 to today (well…Saturday)!!! Ummm WOW that faucet flows and yours does too when you turn it on!! HELLO!!

“The imagination allows access to the things unseen and yet to be!”-Your Imagination

Your Imagination is the one of the most amazing places to be (at any age)…

“The thing that challenges you the most could be the thing that you are destined to overcome and conquer.” –Your Inner Confidence Speaking

Public Speaking is Just Talking, a conversation where you get to do all the talking, and people have to listen or at least pretend because you have the stage/floor/platform (whatever you wanna call it) and until you sit down & be quiet, they have to listen!

There is no need to keep going the wrong way just because you’re already there. When you start, you should finish but don’t finish something that needs to be started over…. Stop, Put Your Pride Aside, and Look In the Mirror!

“Stop trying to live your life through ______(fill-in-the-blank), you have your own!”

“You have big shoes to fill!” Response: “No I don’t! I have MY OWN!”
 -The inner you telling negative Nellies (unisex) to SHUT UP!

“Trying to live out someone’s dream, imagination or desire is like trying to walk in shoes that are too big…you fall!” –The Truth

I don’t regret defending my dream.

YOU don’t owe anyone’s dream achievement but your own!

 “A dream is but a dream until YOU decide to make it YOUR reality.”-Someone wanting you to succeed at the right thing

If you dreamed it, you now owe yourself & your imagination (the birth place of your dream) an attempt at living your dream.

 You can “Work at life while still living life” but
-- Don’t let your dream die by not letting it grow.

“Just because it looks like the door is closed, doesn’t mean that it’s actually closed”…what does that mean?!?
----Perception is Powerful because Truth doesn’t always appear to be True!

“I do not see mistakes as failures but experience paving the way to success.” –GYC Girl YOU Crazy

“Sometimes there are #Crazy ideas but don’t dismiss them, you might be the person to help it out! #FindTheRoot #DefeatCrazyWithCourageous”

“An idea is a precious gift given through your mind & imagination… AND sometimes the logical side of you just can’t comprehend…Get Over It and RECEIVE It!”-YOUR Ideas Defending Itself

Dismiss no idea but question it with courage and boldness…it could be an important part of your purpose, dream, goal, & desire…you never know what will happen!

"You are never too young or too old to inspire a dream."-The Inspiration Within

“I may not know where you're going...but I know it’s worth the fight!”

“The process of success is meant to strengthen us, and be re-told to encourage those after us.” –The Truth about the Process

When given the chance to give someone/anyone’s dream hope…take it, listen & encourage it!

When pursuing The Art of Not Giving Up, as in something you should be pursuing…you do NOT give up because you know/trust that the best is yet to come!

When negativity knocks…tell it to SHUT UP and Go away! Or close the blinds and lock the door! Your choice but I would probably do both and laugh in between…

“Negativity comes when it’s unwanted...which is always.”

NO MORE REGRETS, WE CHANGE WHAT WE CAN AND WE LEARN & LET GO OF WHAT WE CAN’T!

“I don’t know what stopped or is stopping you but every dream you envisioned is on the other side of that lil stop sign.” –Success Winner Risk-Taker (yep, that’s my full name)

“Don’t let go...YOU’RE ALMOST THERE!”

Your dreams are as close as the actions you put to them.

See/Imagine/Envision YOU(yourself) finishing with excellence---what YOU Started… whatever that looks like! & “Don’t let go...YOU’RE ALMOST THERE!”

Whether you admit it or not…the dreams you pursue/go after/run towards today are because you realized opposition didn’t outweigh the passion in your heart (to see your dreams in your reality)…

"Sometimes it only takes one time to inspire a dream forever."-The inner inspiration in YOU

“Versatility is YOUR friend… don’t be a 1 trick pony.”-Exciting talking to Boring, yep!

YOUR ideas & dreams are as close as the actions you put towards them…as amazing as the people you envision being changed by them…and as BOLD as the confidence YOU have when you present/pitch them.

