Keep going?

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14

Something about a new hairdo makes you feel like a brand new woman, right?

Now, I'm not what I would call a "hair girlie".

I don't keep up with the latest hair trends and I like low fuss, low maintenance styles. Since I happen to be my own on-call hairstylist, this is my zone.

Every now and again though, I'll experiment with something new....(and, occasionally, it actually works!)

Right on time, my mom sent me this video of a hack for a crochet faux loc ponytail: https://www.facebook.com/reel/838473528219880. I'd spent hours taking out my box braids and I was still trying to figure out how I'd style my hair once I washed it. This style looked easy enough...

Let's Do It!

(...even though I knew that, with the density and curl pattern of my hair, this was not the "30-minute hairstyle" that she claimed!)

This doesn't always happen when I experiment, but I am actually very happy with the way that it turned out!

Even though it looks like I have a head full of faux locs, it's all an illusion:

I only parted and plaited the first 2 rows of my hair - this gives the illusion of box braids when it's really crocheted hair.

The back of my hair is actually pulled up into a bun and I made a quick "faux loc ponytail" by stringing the locs onto a hair tie!

So clever and it saves sooo much time, compared to getting individuals done.

This is my first time trying out any kind of loc style and I must say - I like it here! Definitely gives me island vacation vibes!

Yahh man!

...but, enough about my fantasies of a pleasure trip. Let's talk a little business.

On Tuesday, I went to a networking event in High Point with the school system. This was an awesome opportunity for me to get connected with schools and principals - which I'd been scheming on for a while!

I'm usually not a fan of networking events.

You go into a room full of strangers who you know may be influential in some way. Many are already engaged in conversation with people they know, so you feel like a weird stranger.

Then, when I try to make conversation, I'm torn between being too casual or too business-y. If I'm too casual, my cause for being there is lost. If I'm too "business-y," it becomes off-putting.

(Trust me, I've tried both approaches and these were the outcomes.)

In spite of the discomfort, I said a prayer, took a breath, and walked into the room...

This event was held at a super cute wine bar. As expected, crowds of people were already huddled and talking together like they already knew each other. The venue was small, so it felt cramped and loud. I was already a tinge nervous, but this environment was definitely overstimulating for me...*gulp*

Usually, I don't drink really at all - this was not that day.

When the event host handed me a ticket for a free glass of wine, I shimmied my way through the crowd to the bar and got a glass of riesling to take the edge off!

Just as I grabbed my glass of wine at the bar, a lady began to make conversation with me. She was rather close as she spoke with me (likely, because it was so loud!). One thing that was apparent as we talked: I was rusty at networking in these types of settings! I found myself lost for words, stumbling over my words, etc. I wanted to just run away like Peter in The Cosby Show...but that would've only added to the embarrassment I felt in that moment.

After a few more sips and warming up a bit, the conversation started to flow a bit better. I will say that it shook my confidence a bit throughout the event, though...

As uncomfortable as I felt, I kept going.

Kept smiling and making eye contact. Kept making awkward "hiiii"s. Kept hoping that someone would hear about the need for foster families and would be moved to help.

In the end, I didn't get connected with the entire school system like I'd hoped, however, I did make a few valuable connections by the end of the evening. My discomfort was not in vain!

As I don't believe that it will be as I write to you now...

Yes, as I write to you now, I can't honestly say that I'm in the "writer's mood"...but you know what, I'm choosing to keep going. God gave me this platform for a purpose and I want to see it through the best that I can. I've had several family and friends tell me how certain posts have impacted them. To tell you the truth, I've read back some of my posts and they've ministered to me as well.

I believe that Blessed Girl Problems is a piece of my divine assignment here on earth. I have a vision for what it will be, but I know that it compares nothing to what God can do!

So, even when it's hard...even when I don't feel like it...even when I don't know what I'm going to say...I'm going to keep writing until God tells me no more. Even if this blog only impacts the people that I love. I genuinely enjoy blogging and it's my way to share the goodness of God and lead others to seek His face.

So, yeah.

Maybe, this is for me and you tonight. No matter the discomfort - "keep pressing towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14)