Category: Early Beginnngs

Over the last few years (more recent years), there have been moments where I thought I could write an episode of Sex and the City.  I don’t know that it would actually make it to television but I do have stories to get you laughing and crying all at the same time.

A lot of my writing on this blog has allowed me to speak towards my professional and personal growth which made for more of a somewhat heartfelt and sincere look into who I am today.  However, there is more to me than meditation, thought provoking books that I obsess over, and manifesting my dreams.  I’m actually pretty racy, wild, and quirky.  So without further anticipation, sit back and enjoy another layer of me!

As I’ve mentioned in my welcome post, when I was a teenager the future Keisha was married with 21 children – forget Kate plus 8.  Seriously, she has nothing on Keisha plus 21.  At last, that never happened and my life is more like Keisha plus 21 odd dates within weeks.  Yes, YES, yes, you read that correctly.  That’s what dating in your 30’s feels like, all depending on your strategy of course.  There are sooo many options!!

• Introduced by friends
• Meeting at a club, bar, coffee shop (yes, this still happens)
• Social events
• Speed dating
• At the office, yes that happens – awkward as F#%&
• Online!! (this option deserves its own post)
• Mobile Apps like Tinder and now I hear we can Bumble?!?

There are a variety of ways to do it, to meet the one.  But, with all these options there are no set guidelines, rules of engagement, practice runs on how to do it and get it done right.

In your teenage years, depending on so many factors dating could have meant so many things.  Sharing a coke at lunch, dancing at the school dance or, going steady (whatever that meant).  In your 20’s it’s when the lot of us go one way or the other.  This could be married, happy, children, or just married / no children, or in long term relationships, singledom, maybe in love with discovering and learning themselves.  Our 20’s are like moving into adulthood and finding our footing with this thing called love.

Our 30’s…. oh our 30’s, that’s when we get to try again.  Nobody tells us that at any point, but 30’s is when you really get to finesse things.  At least that’s what I’m telling myself 🙂  Depending on which way you went (marry, single, kids) the adventure shifts.  Your 30’s are either, comfortable, secure, a nightmare (yes shit that you never saw coming), painful, funny, or makes you start questioning where did your 20’s go?

Oddly enough you might be able to apply that to any of the scenarios from your 20’s – married, happy, children, married / no children, long term relationships, signledom – seriously try it!

Now, I can only speak for long term relationships, singledom, and yeah that’s about it.  So, if you are hoping for anything more this is not the blog for you but please do have a laugh at my expense.

Well, where can I possibly be going with this rant, here it goes – why did they not teach a class on signledom in school?!?!?!  OMG it would have made all of the difference.  We learn all about birds, bees, marriage, family, but what about singledom – no one prepares you for that.

So what do I propose this looks like…

Course Name: Singledom, the good, the bad, the funny, the ugly
Course Duration: Four Months, 1.5hr two times a week
Course Objective: Learn how to navigate, survive, and enjoy the most confusing time in your life.

DISCLAIMER: Please note the following is based solely on my personal, messy, hilarious experience. In no way is any scenario going to be exactly like the other, that’s why they should likely revisit what is taught in these classes.  For example, nobody had to worry about the whole ‘catfish’ drama in the early 90’s.

Course Overview:

The below is a summary of what tips, guidance, and practice to expect during the course.

• First date tips; outfits, flirting, and location.  If you can keep it quick and easy, that’s the way to go!
• Long first dates and how to prepare; have an exit plan, have a few things in common, it’s okay to say no
• First dates; just try to have fun.  There is no perfect way to survive the unknown that is life.
• Outfit guidance and best practices.  What to have in your closet so you are always ready!
• Depending on the number of dates, I highly recommend strategy behind it – when you are older your memory starts to fail and it’s easy to mix up scenarios.  Just saying 😛

Here’s a template to get you started, and yes I’ve done this and yes it’s important.

