I’ve been at this blogging stuff for 14 months now, and I’ve decided to up the ante. You are viewing this post on my brand spankin’ new site! How do you like it thus far? Seriously though, I really really really want your feedback. Mmmk, pumpkin?

At any rate, my very first blog post, cleverly titled The Humble Lion, listed five categories I wanted to write about: Life, love, positive body image, the wisdom of others, and the beautiful shit storm that is my twenties. This new and improved THL site will be delivering much of the same type of content, but I am kicking it up a notch or two. As you navigate around this dope new space, you will discover my spruced up, pretty little polished categories. Click HERE to check them out!

Along with my blog (which now includes a Vlog and Fierce Friday feature section that showcases some really incredible and inspiring women!), I have included a gallery of photographs I have created around the world and ways that we can work together (if that tickles your fancy).

Alright, alright. I know I reeled you in here by saying I’d give you six reasons I won’t be your favorite blogger, so I guess I’ll get to it already:

1. I’m not going to post pictures of my ass. #sorrynotsorryI’m married to the fitness industry. Literally. I see the soft porn that skyrockets young people into “fame” and “fortune” (lol, nah, the fortune is only for those that are straight hustling, creating products, and growing as business people or educators…kudos to them). As for the young women and dudes out there hoping their sex appeal gets them to a decent place in life and then get butt hurt when their ego is shut down by the masses, I have a tough time finding an ounce of respect for you. I’ve tried being nice about my attitude toward that shit for far too long.

   Now, with each passing day that my soul grows older, I realize just how little those ass photos are doing for anything good in the world, like aiding in environmental crises, improving mental health, or making daddies proud. Cheesus, have you no shame? (Again, not talking to the genuine athletes, educators, and hustlers. Y’all do you. But I hope you realize and embrace the responsibility you are so eagerly plopping in your lap.) More sass to come regarding this topic in future posts. Promise.

2. I do my best just to make sure the clothes I put on every day haven’t been worn too many times and start to smell, so it’s safe to say I also don’t care about what kind of fashion legacy I leave behind.Successful fashion bloggers make the money. THEY MAKE LOTS OF THE DAMN MONEY. I personally just don’t care. I’ve always just been grateful for decent clothes to put on my back. I can appreciate the art of fashion, the stories it may tell, and how much it may mean to other people, but it doesn’t get me out of bed every morning.

   I have a hard time looking at a $100 shirt and A) not comparing it to the price of a cheap plane ticket or B) not thinking of people around the world that don’t make that much money in a week or even a month.So, if you’re hoping for some amazing fashion tips (which isn’t likely for those that know me and my lack of style), you won’t find them here. Nope. Nah. No. Uh uh.

3. I’ll be giving you beauty tips, but they won’t have anything to do with makeup.I personally know some phenomenal makeup artists. They are turning their passions into businesses. Again, kudos to them. I can appreciate the work ethic and hustle that comes with it! But my opinions on the absurdity that is the beauty industry makes me cringe.When I see a (more often than not) poorly contoured canvas that was once a living, breathing face, all I want to do is drag my index finger down what I assume is a cheek just to see how much money/fancy dirt comes off on my finger.

   I believe that natural is beautiful. I hate the insecurities that are spoonfed by the media, major corporations, and individuals. That’s not to say I refuse to wear makeup, but for shit’s sake, I think we are taking it a bit far when we paint disillusioned faces on ourselves before heading to the gym or the beach. Like, why? Just why? That shit is just going to melt and leave you looking like Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight.

4. I’m not going to write just to keep my content shoved in your face.Despite SEO and the ever-increasing demand that content creators constantly show up in your feed, I’m not going to present a bunch of fluff just to flood your inbox, get my name out there, and win adulthood’s new version of prom queen. I write when I feel like I actually have something to say. I share photos that I feel will bring others joy, encouragement, or laughs.

   I’ve been asking myself for quite some time now what my purpose is in this life. My spirit is moved to believe that living a life that will encourage others is the only life I am meant to lead. I’m not here to seek anyone’s approval, I’m here to help others see the potential in themselves so that they may power through to become the change in this world that we all need.

5. I’m going to tell you what I think, and odds are it’s going to strike a nerve at some point. 

   My most popular blog post, It Isn’t God I’ve Been Angry With, It’s The Church, reached thousands of people within 24 hours of being published on my site and was published on Thought Catalog. While it really hit home with many, you know it struck a chord with others.You can’t be everyone’s favorite flavor of ice cream, and that’s okay. We can’t all agree on everything. If we could, there would be no war zones to sell ammo in. (Please, please pick up on the sarcasm there.)

   By discussing uncomfortable or unpopular topics, we learn. This is an essential part of life. We can’t just keep endlessly scrolling through pet videos that have gone viral on Facebook to avoid thinking about anything of substance.

6. Lastly, I’m going to write about how disgustingly in love I am with my husband, my partner, my best friend and better half. 

   As much as I want to love on as many people as I can in this lifetime, I have devoted my life to loving him more than any other human, and I will work daily to let him and everyone else know it. We are not perfect, nor are we invincible, but I’ll be damned if I ever let him question whether or not he is one of my biggest blessings and priorities. That’s just how I think marriage should be.

Okay, now that all of that is out of the way, go peep around my new website! If I do say so myself, it’s legit AF! I can only take credit for the content and the majority of photos and videos.

The real G in this situation is my good gal pal, Jennifer Hail Gividen, founder and designer of Studio Pine. Without her creativity, eye for detail, and ability to help a scatter-brained babe like myself organize her thoughts, I wouldn’t be ready to take this thang to the next level. My hat’s off to you, J.