Dear Lovely Lady, I hope you had a wonderful day today full of good fortune and new opportunities. I had quite the wonderful day myself. On a sliding scale, I would have to say it was even above average. The only thing currently affecting my mood is my slowly dwindling battery life and my lack of motivation to find an outlet. Today got me thinking that a lot of the issues we face are all made in our heads. I remember once confiding in a friend of mine that I no longer understood who I was. I had become someone I could only barely recognize as a manufactured persona fit to serve the status quo with prerecorded answers to questions like what's your favorite food and where do you want to travel to. I wanted to be the daughter my parents could be proud of, the student her peers could look up to, a reliable friend to those around me. I'd started making decisions and life choices that would make everyone else happy without asking myself what would make me happy. I started to ...

Dear Lovely Ladies, As I was going through my notes in my notes app, I found something that caught my fancy. For my sake and for anyone that's feeling alone, I thought I would share an unfinished excerpt. "You will graduate from college in 3 years, get your dream job and leave it. Your grades won't matter and you'll feel aimless. You'll realize that money nor material items or status matter. You'll no longer tolerate doing things for the sake of appearances. You'll realize that those "friends" of yours are completely circumstantial and that the decisions you make impact your future more than you care to believe. Ultimately, you'll come face to face with all of the questions you've been pushing to the back of your mind because you're no longer juggling two jobs and attending school full time so nothing can block your questions from rising to the surface. Most importantly, you'll learn that the only vessel you have in this ...

Dear Lovely Ladies, Sometimes I ask myself where all the time has gone. I stand there mortified at the number of hours I've spent investing my precious resources into people that are no longer at my side. I feel foolish knowing that I cared so much only to let them use me and forget me. There may be a few ounces of pride in my body that don't allow me to reach out to those I used to consider my dearest friends. However, knowing that fact doesn't change my decision to stay away. I've managed to keep two close friends after college and even they appear to be getting farther and farther away from me, like bottles out at sea. Both of them are off on travels at the moment and I'm left here wondering where I went wrong.  A real friend never forgets your existence. They don't go days without checking in on you to see if you're okay. I say this because I think it's mature to reflect, to see what kind of friend we've become. After a while tho...

Dear Lovely Lady, It's that time of the day again. Time for the evening check lists to come out and for work to go to bed. For a long time I always considered my evenings to be a time of escaping reality. No responsibilities and no pressure for deadlines. Procrastination was number one on the agenda, but recently I've had quite the change of heart. Every minute of our day we make a choice, down to the second. I think I've heard it called the butterfly effect, but it's more than just a work of fiction. Every choice we make is another building block to our not so distant future. From the people we associate with, to the route we take to work. We choose what we want for our future, as improbable as that might sound. So acknowledge your power. Let it be your decision. Indeed, always remember, your choices are the spice you add to life. Sincerely yours, The Refined Lady

Dear Lovely Lady, I'm in the middle of my hour-time block marked "Lunch" as I write you this letter. I hope you're day is going as fabulously as you deserve. I recently had an epiphany that hit me while checking off the to-do list for the day. Sometimes we become engulfed by our work and we nix a meet up here and there with friends. Traveling to and fro for work allows you to see new places and try new restaurants, but often you do it solo style or with clients. This varies ofcourse from position to position, but sometimes we do it for other reasons than just our growing work load. It could be to prove to the world and maybe even secretly to ourselves that we're more than just a number, but a valuable employee and a capable woman. However, all we end up with is a burn out wondering why all of our friends have become so distant. We might question why in the world we're sitting in front of a tv screen instead of being out at a chic down town event with our...

Greetings Lovely Ladies, I don’t know about anyone else, but I enjoy a weekday morning just as much as the next femme fatale. However, sometimes the birds chirping and the sun rising don’t quite match how I’m feeling in the morning. Sometimes I just want to lay in bed and question everything I know about the person I want to be. After all, one more snooze never hurt anyone. A vanilla latte and slice of banana nut bread might not be the best option when you’re trying to save a calorie or two, but no one is judging. Starbucks has the hook up and I’m determined to use it. Future me can worry about burning the calories later while she’s running at the gym. I hope you all enjoy a fabulous Tuesday. May your task lists not increase, and your agenda remain in peace. Sincerely Yours, The Refined Lady

Dear Lovely Lady, If you have ever wondered what the world would be like if you could be the best version of yourself, it’s time for you to stop wondering. Ask yourself, what would she do if she were in your shoes? I’m talking about the best version of you. When you’re faced with a choice ask yourself this question and honor her decision. In this manner, you will slowly become her, that best version of you, and you will know what it finally feels like to become that person you’ve always wanted to be. XOXO, The Refined Lady P.S. Don't forget to come back! I look forward to getting to hear from all of you. Cheers!