• You don’t have to say YES to everyone, but say YES to enough of them to make sure you are doing this for fun and you are not too focused on the one.
• Posting on FB / not posting – don’t post it, I’ve posted relationships and where are they now, I’ve posted I’m going on dates, some that never made it pass him showing up 🙁  If you are inclined to post do it with subtly.
• When you find someone that seems to be doing it for you, create increments of growth.  For example we all have 3 month rules, 3 date rules, no more than three guys in one week – hey I’m not here to judge.  This course will help you build your rule and create something you can work with – I tried a 21 day rule with Mr. Capitán… and that’ a story for another day.
• Keeping it cool with family.  We give you advice on how to deal with the family that can’t wait for you to settle down, or that are tired of you dating.  With real life stories;
  • What to do when your father says, “I don’t want to meet another one.”
  • When your siblings give you the eye-roll with a, “Do we have to meet someone else… again.”
  • Those moments where the little ones in the family want to call everyone ‘uncle’
  • Or, perhaps your family rolls out the red carpet for everyone you introduce 🙂

Upon graduation, each successful student will not only survive singledom but will have the best time of their lives dating.

Sign Up Now!

As I said, this post wasn’t for everyone but I hope there was a chuckle here and there.  Nothing prepares you for singledom; no gym class, religion class, or history class can prepare you for this.  So, if you would like to sign my petition so we can start a movement, click here.

I won’t ask for your most entertaining dating stories, but I hope you enjoyed this piece – let me know in the comments if you think there should be a singledom class (it can come with a male / female version, tips on how to fix things, cooking for one.. lol).

The Passion.  The Fire.  The Love.  The Fun Facts.

08/24/2017 3:49 AM

Those are the words and thoughts that came to mind when thinking about this post as I wanted to ensure you can really connect with what I am feeling ‘at this moment’.  Then I thought what is me, what am I, – oh I’m Passion, I’m Fire, I’m Love, I’m Fun Facts?!?!?!

Ladies and gentlemen, this is what happens when you cannot sleep because you’re excited, nervous, excited, fully consumed by OMG wow thoughts, and you get out of bed at 2:30 AM to document it.

I’m hoping this post will give you a random overview with what’s happening now, some fun things you may not know, and just a splash of my current moment.  I may keep this post as a continuous/ongoing update for those who are secretly enjoying knowing what’s going on but can’t commit to my newsletters – this page is for you!  (However given my schedule it will likely not be updated that often, trying to keep it real with you 😉 )

So here are the August 2017 Fun Facts in this Moment.  Yes, I’m fully aware it’s September.. lol

• If you haven’t figured it out yet – yes, I left my corporate job and it was bittersweet.
• I love digital marketing and the work I did at MJN but there is this burning desire to work with community and I want, actually NEED to pursue this.
• Does this mean I hate corporate or the structure of 9-5? ABSOLUTELY NOT!! I love everything that world provided for me; security, copious amounts of income, corporate travel, memories, OMG the SKILLS, comfort!! I love working corporate and yes I would go back.
• This next item is very random but I think important.  I have a tattoo on the back of my neck, and I’m tired of explaining what it is.  Well not tired, but people always wonder if it’s a bar code… lol 😀  If you know me, you know that I have a love for all things rich with culture; foods, fashion, people, language, music, all things!  I knew I wanted a tattoo but if I were going to do it, it would have to mean sooo much to me, so what is that bar code:
  • It was my love of culture, in this case West African Culture
  • The perfect time in my life, I went through a revamp of my career, love life, everything
  • Committed to a healthier me and more success – spiritually, mentally, and physically
  • So this showed up one day as I googled West African recipes and then next thing you know I fell in love with the ‘twisting’ look and what it represents; initiative, dynamism, and versatility.
• I’m looking forward to more sleep.  Seriously.
• What’s next?
  • Community work with the Live. Learn. Educate. mentorship program.
  • Running and managing my various online businesses that include;
    • This Blog – which I like to refer to as my brand
    • Ecommerce – working with my partner in crime in the worlds of fashion, action heros, and kitchen supplies in 2018??  Here’s a sneak peek at our fashion store creative.  Don’t worry more details will come soon!!
• Building an Online Coaching Platform, Two to Launch which will allow me to offer services that will include direction on digital marketing, small business management, career and lifestyle success.  I’m super excited about this project and I encourage you to visit the site to learn more and sign up; twotolaunch.com.  Right now, I am working on exclusive updates for my first round of clients and I would love for you to be the first to get coaching from me!  Click on the link here; www.twotolaunch.com or the image below to learn more and don’t forget to sign up.
• How racy do I want my content – this is something I continue to sort out.  I want to be authentic and touch on things that I find hilarious, mildly inappropriate and in general life’s best moments.  I will figure it out because I think it’s too good not to share.  An example of racy would be that time that I ventured into the world of ‘hair removal’ – that’s all I am going to say for now!
• The number one question that annoys me? How are you going to making money?  Why are people obsessed with this question, I have yet to figure out.  Please ask me when you see me, how can I help you mentor the next generation?
• I’m very excited to get my hair braided – I need a break from the wash and go cycle.  More info on that and the talented stylist I am working with.  FYI – my hair is finally braided 😀

