Always Speak Life with Vannesia Darby

 I'm going to go get inspired again. I'll be taking another break from writing and posting for a bit in order to do so. If I have something to share Helpful Links: Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe

This is the home stretch, friend. You are here on this earth for a reason; only you can do what you're designed to do. Let this year be the one that you actually do it. Make yourself proud. Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/time-to-finish-strong  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe

Be honest, don't burn bridges, always do what you say you're going to do. Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/always-do-what-you-say-youre-going-to-do  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe  

Rather than focusing on the load you must carry, realize how much stronger you've become to handle the weight. Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/you-just-get-stronger  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe

This week, I'm writing another long blog about being Black. It's because of Sonya Massey. Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/another-long-blog-about-being-black Read "A Long Blog Post About Being Black": https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/a-long-blog-about-being-black  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe

Do you know what could start an argument back in the day? Removing someone from your MySpace Top 8.  Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/from-dial-up-to-dms-the-coveted-top-eight Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe

Like I mentioned in the last blog, I never thought my offline friends in Yahoo! Chat Rooms and MySpace messages would ever make it out of my computer screen. Back then, there was an element of the internet that was still mysterious and separate from real life. Decades later, we have blurred those lines, Robin Thicke. Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/from-dial-up-to-dms-are-we-fiends-irl  "Honesty Vs. Transparency" blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/honesty-versus-transparency  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe

How did we go from people being scared the Y2K Bug was going to close banks to me buying a gadget I didn't need from TikTok? #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt I decided to go back in time. And I'm taking you with me. Do you remember what your first digital platform was? Mine was GeoCities - iykyk. Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/from-dial-up-to-dms-humble-digital-beginnings  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe

I always talk about pivoting when you need to and encourage you to do so. However, I often neglect to share one of the critical precursors to the pivot: contentment. Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/what-sza-said  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe Behind SZA's 'SOS' Album & Tour | Apple Music Live: YouTube

I'm resharing a message from 2020 that is still relevant today. I wrote it a week after the murder of George Floyd. If you remember in 2020, that murder was a catalyst for a world wide civil rights movement. It was something I had never seen before - it sparked the question for me. What is freedom in America?  As Juneteenth approaches, we may consume more content around injustice, America's history, and current events - even in the midst of companies removing DEI positions. Take some time for yourself and your self-care, and remember to allow yourself grace to process. Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/unclench-your-jaw Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe  

This is a quick reminder of something that I share in my workshops: you can pivot in life whenever you want to.  I really mean that.  You don't have to let others put you in a box. And if you're the one putting yourself in a box, you have the power to break out. Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/your-future-looks-amazing  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe

When I started making YouTube videos, I didn't have a camera. I grabbed my iPhone 6 (yes, an iPhone 6!), used the rear camera, and sat on the floor of my apartment living room in front of a window (no ring light either!). I edited it on iMovie and uploaded it.  Did I ever go viral? Never. Do I have millions of subscribers? Nope! But I learned the importance of just STARTING and USING what I had instead of wishing I was somewhere else. Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/believe-in-your-selfie  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe  

Today, I'm excited to introduce someone who truly makes others feel seen and heard: Jamila Jones, a licensed clinical professional counselor and founder of Reclaiming Minds Therapy and Wellness. I'm so grateful to close out Mental Health Awareness Month with Jamila's message bringing awareness along with tools and solutions. Join us as Jamila shares her insights and expertise on the unique challenges faced by BIPOC women in the workplace along with ways to properly recognize and address burnout. Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/how-burnout-manifests-in-bipoc-women-in-the-workplace  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe Connect with Jamila Jones, LCPC: Instagram: @jjoneslcpc and @reclaimingmindstherapy Facebook: Reclaiming Minds Therapy and Wellness  Website: reclaimingmindstherapy.com

As a culture that has boss-babed itself into a soft-girl era, today's message is all about finding peace beyond the hustle. These jobs and priorities can really get a lot of our attention, and this is a reminder to focus on ourselves, our minds, and our wellness.  I'm excited to welcome one of my friends, a wellness buff, a fellow music lover, and a creative strategist and consultant, Tanisha Mickel. Her message really resonates with me and so many. I hope you enjoy it! Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/finding-peace-beyond-the-hustle-feat-tanisha-mickel  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe Connect with Tanisha Mickel: Website: tanishamickel.com Social: @tanishamickel

Today, we have a heartfelt story from my freshman college roomie, Coley. She's a dedicated blogger, Millennial wife, and mom of three. Coley's story documents her journey through the daily juggle of work, family, and self-care. Her story underscores the importance of prioritizing mental health and advocating for your ever-changing needs - including motherhood. Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/find-your-best-fit-mental-health-for-mamas  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe Connect with Coley: Instagram: instagram.com/coleys.table Blog: coleys-table.com

