What’s in Your Closet: A Self-Examination to Prepare You for a New Season

December 01, 2017 by Miss T.N. King

I remember one weekend I decided to clean my closet and switch out my wardrobe in preparation for the winter. I just knew I didn't have anything and was ready to have an excuse to shop. As I started digging through my drawers and closet, I was shocked at how much stuff I had. I found things that still had the price tag on them. I found cute items that I forgot about and haven't worn in years. The things I thought I lost "magically" appeared. Side note: Don't you love finding things when you aren't looking for them? Now I won't lie, I came across some items that were too small, unflattering, and needed to get thrown out. But once I removed the things that no longer fit me and re-assessed my wardrobe, I realized lacked nothing. I already possessed everything I needed to get through this season.

I felt compelled to share this simple story because I see so many people including myself searching for the pieces they already have. And as a result, we waste our time, money and energy pursuing things we don't need.

Having It All & Still Feeling Empty

October 02, 2017 by Miss T.N. King

Have you ever driven a car with a full tank of gas and the next minute you look down at the dashboard, you see that you're on E? That's what happened to me. One minute I was full of life, thriving and prospering on the road to destiny and the next minute I was empty. It wasn't a depressed or sad type of empty, but rather one where it felt like a piece of myself went away. I felt like my soul had abandoned me--I was going through the motions of life and operating separately from my true identity. I remember one day in particular I asked myself, "How is it possible that I had more peace when I was broke, unemployed, living with my parents, constantly receiving rejection after rejection letter? How is it possible for me to be living in my dream city, working for a great company, affording a great lifestyle, having a flourishing love life and yet feel so bare? How was the one who had nothing had everything and the one who had everything had nothing? How was it possible to have it all and still feel empty?"

Chapter XXIII

December 24, 2015 by Miss T.N. King in 'Sincerely KING' Blog

Originally written on December 16, 2015 It's officially my 23rd birthday and my Sincerely KING blog's first birthday. Exactly one year ago, I relaunched this blog in hopes of encouraging, inspiring, and reigniting passion and purpose in others. One year later, All I can say is wow. God has been incredibly amazing to me. I would've never guessed that my blog would've reached millions of people around the world in just a year. Thank you everyone who has read, subscribed, shared, or liked any of my blog posts. I wouldn't been where I am today without your support. I must be honest with you--some days I felt like I failed you all.

Why Doesn't He Love Me?!

June 15, 2015 by Miss T.N. King in 'Sincerely KING' Blog, advice, empowerment, faith, inspirational, intimacy, life, lifestyle, love, Relationships, Romance, self help, singles, women

I've asked myself so many times, "What's wrong with me?" I've been dating for three years and no serious, committed relationships have come from any of it. There have been nights where I would become so frustrated. It seems like the guys who adored me were nice but that's all they were--nice. We lacked common interests, chemistry and connection. Then there's the guy who possesses majority of things you want in a partner. You two begin to talk, click and eventually build. But somewhere along the way, things went left and now your Mr. Future joins your list of Mr. Pasts.

I've wasted so much time analyzing things I could not control--people and the past. "Maybe he was thinking this or that", "maybe I should have reworded that message", "oh crap, I shouldn't have went off--now he thinks I'm crazy and definitely doesn't want me."

3 Reasons Why Every Woman Should Go on a 'Man Fast'

April 28, 2015 by Miss T.N. King in 'Sincerely KING' Blog, adult, advice, Break Ups, christian, lifestyle, love, reflection, Relationships, Romance, self help, women, young adult

I've received emails from quite a few people asking me what a "man fast" is and how to go on one. In a few of my past posts, I mentioned how I went on a man fast, but I never really shared what that experience was like and what I did when I was on it. First, a "man fast" is a period of time where you cut off ALL communication, romance, dates, and non-platonic relationships with men in hopes of growing closer to Christ and discovering yourself. There is no minimum or maximum amount of days to be on one. My man fast lasted a month and a half. Initially, I was in a place of confusion. God had just closed the door on the guy, career path, and housing location I thought He wanted for my life. But by the end of my fast, I was able to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit and learn the true desires He had for me. Now before I proceed discussing this topic any further, please understand that if you are in a God-ordained, loving relationship, I am not telling you to leave your significant other high and dry. This is not a "Girl, Stay single forever... You don't need a man, Independent woman for life" type of post. I think EVERY Queen deserves to meet and live happily ever after with her King. But before any of that occurs, I do believe every woman (and man) should experience a period in life where they are free from distractions and comfort zones in hopes of learning how to trust God, discovering their Queendom and identity, and developing true self confidence. Here is why:

Journey to the Crown

February 27, 2015 by Miss T.N. King in 'Sincerely KING' Blog, beauty, career, fundraising, life, motivation, pageant

Hey Everyone, I have wonderful news: I've been selected to be a contestant for the Miss Illinois USA pageant, which is a prerequisite pageant to the notable Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants. I am SO EXCITED because I now have the opportunity to go after one of my life goals, but I can't do it without your help.