Well, how was that for an update!!  I will proofread once or twice but that’s all folks!  Click through to other areas of the site but don’t worry I will be sending out updates on what’s next as the time goes by!

If you could share one major goal that you would like to accomplish in 2018 what would it be!  Share in the comments below I would love to feel your energy and it helps me to connect with you guys sooooo much more.

Before you read, know this is a long post, some of it is redundant but it’s my letter to the condo owner where I had the opportunity to write for the last week.  So, read it with that in mind and I hope you enjoy!!

Dear Condo Owner,

It’s incredible how the universe has a way of bringing things together.  As some of you know I’ve been on a natural high for the last couple years.  My mom ends our conversations with ‘namaste’, my siblings ask me how my writing is going, and my dad is texting me quotes from the Dalai Lama – what an amazing support system.  As they have no idea what I’m about to do next, but the love they genuinely have as they stand by my side is incredible.

Love is incredible.

In my last post, I shared my journey of the last ten years of my life.  I left out some critical things that need more time for me to develop and craft.  However, I cannot wait to share that and sooooo much more.  But, in the meantime, I want to share what it is like to live completely immersed into your being.  Your being on this planet, this universe, this moment and I swear I’m just as confused as you are reading this paragraph.  I can hardly keep up with all of the stuff (stuff, also known as Kool-Aid throughout this post) that has been thrown my way.

Almost two years ago, I sat with someone who is my dear friend now.  I told her that I wanted more out of life, and shared that I just finished watching The Shift by Wayne Dyer and that it had me in tears.  Ironically, The Shift was actually a recommendation from another dear friend.  I imagine the three of us will be sitting down for an intense chat of ahhhh haaaaa moments very soon.

Anyway back then in 2015, I knew nothing about meditation, numerology, or affirmations.  All I actually knew was that I wanted more out of life.  I worked hard, was always a bit of a nerd, and was happy, and smiling as most of you know me to be.  However behind all of that I was hurting, I was sad, I cried, and felt alone at times regardless of how surrounded I was.  There is a lot more to that story that I will share in a future post, but what I’m trying to ground you in is knowing in 2015 I wanted more, regardless of what I had already.

During the chat with my dear friend, we discussed how I would love to travel, I would love to write, I would love to be more adventurous.  She looked at me blankly and said, “Dude, what are you waiting for? Go to Tofino, go to Mexico, you’ll be fine.”  I looked at her as though she had two sets of eyes and laughed, “Me, by myself, are you crazy?”

The next thing you know I’m on a plane to Mexico, on my dream vacation, by myself.  What you need to know, is that I was terrified.  A lot of people told me I would get kidnapped, robbed, or murdered.  I mean it was bananas how many people tried to convince me that I was nuts.  But the heart wants what it wants and I wanted a pool at my hotel room door.

Et Voilà…

Between the time we had our conversation about me travelling on my own and my stay in Mexico, I read more about meditation, numerology and affirmations.  I was drinking the Kool-Aid that we could live the life we want if you are sincere about what you want, ask for guidance, and affirm daily.

The process is by far perfect, but it’s doable.

So, now it’s all sinking in.  I’ve always wanted to work for a larger company as a marketing manager, I wanted the condo that I live in, I wanted fashion in my life, I wanted to dance and have been dancing with some hip hop / house crazies, I wanted to stop feeling the sadness I carried for years.  And just like that it stopped.

Man, am I ever getting naked in this post but with good reason.