YOU have the ability to change the world… Don’t disable it with fear.

“Neglect your fears and stop sitting on the sideline…this position was created for YOU, so play it!”

 –Success saying, “You can’t win if you don’t play”

“Neglect your fears and nurture your passion.”

-YOUR passion telling YOU that victory is on the other side of fear

Fear likes to appear comforting, attractive, and as if it’s on your team…preparing you!

If fear is supposed to be so normal, then why do so many people have a difficult time neglecting fear so it will die and be conquered?

FEAR… CONSIDER YOURSELF NEGLECTED!!!

“If you feed your fears with attention, you’ll be too fat to move forward.”

You are BOLD, BOLD, BOLD…that’s what I tell myself when I’m facing great opportunity and fear starts flapping!---And YOU should too!!!

“Take the steps, it’s good for the body & soul.”-A determined mind ready to fight setbacks

“Just like the elevator can take you up with one button, it can take you down with one button…be a step-taker.”-The truth

“When you take the steps, a set-back is only a step back but it’s up to you to move forward.”-The Steps

“You find strength in your foundation… So, whatever YOU put there does matter.”-Someone Wanting YOU to be Strong

“A house with no foundation is no house at all but a house with a weak foundation will surely fall.”-Strength

“Life is a process…don’t try to rush it, submit to it.”

       Sometimes we’re given a foundation and we don’t even know it and other times we blatantly/deliberately/straight up decide to skip the steps, and get on the elevator just because it was offered and exciting.

I’m strong because I know who I am.

“Don’t wait till you’re so far gone to go back to the basics, start with the basics by taking the stairs.”

Sometimes it may look like you’re on an elevator because all your hard work is paying off but pay attention, that’s your foundation telling you to “stand strong… YOU deserve to be here.”

Just like that elevator can take you up…there is nothing stopping it from taking you down…just one push and it’s like you never started.

The Process, Steps, Stairs are not to keep you from getting to your dreams... faster but make sure you can endure, stand on solid ground and know what you’re talking about.

“If I stopped after every negative Nellie (unisex) told me ‘NO’… said ‘Girl YOU Crazy’ & every other negative thing…I would have no dreams at all.”-YOUR Imagination speaking the truth

“If people don’t hate on my dreams…then I’m not dreaming BIG Enough, and if they don’t have nothing to say about me…then I’m NOT TALKING LOUD Enough!”-Boldness making its morning declaration

I had to decide that if I wanted these dreams of mine…it was going to take a fight,

Since Naysayers use fighting words!

“If YOU don’t fight for your dreams…who do YOU suppose will?”

“My confidence stands on strength.”

“To take the first step is strength, to take the next is confidence.”-The Inner YOU coaching & leading you to your dreams

The steps are not a punishment!

Strength builds the confidence that says, “I don’t have to pretend about who I am, I know what I’m doing… let me do it”

What does strength look like? Like confidence saying that “I was created/designed/set up to win!!!”

“Strength should be a garment you never take off…for it takes strength to even be humble.”

Write the unexpected.

“My confidence is bold... Strength told me so.”-The Inner Fighter in YOU

“I don’t ask if I’m qualified…I Know I am.”-Boldness

Oh how Boldness is so Beautiful!

When Boldness wants to bust through…doubt likes to start flapping with craziness!

“Let Boldness even the playing field.”

“You can look confident but YOU better talk boldness.”

“I don’t know about YOU…but My Boldness is Beautiful.”

“I’m uninterested in things not being achieved, dreams being neglected, life lived quietly, purpose roaming without an owner and confidence without boldness.”-YOUR Future

“When you stand on strength… confidence and boldness will make you say, ‘Girl YOU Crazy, I deserve this.’”-The Steps because they have seen and felt all your hard work

I’m writing to you because you ARE awesome but even more than that…Worthy & Deserving!

