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Social media can feel like a giant scoreboard. Who is posting, who is winning, who is worthy of attention. The constant scrolling, the endless comparisons, the highlight reels of everyone else’s lives can pull you into a race you never signed up for.But the truth is, the world does not revolve around social media. At least, it should not.Life is not meant to be lived for likes or measured in views. It is meant to be walked with intention. It is trusting God to order your steps. It is letting kindness and wisdom guide your way. It is knowing that your value is not in how many people applaud you, but in the quiet ways you touch lives.<figure id="figure-qf7swaf9ume9gsg6q"><img id="qf7swaf9ume9gsg6q" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3aSMmEpUowgAHSEDuKGttBkhlDks2raEZoW6kjWXmLSlssrL47zkB9mYBhvGhuTp.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3aSMmEpUowgAHSEDuKGttBkhlDks2raEZoW6kjWXmLSlssrL47zkB9mYBhvGhuTp.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>My grandmother taught me that it only takes one person to inspire the life of another. If you can do that, even for one person, you are already fulfilling a purpose far greater than any social feed can hold.So I walk my walk. I stay on my mission. I trust the path He has for me, even if it does not look like the world’s version of success.When you live with purpose and stay grounded in faith, no algorithm can define you and no race can outrun the legacy you are building.

Beyond the Noise: Choosing Purpose Over Popularity

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. Actually, scratch that. I was writing before I could remember much of anything else. At three years old, barely tall enough to reach the table, I was already scribbling my little heart out. Now I watch my nieces doing the same, and I absolutely adore it. Writing became my world, my escape, my comfort, my way to understand life and sometimes avoid it.<figure id="figure-khghy3b18gme4bhtr6"><img id="khghy3b18gme4bhtr6" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/36p0VsmlPuI6VwEKGELXfxfAjctAXhYcZT5cOB7yV4GI6AsG6dl9bhoGx6wu2WV4.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/36p0VsmlPuI6VwEKGELXfxfAjctAXhYcZT5cOB7yV4GI6AsG6dl9bhoGx6wu2WV4.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>Most of my childhood feels a million miles away, but the pieces I do hold onto all have one thing in common… words. I had a wild, vivid imagination. I was writing poetry before I even knew what poems were. To me, putting feelings on paper felt safer than saying them out loud. Honestly, that is still true today. People would tell me, “You have a way with words,” and I believed them, not because I thought I was special, but because writing felt as natural to me as breathing.<figure id="figure-9s4t0uydeume4bjkb3" class=""><img id="9s4t0uydeume4bjkb3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37P0uSARyotgRlZQmuEUQWJHMVoPbBPFZCoBgMomXXYRjJyw1oyjFK3dxlW0W7NZ.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37P0uSARyotgRlZQmuEUQWJHMVoPbBPFZCoBgMomXXYRjJyw1oyjFK3dxlW0W7NZ.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>By junior high, I was the girl who could turn someone’s crush into the perfect love letter. In high school, I was writing reports for classmates for a dollar. This was the late 80s and 90s and a dollar could get you something from the candy lady back then lol. I laugh now because writing is still my job, except it pays a lot more than a buck. I am grateful to God and humbled by God's forever presence in my life.&nbsp;After graduation, I added resumes and cover letters to my list. That happened by accident, or maybe not (didn't know it was paving the way to where I am today)&nbsp; -- I wrote my own resumes and did so well that I started offering to help others, often for free. My joy was not in charging people, it was in helping them land jobs and feel confident in themselves.Then came the early 2000s, and with them, my curiosity about building websites. I taught myself HTML. Then I learned Dreamweaver. Yes, I was that person typing code line by line, teaching myself to make something from nothing. That same “teach myself” energy has carried me through my whole life.Today, I use those self-taught skills to build my own books, not just the words, but the designs, the layouts, and the covers. My first book, It’s Not the Journey, It’s the Destination, was published through a publishing company. But I wanted control over my art, my graphics, my rights, and my vision. That is how Essence of Lavender was born.