Hi Glams,

Nora here. Welcome to 2022🎉 We have officially made it out of 2021. I can confidently say that 2021 was one of the most difficult, yet most rewarding years of my life. In the middle of a raging pandemic, I quit my salaried job and got into contract recruiting. I was out of work with no income nor savings for nearly 2 months. I struggled to balance caretaking, Corporate America, my real estate course, church responsibilities, friendships and fun. Depression and procrastination kicked my butt. I did have wins. I made more money last year that I have ever made. I found a new place for my mom to live and now have control over my personal space again. Through the failures, I learned about the spirit of procrastination that had a huge hold on me. In the winning moments, I learned about God’s favor and commitment to me. In all moments, I learned to trust God and be thankful for his grace. Each loss and each win have prepared me and taught me the lessons needed to be successful in 2022.

On New Year’s Eve, I hosted the second annual, Make It Glam Vision Board Party via Zoom. We rocked our pajamas and bonded for an hour. Being able to listen to other women share their wins, share lessons from areas where they can improve, and learn about their goals and desires for 2022 was insightful and inspiring. We ranged in age, and came from all walks of life but were able to connect, listen, learn, laugh and have fun. As I step into 2022, my main focus is being serious about my brand. My brand is centered in how I am building my glam life, with the goal of inspiring and empowering others to do the same. In the chaos of the last two years, my fire has dimmed. I’ve shown up, but without a concrete plan, strategy, or routine. I have been failing to plan, and thus failing. I am thankful for my friends, especially Lakeya Jackson, who hold me accountable and encourage me to keep going. I am extremely grateful for having a space to be myself and a wonderful audience who supports me in all of my endeavors.

Self reflection was essential for me, particularly in my moments of failure. Analyzing and recognizing what factors led to my failures, helped me to correct. Taking accountability for what I lacked, and owning the places where I am weak, helps me recognize that I have the power to achieve my goals as long as I focus, remain dedicated, and create a realistic routine so that I can schedule and assign the proper about of time to all of my tasks.

I am excited for year 2022!

As you prepare for 2022, I encourage you to reflect on 2021. Pinpoint what you did well and where you struggled. Identify what led to those wins and losses so that you can either keep the skills and grow them or pivot and try something new.

There is power in the tongue and power in writing down your goals and visions. Please take time to actually write down your ideas and desires for the new year. Keep a note pad around you and even make a vision board that will serve as a visual aid as you maneuver throughout the year.

Know that you are powerful beyond measure. God created you in power, with purpose. You have love and you are loved. Everything attached to you wins. Everything is working together for your good. You will win. You are victorious.

Here is my advice for you. Recognize that you can be standing in the way of your own progress. Success lives outside of your comfort zone. Growth and change, while necessary, are not easy. Seek God’s approval and counsel first. Check your circle. If no one is growing or improving, if no one is achieving, you have the wrong circle. You need people who will support you. You need friends who will pray for you and you need to be a friend who will pray for your friends. Don’t be afraid to let go, set boundaries or be alone. Learn to enjoy your own company.

Comment below:

• What did you learn about yourself in 2021?
• What did you learn about God in 2021?
• Visualize yourself as your best self. How does she/he look? What attributes does she/he possess?
• How can you get closer to that version of yourself in 2022?

Happy New Year! Hello, 2022 🥂

Until next time,

Nora 💋