The audacity of you working really hard and not walking worthy…YOU better talk like, walk like and act like you deserve to be where you are because YOU do ma’am!!!

“Where did that phrase ‘Think outside the box’ come from?” –Innovation speaking in an unimpressed monotone voice…

“I hate (yes…Hate) that phrase ‘Think outside the box’.”-YOUR Dreams

“I was just trying to make you think outside the norm…you know, what is expected…(womp, womp, womp)”-The Box pleading its case

Throw the box away, step outside of what is expected from you…by just being YOU!!!

There is no box to think outside of when there is no box to be compared to…

“Don’t try to customize your dream when it was already designed for you to achieve …you just need to submit to the process.”-The Steps

“Don’t ask or tell me to think outside the box, I already threw it away! Okay? Okay.”

“I learned to be versatile by throwing the ‘box’ away.”

“Throw the ‘box’ away if you want to live out your dreams, YOU have to create them!”

“What is for me is for me, I might have to fight but I won’t have to compete…The fight is fixed because I was designed for this!”-YOUR Truth

“Follow after your own and your prize will not be revoked.”-YOUR Present & Future (It seems like they talk a lot…)

“What is for me is for me and I don’t have to compete.”

“If you have seeds with enough sense to plant them and patience to water them…you are the richest person!”

“Remain in remembrance of your own dream and purpose.”

“Don't get caught in a plan that is not connected to YOURS for they will be the only one that moves forward. ”

“I didn’t settle, it paid off...and I got another chance to dream.”-YOU, Me, We…speaking as Victorious Winners

“I went into the battlefield…too early, realized the equipment I had was for the pre-battle…and I went over there.”-Memoirs of Another Chance to Dream

I didn’t lose focus, my heart just expanded.

Open your eyes to more…you never know what is waiting to be birthed RIGHT NOW! The bigger dream is amazing but the journey can be greater.

Every now and then again…You, Me, We need to wake up and get lost in our dream(s) and the possibility of all of them happening… by developing their details.

Live and pursue YOUR own dreams for the love of YOUR sanity.

“I tear up at the thought that my heart had room to dream more dreams.”

We always have Another Chance to Dream…as long as we have today.

"Many will listen but only few will talk…dare to grab YOUR ‘mic’ and be bold."-YOUR Inner Boldness

“I got a voice and I use it… I can’t be muted, see the foolishness disputed yea I see right through it, so my strength is confident, that’s a fact we take the stairs no elevators, they got my back.”

“My boldness to believe opened me up to receive, now I have a voice…and I use it, I will not be muted.”-My Truth

Some have a love for a certain thing/industry/area but don’t know their position in it.

Speak while you have the “mic,” don’t miss your opportunity by not taking YOUR chance.

So I must ask…If you were given a “mic,” “pencil,” “stage,” “computer,” or whatever tool you have been intentionally or unintentionally longing for…what would you do and who would be in your audience?

“I got a voice and I use it… I can’t be muted.”-OUR Declaration

“It’s funny how some want to withdraw where they never deposited.”-Time & Effort

“Plant where you prosper, give where you need and want for nothing…”-YOUR Inner Wisdom Speaking

My preparation positions me for my ability to stand when it’s time to live out what I was designed to be.

The truth still remains that some need to be loved from a distance…which is Courageous.

I can appreciate my teammates/friends/comrades…(YOU get it), when I recognize and accept people for who they show me…they are.

“Sometimes we think we're investing where we'll see a profit when honestly…it is a waste of time draining us of our present joy and resources.”

“Let passion breathe and it will show you where to plant/give/sow/deposit so you’re not surprised by the result.”

“Sometimes you have to let go of things/people/whatever that could possibly be hindering you from withdrawing because you’re not able to deposit.”

“Planting where you prosper, sowing where you reap, depositing where you can withdraw…IS positioning yourself to be all of who YOU want to be.”-Life as We Know It

“Let’s be honest, this path I’m on called my journey…I didn’t want to go.”-The Honesty of Lauren Alicia (Coming soon to a theatre near you…not really!)

