#iCelebrateME2016 Challenge!

Every year since elementary school, I've celebrated Valentine's Day. I've indulged in chocolate and those chalky conversation hearts; I've begged my mom to buy me the box of 20 Spongebob Squarepants or Lisa Frank valentines to hand out to my classmates; I've even assisted in grand Valentine's Day surprises that my friends plan for their significant others. But I don't think I've ever celebrated myself ... 

Someone asked me that very question a couple months ago: "How do you celebrate yourself?" I was at a lost for words. I wasn't even sure if I knew what to celebrate or what that would even look like! Is it self-care? Is it self-awareness? Is it self-love? To this day, the concept of self-celebration is evolving within and around me in the most subtle but intentional ways. But I can't keep this journey all to myself! The same way that I've solicited the support of my sister-friends to hold me accountable and pour into me during this journey, we want to do the same for you! 

How Do You Participate?

So, February 14th to the 18th, HeyTeka.com + friends will post challenges on social media. Whether it's a journal prompt, a reflective quote, an action initiative, or even a test, we want to challenge and essentially equip you with the tools to celebrate yourself. And this doesn't have to end Feb 18th! Self-celebration can occur everyday! 

So feel free to follow #iCelebrateME2016 on IG, Twitter, and Facebook to participate in the challenge. We'd also love your feedback and conversation via your own posts, tweets, and comments using the hashtag #iCelebrateME2016

Ready?

#FightingMonsters

At 25, who’d be brave enough to say they still believe in monsters? Yeah, me neither. Twenty years ago, my mom would rush to my room when I’d see the monsters in my closet, reassuring me that if I don’t believe in them, they don’t exist. It worked when I was 5, but decades and experiences later, ignoring them seems to feed them. A different breed of monsters ...

Fighting these monsters, acknowledging them by name, is one of the hardest races to run. Almost breathless … over every hurdle … I speak:

Fear.

Doubt.

Self-Defeat.

Insecurity.

Temptation.

Monsters, as large as mountains. I’ve faced these often … 

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“And just when I thought I had finished, running straight to Your door, declaring all had been vanquished, I see a new villain before me.”

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A couple weeks ago, I stumbled across the song “Monsters” by Joy Conaway. I immediately began to wonder whom the singer/songwriter was serenading: God? A significant other? Herself? It’s rare that a song can fluidly present an expression that speaks to so many aspects of life.

I hum the words to myself, almost in worship. Could this be to Him? THE HIM?!

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“And over tears and over heartache, I have faced my fears for You. To stand against, a demon so mean, disgusting, unclean … kinda looks like me.”

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The race to God, is not an easy one. I’ve fought monsters, more than those acknowledged, in pursuit of a closer relationship with Him.

Fear would distort the truth that He will accept me, flaws and all. Doubt would cloud the declaration that I’m His worthy daughter. Self-defeat: believing that each mistake would tear us apart, backing me into a place of isolation. Insecurity … “Am I deserving of His promises?” Temptation gleaming it’s appeal to the sinner I try to hide.

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“Arrows aimed at my heart, I dodged them to lay with You, tonight.”

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But how amazing is the encouragement of James 1:12?! 

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

Trials do come, monsters do arise, villains do approach, but perseverance and strength are available, through Him. We’re not alone or ill equipped. Ephesians 6:11 encourages us to put on the full armor of God as we fight against these monsters.

And what’s the best part? Victory is ALWAYS the end result. Jesus has already overcome ANY monster you can possibly think of, and declared that it’s already a fight that will be won. I’m amazed.

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“With all the blood in my veins. I’ll pursue, just to get here to You.”

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So no matter how many monsters I fight, running towards Him, I’ll conquer them … each and every time. 

And so will you. 

Peace.

#WriteOn! (The Intro)

It always starts with the turn of a page, the stroke of a pen. 

Hey! I'm Teka and I write. Daily? I wish. Hopefully this blog will hold me accountable to that and more. 

For years, writing has served as a critical coping tool for me. From expressive writing to fulfilling assignments, I found solitude in the spaces between key strokes and open journals. Archiving my life with a collection of thoughts, poems, stories, affirmations, and even prayers has given me the greatest opportunity: leaving a legacy. Whether it be for the entire world or my future daughter(s), sharing the hard-learned lessons, including the highs and lows along the way, will reflect the growth that is always occurring inside and around me. Around you. 

So why blog? 

For me. For you. There is no reason the journey should be experienced alone. In sharing, I hope to create a safe space where you can comment, and even submit your own experiences. It won't always be pretty and I'm not here to be your average blogger. I'm not here to be average at anything.

I'm here to empower through my vulnerability.  

Ready?