July 2025

Being a mom is a full-time job, and it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of motherhood and forget about ourselves.                                                                                         Self-care is not selfish; it is essential for maintaining physical and mental health. So, let us dive into some practical tips that you can do to prioritise self-care: 1. Sleep is Your BFF: ·      Create a bedtime routine: Just like your kids, you need a bedtime routine too! ·      Limit screen time before bed: blue light is the enemy of sleep. 2. Fuel Your Body: ·      Eat the rainbow: Fill your plate with colourful fruits and veggies. ·      Stay hydrated: Water is your body’s BFF. ·      Mindful eating: Listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. 3. Move Your Body: ·      Find something you love: Whether dancing, swimming, or walking your dog, make it fun. ·      Incorporate exercise into your daily routine: Even a short walk can do wonders. ·      Exercise with your kids: Make it a family affair. 4. Practice Mindfulness: ·      Meditation: Even a few minutes can make a big difference. ·      Deep breathing exercises: Take a deep breath in, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly. ·      Spend time in nature: Nature has a calming effect on the mind and body. 5. Connect with Others: ·      Socialize: Spend time with friends and family. ·      Join a support group: Connect with other moms who understand. ·      Volunteer: Giving back can be incredibly rewarding. 6. Set Boundaries: ·      Say no: It is okay to prioritize yourself. ·      Delegate tasks: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. ·      Take breaks: Even a short break can recharge your batteries. Remember, self-care is not about being perfect; it is about taking care of yourself so you can be the best mom you can be. So, let us make self-care a priority and unlock our inner superhero! What are your favourite self-care tips? Share them in the comments below!

I used to think travelling the world required a lot of money. Exotic destinations, plane tickets, fancy hotels—it all seemed out of reach. But then, a few years ago, I took my first budget trip, and it completely changed my perspective. Now, I am a firm believer that you do not need a big bank account to explore the world. You need a bit of creativity and some smart planning. Here is what I have learned along the way. 1.     Be Flexible with Your Destination When I first started travelling, I realized the key to staying on budget is being open-minded about where you go. Instead of choosing a destination and then trying to find cheap flights, I flipped the process. I would hop onto a flight search engine and see which destinations were the cheapest for the dates I had in mind. 2.     Travel During Off-Peak Times If you can, avoid peak tourist seasons. Not only are prices for flights and accommodations higher, but popular destinations are usually crowded. 3.     Book Affordable Accommodations You do not always need to stay in a five-star hotel. Some of my favourite travel memories come from staying in budget-friendly hostels, or even guesthouses. Not only are they cheaper, but you often get to meet other travellers and locals who can give you insider tips. 4.     Embrace Public Transportation Taxis and car rentals can eat up a lot of your travel budget. Instead, I try to use public transportation as much as possible. Plus, getting a little lost on public transport can lead to fun adventures! 5.     Eat Like a Local One of the best ways to save money—and get a true taste of the culture—is by eating local food. Skip the touristy restaurants and look for street vendors or family-run eateries. 6.     Plan, But Stay Spontaneous While it is important to plan out some details of your trip, do not be afraid to leave room for spontaneity. Last-minute deals on flights, accommodations, and even activities can save you tons of money. Some of my best travel experiences happened because I left space for adventure. Travelling on a budget does not mean sacrificing fun or adventure. With the right mindset and a few smart strategies, you can explore the world without breaking the bank. So, pack your bags, stay open to new experiences, and remember—it is not about how much you spend, but how much you enjoy the journey. Where is your next budget-friendly destination? Let me know in the comments!