<figure id="figure-eg8jas6qjnme4bl7r1" class=""><img id="eg8jas6qjnme4bl7r1" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22ssWdIpg9lK1rq6rvtNWfY2gfiWpgK3i945Ovo8lY6VrmBbIyFsX6uZxdTGZqYl.jpg" alt="It's not the Journey, It's the Destination" title="It's not the Journey, It's the Destination" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 40% 0%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="40%" data-positiony="0%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22ssWdIpg9lK1rq6rvtNWfY2gfiWpgK3i945Ovo8lY6VrmBbIyFsX6uZxdTGZqYl.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 40% 0%;"></figure><figure id="figure-q8azgqq65bme4czceq"><img id="q8azgqq65bme4czceq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/35swo1NsqCMMdO1WAe3rFJvbArQfmRqAZdD3T5m77cqKXV8KYLLcXOUz6Yo1WAN5.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/35swo1NsqCMMdO1WAe3rFJvbArQfmRqAZdD3T5m77cqKXV8KYLLcXOUz6Yo1WAN5.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Now, I create journals, planners, coloring books, and educational activity books for kids. I am working on two fiction books, building toward my dream of turning Essence of Lavender into a full bookstore, my bookstore. And once the time is right, I will teach others how to self-publish in their own style, their own voice, and their own way.<figure id="figure-9ij74cl4mmme4bzvie" class=""><img id="9ij74cl4mmme4bzvie" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39KrjqLmOOjzbFxafLNlAMMfdYd0tdlZXbB6VBjN8qv24MgfpH17DeBKmru7tTsw.jpg" alt="Coloring Books " title="Coloring Books " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="Coloring books inspired by my nieces and nephews. " data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39KrjqLmOOjzbFxafLNlAMMfdYd0tdlZXbB6VBjN8qv24MgfpH17DeBKmru7tTsw.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Coloring books inspired by my nieces and nephews.</figcaption></figure>I still design in Illustrator and Photoshop. I embrace Canva and I am learning AI because growth never stops. I believe God gave me these skills and the willingness to learn for a reason, to create, to inspire, and to share.My story is not just about talent. It is about a deep love for learning, a willingness to try, and a heart that refuses to quit. Every skill I have was earned through trial, error, and prayer. Every word I write carries the weight of my journey, and every book I create is a piece of my heart in someone else’s hands. One of the most meaningful pieces I have ever made is the notebook I created in honor of my late grandmother, Lena Lavender. I gave it to her on Christmas of 2024, and she passed away on March 27, 2025. Through all my trials and tribulations, one thing will never change. No matter what I do, I will always lift up others as I climb, building a legacy for my nieces and nephews and living out the dreams of my ancestors.<figure id="figure-v9wo3umxe7me4can63"><img id="v9wo3umxe7me4can63" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3CiI3ffSG2JjqFzBUOkf9nQHKaj83KSdfsaez2Z0BVVaiM4sx4ukqK9hhqLtJQ3C.jpg" alt="Hey, Honey Chile " title="Hey, Honey Chile " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 40%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption=""Hey, Honey Chile." This notebook will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s the first of many, and it’s dedicated to my late grandmother, Lena Lavender -- the woman whose love and words still guide me." data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="40%" data-fullWidth="false"/><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">"Hey, Honey Chile." This notebook will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s the first of many, and it’s dedicated to my late grandmother, Lena Lavender -- the woman whose love and words still guide me.</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;My prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of creation, for the words, the vision, and the ideas that flow through me. Thank you for the people whose paths will cross mine and for the opportunity to inspire and guide them. May everything I make serve a purpose, lift someone’s spirit, and reflect your light. Amen.<figure id="figure-vykod6rwlbme4cdjhu"><img id="vykod6rwlbme4cdjhu" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22lrpExXYOaT7m3wkhyaZIrF0PL28jsfAcbLPyPJG7Z7u61CvT2YioithVd3GPoa.jpg" alt="Jennifer and Lakita " title="Jennifer and Lakita " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="On the left, that’s me. On the right, my sister, Lakita Lavender. She left this world in a car accident about ten years ago, but she never left my heart. She is my love, my light, my angel -- forever and always." data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22lrpExXYOaT7m3wkhyaZIrF0PL28jsfAcbLPyPJG7Z7u61CvT2YioithVd3GPoa.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">On the left, that’s me. On the right, my sister, Lakita Lavender. She left this world in a car accident about ten years ago, but she never left my heart. She is my love, my light, my angel -- forever and always.</figcaption></figure>

