Stellar Day Magazine, April Issue, 2020

STELLAR

DAY APRIL 2020

AWAKEN

As we sit under a global awakening in our world, what is this current season asking you to awaken to?

OVERCOMING SELF DOUBT

One contributor shares her journey with doubt & business

TIME BLOCKING

Improve focus, concentration and productivity with these easy tips

STELLARDAYMEDIA.COM

THANK YOU

FOR MAKING THIS ISSUE POSSIBLE

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christine Cram Emily Reagan Kate Williams Kattie Fulkerson Leah Castle Tammy Leopaldi

COVER PHOTO BY Lyndsi Edmonston

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Alisa Anton Brooke Lark Claire Mayo Clarisse Meyer Emily Reagan Lyndsi Edmonston Rayia Soderberg

EDITORS Sarah Humphrey, Acquiring Editor Jason Williams, Assistant Editor Jessica Williams, Editor-in-Chief

What's Inside?

STELLAR

03 07 11 15 19

07

23

19 11

Anything Is Possible Overcoming Self-Doubt Time Blocking The Process of Awakening My Food Awakening

25

23 25 29 36 40

Wake Up To 20/20 Vision Provision Spring Arrivals from Evereve Six Social Media Tips Editor's Note

DAY

MAGAZINE

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE PHOTOS BY CLARISSE MEYER

As I write this, I am sitting in the dark, in the wee hours of the morning. We are in the middle of a global pandemic, tucked inside our homes and uncertainty seems to surround us more than ever.

I’m finding comfort in the fact that we need to just be home, but also anxious about the future as I watch some parts of it seem to crumble around me.

When 2020 began, my phrase for the year was ‘Anything Is Possible’. I looked to the blank year and really felt like anything could happen as I was filled with hope and excitement to see what “anything” could and would mean for me and my family in this new year. What I wasn’t expecting, was that “anything” was to be uncertainty and stretching my faith and trust more than I had anticipated.

Even still, as we are sitting under many unknowns right now in our country, as Covid-19 threatens many, and the future of the economy is uncertain at best, I am trying to remember that just because it seems like the impossible happened, doesn’t

jessica williams FOUNDER & CEO OF STELLAR DAY STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 03

mean that good cannot come from this. It already has in a lot of ways, and I’m trying to remain grateful for the silver linings and the fact that we have all we need right here inside the safety of our home. If “anything is possible”, and if I can declare that with hope and joy, is it still true in the same tone when everything goes wrong?

Anxiety and fear have strangled this country these last couple of weeks, and for good reason. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t experience some fear or anxiety watching all of this take shape, watching my kids' school close, activities cancel, our church stop meeting and the world come to a halt. It has been a great time of wondering WHY this is happening right now and what possibly could the future look like.

But, fear also drives me to create and find solutions more than ever before. It turns me toward realizing that through every crisis, there is opportunity and a chance to remember that anything is STILL possible. It’s possible to lose everything in a second. I am convinced that we are living through a future history class, a chapter in history that no one has ever walked through yet. This certainly wasn’t what I was considering in January when my heart first declared that anything is possible.

But what if this is exactly what a lot of us need?

Time to be at home, to re-center ourselves, to really reflect on what is truly important, and for the chance to look for opportunities amidst a crisis? To help others, to love others from a distance, and to realize that we have taken so much for granted while we were always chasing more? To realize that we don’t NEED more, but just what is required for today, and that if anything is possible to gain then anything is possible to lose?

I have committed to continuing to pursue the thought that anything is possible through our quarantines, through our social distancing, and through the pandemic that is sweeping the globe. I am committed to looking for the opportunities that this crisis is presenting itself and for ways to encourage others to keep going. There are so many people that need YOU to keep going. Now is not the time to quit the business or side hustle that you started. Now is not the time to hide your art from the world. If you’ve always dreamed of being a writer or starting a blog, do it. Are you ready to speak to the world with a YouTube channel? Start it. It’s time to press into being the entrepreneur that you are, and really

"Fear also drives me to create and find solutions more than ever before. It turns me toward realizing that through every crisis, there is opportunity and a chance to remember that anything is STILL possible."

discover exactly what the world needs from this time on this planet, and you have a

YOU starting right now.

purpose bigger than you could imagine.

