acupofjones

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Power to Pivot: It’s Never Too Late to Rewrite Your Story.

New Episode With Love, Gwen Live Now! What happens when life pushes you to the edge? When the plan you were holding onto falls apart, and you’re left with nothing but grit, faith, and a divine idea that could change your life? This episode of With Love, Gwen is a tribute to Miranda Cox Haskins—a visionary, a trailblazer, and a reminder that it’s never too late to change your story. Miranda is…

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Permission to DREAM!

When Sarah asked me to share my dream, my first response was, “I don’t know—I don’t think I have one.” A path had been laid out before me, and I followed it. I never considered coloring outside of those lines… until she asked me that question. A simple question that acted like a key, unlocking a door of possibility: “Tell me about one of your dreams—an aspiration, something you long to create…

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Journey to 43: Grace for G.R.O.W.T.H.

This year has pushed, pulled, tangled, and stretched me in ways I didn’t even know were possible. It demanded physical, mental, and emotional grit I didn’t even know I had—and I thought I was one pretty tough chick. So this birthday called for a moment of pause, recovery, and reflection. So, as I sit, exhausted, I realize this feels different. I’m tired, but this isn’t burnout. I feel…

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When the Dream Becomes Reality: A Mother’s Reflection

One of the greatest gifts of parenting is having a front-row seat to watch your children become who they were always meant to be. Let’s talk about the developmental stages of parenting. It begins the moment you become aware of their gifts and accept the sacred responsibility to nourish, protect, and develop those gifts. Then, you witness the gift evolve into a dream. And you have the privilege…

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A Powerful Reminder: Do What Makes You Happy | OWN YOUR JOY!

This one is for my Boss ladies, Dreamers who’s dreams have been deferred, laying dormant, stifled due to your own A.N.T. (automatic negative thoughts) takeover, the crippling words of another, or your vision is so big, it overwhelms you —take a breath boss lady. You don’t have to do everything at once. But do harness your boss energy and don’t be afraid to start. One step at a time. One thing at…

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My Man! My Man! My Man! I’m sharing my concerning the weight of a difficult decision I’ve had to make. He listens patiently, giving me the space to vent without interruption. Then, with one simple response, he makes my heart melt: “I’m not worried about the decision you made. I’m worried about the story you’re telling yourself about the decision you’ve made.” My response? Man, I love…

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A Tribute to My Giant: Celebrating the Man Who Inspires Us All

Happy Birthday, Bae Jones! You’ve dedicated your life to pouring into others. Today, it’s our turn to pour into you! Fill his cup! Share kind words below to encourage Mr. Jones. I’ll start with my words for you, Bae: You’re a GIANT! Many of us are who we are because we stand on your giant shoulders. You’re a GIANT! A visionary with giant dreams that impact multiple universes. You’re a…

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Gratitude: Your Secret Weapon

Don’t underestimate the power of gratitude—it’s a force that can crush anxiety, destroy negativity, and obliterate doubt. Use it to: Shift your focus to what truly matters and minimize distractions. Bring order to chaos by choosing peace and trusting your ability to handle each moment. Choose to be passionately present in every moment with those you love. Gratitude isn’t just about…

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Hope for the Holidays: Your Ultimate Holiday Survival Kit

My Dearest Gentle Reader, Today is such a special day—it’s my mommy’s birthday. In her honor, I’m excited to share this gift with you. I truly believe it has the power to change your life, strengthen your most meaningful relationships, and transform your beliefs about the holidays. I won’t pretend this journey is easy. I remember dreading the holidays because they seemed to magnify my losses.…

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Oftentimes, our greatest battle is the war with our INNER ME!

What if you become your biggest cheerleader instead of your harshest judge? Peace begins when you change the way you speak to yourself. By silencing your inner critic with words of kindness, grace, and compassion, you start to build a new muscle. Change your mind, and you truly can change your life. You and your inner self both deserve peace. Share this reminder with a friend who needs…

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𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, connection, and love, yet so often, we find ourselves running on empty cups. This year, let’s be intentional about keeping our cups full—maybe even overflowing. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝘆:We’re better for others when we show up as the best version of ourselves. But our best self doesn’t manifest on empty. Running on empty produces an irritable, impatient, overwhelmed,…

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A Taste of Tradition: Honoring Family Through Food and Memories

My grandmother always made biscuits from scratch with lard when I was growing up. We’d eat them hot and fresh from the oven, scooping up molasses with every bite. My Mommy made THE BEST fried chicken ever! And my Daddy HAD to have a slice of sweet potato pie with every holiday meal. I’d make the pie, and he would make my FAVORITE dish—his FAMOUS chitterlings (yep, I eat them!) and rice, like…

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"Bet on YOU: Seizing Moments, Embracing Support, and Celebrating Growth"

Yesterday was a special day. I was initiated into the ECU Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa and inducted as an officer—Vice President of History and Traditions. Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, recognizes and encourages superior leadership and exemplary character. A bit of history: at its inception, women could not be inducted into the society. It wasn’t until March of…

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Bridging Perception and Reality: Discovering Love, Purpose, and Connection

I don’t want you to see the WIN without the context of the WORK! Fear unrestrained will become the judge and the jury and sentence you to life in prison. It’s a powerful force that will cuff you to contentment and mediocrity. When you find yourself at war, and the opponent is your own mind, three pieces of armor are required for conquest: Validation, A REALITY CHECK, and Your Why. Reality…

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You’re Killing It

Just set this as my wallpaper! Figured someone else needed this reminder as well. You are LOVED!You are BEAUTIFUL!You are BRAVE!You are a GOOD MAMA!You are an AWESOME WIFE!You’re GREAT AT WHAT YOU DO!YOU are MAKING IT HAPPEN!You DESERVE REST!You operate in EXCELLENCE!You exist in Peace!YOU CAN!YOU WILL!YOU MUST!YOU MATTER! Happy Friday.💕Gwen

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5 Reasons Your Birthday MATTERS!

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Dear Year #40

Hello 40, I’m new here, but I can’t wait to learn all about you! You’re untapped territory, buried treasure that I’m eager to unearth and explore. I’m not sure why you’re so special, but you feel like a reset, a release to go, see, do and be unapologetically me! I’m grateful for years 1-39, they taught me a lot, but 40, you’re hitting differently! Something about you is already causing me to…