I am officially 22 years old.  Wow.. *Checks for any gray hairs* LOL.  As I sit back and reflect on my life, I can honestly say there has been so much growth and maturity I've seen within myself.  I still have a long way to go, but I am confident that as long as I keep God first in my life, he will lead, wreck, protect, guide, and heal me from all things. So what makes this birthday different from others?  Well, I declare "Chapter XXII" is the beginning of me living a life full of PURPOSE.  That means:  I know WHO God says I am, WHAT God has CALLED me to do, and I am stepping out on FAITH because I refuse to let FEAR hold me back from my DESTINY!!!

When I was 21 years old, I was a HOT MESS.  I just graduated from LSU (Geaux Tigers!).   I had the opportunity to relax, party, and vacation.  Then suddenly, things got real and reality slapped me in my face.  This past year, I've dealt with being depressed, constantly getting rejected, letting go of friendships that I thought would never end, releasing control over my life (because of course it NEVER goes as planned), and getting my heart broken.

Always remember:  it takes pressure to make a diamond.  You have to go through the rain to see the rainbow.  You have to go through the bad to appreciate the good.  Sometimes we have to be broken down only to be built back up to something SO much better.

I was quickly taken off my high and brought to a place where I discovered my purpose.  Ever since I've discovered my purpose, life has significantly changed for the better and I am the HAPPIEST I have ever been.  It's almost like I am living a fairy tale.  (Side note: This was not an overnight process and by no means I have a "perfect" life right now.  However, my sorrows have been turned into joy, and whatever I've lost, I've gained x's 2!)

Through this blog and my future endeavors, I hope to encourage, inspire, and ignite the fire in others, particularly women.  We are so amazing and beautifully made.  This world would not operate without us.  I wish every woman knew her worth and how much power she really has.  We were born to be QUEENS, not peasants!  I am far from perfect and still trying to figure life out.  However, I will be transparent with my life experiences, thoughts on certain topics, and feelings in this blog.

DISCLAIMER: I will not sugar coat anything and will always "keep it real".

Nevertheless, I am super excited for my journey in life, and you should be excited for yours as well!

If you aren't excited about your life, I want you to go to the mirror (yes, right now) and say out loud:

"I am beautiful, flaws and all.  I am uniquely and wonderfully made.  I am strong.  There is nothing that I can not achieve.  There is nothing that's impossible for the most high God.  I will not stress about tomorrow because I can not control what tomorrow will bring.  Trouble never lasts forever and no weapon formed against me shall prosper.  From this day forward, I will walk with confidence and faith because I have a purpose in this world that ONLY I can achieve.  I am a Queen.  This is my throne.  Watch me conquer all things I set out to do."

Repeat this until you believe it!!

Now that we are all excited about our life's journey, let's let our light shine & work toward living a life of purpose!

Be blessed everyone.

Sincerely,

KING

Making My 22nd Birthday Wish