WHO IS SHAWNA?
I met James in high school but we didn't attend the same school. I finished out my senior year 6 months pregnant with Savannah, thank goodness the gowns were big. After high school I started community collage in hopes of becoming a registered nurse. Three years in, I finished about thirty credit hours of schooling and then became pregnant with Jordin. Long story short I never got my degree... I am happy I went though because I learned so much that helps me even to this day. Who knows if ill go back.
Given our financial history starting out as young adults, I couldn't really be a stay at home mom when the girls were little. So not graduating college was a bummer having put in all that time but I persisted because I really love having goals to look forward to. Even if it wasn't much I always found a way to be resourceful, frugal, and improve. Still do! :) I began working a cashier job that I took on for 4 years. That helped us a lot during that time. James began working harder to apply and interview at various jobs so we could become more financially stable because our baby sitter situation was not pretty. He finally got a good job in 2018. Cheers to starting our 30's on the right track. Not really. Just him, I was only 27!
I lost my dad in December 2016 and started my YouTube channel in January 2017 singing random song covers. I tried to keep myself busy while battling depression after his passing. I miss him so much. It was one of the hardest years of my life, couldn't be consistent with anything and became very isolated. I love to sing. Pop, rap, and country are my favorite genres.
I am a firm believer that our destinies may be pre-determined but our choices weave us through different paths along the way. I am very furtunate that despite my past, my personal fails, and our struggles along the way, I understand the importance of keeping a positive attitude because even if things are not exactly as you wish, nothing is perfect! With positivity though and a little effort you can get so much further in life than dwelling in the past or over what is not done. We have to remember that life is a journey and getting from A to B is pointless if you don't live, learn and grow in between. Especially as a parent passing down life lessons and love to the kids. I don't really have elder family so knowing I am gonna be the grandma one day really makes me wanna be able to recreate a good foundation for the future. So I am always trying to improve and share my motherhood and lifestyle skills so I can influence my family, be the best version of myself, and hopefully leave a positive mark on others through sharing my life.
We are responsible for our life despite cirumstances. We have to make the best out of what we have and create abundance where we feel there is lacking. Trust me being content is a privilege many never experience but knowing we have one life to live, it is never a bad thing to improve, hustle, and find happiness. Keep a humble heart though so you never forget to appreciate the present and what you do have.
So through times of sad lows and growing highs all through my life I find that inspiring others while in the thick myself helps me so much! Rather that be motherhood, weight loss, stress, or disorganized life related, I love to share my experiences to spark change, courage, or just bring some happiness to others. I think involving others helps me remain grounded. I become focused knowing its not just me and that helps me stay motivated. haha I even mentioned above creating a good life for imaginary grand kids. It is just something I do I guess. Being able to inspire others in the same situations to create their best life and finding ways to put joy and productivity into the world sparks joy in my heart outside of being a mother and a spouse. As an individual I find a lot of gratification in being someone I didn't have growing up, coming from an unstable childhood and I hope that even on days I fail or didn't do enough my girls always know that I tried.
Thanks for stopping by and getting to know me a little better and keeping up with my little mixed gang. I hope I have inspired you in someway to be more productive or brought a little kindness to your life. I cant wait to share more. Look around here and tune in with me over on my channel and socials to chat.
XO SHAWNA