“A fully determined mind cannot be stopped from an attempt.”

Your dreams will always make provisions for the mistakes you make against them, if you’re willing to admit you were wrong.

My journey is far from over, and not at all free from me saying, "I don't want to go" or "do something" but my pride won’t get in the way of saying, “I was wrong.”

We all have our own definition of success…so whether we do, don’t or didn’t want to go…take the time to recognize if this undesired path will lead you to your definition.

“Admitting you’re wrong sets you up for what is right!”-Recovering Wrong People

“The story you speak into your own life will shed light onto the path you take.”-The Present & Future (In deep GYC Thought)

“I am worthy, deserving and enough…and NO ONE has the right to tell me anything different.”

“I’ve learned that if I want it, I have to fight for it because persistence can’t be ignored.”

“So I dream to escape and uncover my new reality…”

“If you don’t want to hear about my struggle, then I’ll never tell you about my success…you’ll just have to wait until you can Google it.”

“WE all have a platform and what we do with it is our responsibility, pay attention to the impact because the ‘chit chat’ about another’s only diminishes our own.”

“You might see me getting up…but you will never see me down.”

“Understand your vision and make way for its obstacles.”

“I’ve recognized the difference from my own experience…that quitting and discontinuing carry their own story.”

“Love where your journey is taking you or get up and go in another direction.”

“I don’t feel the need to hold on to unprofitable things just to have something.”

“Passion will always set you apart from those that have become routine as an art.”

“Let the difference be passion as it will continue to speak after you leave the room…passion speaks louder than words.”

“I may not like what you do but I can appreciate the passion that breathes when you talk about it.”

“My pen and paper allows me to create and escape to the life I build towards.”

I write what I speak.

“Some things are unnecessary to know but require us to be open and make room to grow.”-The Future informing you that your nosiness is currently not helping

“If we knew all the details of our journey…would we be too overwhelmed to go?”-The Reality of our Present, The Moment of Now

No need to nosey, just make room for growth.

“Sometimes we don’t need to know the whole story before attempting to read the book, we just need to know and trust that the best is yet to come!”-The Truth about our Present

So “Stop being so nosey”…relax, breathe and enjoy the journey!

“I go where I’m called, my dreams removed the need for an invitation.”-The Truth that I live…GYCGirl…Speaks!

"Many things will be offered but be led by your dreams."-The difference

"The thing I struggle in today and remain...could be the very thing I conquer with strength tomorrow and impact many. "

 "Don't allow your weaknesses to keep you from increasing your strengths."

"If it's aligned with your purpose, be BOLD and Remain." -GYCGirl...Speaks!

"I choose to reflect so that I may proceed with caution..."

Whatever your beginning support may be...acknowledge it, appreciate it and realize the indicator when it's time to take them off!

"Relate past events to present opportunities and realize you're ready."

“I don’t know about you…but I know my placement is key to living my dreams, and knowing 1st hand what success means.”-My Life Story

Enabled to Create continuous aha moments!

Let’s go through a few “Positioned to succeed” GYC Mirror Checks

+”Positioned to succeed…there are many layers to me (that I will peel back and be all I’m created to be).”

+"Positioned to succeed because I’m in position to receive."

+ I can.

+“Someone once told me…I have everything I need. So I positioned myself to receive, so that I may succeed.”

+I will.

+I am equipped to win…so I am what a winner looks like.

+All the “No’s” in the world can’t compare to the destined to be yes!

+ “What is for Me is for Me, and only doubt can change that.

+“I don’t have back-up plans…I have plans that work from different positions.”

“The person I am is the person I have become, the process can attest to the journey that has only begun.”-My truth

“If you don’t understand the vision (the vision for my life)…don’t criticize the image (me)!”

Life, thank you for showing me how to be in Operation Forward Motion, and reminding me that I am going somewhere that I am supposed to be voluntarily…I love you…but you already know that!

