Life Gems with Renee Slocum

Life Gems with Renee Slocum

What life experience has taught you the importance of loving yourself?

A lot of people have come into my life to supposedly do me good but have actually done me more harm. These people were supposed to take care of me, help me, KEEP me away from hurt harm and danger but instead they've been the ones to inflict it or put me in position to be inflicted. Because of it I've had my guard up ALL MY LIFE! Making it hard for people who really want to do me good. I've learned it's important to love and look out for me above anyone else because there are people who just don’t care about me the way I care about me. For the majority of my childhood, I have been a people pleaser and got hurt the whole time. It’s important to love on yourself to give people insight of how to love you.

How do you practice self-care? 

Taking the time usually on weekends to do WHATEVER it is I want to do. My week mainly revolves around my son and work. The weekend is my time to unwind! Sometimes I read; something I used to love to do and had lots of time to do but that has gotten away from me. Also I study my bible, in depth with my notebook pen and highlighters! Other things are just some self-pampering: mani-pedi. And lastly some adult time! Many moms I’m sure can attest to ADULT time being crucial to self-care because sometimes these little people we birth can drive you NUTS! Lol. I love my son immensely but when the opportunity presents itself, I take it! 

Knowing all that you know now about life, what advice would you give your younger self?

Take care of yourself first. Don't be a people pleaser people will use you and then leave you as soon as they have no more use for you. Respect and love yourself first. You teach people how to treat you and love you by the way you treat and love yourself. It is okay to say no if people walk away because they couldn't get something from you that they wanted or couldn't use you in the way that they wanted to, let them walk away. Always know your worth do not settle for anyone who treats you as though you are less than what you are. You will avoid a lot of hurt and pain staying true to your morals and goals knowing your own worth not being a people-pleaser and never settling for less. Don't be discouraged so easily, keep trying until that goal you said is met no matter how long it takes. Keep God at the center of all things and you will be victorious!

Life Gems with Steph Cedeno

Life gems with Steph Cedeno

What life experience taught you the importance of loving yourself?

I don’t think there is one single specific moment in my life that has lead me on this journey as much as it is a combination of my life’s events. The moral of each situation always wound up being the fact that in order to truly love myself I have to also love my journey and not allow the past or outside actions define me. I can literally write a book about my life , but being raised by a single father has really shaped me to be the woman I am today. Understanding the universe helps me understanding that things are happening FOR me and not TO me.

 

How do you practice self-care?

I practice self care in a few different ways. It started with crystals. I love the fact that they come from the earth and divinely created. With the crystals came meditation.  I recently started meditating not on a daily scheduled basis but when I feel the pull to do so. It has honestly been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my journey. Palo Santo is my favorite to use when spirituality cleansing along with sage and incense. Sometimes we need to disconnect from the everyday hustling and put our phones down and just be, which for me is very important with self care.

Knowing all that you know now, what advice would you give your young self?


Being the woman I am today and knowing all that I do now, the best advice I would give my younger self would be love you more today than yesterday . Be sure to always take care and don’t place judgment on yourself. You are created in the divine eye.

YAAAAY!! IMperfect was featured!

In December, Caroline Senion, the CEO of QueenHer Magazine reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in being featured in her January issue. WHAT!?!?! Would I be interested? Not only was I interested and shocked but I was extremely honored to even be considered. I was familiar with the magazine but I had no idea she was familiar with me. I do plan on sharing more about this gem soon. Until then, click here to check out this months issue featuring me and my company IMperfect.




*SPOLIER ALERT* QueenHer Magazine is an online publication that was established in 2017. A handful of African American women from different backgrounds with talents are selected to be featured.