So, then back in the summer of 2016 I decided that I wanted companionship.  I’m no expert in relationships, fear marriage, and having children (yes mom, I’m still not sure about that contract you  made me sign) but it was time to date.  I was ready after Mexico.  As many of you know I’m well into my thirties, well mid-thirties so dating if you must know is not easy.  I said when I came back from Mexico I would put myself out there.  I had no idea it would be as entertaining as it was.  I will have a complete write up about that one day.  But for now, the moral of the story, yes I could have likely dated and stayed in many unhappy relationships but this one guy that I unexpectedly fell for, no stumbled upon.. was and is exactly what I called into the universe.

I know you guys think I’m going bananas but please keep on reading.

They say you should write down what you are looking for.  They say make a list (I will dig this up and share in the near future), we’ve seen the Cosmo articles, and have done these crazy things for love.  However, for me this was different.  He is different.  He is sooooo complicated, but so am I and that’s what makes him my list.  In the first few months of dating he literally has made me laugh uncontrollably, he’s absolutely nuts, and all over the place – the complete opposite of myself.  Regardless, I wanted this and I asked for it.  Now before you start picking a wedding date, we have absolutely no plans for a big day, what we do know is that we love living in the present.  I called him into my world.  We are our present.

Okay, so job, check, condo/apartment, check, fashion, music, dance, travel, love – hello universe this Kool-Aid is delicious!!

It was November, or maybe October last year that I still craved a little more.  I hired a coach to help me figure it out.  A lot of people who were close to me questioned why I needed a coach but I felt it was important to get further alignment and guidance on where I’m heading next.  I worked with JP, Jean-Philippe Michel, and it was great.  He really makes you work, sit, think, reflect, and draw conclusions.  Although, we did not get the opportunity to go further he confirmed that there was in fact something missing and it was my desire to serve and help others.  Based on the work we did together, I wasn’t getting that in my life.  However, I was also a little distracted and crazy in love.  So, JP fired me and told me to figure life out on my own and if I need help to holler at him.  So we are clear, he did this with his warm smile and I kindly accepted him firing me.

So, are you guys still with me??  If you are really going to understand the story you have to live through it with me.

It’s now January 2017, my boyfriend who I called into the universe gives me my dream ring.  He surprises me with the most beautiful gift, especially knowing how I feel about weddings, rings, marriage, etc.  This was his way of locking it down without freaking me out.  I scare easily with relationship stuff and he’s okay with that.

Things are bliss, maybe I will just take a minute and enjoy life.  So, here I am now, strolling down Happyville and we find out the company I work for is in the middle of an acquisition.  What the what!?!?!  I hardly know what this means, I know I love my job and I know this could be good, bad, ugly, etc but why now??  I was thinking I could settle down and have some babies or something (yes, mom I thought about it for a minute).  This news was hard to digest, but so was everything that followed and hit me like a ton of bricks.

I had been asking the universe to allow me the opportunity to help others for years but it was not sticking, something was off.  I was very appreciative of everything in my life but the gift to serve and help others was still missing.  Then February 2017 happens.  I was promoted, or in band promotion, or whatever the corporate world would like to refer to it as.  My senior manager made the decision to allow me to advance and have a direct report.  I was shocked.  Seriously, how can all of this be happening.  My head is spinning, my heart is racing, I don’t even know if you are allowed to have that much Kool-Aid and good fortune in one short moment.  I am not helping young teenagers in inner city communities but I am being given the opportunity to help someone learn digital – close enough, right?

Remember two years ago, I was sad and painfully so.  So, this is wild… this has all happened in two years.

In pure natural confusion, I am all over the place, excited, nervous, happy, overjoyed, freaking out I try my best to keep it all together.  This is a lot, a lot of goodness. Don’t get it twisted I couldn’t have asked for more.  But I’m tired, I’m human, and I need to steady the amount of Kool-Aid being thrown my way.  So, I do what any normal wannabe hippie would do… I meditate, educate, and ground myself for two days.  For two days I sit still and let my mind, body, soul disconnect from all the stuff.  The second day of my meditation ended in tears and that’s when I booked this condo, this writing reTREAT and said it’s time to serve, it’s time to write what that looks like.

I’ve now shared countless posts about my journey to this moment, I’ve shared it through Instagram and Facebook but this moment that I sit and write this post had me in tears.  The man that owns this condo is a writer, he is a father, a friend, a coach, a healer and he has no idea how much he has done for me.  He knows nothing of my past, my journey, or what I need.  He has no idea how much guidance I need right now.  The man that is not physically here but is very much in my presence with his spirituality, books, fireplace, bathtub, rooftop, he is present in every word I type.

