

Times have never been more turbulent and the unknown has never been more terrifying. This means that it's very important that we nurture our mental health. Dark times tend to open our minds to receive any and all information as a means of validation. Unfortunately, that validation is temporary and precarious. Pay attention to what you're paying attention to because everything doesn't deserve your mindfulness.
In navigating these times, we have to go deeper and connect to the stillness inside of us. One self-empowering activity that helps us go deeper is speaking mantras that keep us grounded and rooted in grace. Historically, mantras have been used in meditation to keep distractions at bay. The truth is, when you're aligned, revelations come and you're able to move forward with wisdom. Ahead, find seven mantras you'll want to add to your notes and speak on the daily.
1."Failure is part of the road to success."
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In 2021, we are using failure as a success-launcher. Society has made us believe that failure is negative and that we should be fearful of it. Using this mantra, you will begin to look at the word 'fail' differently. F-irst A-ttempt I-n L-earning.
2."Everything happens right on schedule."
As much as we plan, we have to learn to trust that God and the universe are working in our favor. Your steps have already been ordered so the trick is trusting that everything will work out. Walking by faith and not by sight can lead to boundless opportunities.
3."This is only a paper tiger."
I think this is what Daniel said to himself before slaying Goliath. A paper tiger is a person or thing that appears threatening but is ineffectual. 80 percent of the mountains we create in our heads are really molehills. When you're feeling overwhelmed, try creating a mental movie where everything works in your favor and then speaking this mantra.
4."Look how far I’ve come."
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It's time we honor ourselves. Right now, think of one thing you've accomplished this week and honor that success. Self-care can manifest as taking your power back from your dark thoughts.
5."No one can take my joy."
Joy is happiness on steroids because it is linked to emotions like bliss and pleasure. It's easier to let other people control your emotions but we believe that this is the time that you take control. And by taking control, you choose yourself and what you deserve.
6.“The Sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while is here is up to us.”
This mantra is actually a quote by the ever-talented author Alex Elle. As annoying as it is, we need the darkness to really value the light. By realizing you are light, you'll recognize that you radiate peace. No matter the circumstances, it's up to you to create the life you want. It's your journey so it's essential that you make wise choices that serve you. Let go of unnecessary weight and burdens that aren't yours to carry. Choose yourself even when it's the last thing you feel like you need to do – that's actually when you need you the most.
7."I am in control of how I think, feel, and behave."
One of my favorite mantras is the Serenity Prayer because it requires us to surrender. "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." The art of surrender isn't easy. Surrender is not failure; surrender is acceptance. It's accepting that you don't know what you don't know. This specific mantra is interrelated because it forces you to hone in on your power.
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Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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From Dull To Dewy: These Spring Skincare Tweaks Make All The Difference
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home, it can also apply to your skin.
When transitioning from the cold winter to the warm spring, your skin may require a different skincare routine such as lighter creams or overall less product. Brianna Kelly recently opened up B Beautiful Medical Spa in Atlanta, GA over the weekend and she shared with xoNecole about her skincare journey and how to treat your skin when the seasons change.
On her skincare journey.
"Yeah, so at the time, I would say mid-20s to late 20s, I was very self-conscious about my pore size, and I always used to feel like when I was talking to people, people were staring at my pores. So I was trying to find different skincare treatments. I also tried microneedling and some laser treatments as well, to try to address my pore size and the texture of my skin. I even went as far as traveling to different states to see different experts in the field for that.
"Over time, just maintenance with facials and premium skincare, I started to feel confident and better about how my skin was looking."
On the treatments her spa offers.
"We have all esthetic services, microneedling, microdermabrasion. We have chemical pills. We'll be doing some Botox and fillers, some lip injections, some IV hydration as well. And of course, we are going to be specializing in facials. From our seven-step classic facial to our 10-step everything beautiful facial."
On transitioning from winter to spring skincare.
"Moving into the spring from the winter time, I would definitely say, make sure you're using the right products. A lot of times we shouldn't be using the same products that we use in the winter, in the spring, or in the summer. You may want to get a different cleanser, or you may want to switch to a lighter moisturizer.
"You also want to make sure you have a good SPF to protect you from any sun damage now that we’re gonna be outside a little more during the spring and the summer, so I would definitely say focusing on making sure you're using the right products. Treat yourself to a facial. Get a good facial that exfoliates the skin, getting rid of all of those dead skin cells that you may have accumulated during the winter, and most importantly, make sure you're hydrating, drinking water, [and] maintaining a healthy, balanced diet."
"Moving into the spring from the winter time, make sure you're using the right products. A lot of times we shouldn't be using the same products that we use in the winter, in the spring, or in the summer. You may want to get a different cleanser, or you may want to switch to a lighter moisturizer."
On advice she would give others on their skincare journey.
"I would definitely advise them to see a professional. Definitely go to a spa and book a facial appointment with an expert aesthetician to get some feedback on the type of skin that they have, get recommendations for different products and treatments, and just [allow] a professional to address their concerns. What I noticed is that a lot of women are using the wrong products.
"They're going to the local CVS or local Walgreens, and getting products off the shelves and taking them home and using them. They're not really using the right product. So I would definitely say it's important to consult with an expert first to give you some sort of guidance on what to be using on your skin."
For more information, follow B Beautiful Medical Spa on Instagram @bbeautifulmedicalspa.
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