How I plan to #levelup for Chapter 32

Ok Brit-Bratters (yea, I just gave ya'll a new fan club name...I know I don't officially have a fan club yet, but hey, you got to speak somethings into existence), I'll be celebrating my 32nd birthday in less than a month...August 11th to be exact. As I continue to countdown to my birthday, I've been using this time to reflect. So I thought it was fitting that i take part in the new #LevelUp challenge inspired by R&B star Ciara and her new single, "Level Up".

Part of the challenge has consisted of fans reenacting the hot dance moves from Ciara's new video, and while I may have the dance moves of Ciara mixed with a young Janet Jackson in my head, in reality I'm more of a cute little two-step kind of girl.  So instead I plan on following the direction of Ciara and a few of her fellow celebrities by *verbally* giving you guys a couple of ways that I plan on leveling up as I approach chapter 32!!!
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For those of you who had really high hopes of seeing me break out my best dance moves, if someone were to ever start a "Back That Thang Up" challenge I can guarantee that I will make a special video just for ya'll where I take it back for the '99 and the 2000's (forgive me Lord).

#1. Leveling Up Spiritually/Emotionally
 Look ya'll, I know that I was raised in the Church, but reading the Bible has never been my thing. I know certain scriptures, but a Bible scholar I am not. So when I got the chance to join a Bible challenge on Facebook I jumped at the chance. This challenge makes it easier to read the Bible by assigning a set of scriptures to be read daily by the participants. I also have a Bible app on my phone which allows me to listen to the scriptures when I don't have time to physically sit down and read. I've actually noticed a lot of growth in my prayer life since I've started this challenge. I also have started reading a book titled "Draw the Circle", as a part of another Facebook group that I joined. This book consists of a 40 day prayer challenge. I would suggest that all my readers go out and purchase this book, even if you don't consider yourself to be "Christian or religious", as the book is filled with so many important lessons. Reading and studying, along with praying more has definitely helped me to grow spiritually. I'll be the first to admit that because I am a such an emotional person, growing in my spiritual walk has helped me to not be led so much by my emotions. 

2. Leveling Up My Circle
Ok now this next one is not about getting rid of all of my old friends. Matter of fact, I have some friends that I consider more like family and I would never turn my back on them. We may go months without speaking but when we do it's just like old times. Leveling up my circle is more in respect to the new people that God has placed in my life for this season. I thank God for women that not only know how to slay, but also know how to pray! I'm at a point in my life where I constantly find myself pouring out to others, but it's hard to continue to pour when you yourself are empty. That's where these awesome women of God come in. They are able to build me up and encourage me even on my roughest days. They also hold me accountable and make sure that I am following up on the things that I need to do. It's one thing to have a girlfriend that you know is down to fight for you in the natural, (hey we all need a Dina or two from "Girls Trip" in our circle) but when you have someone that is also ready to fight for you in the spirit, whew chile! Now that's #SquadGoals!!!

3. Leveling Up My Career/Brand/Ministry 
"Motivation will almost always beat mere talent"- Norman Ralph Augustine
Have you ever watched a TV show or listened to a song on the radio and thought to yourself, "Omg, I could act/sing better than that!". So what's the difference between you and that celebrity? While there is a lot that goes into making someone a star, a big part of the process is determination. Determination is the reason why an average singer who is willing to put in the work, may succeed versus the person with the extraordinary voice who doesn't put forth any effort. You could have the voice of Whitney Houston's and Luther Vandross' secret love child, but if you won't even sign up for the local talent show, how do you expect for anyone to know? Now as I'm typing this I'm literally stepping, or should I say, typing on my own toes. I've always been one of those people that was full of talent but lacking in the motivation department. Perfect example was me in college. My last two years of college were a blur. I was literally there to get my diploma and bounce. Looking back I wish I would've done so much more, like doing another internship and building relationships and connections with professors and other students. I follow several of my former classmates online and see how some of them are literally living their dreams and I can't help but wonder sometimes, "why not me?", but then I have to remind myself that they put in the cost to be the boss. Is it too late for me to level up now? Heck no! I can't bring back those years but I can definitely make the most of the years that I have left. Which is why I am working harder to take my career, including my brand and ministry to the next level. Time is going to go on regardless, I don't want to be that person looking back at my life in 10 more years wishing that I had done more.

So chapter 32 is the beginning of the of the best days of my life! With God first, my husband beside me and my praying friends behind me, I know that it's going to be an awesome year!!! Now that I've shared how I plan to level up with you guys, leave me a comment below on how you plan on leveling up!! You don't have to wait until your birthday or even the New Year, you can start today!!!!