When I started leading a team, I thought being a good leader meant making the right decisions and solving problems quickly. But I quickly learned that the real secret to great leadership is something simpler: effective communication. It is not about talking more, but about talking better. Here is what I have learned about communicating in a way that builds trust, clarity, and stronger team relationships. 1. Listen More Than You Speak One of the biggest lessons I learned as a leader was to listen. Early on, I thought I had to have all the answers. I would jump into meetings and offer solutions before really hearing my team’s concerns. But over time, I realized the power of listening. When I truly listened—without interrupting or rushing to respond—my team felt heard and valued. That is when the real magic started to happen; people began opening- up, sharing new ideas, and feeling more invested in their work. It is like when a friend comes to you with a problem. Sometimes they do not need you to solve it—they want you to listen and understand. 2. Be Clear and Direct Ever left a meeting unsure of what was just discussed? I have, and it is frustrating. As a leader, it is important to be clear and direct in your communication. Whether you are assigning a task or explaining the company’s visions and expectations, make sure your message is straightforward. The clearer you are, the less room there is for misunderstandings. Instead of saying, ‘our goal is to work towards customer satisfaction’, a simple, “Our goal for this quarter is to increase customer satisfaction by 10%,” leaves no room for confusion. 3. Show Empathy One time, a team member of mine was struggling with meeting up with assigned tasks. Instead of pushing them harder, I took a step back and asked if everything was okay. It turned out they were dealing with some personal issues that were affecting their work. That conversation made me realize the importance of empathy in communication. Being a leader is not just about driving results—it is about connecting with your team on a human level. Showing empathy, asking how someone is doing, or offering support when needed can strengthen the bond between you and your team. It shows that you care about them as people, not just employees. 4. Encourage Open Feedback I used to shy away from feedback, especially the critical kind. But I have learned that feedback—both giving and receiving—is essential for growth. Encourage your team to share their thoughts and ideas and create a space where they feel comfortable offering feedback, even if it is not all positive. When I started asking my team for feedback on my leadership style, it was not always easy to hear, but it made me a better leader. Open feedback is a two-way street: it helps you improve, and it helps your team feel valued and heard. 5. Lead by Example Your team is always watching how you communicate. If you want them to be open, honest, and respectful, you set the tone. This means showing respect in every interaction, admitting when you do not have all the answers, and being open to feedback. Leadership is not about being perfect—it is about being real. Effective communication is the foundation of great leadership. It is not about speaking the most or using the fanciest words; it is about listening, being clear, showing empathy, and leading by example. When you communicate well, you build stronger relationships, foster trust, and create a team that is ready to tackle any challenge together. What is your biggest challenge with communication as a leader? Let us talk about it in the comments!

Hi, there, it is Lola again. You know life does not always go the way we expect, does it? When things seem to be falling into place, something comes along to shake things up. Maybe it is a job that didn’t work out, a relationship that fell apart, or a health challenge that you never saw coming. I have been through my share of rough patches, and I’ve learned that one thing that always gets me through is my faith. I remember a time when I was struggling with my career. I had put in so much effort and was so sure that I would land the job I wanted. When it did not happen, I felt lost. I started asking, “Why me? What did I do wrong?” In those moments, I learned to trust, knowing that things were happening for a reason, even if I could not see it at the time. Faith does not always give us the answers right away, but it teaches us to trust that there is a bigger picture. Looking back, I see now that if I had gotten that job, I would have missed out on the amazing opportunities that came later. Sometimes what feels like a setback is just a setup for something better. I cannot tell you how many times I have felt lost or overwhelmed, but I have always found peace through prayer. Prayer does not fix everything overnight, but it calms the heart. It helps us approach the situation with more understanding and less stress. That is the thing about prayer—it may always change your circumstances immediately, but it changes you, and that is often what we need most. I will be honest waiting is hard. When you are in the middle of a tough situation, it feels like nothing is moving fast enough but faith teaches us patience. One of the greatest gifts of faith is community. When I was going through a really difficult time a few years ago, I leaned heavily on the support of friends and family. Their prayers and words of encouragement made a huge difference. It is easy to feel like you must handle things alone, but faith reminds us that we do not have to carry our burdens alone. Surrounding yourself with people who uplift and support you is one of the best ways to navigate hard times. Faith is not just about getting through today; it is about believing in a better tomorrow. No matter how tough things get, faith gives us hope that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. It is what keeps us moving forward when everything else seems uncertain. Life will always have its challenges, but faith gives us the tools to face them with courage. Whether you are trusting when things do not make sense, praying for peace, practising patience, leaning on your community, or holding on to hope, faith can help you weather any storm. Whatever you are facing today, remember you are not alone. Going through a tough season and in need of support, please send a message to lola@proudtobeme.org.