As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month this month, I welcome a couple of different authors and perspectives to the blog. These people have been impactful along my journey, and I hope their wisdom will benefit you in various ways.  First, we have my fellow blogger and friend Sheena Steward, or “Stew.” She is known for her vulnerability and honesty, which are evident in her Truth Tuesday blog, where she documents and shares her imperfections. I first met Sheena during a blogger meetup in Nashville, and I have loved her content since then! Check out her story. Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/how-to-evolve-through-therapy-sheena-steward  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe Connect with Sheena Steward: Truthfully Stew Website: truthfullystew.com Sheena Steward on Instagram: @sheena_steward

I've had to remind myself to take my time. If God is not rushing, then let's follow His lead. Certain goals may take more research, development, strategy, support, time, and, of course, grace. Discernment will let us know when we are doing too much or moving too quickly. And we aren't just moving to move, but we are moving with purpose.  Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/move-with-purpose  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe

Even if it may feel insignificant, I encourage you to document your process, story, and journey. Some of these pages are meant for your eyes and will never see the light of day. Journaling is an investment in yourself and the future YOU may be grateful to look back on those prayers, thoughts, and moments to glean and celebrate. Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/document-the-process Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe   

All of our journeys will look different, making our story unique and worth telling. It may inspire others not necessarily as a blueprint for their own but as a source of courage and validation for their own unique paths. Of all the stories we are a part of and all the stories we get to tell, always come back to tell your own. Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/the-greatest-story-we-get-to-tell  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe  

Look, if you're a high performer (which I believe you are because you're here!), believe that your skills are transferable and that you are a hot commodity. It's much less costly for employers to keep you than to train someone else. There's no rush to quit (other than the attempt to relieve your internal pressure). Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/heres-how-to-quit-your-job  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe

Confidence is a by-product of action. But nothing changes if nothing changes. - Alexis Teichmiller Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/my-transformation-story  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe Keep up with Alexis: Instagram: @alexisteichmiller

I want to offer you the opportunity to shift back into your power — the power of your perspective. You see, it can be so easy to focus on the “bad” while simultaneously waiting for something or someone to make it good again. The reality is that with a simple shift in perspective, you don't have to wait. You can turn your head ever so slightly to reveal something new. And when you turn, you get to see that you still have life and many good things and beautiful people right now, in the midst of disappointment. - Kris Lacy Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/gratitude-the-power-of-perspective  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe Connect with Kris: Instagram: instagram.com/krisspeakslife Website: krisspeakslife.com

Imagine being divinely created by the same Entity that formed the Sun, the stars, and the moon and STILL being pressed about someone else's purpose. It's an unfulfilling existence and quite frankly, a waste of time and talent. Why chase something that isn't yours? Ride in your lane. Own the road. - MeShae' Prophet Connect with MeShae' Prophet: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/smeshaeprophet Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/stay-in-your-lane-meshae-prophet  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe

The journey of wellness is not just limited to physical health. Having healthy boundaries gives you the freedom to engage in your wellness practice. Consider developing healthy boundaries as part of your healthy practice. - Dr. Jackie Darby Helpful Links:  Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/the-three-rs-of-boundaries Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe Connect with Jackie Darby, Psy.D., CGP Website: www.drjdarby.com The Unconscious Shift Instagram: @theunconsciousshift

Consistency doesn't mean that you have the same amount of progress every single day or week. Consistency means that you give the same amount of effort and keep going.  Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/consistency-is-key  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe

Bill Gates is credited for saying, "Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in 10 years." A bar, right?! In my humble opinion, I believe many people overestimate what they can do in 3 months and underestimate what they can do in 1 year.  Give yourself the time and grace to see it through.  Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/it-doesnt-take-as-long-as-you-think  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe

If you're dissatisfied with anything in your life right now, know you have the power and the tools to change it. Grab your hammer, we got some work to do. Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/you-cant-avoid-the-work  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe

Take time this week to be honest and write it down. There is no need to overcomplicate it or place limits on yourself. And if you are looking for some accountability, let a friend know. You can always reply here, and trust, I am reading and rooting for you! Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/is-it-time-for-a-change  Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe

It's up to us to figure out our signs by learning how to be in tune with our bodies – they will always let us know. In my opinion, self-awareness is one trait that we can control in order to make us better creators, contributors, and members of society. Let's do a better job of giving ourselves a little more grace. Remember, your purpose is so big, but there's no need to feel pressured by it. It's designed just for you. Helpful Links: Read on the blog: https://blog.vannesiadarby.com/speaklife163 Join the Speak Life Newsletter: vannesiadarby.com/subscribe