Time for some Inventory

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Happy Friday!!

Can you believe we're already in September? It baffles me how fast time pasts.

The other day as I was scrolling through the hundreds of notes on my iPhone, I came across my "Forward List," for this year. On January 1st, instead of making New Year's resolutions, I decided that the word in 2014 for me would be forward. 

As I reflected on that list, I was shocked to see just how much of it I had checked off. How one simple change in attitude and perspective, has allowed me to come so far in these nine months. Staring at that list, I couldn't help but think, "Now what?"

What do I do about the unchecked boxes on my list?

Where do I go from here?

How can I take the momentum of January 1st 2014 all the way through to December 31st 2014?

If you're like me, writing down goals and then going back to evaluate them can be daunting. To take an inventory of where we wanted to go and have actually gone takes courage, honesty and a willingness to start over. 

I don't know what your year has looked like up until now, but 2014 isn't done yet! God still has a plan for this year for you if you're willing to pick yourself back up, look over your list and then decide that the only place to go, is FORWARD.

If there's one thing that I've learned on this journey is that while reminiscing on the past is great, I cannot bring those moments and times back. Sometimes I absolutely don't want to. But what I do know is that whatever is ahead of me will always be so much better than what has been behind me. 

I hope you will do a little re-evaluating with me in this month of September and then take the momentum of January 1st and apply it to make the next four months the best months of 2014!!

Have a great weekend!

Happy Saturday!!

I always joke that there are three things I love in life, Starbucks, Target and Pei Wei.

Not necessarily in that order.

When thinking about a fun way to engage with you, my awesomely lovely reader, I couldn't think of a better way than to share a few things I'm currently loving.

These posts will range from sparkly, pretty things and brands, to organizations doing amazing work to change this world. I hope you will stop by every now and then to see just what things I'm happening to love at the moment. 

So where shall we start?

As the book release of "More Than: Abandon Your Labels, Embrace Your Calling," inches closer, I can't help but think about how much I enjoy giving to those I love. There's something about sharing things I know will benefit them or that will simply bring a smile to their face. (EOS lip balm anyone? I'll save that for another post)

With that said, the first Thing I Love is giving to a friend. 

So much so, that I've decided to give to you. 

Yes you, because I want you to be able to give to a friend as well. 

And to make that happen, on August 22nd (Book release day!) when you purchase your copy of "More Than," Virtue Media will give you a free copy to gift to a friend. 

What will you need to do?

It's simple. 

1. Leave a comment on this post, letting us know who you want to gift the extra book to and how you think it will change her life. 

2. Purchase your copy of More Than here.

3. We will send both copies directly to you, so you have the joy of giving to that special friend in your life!

Thanks for helping us change the lives of women around the world!

Vonae Deyshawn

Where Have I been . . .

Hi awesome Virtue readers!

It feels so great to connect with you again. It's amazing how life changes so much within the span of six months!!

So where have I been?

Working.

Celebrating engagements and my little Jacob's 2nd birthday!

Launching a new site. (You can visit my new project here)

Becoming preggo! (I'm expecting in December)

Writing. 

Writing. 

And writing some more. 

I've had the awesome privilege in the past year to continue writing for Women Who Rise and have added some new partners, Rise Magazine and Thryve Magazine!

If you haven't heard of Thryve, I strongly suggest you go check them out. Such a beautiful new publication with heart and inspiration. 

But where I've been most of the time is finishing my first inspirational book for women! The book is called "More Than: Abandon Your Labels, Embrace Your Calling." It has been a transforming year for me and I hope this book will transform the lives of every woman who reads it. You can find out more about it here. Thank you all for staying on this journey with me. Your support and encouragement means everything! 

Vonae Deyshawn

Beyond Fear

Hey hey!

Thanks for stopping by today! I don't usually have a favorite article, but I must say the latest piece I have had the privilege to write for Women Who Rise has truly become my favorite. 

In order to live the life I've been called to, it has quickly become my mantra for the year. 

Living Beyond Fear . . .

It's the action of taking that one step beyond our fear zones which leads to another. Each step, suprisingly getting us closer to the dreams we've been praying for but have allowed fear to keep at bay.

As we continue to journey through this year, I hope you will take steps beyond your fear. Check out the article here and hang out with me daily on Twitter at @VonaeDeshawn. 

Talk to you soon!

Archive Thursday: I'm not who I was.

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Welcome to Archive Thursday. I love going back over old posts and seeing how they still ring true in the present. Just today I had the priviledge of speaking with a group of people who are overcoming the journey of their past. Although this article was written in 2012, I hope it will encourage you to keep living a life of virtue and integrity despite what the critics say.

Archive Thursday: Don't be discouraged.

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Discouragement.

A word whose definition reads:

The feeling of despair in the face of obstacles.

It's that feeling in the pit of your stomach that says, "maybe you should just give up."

You are worth so much more . . .

Courtesy

 I'm so excited you stopped by today! 

It truly is a blessing to have you come and share in my thoughts. Not for one minute do I take you for granted. You are a daughter of the most High! You were chosen and created for a marvelous purpose. If this site gets you just a little step closer to your calling then I am overly blessed.

Recently, I've had the privilege of working with an inspiring woman named 

Joanna Bailey 

who heads up an organization called Women Who Rise. 

She is a world shaker whose heart is to challenge women to live above and beyond their current circumstances. If you've never heard about her awesome network of women, I hope you will stop by and say hello. There aren't enough words that can explain what she's doing and the impact she will have on so many women and their destinies. 

You can follow her on Twitter here: @joannabailey

A few weeks ago I felt the weight that so many women are struggling with their value. That they don't know the impact and necessity of what they have to offer. I don't know what or who has made you feel disqualified, but I do know that you are more than enough! I hope this article will fill you with hope and value today.

http://womenwhorise.org/you-my-friend-are-enough/

Love,

Vonae Deyshawn

Quote of the Week

Happy 

Martin Luther King 

day!

Courtesy

I can't think of a person who exemplifies what a life of virtue means more than Dr. King. He was a man who lived a life of forward. 

2014, The Year of Forward

I am so excited to see what this year will bring for you as you trust God and step into the promises He has for your life. 

As He does a new thing in you, my hope is that you wouldn't look back to what was, but that you would be confident in what is to be. 

The other day, someone asked me what's the plan for these videos and honestly there isn't one. I just want to be obedient to do what I was called to do. 

Take that first step. 

That first inch forward. 

And while it may not be exactly where I want it to be, the magic is in the first step. The believing and trusting God to carry His message beyond any other natural distractions. 

The only plan I have for these videos would be for you to find life, hope and promise. 

Hope you'll join me next week as we discuss, 

"Now is not your final destination."

Love,

Vonae Deyshawn