“If I compromise who I am, I will never know who I was yet to be.”-Mirror Conversation

“I am my own definition, I live it daily.”-My Truth

“If I allow your definition to take the place of my own, I will never see the vision that was only meant for me to see.”-YOU, Me, We Acknowledging Our OWN Unique Purpose

I am my own definition is a declaration that we don’t just speak but we live.

Know your truth and live it.

RISE ABOVE THE COMPROMISE.

+Girl YOU Crazy…to not be courageous!

+Girl YOU Crazy…to live someone else’s definition!

+Girl YOU Crazy…to give air to anything not connected to your purpose!

+Girl YOU Crazy…to not be free!

+Girl YOU Crazy…to walk around with a frown like you have no hope or promise in your purpose!

+Girl YOU Crazy…to think that your dreams are but a fantasy or agree with anyone that says it is and not tell them the truth!

I am my own definition…I don’t need yours and I won’t be tempted by want.

“I like to see people succeed and be all of who they are meant to be…it makes my heart smile.”

“Having a relationship within means that you will never be dry or without a direction to go, after all, it all starts with a thought…think for yourself.”

“Sisterhood contains the beauty of friendship that creates a bond where friendship & family mean the same thing.”

“Sisterhood shows the beauty of support as it embraces the fact that we are not alone!”

“My habits make a habit of sparking my inner passion. We all have a Secrets Whisperer living within…some pay attention while others wonder why didn’t they listen.”-The habitual thought provoker

My habits are a habit that I habitually practice...so no longer will I wonder why this or that happened…I'll find it in my habits that I habitually practice!

Habits are our life’s story.

If we know and acknowledge our habits as habits…then we have the opportunity to change the positioning of our thinking when it goes against our progress and purpose.

My habits are a habit… so I train and exploit them in pursuit of my purpose.

Exploiting your habits for the good and sanity of pursuing your own dreams…and the purpose of remaining focused.

My habits are a habit…so I make it a habit to finish, even if MY completion looks different then how you see it (OUR perspective belongs to us…whether we choose to explain it to another…or NOT)!

My habits are a habit… so I continuously refuse to quit anything attached to my purpose!

Nothing is worth losing or neglecting a dream of purpose

…just because it gets hard.

Habitually walk in trust and not in fear.

You gotta/haffta (have to) stop saying yes to habits that don’t profit you, move you forward, and lead you to open doors.

My habits are a habit… so if I continue to stay for the drama, I’ll train myself to always be distracted by foolishness…

Drama is inevitable but your participation is ALWAYS an option.

Friends pour into each other’s lives without the hidden intention of some sort of gain.

My habits are a habit…so daily I decide to accept who I am without comparison, unapologetically and walking in my freedom and beliefs unashamedly.

May your steps on your path habitually lead to the reality of your dreams!

When we know who we are…we need to remember there ARE people equipped to handle who we are even through struggle…and be our support without hidden intentions or sabotaging motives.

“When YOU want to succeed…Surround yourself with people that want YOU to succeed!”

“When we grow…we need to know, WHO didn’t grow with us. Then distinguish if they are the one’s farting on our forward motion vibe.”-GYCGirl…Keeping the TRUTH Simple

“Attitudes are contagious and sometimes place you in bad associations…when the people you choose to hang with…do the things you no longer do.”-Someone in Recovery of an Attitude Change!

When we grow, at some point we have to let go to keep growing.

When we change for the better on the inside…it should be reflected in our outer actions.

It’s up to us to provide the possible choices of how people decide to perceive us through our decisions of what we keep around us. At some point, when our character changes…so shall our guests.

“I speak of the past so you may know submitting to the process allows you to be built to last.”-Me

If you don’t get down with what is going down…you need to find some new friends to be around.

“If you want to attract new people with different attitudes…stop inviting the old ones with funky attitudes.”-Sounds like something your mother might say…it’s cool…some have called me Mama Lauren!!!

