Work | PAUSE | Thrive Book Review

I immediately was able to identify with what Author and Award-Winning Journalist, Lisen Stromberg was saying as I read through the pages of Work | PAUSE | Thrive. I felt like I was reading a page out of my life and am still trying to figure things out. I’m currently in the middle of a “Pause” and feel that I am exactly where I need to be for myself and family at the moment, but that doesn’t mean I have no desire to fulfill my professional goals and live out my dreams doing what I love. I have every intention to continue.

Work | PAUSE | Thrive is a book that allows you to see first-hand some of Lisen Stromberg’s personal experiences as she navigates being a wife, mom and her career. I also love that other women’s stories are shared and you get to see things from different perspectives. The research information, surveys and results shared are invaluable and let you know that when you think you are alone, you are NOT! There are so many women in the workforce trying to find a balance between their personal and professional roles.

There were so many things that resonated with me like when Lisen mentioned she’d started working at the age of fourteen. It’s been pretty much non-stop since then and stating that from an early age work defined her. That is a statement I can say to this day! I was a teenage mom and had a very supportive family but, all I knew was that I had a baby to take care of and needed to work and continue my education to stay on task. My journey started in retail which I later decided wouldn’t work for me.

I’m a Professional; I’m a MOM and shouldn’t have to choose one role over the other. Why can’t I have the best of both worlds on my terms? Lisen shows you that it’s quite possible and you can do it! There are companies that I admire because they are family-friendly and understand that family comes first. In my professional career I have worked for a company where that wasn’t the case. The workplace structure and policies didn’t allow me to be truly present the way I wanted to be in my children’s lives. I felt horrible and knew I needed a change!

Overall, Work | PAUSE | Thrive is a GREAT read! Get your copy! It gives you an idea of who pauses and why, also why it can be a positive experience for both your personal and professional life. You’ll learn how to create your own path and create a pause in your career. Ideas are shared on what we need to do as a society to make it possible for others to achieve their personal and professional goals. I can’t wait to see how this plays out for me. Don’t forget to always have a plan! There are so many examples in this book on how to make it work for you. Don’t settle… Live on your terms!

How are you navigating Work Life Balance or Integration in your home?

Giveaway: One of 15 copies of Work PAUSE Thrive by Lisen Stromberg ($25 ARV), Giveaway will end on March 11, 2017, Enter Giveaway via the widget, Winners will be randomly selected and notified by CLEVER by March 14, 2017. Terms & Conditions: Age 18+, US resident only and Only one winner per household.

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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Book Review: I’m Judging You the Do-Better Manual

im-judginng-you-the-do-better-manual

The moment I received my copy of I’m Judging You the Do-Better Manual by Luvvie Ajayi I knew I was in for some real talk and gut wrenching belly laughs. I jumped right in and started reading it while I was at the pool with mini me. Even though I knew I was guaranteed a good laugh, I wasn’t prepared for the frequent outbursts of laughter in public places. I have a habit reading while I wait… I read poolside in a lounge chair, on the carpool line, doctor’s office waiting area and in my office while waiting for a meeting to start. I’ll read at any moment I have some down time while I’m just… WAITING!

I’m Judging You the Do-Better Manual is broken into four parts; Life, Culture, Social Media and Fame. If I had to pick a favorite part, I would say Life and Social Media were my two favorite parts. I won’t give much away but, I think we can all relate to some of the scenarios when she talks about life. I had to stop and re-evaluate my situation after reading it from who my “REAL” friends are to looking at the different types of people I associate myself with and which category they fell into. I also had to see where I fit in the equation and judge myself on the type of person I am. It’s crucial, self-reflection is a beast!

Please empty your bladder of all liquid contents when you read “When Baehood Goes Bad”. I couldn’t contain my laughter as hard as I tried when I read that chapter. Then I had to pause and think about my life and ask myself if I fall into any of these characteristics. Like… Am I that one friend?!?! If nothing else Luvvie brings up uncomfortable situations and topics in a humorous way and we all get the message. I admire her passion for social justice and bringing these issues to light. She’s transparent in sharing her story and experiences. I’m not Nigerian but, I know I have a punctuality problem. Lol! Hands Down! I’m notoriously late for everything to the point I try not to schedule exact times. I’ll give a window time period. I’m horrible!

There were so many relatable topics that I associated myself with like the mispronunciation of my name. My mom chose my name out of an African Naming book. It’s from Zimbabwe, is Swahili and means “Give Thanks” I’ve shortened it in my adulthood because I got pissed off when people would butcher it. So, I go by Jen and people 99 times out of 100 think its short for Jennifer. I’ve said repeatedly, my name isn’t Jennifer but I still get called Jennifer and get emails addressed to me the same way. Fun Fact: The last three letters in Luvvie’s Last name are the last three letters in my first name. I know the mispronunciation struggle all too well! Oh… I’m also a resident grudge holder! I think Luvvie and I are kindred spirits. I’m definitely a work in progress, it takes time!

Overall, I’m Judging You the Do-Better Manual brings up relevant topics on race, religion, sexuality, politics and culture. I don’t usually engage in controversial topics in-person or online because I don’t feel like having to justify why I feel the way I do. I also can respect the fact that all people are entitled to their own opinions. I can also agree to disagree and walk away. There are not many people that will do that. They want to argue you to their way of thinking and I don’t have time for that! This book is an eye opener and allows you to have conversations that matter. If you don’t have this book, you need to go out and get it ASAP! I’m going to throw major shade and give you the side eye if you don’t. I’m Judging you!

Visit the website for more information and to order your copy TODAY!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Chatting it up with Danielle Knox of The Balancing Act

Day 8: Ultimate Blog Challenge – The Southern Women’s Show

I had the pleasure of spending the day at the Southern Women’s Show in Raleigh, NC. There were two buildings full of vendors that I was able to enjoy. I must have entered every giveaway that was offered. I had a GREAT time being pampered by Abby from Belk using Benefit Cosmetics. I don’t usually wear make up however, when I do I like it to look as natural as possible. I prefer to stick with earth tones, for a more natural look. I went over to The Balancing Act booth and signed up for a chance to spin the wheel and win a prize. As I was approaching the booth I mentioned that I was blogging and tweeting about balancing my life at 2:00 a.m. that morning and Randi (Corporate Accounts Division, Lifetime) happened to be standing right there and pulled me off the line to chat.

Speaking to Randi, I explained I’m a mother of four children ages ranging from teen to toddler, I’m married, work full time, run a small business out of my home, blog on a regular basis and am heavily involved in social media. She asked if I’d mind speaking with Danielle Knox (Host The Balancing Act)  on camera and I said… sure, why not! I went off to network and do some work while I awaited my interview. I was called shortly and went to meet Randi who introduced me to Danielle and we jumped right in. I told Danielle everything I explained to Randi and what a typical day is for me. I also mentioned that balancing my life is a work in progress and I take it one day at a time.

We had a little bit of fun with my interview allowing me to enjoy some temporary pampering and have a couple of “all about me” moments. We went over to the Ponyo booth and my hair was pulled up into a updo which was different for me since my hair is usually worn down. I then got my face retouched and we talked some more before ending. I know many great women were interviewed and there’s no guarantee my interview will be chosen to air but, I sure enjoyed the opportunity to chat with Danielle Knox and I had a GREAT time. Tune into The Balancing Act Weekdays at 7 a.m. on Lifetime. I look forward to balancing my life! Take a look at some recap pictures below.

error: Ask And You Shall Receive!!