In a time when it seems like anything is possible in such a heavy and negative way,

Anything is possible. This January, when I

you have the opportunity to claim that phrase

originally declared that over 2020, I had no

of your own and CREATE any outcome that

idea that just three months into our year, our

you desire. With gratitude, perspective, and a

worlds would be turned upside down. But

willingness to never give up, anything truly is

now that they are, I am seeing that anything is

possible, my friend. Anything is possible for

now possible more than ever. As I continue to

YOU if you’re willing to dig deep and keep

pray for this virus to cease, for those who are

going. Some of us are going to get to the end

being gravely affected by it while I try to do

of 2020 and realize what an incredible year it

my

was. And while it might have been one of the

remember that every crisis presents a host of

hardest

possibilities. It’s time for us to find those

to

date

for

many

of

us,

the

part

to

keep

everyone

safe,

I

will

opportunities and to use them to change the

possibilities truly were endless.

world, now more than ever.

And even if it all goes wrong, I am going to that

Welcome to our first issue back of Stellar Day

awakened me to a deeper understanding of

Magazine. I hope it encourages you wildly in

what it means to truly pursue your dreams. It

this season and awakens your heart to a

was an opportunity to be pushed inside of

deeper passion that lies within your soul. You

adversity and to shape the future as it’s

were created for MORE, and my hope is that

changing. We are on the front lines of history,

this April issue will help you begin to lean into

don’t sit by and let it take shape without your

that.

remember

that

2020

was

a

year

input. Don’t stand aside and claim you have nothing to contribute. You were created for

INSPIRED ACTION

CREATES INSPIRED ACTION

STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 07

Overcoming

SELF DOUBT

By Christine Cram Photos By Alisa Anton

I

never

thought

marketing

I

struggled

business

almost

much three

with

self-doubt

years

ago.

I

as

a

have

person

always

until

seen

I

started

myself

as

my

network

a

positive,

encouraging person, but thinking positively about myself––that’s another story.

You know that saying that you are your own worst critic? That has rung true in my life since I can remember.

Almost

three

opportunity

years

was

ago,

I

presented

embarked to

me,

on

and

I

a

journey

thought

it

that

I

never

sounded

saw

way

too

coming. good

to

An be

incredible true.

The

opportunity afforded me the time and money to stay at home with my kids and work from home sharing about products. I was skeptical. After talking to my husband, and praying about this opportunity, I decided to take the risk and joined. I jumped in head first. That was the moment

EVERYTHING CAME DOWN TO FEAR. FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN. FEAR OF BECOMING SUCCESSFUL. FEAR OF BEING DIFFERENT. all these negative thoughts came rushing in like a firehose. I had never dealt with hearing “no” all day every day.

At first, I couldn’t handle my feelings. I thought all my friends and family were going to tell me that I’m crazy, that no one was going to support me, that I am a complete idiot for doing something like this. These thoughts literally ran through my head. My mind was full of lies about myself and about the people that do this kind of work. But the truth is, this opportunity became exactly what I had been

looking

and

praying

for;

it

just

looked

different

than

I

thought it was going to be.

Everything

came

down

to

fear.

Fear

of

the

unknown.

Fear

of

becoming successful. Fear of being different. I love this quote, “Fear is a waste of creative energy. Each time you doubt yourself, you

block

yourself

from

solutions

and

opportunities

that

can

change your life." Fear is not the truth. Fear holds you back. Fear held me back for so many years. I can’t even tell you why I would believe the things I have believed about myself, but I did. Another great statement about fear is this, “Fear gives you two options.

Forget everything and run, or face everything and rise. The choice is ours.”

Do you struggle with self-doubt? Do you struggle with living in the fear that takes over? I can tell you there is a lot of freedom when you

begin

to

understand

where

that

fear

and

self-doubt

is

coming from, and start tackling it head on. Addressing the root is never easy, right? It’s no walk in the park and literally can take years and years to work on.

But

there

change

is

the

hope! fear

Here

and

the

are

some

self-doubt

ways into

that an

have

helped

awakening.

me

First,

I

pray. I don’t know if that is something you believe in or not, but it certainly helps me. I also like to read books that are positive and motivating. I do not have all the time in the world, so 15 minutes a day to read is what I can do, and I have noticed a big difference.

Taking some time for self-care each day has been a game changer for me. I love having alone time, I love pampering

myself.

All

those

things

help

me

feel

better and are necessary. Getting outside has also graced

me

a

around,

going

ton. for

Playing

walks,

with

riding

my

bikes,

kids,

running

sitting

in

the

sun, it is all so needed. Finding a hobby that is just for

you

is

also

a

great

tool.