Are you freaking out yet, because I totally am.

This man I jokingly said was the male version of me, but he’s so much more he is me.  This man full of life looked me in the eye and shared that he was not well.  He shared that he had been sick for some time.  At the time I didn’t understand, what he meant but of course being the digital person I am I looked him up online as he is a famous writer – oh, he is also sick.  He was diagnosed with cancer and I have so many mixed emotions now.  I’m sitting in his chair right now and I want him to know that I can feel his love.  I am so grateful the universe has given me him, and this moment.

There is so much more to share, but I wanted to give you a piece of this moment.

The next few months will be wild, but I’m confident that everything I do going forward will be to serve.  Will be to give others what they need to live a purposeful life.  I’m crying again because it’s my last night here and I don’t know if I will ever experience a moment like this again.

Be orgasmic in this life.

Thank you for this moment.

Love always,
Keisha
xox

PS Likely tons of typos, but I’m a little exhausted from writing, typing, thinking, reading.  Would love to know, one word, or more on how you are feeling after reading this ‘mini-book’.

PSS After this post, desperately wanting a copy of the book in the photo, I emailed him and was hoping to hear from him.  No answer.  I was approaching checkout and I receive a text from him and he shared that he wanted to give me the book as a gift and welcomed me to be in touch so we can have a longer conversation.  He is open to working with me as he was inspired in our short meeting as he gave me the tour of his condo.

PSSS If you made it this far, I will be continuing to write and complete an entire piece on how to manifest what you are looking for based on my experience, linking it into an opportunity for me to help children in inner city communities, all the while still doing marketing.  Have I lost my mind, absolutely and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hello lovelies, this letter is one to you and it is one of THANKS 💕

I’m ever so grateful to be sitting here and writing to you.  I’ve spent some time over the last week, well last month marinating on some things.  If you haven’t seen my post on Instagram about mediation I’ve included at the bottom of this post.

But today, I wanted to share with you a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT and I’m saying thanks because I’m super grateful to be blessed with such amazing family and friends.

Of course, you need to know where I’m coming from before the announcement 😉

March 2007 – Working in Marketing at Algonquin College, after graduating in 2006 – ohhhhh to be 25 again!!

March 2008 – Saw a path in marketing.
I read ONLY about successful business women in several magazines.  They all had university backgrounds or years of marketing.  I had no idea how this could happen for me but oh did I want it!!

March 2009 – I live in Montreal.  Working for agencies.
Interesting. No idea I was coming back to Ottawa, maybe my family and friends knew but chose not to tell me.

March 2012 – Back in Ottawa.  I purchased my website domain www.keishagomes.com.
I started traveling, first stop San Diego, then Dominican Republic, FINALLY got my driver’s license, yes 31 (remember Life: The Perfect Plan Interrupted), no idea what is really happening next.

March 2013 – I know I like writing, but no idea what I’m doing with my website or life, and I’m in my 30’s YIKES.  Common pattern, no idea what I’m doing.

But by the summer of 2013, I was in Florida, selling emergency notifications, seriously.  No I’m serious.  Then September came, and I was in my career dream come true.  Digital marketing manager at a CPG.  Then it all started the career roller coaster of my life 😍 ohhhhh and my apartment is literally like a scene from Sex and the City (at least that’s what I tell myself and my obsession with that show and having this space….. EPIC), see a small post on my place here.

(IMPORTANT TO NOTE: as I mentioned, five years before, July/August 2008 all I read about was being a marketing manager in the Heart Business Journal for Women)

March 2014 – California, Huntington Beach – what website, what writing?
 I took a minute.
Balance of 2014 – Spend time with Family & Friends

March 2015 – Phoenix, Arizona – Also.  Still.  No.  Website or Writing.
Okay, but I have a routine, I tried a little love, planned some writing, fitness and traveling goals. I started posting in February 2016.

March 2016 – I survived the first month of writing.  Then in April I setup hosting because I was committing.
Hello San Diego for the second time, Mexico City, Riviera Maya, MEXICO, love of my life for the third or fourth time (who’s counting I’m in my 30’s), Vermont, Boston, Val-David, Montreal, Santa Barbara.  So I only wrote 18 posts in 2016.  Correction I successfully WROTE & made it PUBLIC on my website!!!!!!!!