Imagine you are painting a beautiful landscape. Each stroke of the brush adds a touch of colour, texture, and life to the canvas. No single stroke is unimportant; each one contributes to the overall masterpiece. That is how I see us humans. We are all pieces of a grand tapestry, each with unique colours and patterns. Our strengths, weaknesses, and experiences make us who we are. Take my friend Sarah, for example. She has always been a bit shy and reserved. But when she gets on stage to perform, she is a completely different person – confident, charismatic, and full of energy. Her shyness might be seen as a flaw, but it is part of what makes her so special. It is the contrast that makes her performances even more impressive. We often feel pressure to be perfect, but that is like trying to paint a picture with only one colour. The beauty of life comes from its diversity. Our imperfections, our mistakes, our struggles – they are all part of the human experience. They shape us, teach us, and make our stories more interesting. Remember, you do not have to be perfect to be valuable. You are enough, just as you are. Embrace your uniqueness, celebrate your weaknesses, and do not be afraid to be yourself. Just like a painter adds layer upon layer to their canvas, you can continue to grow and evolve throughout your life. Every experience, every challenge, every triumph – they all contribute to the masterpiece that is you. So, let us paint our lives with vibrant colours, bold strokes, and a lot of heart.

Challenging the Status Quo: Why We Need to Break Free We have all heard the phrase, “That’s just how things are.” Think of it, if everyone accepted the status quo, nothing would ever change. Progress happens only when someone dares to question the way things are done. I remember my friend, who worked in an organization where things had been done the same way for decades. Whenever she suggested a new approach, the response was always, “This is how we’ve always done it.” At first, she went along with it. But eventually, she began to question whether doing things the same old way was the best. Think about it. If we never questioned the status quo, we would still be in an era where certain groups were denied basic rights, global connectivity was unimaginable, and innovation was hindered by fear of the unknown. Every breakthrough we celebrate today exists because someone dared to think differently. Challenging the status quo does not have to be a grand rebellion. It can be as simple as questioning an outdated process at work, rethinking how we communicate in relationships, or pushing ourselves to try something new when it feels safer to stick with what we know. It is about recognizing that just because something has always been a certain way, does not mean it is the best way. Challenging the norm can be uncomfortable. People resist change because it forces them to step outside their comfort zones. It can be lonely at times, being the one asking questions or proposing new ideas. But if we want to move forward, individually and as a society, we need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. At the end of the day, progress depends on those willing to challenge what is always been done. Whether in business, education, or personal growth, the biggest breakthroughs happen when we dare to ask, “But why?” So, the next time you are faced with a situation where things seem set in stone, take a moment to question it. You might be surprised at what possibilities open up when you refuse to accept “just how things are.”

When I think about the most important lessons I have learned in life, they did not come from textbooks or fancy seminars. They came from home. There is something about family—the people who know you best shape you in ways no one else can. Whether through shared wisdom, tough love, or even watching how they handle life’s challenges, family teaches us more than we often realize. Growing up, my dad used to say, “You can’t control what life throws at you, but you can control how you react to it.” At the time, it sounded like one of those things parents say. As I got older and started facing my ups and downs, that piece of advice became a mantra. Whenever I am in a difficult situation, I hear his voice reminding me that I have the power to choose my response. It is a lesson in resilience that has stuck with me through thick and thin. Family lessons are not always spoken out loud. Sometimes, it is in the way they live their lives. My mom, for instance, never sits still. She is always helping someone, volunteering, or taking on a new project. Without ever saying it, she showed me the importance of kindness and generosity—of always finding ways to contribute to the world around you. It is from her that I learned giving back does not have to be grand. Sometimes, the small acts of care make the biggest difference. Family lessons are not all perfect or easy. Sometimes, they come with friction. I have learned just as much from the disagreements I have had with my family as I have from the moments of harmony. Those arguments taught me patience, understanding, and how to see things from another person’s perspective—lessons that have been invaluable in my relationships outside the home. Family is our first classroom. Whether we realize it or not, the values we carry, how we handle challenges and even treat others are often shaped by the people we grew up with. We may not always agree with our family, but there is no denying the impact they have on who we become. So, the next time you think about where you have learned your most important life lessons, take a moment to reflect on the role your family has played. You might find that some of the most valuable knowledge you carry came from right under your roof.

They say, “It takes a village,” and that could not be truer when it comes to building a successful life or business. No matter how talented or driven you are, there is only so much you can accomplish on your own. The real magic happens when you tap into the power of community, surrounding yourself with people who encourage, challenge, and support you. When we surround ourselves with people who share our values, goals, or even just the same struggles, we unlock a network of support that can open doors we did not even know existed. It is not just about networking in the professional sense—it is about building meaningful relationships with people who genuinely want to see each other succeed. Community also gives us the courage to step outside of our comfort zones. When you have a strong network of people backing you up, you are more likely to take risks, knowing you have a safety net of advice, encouragement, and sometimes even collaboration. Building connections and a network is not a one-way street. It is about giving as much as you take. Whether offering advice, sharing resources, or being there to listen, a community thrives on mutual support. The more you invest in your network, the more it will grow—and the more you will gain from it. Success is not just about what you know; it is about who you know and how you nurture those relationships. So, if you have not already, take that first step—attend a local event, join an online group, or reach out to someone in your field. You might be surprised at how far the power of community can take you.

