Tenisha Jon`ece: Tenisha Jonece, Where Have You Been?

Hello friends and readers of TenishaJonece.com. And I know you're probably asking, "where the heck have you been?" I'll be honest with you, I've been busy working on the Miss North Carolina Plus America Pageant. For the past couple of months, we've been heavily recruiting for the 2016 pageant. I don't mean to neglect my readers, but October also happens to be one of the busiest months for my family. We have four birthdays back to back and we still have one more this month. Combine the two together, and that makes on absentee blogger.

But I'll tell you 5 things I've learned from my break.

1. Birthdays and milestones aren't only things to celebrate, they're things that should also push you forward.

Once you reach a certain age or a milestone in your life for, you don't simply stop after you celebrate. Yes, it's a time to reflect but it's also a time to look ahead. Look at your past, be aware of your mistakes, make note of your successes, and adjust. Last year on my birthday, I made a new year's resolution to do list. After all, each birthday is a new year. I checked off all of the things I achieve, circled the few that were left on my list, and crossed off the one's I had outgrown. As I make my new list, I am aware of my limits and I plan accordingly.

2. There IS dignity in simplicity.

I am on a quest to de-clutter my life. Not just my closet or my make-up, but everything! When there are less options, everything moves faster! In the past, I've attempted to have a minimalist closet. Ha! I cannot live off of 5 items in my closet. Instead, I shop for my shape, thrown out (donated) any items I haven't worn in over a year, and I purchase pieces that I actually want to wear. Now to apply this to everything else. Toys for the kids, knick knacks for the house, workout gear, items in our pantry. Ridding ourselves of the unused or broken items actually helps us function better.

3. Being the Boss is a Mutha F#*@!%

I've heard other people say it, "When you work for yourself, you'll work the hardest you've ever had in your entire life." Well, I'm here to report that they're absolutely, positively correct! Between creating graphics, building websites, recruiting, gathering sponsorships, marketing, maintaining social media outlets, blah blah blah. Don't forget early mornings, late nights, the no's, the rejection. I could keep going, but honestly, I'd rather build a business from the ground up than be some random paycheck at a company that could care less.

4. I love my family dearly, but I need a friggin break.

No description necessary.

5. There's a time to be selfish and a time to share.

If you have a remarkable gift that may benefit others, open yourself up to meet and help others, but beware: Don't over extend yourself to the point where you, your family, or your faith is compromised. For example, I love graphic design. I'd do it all day long if i could. When friends need assistance with their projects, I'd love to help. But if my family needs more of my time, I have to be honest with my friend/associate and myself. I have limits.

Here are some things weve missed: