Lately - July Recap

July has always been a transformational month for me.

When I look back over the past several years, July is the month where something shifts. It's when I stop planning, lock in, and start checking things off the goals I set at the beginning of the year. Maybe it's realizing the year is halfway over, but something about July creates a sense of urgency that pushes me into action.

This year was no different, although it looked very different than I expected.

The past few months have brought some unexpected turns that forced me to rethink what was next. I'll share more about that journey in another post, but if I had to choose one word to describe this season, it would be pivot.

This month, I committed to that pivot.

After talking about it for months, I finally earned my Property and Casualty insurance license. It was something I had been putting off, but crossing it off my list reminded me that progress doesn't happen by thinking about what's next. It happens by taking the next step.

I also finally launched this website.

For three months, it sat in draft mode while I kept telling myself it wasn't quite ready. The truth is, I wasn't waiting on the website. I was waiting on myself.

July reminded me that done is better than waiting for perfect.

This site is more than a portfolio. It's a place to document what I'm building, what I'm learning, and who I'm becoming as I bet on myself, grow Twelve Nineteen Enterprise, and create a life that reflects every part of who I am.

If July taught me anything, it's that momentum starts with a decision.

I'm excited to see where this next chapter leads.

Outside

I don’t have any big trips planned this Summer, so I've been trying to be more intentional about enjoying Charlotte while I'm still here... wink, wink.

One of my favorite moments this month was going to the QC Rodeo. I was a little hesitant because I don't know any of the line dances, but it ended up being such a vibe it was so black and I loved it.

July also turned into birthday season. I didn't realize how many Cancers I have in my life until my calendar started filling up. Between planning and celebrating my girlfriend, several friends, and my granny who turned 83 and fabulous, I ate and drank wayyy too much, especially after coming off the 21 day Daniel fast.

If I'm being honest, though, I've probably spent more time at home than anywhere else. It was so hott, 100+ degree weather for weeks straight and I’m naturally just a homebody, so staying inside has been easy. But this season has also reminded me that life doesn't just happen inside my comfort zone.

So moving forward, I'm making a commitment to be more intentional about getting out, exploring new places, saying yes to more experiences, and fully enjoying this chapter wherever I am.

Big Motion

This month, I made a decision that I think is going to change the way I approach opportunities. Instead of chasing yeses, I'm chasing 50 rejections and taking 50 bold actions before the end of the year.

I realized I don't need to wait until I feel ready. I need momentum. The only way to create it is by putting myself out there over and over again.

So this month, I did just that.

I applied to attend the Forbes Power Women's Summit again. I wasn't selected to attend in person, but I can still participate virtually. I applied for Who's Who in Black Charlotte, submitted a grant application to attend CultureCon this October, reached out to my HBCU alumni association about mentoring and speaking opportunities, and applied for an advisory board position.

Will all of them turn into yeses? Probably not.

But that's not the point.

The point is that I'm asking. I'm showing up. I'm raising my hand for rooms I want to be in instead of waiting to be invited.

Every application, every email, every pitch, and every conversation is proof that I'm betting on myself again.

And honestly... it feels good.

I'm back.