March 2017 – Meditation & Big Announcement

The purpose of sharing my story before the announcement is to illustrate you really don’t know where life is taking you.  This was a ten year summary of part of my life and if you told me back in 2007 when I was a recent grad of Algonquin College working in their marketing department, that I would become a digital marketing manager for a number one brand in the category, driving influencer and content marketing  – I would have sat there and said, “Hmmmm tell me more.” 

We have all imagined or future, thought of it, dreamed of it – I can go on.  For me I know certain things in my life will flourish, I don’t know exactly when or the details but the art of imagining and affirming what you want has been very true for me.  I’ll be honest, I didn’t even know I was doing this but I will share that in a future post (I have old vision boards I found, I was doing those before I knew I was doing them….ughhhh… LOL)

So, in addition to wanting to be a marketing manager at a CPG ten years ago, I’ve also wanted to be a writer.  Yes, crazy!! I know.  ME.  A.  WRITER.

It’s very exciting, I don’t know how, what (okay maybe I know that), when, etc.  But I know this is going to be EPIC.  I’m smiling so much while typing this to you.  And, first step toward this EPIC dream; I will be spending ironically one week, six days, five nights in Quebec city by random twist of fate in a writer’s condo in old town!!

I remember when I planned Mexico last year I pictured a room with a pool at my door.  I had exactly that.

This year, I pictured a place to write and clawfoot soaker bathtub for weeks (no idea I was booking this but you can ask Harley, how bad I’ve been wanting a soaker tub).  I have exactly that now.

So, thank you for cheering for me on the sidelines even if we don’t get to talk everyday.  I’m ever so grateful because I know you have always been there no matter how small or big.  I’m looking forward to the next five years of my life,  writing, and sharing it with you.

Here’s the Instagram post on Meditation, click here!  Did you click?  Seriously.

That’s it for now but be sure there is more to come, new site, new writing, new everything.

Love,
Keisha
Author of best selling, To be Confirmed

PS Are you willing to put what you want out there for the universe to answer.  If so, I dare you to add a comment, it feels so goooood to put it out there.

PSS I do love all of the personal emails I’m getting from you guys.

PSSS There is more to come, and I promise all  of this will make so much more sense.  I want to really put all of the ups and definitely downs/fears out into the universe to help others.  By no means this was easy the last 10 years, I cried, I gave up, I cried some more, oh did I mention I cried.  But it was all doable.  Whatever you want is doable.  Can’t wait to share more!

January 27, 2017

Dear Keisha,

It’s been a year and wow, you still find ways to amaze yourself – lots of good times, some not so good times but through it all it was a phenomenal year.

First off, I want to give you an A for effort and trying to accomplish everything on your to-do list because let’s be honest that list was soooo unrealistic 🙂

Secondly, in the most recent years you have been so fortunate to do a lot of fun, interesting, and challenging adventures. Often times people ask what makes you the way you are and the only thing that comes to mind is always searching for a little more. Well it’s December 2017 and you did it. You have your little more, I am so excited for us and in case you have lost sight of why I’m excited here is a little reminder of what we set out to do:

Always be in it to win it, because when I leave this world, I’ll leave no regrets – I want to be something in somebody’s life, and bring happiness to others. Leave the world a little better just because, I was here.
– Beyoncé, lyrics to I Was Here, written by American Writer, Diane Warren.

(Always be in it to win it, is my little thing I’ve been saying lately.  Everything else Beyoncés song.)

These are the words that resonated with you soooo much in late 2016. It was so powerful the moment this happened that you had to make it your self-advice, you hired a professional coach and worked with fervour to live this day to day in 2017.

I know that some days and weeks were harder than others to keep that up but I know that you gave it your all. Living a life where you focused on being true in as many aspects as possible has taken you on quite the ride but look at where you are now.

Finally, reflecting on where you are is so critical.  Be grateful for what you may have a hard time seeing right now.

We are currently reading the book, “You are a Bad Ass” by Jen Sincero and she says on page 39, which is a great reminder to pause:

“When we get so wrapped up in our heads we miss out on what’s available to us right now in the moment. Stop and notice how you feel right now. Feel your breath moving in and out of your body. Feel the air on your skin. Feel your heart beating. Your eyes seeing. Your ears hearing. Notice the energy inside and outside of you buzzing.”