Believe in Yourself: Built by Words, Guided by Faith

Life will give us plenty of reasons to frown, snap or crawl back into bed and call it quits for the day. A rude comment, a flat tire, a bill you were not expecting, news that breaks your heart. Those moments sting. They frustrate. They throw you off balance.But here is what I have learned. Most of the time, I am not actually having a bad day. I am just having a bad moment in a good day. And when you start looking at it that way, something shifts.<figure id="figure-ai31kqi5cmme494nn3"><img id="ai31kqi5cmme494nn3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2eMTgtT6pngLPxHf87ZOQVVR5QJxXZWpZtsfZWgN70EvLRDWwwjJgac4UPPIrYM8.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2eMTgtT6pngLPxHf87ZOQVVR5QJxXZWpZtsfZWgN70EvLRDWwwjJgac4UPPIrYM8.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>It is like you suddenly realize the sun is still out, your lungs are still breathing, and somewhere there is still joy to be found if you look for it.When life hits me with one of those moments, I have learned to take a step back. To pause. To breathe. To accept the moment for what it is instead of letting it consume me. I try to check in, not just with what is happening around me, but with what is happening within me. Because sometimes the storm is on the outside, and sometimes it is right inside my own head.What helps me may not be exactly what helps you, but here are some things that work for me when I am about to let a bad moment steal my whole day:<ul><li>Pray. Even if it is just, “God, please help me get through this.”</li><li>Meditate or practice deep breathing to slow my thoughts down.</li><li>Call someone I trust who lets me vent without judgment.</li><li>Take a break from social media and the news to protect my peace.</li><li>Find my favorite spot in the house or somewhere I feel safe and just be.</li><li>Let it out with a scream, a cry, or a laugh that turns into tears.</li></ul><figure id="figure-xckzr7tm9tme49eacm"><img id="xckzr7tm9tme49eacm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4mTUCxd2lLNbfzb2bjSiPoYfFGi8mt7rgq75I5kLsjpbybJiUXMXE8CO230NQstx.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4mTUCxd2lLNbfzb2bjSiPoYfFGi8mt7rgq75I5kLsjpbybJiUXMXE8CO230NQstx.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>Because here is the truth. If we let a dark moment set the tone, it can spill over into the next day and the next. What could have been a bump in the road can turn into a detour that lasts days, weeks, or even months.So today, remind yourself you are not having a bad day. You are just walking through a hard moment, and you will come out on the other side.<figure id="figure-qs94nbnfhsme49lp86"><img id="qs94nbnfhsme49lp86" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/acFSjB8btqA895qnenFJ3ejXPEnKauuOhQ7uIbEj17FVrE1hSicqFmbi4eNIWSst.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>&nbsp;A Prayer for You: Lord, when my heart feels heavy and my patience wears thin, help me pause and remember your peace is always near. Teach me to see my day for the good that is still in it, even when the clouds roll in. Give me the strength to move through hard moments without losing sight of the joy ahead. And remind me that my mood is mine to protect. Amen.

