Springing into action on new year's resolutions: 4 goals I'm struggling to achieve / March 28, 2018 by Jasmine Tate

Every new year comes with new possibilities, resolutions and gym memberships. Because I am goal-oriented and results driven, I always get super excited to start a new year, reflect on the previous and track results and achievements along the way.

Spring has come and we’re three days away from the start of the second quarter of 2018. It’s often said that time flies when you’re having fun, but it’s also true that time flies when you’re busy. Both have been the case for me in 2018. As I review the list of goals I set for the year, I’m thankful that I’ve been able to increase my credit score, nurture my blog, give more of my time through volunteerism and maintain a more balanced diet.

There are several items on my list that I am on track to accomplish, but won’t be able to check off until we near 2019, but those below are things that I’m struggling with and how I plan to push through.

Working with Faith / March 7, 2018 by Jasmine Tate

The value of faith and family was instilled in my brothers, sister and I from the beginning of our lives. As a child I was never allowed to go to sleepovers or birthday parties of classmates. Both of my parents had multiple siblings who also had children, and our free time was spent at church and/or with family. These are values that remain important and fundamental in my life today.

I was always surrounded by Christians who believed and never had to worry about being offensive by showing my faith until I did. As I grew older I understood that my parents kept me and my siblings in the company of family to avoid outside influence before we were mature enough to remain true to Christian principles we’d been taught even when others around us didn’t.

Exercising my faith in all areas of my life is important. In effort to let God in when he’s not always welcome, here are four ways to keep your faith in the workplace .

Real World Reads / February 28, 2018 by Jasmine Tate

Unfolding stories, true or not, told by a wide range of authors brought me great joy as a child and continue to inspire me on my journey through adulthood. Last year was my first time participating in Read Across America at two elementary schools in the Inland Empire. I thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the students, sharing the importance of reading and shamelessly plugging my alma maters, Southeastern Louisiana University and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Public education provided many benefits beyond the classroom and gave me extraordinary experiences, adventures and lifelong relationships. Among the many lessons I learned from public educational institutions, Franklinton High School taught me to have PRIDE, Personal Responsibility In Developing Excellence; Southeastern showed me that I was more than a number and USM ignited me to soar To The Top!

Redefining Friendship / November 24, 2016 by Jasmine Tate

As I’ve grown older the definition of friendship has changed. I have generally been very careful with titles because of the responsibility and accountability that (should) come with them.

Some people have different categories of friendships such as work, church and school, but I’ve always thought that friends are people who are apart of your life in all aspects and fit multiple classes.

Throughout the years, I’ve always admired friendships that are now commonly classified as #SquadGoals. Those such as

· Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda: Sex and the City

· Joan, Maya, Lynn and Toni: Girlfriends

· Rose, Dorothy and Blanche: Golden Girls

In the past, I built a wall around friendships and had strict guidelines for those who earned the title. In instances when coworkers invited me out for drinks or inquired of my personal life I would often make excuses or change the conversation. I would think to myself “we’re coworkers not friends and that’s not your business.” It wasn’t until I moved to Mississippi for grad school that I began to see friendship differently mostly because of the relationships I built with individuals who are now special friends.

One morning during my daily devotion I was reminded of the friend we have in Jesus and reasoned that if we can be friends with Christ there should be no other barriers to friendship.

I once thought friends are people who are a constant part of your journey whether big or small no matter where it leads. People who are more concerned with your success and happiness than how it compares to theirs. Individuals who are genuinely able to be themselves around you whether good or bad without fear of judgement: those you can laugh or cry with, listen or advise, celebrate or mourn, diet or binge, splurge or save, agree or disagree. I’ve learned those things don’t come with every friendship package.

Moving to California and being so far away from home has given me opportunities to reflect on the relationships I cherish the most. Many defend friendships that aren’t nurtured as regularly as others. Often when sayings like “we always pick up where we left off” are referenced. What I have realized is that there are levels of friendship that vary during different stages of life but no limits to who can be classified as a friend. Although I have amazing friendships, I know that I blocked others along the way.

Last week at work we celebrated Thanksgiving with a “Friendsgiving” potluck, which allowed me to show gratitude to God for the amazing friends of my past and present who have added to my journey.

I’ve recognized that relationships I once admired on TV were an active part of my life, and my true vision of #SquadGoals includes Trent, Brent, Jasmine (yes me) and Jaslyn. I have my parents to thank for that, because my siblings have always been the best friends I could ask for. They have been much more. Aside from them, I’m truly grateful for all other friendships I’ve developed over the years at every level, short-term and long-term from those who I speak with on a weekly basis to those who I interact with once or twice a year. Don’t block friendships or miss an opportunity because everyone isn’t at the highest level; cherish those who are. Good friends make great memories!