Now, that you have taken a breath.

Your inner-energy is what has you sitting here today, your belief and quest to live a complete life serving others is how you have managed. Your relationships with your family, friends, loved and dear ones will be a clear example of how you have embraced a life of truth. This year has been fantastic, so take a minute smile, giggle, and breathe – you did it girl, we are so ready for 2018!

Love always,
Keisha
36 here we come!!!

PS This one was hard to write, I think it’s because in the back of my mind December 2017 is like tomorrow and seriously how the heck do I commit to such a lofty vision. However, I did read that if your dreams/goals don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough. I guess we will see how this all shapes up in 11 months. Namaste.

PSS It’s now March and this post couldn’t be more real, see you in 9 months!!

PSSS Anyone, considering writing a letter to themselves or taking  a moment to affirm where they want to be.  I would love to hear!!!

PSSSS Holy hell, if you don’t believe in intuition after chilling with me.. I don’t know what’s wrong with you xoxo (December 21, 2017).

Side note: Keishisms are defined by the way I view the world, interpret, write, feel, etc.

I wanted to write a post about fashion, but to be honest my mind is NOT there which is odd for someone who has their storage space dedicated to shoes, their second bedroom closet dedicated to dresses, and a walk-in complete for two women to get through a month and never wear the same outfit twice.

I’m an amateur wannabe fashionista but what I’ve learned in the last two weeks; by no means am I a fashion writer.

I would rather talk about  sisterhood and being an obsessed planner that embraces the universe.  So let me tell you what happens when you tell your awesome followers that you are going to write about fashion in your next post – WRITER’S BLOCK.

Fast forward two weeks later, this is what I can share courtesy of the universe telling me to write this post while I was trying to sneak off into Oprah’s latest magazine this morning, aaaaand of course…. literally the first few pages in the magazine all about fashion.

>> YES, universe I get it!!!  The next blog is about fashion!<<

Sooooo, here we are from head to toe, this is how I attempt to be the fashionista that I tell myself I am.  It helps to tell yourself that you are a fashionista even when you may feel that you are not.  Affirmations baby, they do wonders for you.

Seven Fashion Keishisms

In my teen years, I wore flower printed cords with polka dot shirts (see pic below), when I was in my early 20’s I wore inappropriate tacky trends (I thought I was cool, like most people in their twenties 🙂 ), and in my thirties I channeled my inner Oprah (basically, pretending that I have a stylist).

(Check out my shoe game!! I will choose to ignore the nylons at this point 😛 )

I looooooove fashion, not for what’s in style but because it makes me feel ways.  Whether it’s comfy, strong, sexy, smart, powerful, I feel fashion.  It’s how and why I choose to embrace that side of me as part of my everyday, like meditation, yoga, fitness, music, wine – it’s a part of my day.

As I prepare to get back to reading the O Magazine, and seeing as it’s what got me to this crossroad to share a fashion blog.  Oprah asked her staff and contributors to the March magazine How Would You Describe Your Style in Three Words?  Ladies, I would love to hear how you would describe your style  in three words, or not – I’m actually just hoping you enjoyed this post because it totally took me out of my comfort zone this Sunday morning.

 

Dear Keisha,

Oh wow, you are so innocent, so hopeful, and so smart.  I first need to thank you for being so tenacious at such a young age.  I know you are living through some very hard times and I know you are scared but I want you to know that it’s okay.  You are probably giving me some side-eye like I don’t know what I’m talking about but, “Girl, young woman, you have this under control, trust.”

It’s your future self (I have to be honest right now this is hard to write without giggling a few times), and I actually read your diary to see what you were going through right now and let me tell you that moment was just a moment in a long life of moments.

It’s nice to see that you enjoy writing whatever it is you are living through, it will actually help you so much, so don’t give this up.

Before I continue on to some very serious advice, I do want you to know a couple things; 1) your crush on Eric (names have been changed due to clearly not calling out anyone) will pass, he really turns out to be NOT your type (and you’re 15 for goodness sake!!), and 2) I know that you were devastated about Kendrick but that too shall pass.