Finding Light in a Heavy Moment

There’s no sugarcoating or beating around the bush -- things feel heavy right now.You turn on the news and it’s war. Violence. Division. You scroll your phone and it’s grief. Comparison. Heartbreak. You sit with your own thoughts and it’s stress. Loneliness. Exhaustion.It’s like the world is moving too fast, spinning in chaos, while you're just trying to catch your breath. I get it. I feel it too.But here’s what I know for sure: Darkness doesn’t get the final say. Light does.Even in the middle of confusion. Even when you're tired of holding it all together. There is still a light within you. It might feel small some days, like a flicker. But it’s still there. It’s still you.<figure id="figure-g78fsjagibmdpwduo2"><img id="g78fsjagibmdpwduo2" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2170566796/photo/stressed-woman-sitting-on-sofa-holding-head-in-hand.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=pA_1WsBFTmEBIwnRTzoW7YeWdUobACUG_qupYtQs4vM=" alt="Stressed Woman Sitting On Sofa Holding Head In Hand" title="Stressed Woman Sitting On Sofa Holding Head In Hand" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2170566796/photo/stressed-woman-sitting-on-sofa-holding-head-in-hand.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=pA_1WsBFTmEBIwnRTzoW7YeWdUobACUG_qupYtQs4vM=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>And here’s the truth. You don’t have to do big things to make a difference. Sometimes showing up for yourself is enough. Taking a deep breath. Drinking water. Saying no when you're overwhelmed. Smiling at a stranger. Holding the door. Sending a kind text.These things may seem small in a world that’s breaking apart at the seams. But they’re powerful. Because kindness is contagious. Love is louder. And hope is still undefeated.Please don’t give up on yourself or this world.Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it’s messy. But you were created for this exact moment. You are not weak for feeling everything so deeply. You are human.And even when you feel like you’re running on empty, you can still be someone’s reason to smile. Not because you have it all together. But because you’re choosing to get back up. Because you're choosing to care. Because you're choosing to keep going.&nbsp;We need more people like that. We need you.<img id="v2cumnyifmdpw9u27" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1408224238/photo/young-black-woman-in-casual-dress-keeping-her-eyes-closed-during-prayer.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=35p22KUZOu70soiLv6TJvDYhfGEUe4mqF1Kkod45oJE=" alt="Young black woman in casual dress keeping her eyes closed during prayer" title="Young black woman in casual dress keeping her eyes closed during prayer" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1408224238/photo/young-black-woman-in-casual-dress-keeping-her-eyes-closed-during-prayer.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=35p22KUZOu70soiLv6TJvDYhfGEUe4mqF1Kkod45oJE=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;">Let’s close with this:Dear God, In a world that feels loud, heavy, and unsure, fill us with peace. Remind us that we are not powerless. Help us shine in dark places, not by being perfect, but by being present. Give us the strength to rise when we fall. The courage to keep loving when it’s hard. The patience to rest without guilt. And the wisdom to be the light someone else needs, just by being ourselves. Amen.You’re not alone. You are needed. And no matter what’s going on around or within you, Light will always win. 💛Stay rooted. Stay soft. Stay shining.Love, Jen&nbsp;

Being the Light When the World Feels Too Heavy

If you’re seeking alternatives to Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for self-publishing your books, several reputable companies offer a range of services to meet diverse author needs. Below is a comparison of some prominent self-publishing platforms, ranked based on factors such as distribution reach, service offerings, and user feedback:1. IngramSparkIngramSpark provides extensive distribution options, enabling authors to reach a wide audience through various retailers and libraries. They offer both print-on-demand and e-book publishing services. While they charge setup fees, these can often be offset with promotional codes. Authors should be prepared for a more complex setup process and may experience varying levels of customer service.2. LuluLulu is an online print-on-demand, self-publishing, and distribution platform. They offer a variety of formats, including print books, e-books, photo books, and calendars. Authors receive 80% of the profit for print books and 90% for e-books. Lulu also provides global distribution options, making it a versatile choice for self-publishers.3. BookBabyBookBaby offers comprehensive self-publishing services, including professional editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing assistance. They provide extensive distribution to both e-book and print markets, reaching major retailers like Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play Books, Kobo, and Barnes &amp; Noble. BookBaby charges upfront fees for their packages, which vary based on the services included.4. FriesenPressFriesenPress, a division of Friesens Corporation, offers assisted self-publishing services, providing editing, design, distribution, and promotional support. They have partnered with thousands of authors to publish over 7,000 titles. FriesenPress charges for their services, with costs varying depending on the selected package.5. Barnes &amp; Noble PressBarnes &amp; Noble Press allows authors to publish print and e-books, making them available on their online store, bn.com. While this provides access to a significant audience, it doesn’t guarantee placement in physical Barnes &amp; Noble stores. The platform is free to use, with authors earning royalties on sales.Cost Considerations:• Setup Fees: Platforms like IngramSpark and BookBaby may charge setup or package fees, which can vary based on the services chosen.• Royalties: Royalty structures differ across platforms. For instance, Lulu offers 80% of profits for print books and 90% for e-books. It’s essential to review each platform’s royalty policies to understand potential earnings.• Additional Services: Services such as professional editing, cover design, and marketing support often come at additional costs. These services can enhance the quality and marketability of your book but should be factored into your budget.When selecting a self-publishing company, consider your specific needs, such as desired distribution channels, budget, and the level of support required. It’s advisable to research each platform thoroughly, including reading recent user reviews and testimonials, to make an informed decision.