Hey Sis, Let us get real for a moment. Have you ever had one of those days when you want to give up? Maybe you started a project, a new business, or a personal goal like getting in shape or a degree. At first, everything seemed exciting. You were motivated, focused, and ready to take on the world. Then, bam! Something goes wrong—maybe things are not moving as fast as you thought, or maybe someone said something discouraging—and suddenly, you start doubting yourself. You feel like giving up. Let me tell you something: discouragement is a thing. It’s real. And it happens to everyone, no matter how strong or successful they seem. Even the most accomplished women you admire have dealt with it at some point. So, if you are feeling discouraged right now, I need you to know that you are not alone. When I first launched a small business, I was so excited but then came the challenges—some months were slow, and I started questioning if I had what it took to make it work. I thought, “What if I fail? Here is how you can deal with discouragement and rise above it. 1. Acknowledge the Feeling but Don’t Let It Settle The first step is knowing that it is okay to feel discouraged. You are human! Allow yourself to sit with that feeling for a bit, but do not let it take root.                                                                                           One mistake we make is trying to immediately shake off the feeling of discouragement as if it is something to be ashamed of. It is not. Acknowledge it, and then ask yourself, “What’s causing this feeling?” Maybe it is fear, a setback, or self-doubt. Once you know the source, it is easier to tackle it head-on. 2. Reconnect with Your “Why” When I was in the middle of my discouragement, I took a step back and remembered why I started my journey in the first place. What was the bigger picture? What did I hope to accomplish? When I reconnected with my “why,” it reignited that fire inside me. Ask yourself why you started in the first place. Was it to create a better life for yourself and your family? Was it because you were passionate about making a difference? When you focus on your “why,” the temporary setbacks start to look small compared to the bigger vision. A verse in the Bible, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV) reads: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal’’.                    This shows that whatever we are going through is just for a moment, but it will produce something great for us when we persevere. 3. Talk About It but Be Careful Who You Talk To Discouragement thrives in isolation. Sometimes, just talking about how you feel can make a huge difference. Find a trusted friend, mentor, or community that can listen, encourage, and give you some new perspective, but be careful. Avoid the people who will amplify your negative feelings. You need someone who lifts you, not someone who will say, “Maybe you should just quit.” A friend once told me, “Girl, if it were easy, everyone would be doing it.” That hit home because it reminded me that setbacks are part of the journey. It is not a sign that you’re failing; it’s a sign that you’re trying. 4. Take a Break (Without Guilt) Sometimes, we get discouraged because we are trying to juggle so much, from work to family to personal goals, and it feels like we are not doing enough. Sis, it is okay to take a break. Rest is productive. A well-rested mind can see solutions and opportunities that a tired mind cannot. I have learned to stop feeling guilty about stepping back when I need to recharge. Whether it is spending time with family, taking a solo self-care day, or just doing nothing for a while—do not underestimate the power of rest. 5. Take Small Steps Forward One of the best ways to overcome discouragement is by taking small, actionable steps. When you feel overwhelmed by a big challenge, break it into bite-sized pieces. It is easy to feel defeated when you look at the ‘mountain’ you may have to climb, but focus on that first step, it feels more manageable. If your goal is to launch a business, maybe today’s small step is researching. If you are working on personal growth, today’s step is reading a chapter of that inspiring book. Every small action adds up. 6. Celebrate Your Progress We often get so focused on the end goal that we forget to celebrate the small wins. Sis, even if you are not where you want to be, take a moment to celebrate how far you have come. Discouragement loses its power when we focus on progress instead of perfection. Remember, every step you take gets you closer to your goal. So, did you send that email you have been avoiding? Did you finally finish that project? Girl, celebrate that! You deserve to feel proud of yourself. Discouragement might be a thing, but so is overcoming it. It is not about never feeling down; it’s about choosing to get back up every time life tries to knock you down. With love, Lola