Now, back to the serious advice.  I read a lot of your entries and like the one in the photograph you were hurting and you didn’t know this at the time but you will grow to believe in the following, the Lord will never give you more than you can handle.  So I want you to know it will be okay, I want you to cry when it hurts, I want you to be upset, and of course you are going to be afraid but know this, you will survive.

Keisha, you will become an exceptional inspiration for others from your family, friends, and individuals that  momentarily play a role in your life.  I swear you will live a life of such greatness that giving up and not fighting for tomorrow is not an option.  Keisha you travel, you literally get on a plane and see cities in the US, you vacation in the Dominican Republic, and you travel to Mexico on your own, the city and a resort!!  So please, I beg you to continue to figure out life.  It will be far from perfect and not like any fairy tale you see on television.

I’m so proud of you, and you’re going to be such an inspiration – trust me you will figure it all out.  And when you can’t figure it out – it’s okay, your beliefs and inner-energy will help pull you out of the darkness.  I promise.

Love always,
Keisha, 35

PS A little emotional with this one too.

OMG where is this year going!!!  I’ll tell you where – right into 2017 😛

This morning my day started literally on a HIGH and I planned to blog about motivation, fashion, letting go of one’s ego, energy being recycled, my goals for November, this list goes on.

As luck would have it, I went to work, I worked late and have nothing to give at 10:52 PM
(Yes, I know I should be sleeping… LOL)

This has been my writing journey, great intentions, ideas, energy and lost momentum by end of the day.  But not this November!!! This November is National Novel Writing Month and in the spirit of creative writing, I will write something ANYTHING once a day.

That being said, my first tidbit of sharing:

A few weeks ago, I was sitting with a colleague and sharing my most recent travels this year when he interrupted me and mentioned how impressed he was.  He actually recalled three years ago when I started with the company, that I mentioned I had not been many places and only actually flew anywhere a couple of times in my lifetime (31 young years).

At that moment it hit me, we really do get what we want if we are persistent enough.  I didn’t have a plan three years ago, all I knew is that I wanted to see more and experience more.  Which when you I look back at 2016 alone I’ve visited San Diego, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Vermont, Boston, Montreal, Val-David, Santa Barbara, and LA.

So, if I can make it to all of these places within months – I’m determined to write a few words regularly for the next 30 days.

Wish me luck!

So it’s been exactly two months.  My bad.

I could keep using the expression that ‘life was interrupted’ but it’s not exactly always the case.  I have been trying new things and every chance or opportunity to write would quickly be snatched away with my desire to be a perfectionist.  I have been like this forever, and it’s with everything; my outfits, hair, when I cook, travelling – I’m not exactly the throw caution to the wind type.  Some might argue that I’m a little OCD but I strongly disagree, I’ve often said to others seriously why are YOU so compulsive but they would quickly shoot me a glare and voice back, “Isn’t that like the pot calling the kettle black?”

We are all perfectionists depending on the given situation – my idea of clean dishes, someone may feel the need to rinse before using.  Which has actually happened to me before, and as a perfectionist I was very insulted.

All of this to say, for the next month I’m going to try loosen up a bit.

No longer will I start a new post and utter the words; “It’s going to take several versions until I want to post it” then pretty much walk away from doing it entirely.   For the next month I will go ahead and post my unperfect posts in hopes of to improve my writing, and see if blogging was meant to be a part of my life.  I started this as a way to share my Keishisms with the world but I fall short in this experiment, if I never hit publish.

Even this very exact moment, I failed tremendously and let my perfectionism shine and rejected the humour that was presented in simple jogging pants!!  Yes, this may sound absurd  but yes a pair of jogging pants frustrated me in the fashion it was being worn and it completely sent me into a frenzy…. LOL  But in my defense, I wasn’t ready for what had happened.  More on this one day but had to share how strange I could be 😛

As I sit here and get ready to embrace the jogging pants and this unperfect post, I have to ask – am I the only one with tendencies to want something sooooo perfect, you avoid doing it, a task, work, chore, a trip, etc… because you talk yourself out of it?  Looking forward to hearing that I’m not alone..  or no comments at all, at which point I will curl under a rock 🙂

Ode to perfectionism, and the other weird obsessiveness that we obsess about like jogging pants!!