Top 5 Alternatives to Amazon KDP for Self-Publishing: A Cost & Service Comparison

<h2>The Beauty of Fall: A Time of Change &amp; Reflection</h2>Fall is a time of change. The leaves turn colors, the air becomes crisp, and we find ourselves reaching for warmer clothes. But fall is more than just a shift in weather. This season offers a chance to reset and refocus.<figure id="figure-8mwctjwlgm1r0pi4w"><img id="8mwctjwlgm1r0pi4w" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1574376407492-c3cf78231def?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxM3x8ZmFsbCUyMGxlYXZlc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3Mjc4MjIxNjd8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="fall leaves" title="fall leaves" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1574376407492-c3cf78231def?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxM3x8ZmFsbCUyMGxlYXZlc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3Mjc4MjIxNjd8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>With the last nine months behind us, it's time to take a moment to think about what we need to achieve in the final stretch of 2024. Whether it is personal or professional, setting goals, writing them down helps us stay motivated and focused.It's not too late to break these goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes it easier to track progress and stay on course. Don't give up now!&nbsp;<h2 id="figure-2dtxtfh305m1r0pj4l"><img id="2dtxtfh305m1r0pj4l" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2bR03JuMrR47EI2bF1TUqDx2SRApLvg7e2TEvtuNI2CULpHlKxdn7JUITsKvdCPO.png" alt="goal setting" title="goal setting" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Lavender in Fall " data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2bR03JuMrR47EI2bF1TUqDx2SRApLvg7e2TEvtuNI2CULpHlKxdn7JUITsKvdCPO.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2"><span style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(48px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--head-fontWeight, 500); color: rgb(17, 24, 39); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Giving Up is Not an Option! </figcaption></h2>As the year winds down, remember this, giving up simply isn't in the cards. With just a quarter left to go, it's time to tap into that inner strength and power through to the finish. Think back on the "why" behind your goals – the dreams that sparked your drive, the vision that lit you up.Every single day is a chance to move closer to what you want. Whether it's growing as a person, hitting career highs or nailing those health goals, every step you take matters. See this moment as your chance to relight that fire in your belly. Yeah, things might get tough, but that's just part of the ride.So here's the plan, let's band together and crush these final months! Keep your eyes locked on what you want and take action daily, no matter how small it feels. You've got this – you've got the power to make those goals real. Just believe in yourself and keep that momentum rolling. Let's wrap up this year feeling proud not just of what we've achieved, but of how hard we've fought.<figure id="figure-fovbhuoqnm1r20jhy"><img id="fovbhuoqnm1r20jhy" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1496449903678-68ddcb189a24?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4fHxtZXNzYWdlJTIwc2lnbnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3Mjc4MjQ0NDh8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="This is the sign you've been looking for neon signage" title="This is the sign you've been looking for neon signage" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3> </h3>

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