Hospitality is not one of my gifts. Unfortunately, I am not the host who makes incredible tablescapes, bakes fresh cookies for guests, and waits on others hand and foot. Rather, I am the kind of host who says things like, “You know where the sweet tea and water is, so help yourself!”

If I’m being honest, I’m not super great at the whole self-love thing. I would rather support and encourage my tribe than take time to take care of myself. I would rather not focus on myself, because that means being ok with being alone—really alone. Like sitting with my thoughts, reflecting on what I need to grow in type alone, which I really struggle with. But that doesn’t make self-love any less important or necessary in my life. . . and in yours!

Well, it’s that time of year again. You vow to go to the gym at least five times a week, to cut back on calories, to do whatever it is you did in 2018 that just wasn’t working for you. Why don’t we cut to the chase: this is just silly. You know why? Those statements/resolutions are just a rephrasing of the following: “I don’t like who I am, and I am going to do everything I can this year to change myself.” Girlfriend, let me tell you something: You’re already amazing!!

Well, friends, ‘tis the season: the season of joy, the season of thankfulness, the season of love, the season of peace. . .it’s Christmas time! Honestly, Christmas is my favorite time of year. It’s a time for friendship, family, and reflection. I specifically love to reflect on the beautiful, crazy, radical love that came in the form of a human being—Jesus. He is the reason we celebrate, and he taught us so much through his life here on this crazy, messed up (but redeemable) planet!

The holidays can be such a wonderful and magical time of the year for many people, but for some, it is sometimes a painful reminder of the loved ones they have lost. Though we may feel pain, we can still find joy through the pain. Joy is defined as “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.”

The holidays are known as a time in which people are willing to spend a lot of money to make themselves and their loved ones happy. In fact, in the United States alone, consumers spent $655 billion last holiday season. Amidst the buying frenzy, it’s easy to forget that the purchases we are all making truly shape the world around us and send a message to the companies who produce the products we consume.

I have only been out of the country twice, and both times, I visited Latin American nations. The first time I left the country, I went to Ecuador, and, this summer, I visited the Dominican Republic with Healing Waters International.

This summer, I joined a 20s small group with the church I was going to. I had literally lived in Denver for a week, and I knocked on the door of a stranger’s house to meet over 25 people around my age. . .who were also complete strangers. Needless to say, I was absolutely terrified and completely overwhelmed.

October is Mental Health Awareness month. We here at The Her Initiative are passionate about seeing women take care of themselves so they can better take care of others. . .and simply so they can thrive!