Creating Your Queendom

January 16, 2015 by Miss T.N. King in 'Sincerely KING' Blog, advice, career, christian, empowerment, entrepreneurship, faith, inspirational, life, reflection, Relationships, self help, women, young adult

July 17, 2014:"I have officially hit rock bottom today....It seems like everyone's dreams are coming true except mine. I feel like I've wasted the last 21 years of my life. Every morning I wake up feeling worthless and purposeless. I just want to be happy. I just want to feel wanted. I want to feel meaningful. I don't feel valued. I feel like I'm not good enough. I feel like a caged bird trapped and unable to fly..." -Excerpt from Miss T.N. King personal diary

Those are the words of a recent college graduate who had been unemployed for 7 months and hated having to move back home with her parents. I was very close in getting job offers, but none of them fell through. I was so frustrated and depressed. Never in my life have I experienced so much rejection. All I wanted was to move to Texas, be independent, and work in my career. I had spent my entire undergraduate career interning every semester, networking, and consistently making the Dean's List; I couldn't understand why my hard work wasn't paying off.

The New Side Chick Part II: But I Can't Leave Him...

January 05, 2015 by Miss T.N. King in 'Sincerely KING' Blog, advice, christian, dilemmas, empowerment, faith, inspirational, life, love, men, motivation, reflection, Relationships, Romance, self help, singles, women

In my opinion, love is the greatest gift a person can give and receive. People spend a lifetime seeking, chasing, crying, and fighting for love. But what happens when that sweet love turns sour? Your sunny skies turn gray, and the one person you loved the most has given you the biggest heartache. I want to discuss how to let go of toxic relationships and gain the strength to move forward. Since I've published "The 'New' Side Chick: I was Her", a lot of men and women have contacted me sharing their similar experiences and have asked me how to move on from someone you love. I too have faced the same challenge, and through the grace of God, I've made it. Growing up, I've always vowed to never give my heart away. I liked, but wouldn't dare to love. However, all of that changed once I got to college. I met my then Prince Charming my first semester, fell deeply in love, and threw out all of my "player's cards".

The 'New' Side Chick: I Was Her

December 29, 2014 by Miss T.N. King in 'Sincerely KING' Blog, advice, christian, empowerment, faith, inspirational, life, love, men, motivation, Relationships, Romance, self help, singles, women

A side chick is commonly known as a mistress or a woman that's romantically involved with a man who is in a committed relationship. However after doing some reflecting, I realize that's not the only type of side chick. I want to discuss "the new side chick"--a woman who decides to stay by a man's side after he has expressed his lack of relationship intentions with her through his words or actions. So many women have made this mistake at least once in their lifetime, and unfortunately I've done the same thing. I like to think of the new side chick as an appetizer. You're there just to satisfy the immediate appetite of the man, but as soon as that mouth-watering entrée comes out to the table, you will get pushed to the side, literally. Why? Because that entrée is what he really wanted; he went to the restaurant to order steak, not hot wings. You were just a placeholder, fling, temporary commitment, ormaybe even just a "good ol time" until what he really wanted was presented to him. I know I sound a bit harsh, but even I had to realize my then-reality for what it was. Simply put: you are not and will never be his Queen.

Where is My #MCE?!?!

December 21, 2014 by Miss T.N. King in 'Sincerely KING' Blog, advice, christian, empowerment, faith, friendship, inspirational, life, love, motivation, reflection, Relationships, Romance, self help, women, young adult

Every Monday, social media timelines are flooded with women posting pictures of the men they adore with the hash tag #MCM ("Man Crush Monday"). Those who are in relationships, engaged or married usually post a picture of their man with the hashtag #MCE ("Man Crush Everyday"), which signifies that this is the person they are crushing on 24/7. I've been single for the past 2 1/2 years and never partook in #MCM/#MCE. It's not that I didn't want to participate; I just wasn't in an official relationship with anyone. (Side note: I don't believe in publicly broadcasting someone I am just "talking" to.)

However, every week it seemed as if someone new revealed their #MCE. Everyone around me was getting in new relationships, engaged, or married. Meanwhile, I was still single. I became upset because it seemed like all of the women who were getting "cuffed" lacked quality and substance.