“If you offer someone with bad breath a mint and they won’t take it…walk away because they are not ready for change.”-The Truth (if you ever heard it!!!)

“You are better than your past because you are still here in the present…so walk worthy in your position by being selective of who you give permission...to walk with you.”-Just GYC…no extra commentary

“I’m more interested in my purpose than my past or mistakes because as I walk in forgiveness of self…so shall I walk worthy in the promise of my purpose.”-Today speaking to Tomorrow

“Know that YOU have a purpose and allow its promise to keep you focused!”-Someone wanting you to fight off distractions

“Mistakes don’t last, purpose does…so allow the purpose that’s in you to work through you into your reality.”-Truth

Rejection is not a reflection of YOU but a reflection of what does not belong to YOU.

Be thankful when people say, “NO” because it allows and prepares you for the right people to say, “YES”!

Remember small can land on greater!

It can start as a seed and grow into a tree!

“Purpose will allow you to see…how greatly YOU are designed.”

To know you have a purpose is to know that you have power, and when you pursue that purpose…you will be known as a powerful, no limits woman walking worthy in her purpose!!!

“I learned to fight in a fight, so excuse me when I don’t give up.”-Life Confession of How I Got Here

“It’s funny, we’re told to be strong, independent women but when we fell as little girls everyone ran to our rescue while heads turned away when a little boy fell.”-I’m not upset…I’m just explaining the strength of my existence…

“Independence has its perks and its harshness but nevertheless…find its strength.”-Independence’s Reality

Take strength from a place within and apply it to the surface!

“Pay attention to your fight because there is where your strength will grow stronger.”

“We are always one decision away from learning more about who we are and where we are destined to go. Know how strength was taught to you.”

“Independence has its perks and its harshness but mix it with humility and understanding and you will decide to only see the perks!”

“The one with the vision has the capacity to finish. Don’t allow your vision to simply be an image.”-Your Dreams dropping Truth!

We know our worth…so WE decide to stand for what WE DESERVE!

My dream belongs to me.

I allow my imagination to give me vision beyond reality.

Greatness has an unlimited capacity; my ability to say yes gives me access.

Each step has a story worth telling because our journey is significant.

Your purpose knows more about your future than you do. So, when you submit to it...you just might find that what you think you deserve now doesn’t compare to what you deserve later. Trust the process (the journey of your purpose) to which you submit and allow your actions to relate to its bigger picture!

“To understand the cost of comparison is to go beyond the thought of ‘I have high self-esteem…you’re not talking about me…I don’t compare myself to others’ and look a little deeper.”-Memoir of how I learned depths of the truth (that would be a really good book… mention GYC Girl YOU Crazy if you write it…Mmmhmm)

“Don’t attempt to compete through comparison, instead live the life you were given pausing at times to recognize/acknowledge what you deserve to receive.”-Compliments and Comparison are not needed

“Don't compare, you're not competing.”

“Let the confidence of another encourage you.”-Neglect Comparison

“Wisdom speaks through processed experiences, pain may be part of the story but it doesn’t hold the microphone.”

Wisdom doesn’t come because YOU, ME, WE experienced the pain or situation…it comes when WE decide to process the pain or situation.

“Pain can’t and will not hold the microphone or my attention because I’ll miss Wisdom.”

“If you don’t make a decision, you'll end up with nothing and in some cases we are destined to have both.”

“It’s always a risk to believe just like it’s a risk not to!”

Daily discuss your purpose and you'll find that purpose isn’t moved by comparison because it knows your definition and self-worth.

“Let faith come out of your own mouth...only you know what it's like to be you. Speak loud and allow your hope to breathe.”

“The conversation you don’t have can be the problem you have later.”

“I don’t compare, it’s a waste of my time to compete… I’m deserving of my own victory story.”

