- As we know, time is something we cannot get back, and it's the most valuable investment a person could ever make.
There is no way for us to gain more of it, so how you spend your time is essential to the type of return you're going to get on your investment. What you put your time into is ultimately what you're nourishing; and what you nourish is what will grow. We often talk about investments and ROI from a financial standpoint, but what about the other ways investments and ROI play a role in the overall quality of your life?
Any time a person invests in anything they expect to see a return, or benefit from it in one way or another. All investments aren't tangible and neither are the returns; and these may very well be the most risky. Sometimes we aren't aware of the time, emotion, or mindspace we dedicate to things that mean us no good or don't help us progress in anyway; but there are ways for us to change that:
Open Your Eyes.
The things that hinder us most are almost always right in front of us, but we can't see it because it may be the very thing that we're used to. Just because you've become accustomed to something or someone doesn't mean that it, or they, deserve a permanent spot in your life. You have to become aware of what's affecting your progress and then be willing to weed those things out. The wrong type of investments can render negative returns, especially those to which you turn a blind eye.
You have to be able to look at things and figure out if the situation is best for you; that's the key. Set your sights on what you want, and determine what's necessary for you to attain it. Anything that deters you from the path of getting that isn't worth the investment.
Be Intentional.
Doing things purposely leaves less room for anything that has no promise of a return. When you're strategic and have an end goal in mind then the things that get in the way of that will be intentionally avoided. It's like hiring a trainer, attending the sessions, then not being mindful of the foods you consume. The hard work and the money you've invested goes out the window; and if you do see results, it's going to take much longer, and will require more money and more time. Seems silly to invest in something and get in the way of your own return, right?
Knowing what you're building toward and having the mindset to go after what you deserve will aid in your decision on how and what you choose to invest in. If you know that you don't have the time and mindspace to put toward something because it's going to cost you more than it's actually worth, then you're more than likely not going to do it.
Don’t Build to Destroy.
Investing is all about putting a little in and getting something back from it. Of course there are other deciding factors that determine how big a return will be, but every little gain matters, especially to those that have an end goal in mind.
We build brick by brick, and everything takes time. Remember that the small investments with even the smallest returns make a difference because each and every one of them are needed. There is no point in building to destroy, and that's exactly what happens when you invest parts of you into things that mean you, your goals, or your peace of mind no good.
ROI should be at the basis of anything you dedicate even the tiniest part of yourself to. Sometimes we can be so invested in the idea of investing in the people and things that we care about, that we don't take notice to how it does not benefit us. Whether the return is monetary or a building block toward your personal goals, make sure that your efforts aren't in vain.
Featured image by Getty Images
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Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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Feature image screenshot/YouTube