Category: about me

about me

Why I don’t share my kid on Social Media

/

Hey loves!

So, I got a text asking for a picture of my baby since “we are being Jay-Z and Beyoncé” and hiding him from the public. While I know she was just teasing and loves and respects me, I thought I should address why you won’t see our baby online.

The first reason we agreed on this was because we, as adults, made the decision to join social media platforms and choose what we share. We understand and can take whatever backlash we get. Our baby should have that same right and should be prepared for the perils that come with this decision. Not to mention, once that gate is open, there is no going back and, knowing me, I would share about 85 pictures of him a day.

The next reason solidified our choice-The crazy people in the world. Can we talk about Catfishing babies? Actually, let’s not. Just know that it happens and I didn’t want to put myself in a position to be a victim of it. I know I can’t protect my baby boy from everything and I can only prepare him so much but this …just ridiculous! So, we just thought it was best to keep him off.

Now, the third reason, some may call petty. Others, may see it as rude but most of y’all understand where we are coming from. We have so many people who love and support us right where we are; who text us regularly (because who has time to talk on the phone), send care packages, pray for us and just have our backs, ya know? Those people are invested in us and see our baby grow. Others, for whatever reason, chose to step out of our lives, not be there anymore and not do the work. Those people don’t get to have the same benefits as the people who do. It’s just that simple.

Now, I certainly don’t judge you for sharing pics of your babies and, sometimes, I look forward to them. This isn’t a lack-luster attempt to mommy-shame, I’m not about that bass. I walk in my truth and I want you to walk in yours.

Love you, mean it.

about me

The Jonah in Me (and you)

/

Hey Loves!

I’m back with my third installment of the She Shares Truth Challenge by She Reads Truth. This week we are studying Jonah 1 and 2 and I am stoked!

Pretty much everyone knows about Jonah and The Whale. I thought I did. Clearly, my children’s church lesson didn’t stick because reading these two (very short) biblical chapters are way more intense than I remember.

Jonah, a normal Hebrew, was going through life the best way he knew, following and praising God. However, when that wasn’t working for him anymore, he literally ran away.

Let me clarify, Jonah, very much like you and I, was a good person and a good Christian BUT when God specifically asked him to do one thing that was out of his comfort zone, he tried to outrun (rather out sail) and hide from God.

Sound familiar? Maybe not the hopping in a boat and sailing miles away but maybe saying:

“God, I can’t do that!”
“God, I’m not doing that!”
“God, You can’t ask me to do that!”

I’m guilty of all three actually. Jonah paid for his disobedience and lack of faith by having a proverbial “time-out” in the belly of a whale for a few days. I paid for my disobedience too. Thankfully, it was inland.

Like Jonah, God empowers us for whatever task He has planned. We can handle it because God gives us the strength, patience, time and words to do so. Today, I urge you to say yes to God. Say yes to your calling and trust Him. I promise, He has His best interest at heart, not ours, and that’s a wonderful thing– for you and me to be used for His best interest.

about me

My Morning Routine

/

Hey Loves!

My morning routine was recently published. Find out how I start my day below. Like, comment and share!

Tenikca Gainey’s Morning Routine

Tenikca Gainey is a vegetarian naturalista who’s in her element when writing, crafting, cooking, and working out. As a proud wife of over three years, she works every day to become better, sharing her hits and misses along the way.

What is your morning routine?

I normally wake up around 6:35am and mentally get a grasp on my day.

I see my husband out the door and head to the gym any time between 7:15 and 7:30 a few days a week, normally three, as I like to run some afternoons. I will also work out at home once a week and do chores on Friday mornings.

How long have you stuck with this routine so far?

I gave up sleeping in for Lent so I have been up with the chickens since Ash Wednesday.

How has your morning routine changed over recent years?

My morning routine has changed due to obligations (work, class, other commitments) and the fact that for a very long time, I despised waking up. Giving up sleeping in for Lent has made me much more productive throughout the day and I now look forward to ‘taking on the day’.

What time do you go to sleep?

On a great night, I am asleep no later than 10:00pm. 11:00pm is late for me, and if I continue going to bed that late it soon catches up with me.

Thursday nights keep up me up past my bedtime (thanks to Scandal and Greys) so I really try to hit the sack early every other night.

Do you use an alarm to wake you up in the mornings, and if so do you ever hit the snooze button?

Yes, from my phone. I hit the snooze button probably too many times.

How soon after waking up do you have breakfast, and what do you typically have?

I normally have breakfast around 9:00am when I get to work. I switch up between oatmeal, yogurt, fruit or a baked good such as a whole wheat muffin. I occasionally have tea or coffee and will sometimes treat myself to Starbucks if I complete my chores or workout early enough.

Do you have a morning workout routine?

Yes. I try to hit the gym no less than three mornings a week.

When I took a break from running, I was at the gym four days a week. Now that I have sustained a running injury I alternate weight training and stretching (like yoga) 4-5 days a week to stay fit.

How about morning meditation?

I pray every morning and use the time between me waking up and getting out of bed to center myself and mentally prepare for the day ahead of me.

Do you see to email first thing in the morning, or leave it until later in the day?

I used to. I stopped that at the end of last year. My head would be a mess and full of every sale item and request and whatever else.

Now, I check my email around 9:00am.

How soon do you check your phone in the morning, either for calls/messages or social media and news?

I don’t check for missed calls, texts, or news alerts, but I do check social media either right before the gym or when I am warming up.

What are your most important tasks in the morning?

Praying, seeing my husband out the door, working out, and not getting to work too late.

What and when is your first drink in the morning?

I will have water and/or an energy drink before, during, and after the gym. I don’t have coffee or tea until later.

On days you’re not settled in your own home, are you able to adapt any of your routine to fit in with a different environment?

It is VERY difficult.

Most times when I am in these situations it is either for civic duty or a weekend trip. In those events I have a schedule to adhere to which makes a bit easier to adjust.

###