“Honesty of self will always look good on you.”-Your Mirror

“Worthy is an attitude formed within, stemmed from truth and carried out.”-The definition of worthy

“Life gave me lemons, so I’m drinking, cooking, eating, blogging, vlogging, creating products, traveling around the world photographing…LEMONS, and when I’m done, I’ll write a book and a movie about it. Long story short…I own lemons.”-The unofficial bio of the GYC Girl (YOU Crazy)

“Own your talent, employ your entire self.”-How to release the broke mindset because broke is not a circumstance

“If YOU were told that YOU are more talented than you know…would YOU allow that talent to breathe?”-Talent

Life gave YOU talent, OWN IT and WORK EVERY BIT OF IT!!!

“The truth isn't always in the surface...we can all buy makeup and decide to see whatever we want to see.”-The perspective of substance

Why be envious or assume what you see when you don’t know the person’s story?

Appearances will make you miss the entire substance, and offending the reality you never knew.

Appearances are the result…how WHOMEVER got there is the substance.

YOU ARE TOO COURAGEOUS AND FILLED WITH SO MUCH PURPOSE to go after the thing(s) that might only make you look good (appearance) but in reality, make you feel empty (substance).

I am who I am and I am beautiful…

If you’re going to get caught up on appearances, you’ll surely miss the substance, and distance yourself from the urgency of being part of something BIG.

“Either dig or keep it moving because the surface is more temporary than its substance, and its substance is more permanent than its surface.”-Life wanting YOU to have it all

“Do not deal with the surface of the person…the beauty is in their substance.”-Truth asking for a chance

Know your design…IT IS, YOU ARE A GREAT RESOURCE!!!

Think about all of the “AMAZING” YOU/Me/WE are already equipped/designed/capable to create before we even leave our mind, swipe our card, call someone up…ETC…YOU get the picture!

Our creativity lies in what we are willing to create (with what we have).  

“It’s nothing like standing in the shower with a clogged drain. Everything gets clean but your feet.”-Life

When life moves forward don’t let the past haunt.

It’s great when we can recognize our needs and even more when we are able to take the next step, realize and live the solution.

Allow your thoughts to serve you beauty instead of misery.

It’s always important to remember that you’re still standing. 

“There is no need to allow the past to hold up your present…let’s push forward with understanding.”

Through the limitless of the #ICAN…We Live.

“You’re wrong…things could be worse.”-Hope for Change Campaign… (does/if that exist?! hmmm)

“What’s bad may be bad but don’t let it stop you from seeing the good, and correcting the pain through a vision of change.”-Perspective

A “leopard” may not be able to change its spots but it can decide how it wears them!

Let no person write you off as someone that can’t grow and be better!

With Boldness and Confidence may WE all wear our “spots” as lessons and experience, instead of pain, frustration and defeat!

“Purpose places the desire and passion creates its continuous hunger.”-The answer to why Purpose + Passion = Greatness (Mmmhmm)

“Being Driven with No Engine is like searching for purpose with no passion and baking a cake with no eggs… “-True words from The Chef of Life

Sometimes passion is forgotten because we’ve forgotten what we ARE made of.

Passion keeps things fresh…so it is M-U-S-T that we Re-fresh!!

Combine all of who you are into what you are pursuing to achieve.

Passion gets stirred when we’re focused on the substance of what we set out to achieve.

“The power of our story could be the key to someone’s healing.”-Dear Divorce, Thank You (even though I HATE you) Sincerely, My Parents' Grown Kid: A Journey of Hate, Healing and Understanding, By Lauren Alicia

“If I commit, I can’t quit.”-YOU

“You never know who is waiting to be influenced on the other side of your commitment.”-Life

“When we commit, it’s like that 1 thing Purpose is asking for hits the surface while the rest of you is still marinating in the substance waiting for Purpose to call it too.”

“ I can’t stop until I see the win, you’ve felt achievement before so can you be patient enough to wait, dedicate and commit until you feel it again? Your answer better be YES.”-My Note to Self

What if just might be what is…