I

discovered

last

year

that I absolutely love to garden. I am a city girl living in the country, and I now love gardening. Who knew that

would

ever

happen?

Another

great

thing

that

helps is when those negative thoughts start coming up

and

replace

self-doubt it

with

a

starts

positive.

creeping That

in,

takes

I

choose

some

time

to to

figure out, but that has helped me SO much.

Inhale confidence, exhale doubt. You were made to do big things, and so am I! It’s time to let go of the things that are holding us back. That begins with our doubts. Let them go. They are lies.

“Doubt

kills

more

dreams

than

failure ever will."

“FEAR IS A WASTE OF CREATIVE ENERGY. EACH TIME YOU DOUBT YOURSELF, YOU BLOCK YOURSELF FROM SOLUTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE."

put it in action

5 Tips To Help You Overcome Self Doubt

#1. Change the negative self talk Negative self talk is the basis of selfdoubt. It is what your brain does when it is feeling insecure. Challenge the way you talk to yourself and work to reverse the negativity in your mind.

#2. Positive affirmations When a negative thought of selfdoubt comes into your mind, combat it with a positive one. Be patient with yourself. Overtime, you'll feel the shift if you pratice this every day.

#3. Stop comparisons It's hard to not compare your life to someone else's in today's social media world. When you feel yourself comparing, move along. Do not allow the feeling to overwhelm you. Recite positive affirmations.

#5. Your comfort zone Getting out of your comfort zone can be so scary. But once you do it, your self-doubt will begin to disappear.

Feeling the fear and doing it anyways will boost your confidence and remind your brain that you can do anything.

#4. Learn more If there's a specific area of your life that's causing insecurities, commit to learning more about it. This will boost your confidence and your knowledge, allowing your doubt in that area to disipate.

Time Blocking

BY KATE WILLIAMS PHOTOS BY BROOKE LARK

"I WANTED TO CONTROL MY TIME, BUT MY TIME WAS ACTUALLY CONTROLLING ME."

STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 11

The key to success (in any area of your life) is consistency . But how can you be consistent when you are being pulled in so many different directions all the time? As a mother, this can be particularly difficult.

One of the hardest things that I ran into as a wife, mother and business owner was control over my schedule. I wanted to control my time but my time was actually controlling me! This also happens

because I am a “yes” person. If someone texts me and says, “are you free to do ___?” my immediate response is yes! I don’t like saying no and have built a life where I have the freedom to say yes which I am thankful for.

However, I also have specific goals. Goals for my personal life, family, financial, business related, travel goals, etc.

How can I expect to accomplish any of those things if I have no control over my time and yet still have the freedom to enjoy life and still say “yes?”

I started implementing a strategy to my schedule called time blocking. Everything now has a place and time in my schedule. I can now say “yes” to things during certain times and “no” to others.

I now have control over my time and not the other way around. As a result, I am a more present wife and mother, more relaxed because I don’t feel a nagging to-do list over my head, and more efficient and successful in my career.

How to Time Block: 1. Determine YOUR priorities and what is most important to you into categories. For example: family, church, exercise, quiet times, vacations, work, hobbies, etc.

. 2 . Now, rank them in order of importance to you.

3. Determine the time spent in each category yearly, monthly, weekly and daily.

4. Starting at #1, place those categories in 30 minute blocks on your calendar yearly, then monthly, weekly and finally daily.

Once you have your time blocks set, you don’t have to worry about the days ahead and you can live in the present moment of each day. Look at your calendar every morning and focus on one day at a time. As items come up on a to-do list, place them in their blocks, make notes and then move on. You do not have to think about it again until you come to

KATE WILLIAMS WIFE, MOTHER & BUSINESS OWNER

"I CAN NOW SAY “YES” TO THINGS DURING CERTAIN TIMES AND “NO” TO OTHERS. I NOW HAVE CONTROL OVER MY TIME AND NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND."

that block in your schedule.

Other tips to stay on track and get the most done in a specific time block: 1. Set an alarm and focus! If a block is set for 30 minutes to clean the kitchen, set an alarm for 30 minutes, put your phone down and then work as quickly as you can to get as much done as possible within those 30 minutes without any other distractions, but focusing on the task at hand. After all, it is only 30 minutes. You will begin to be surprised at how much you can get done in a short amount of time!

2. Be specific! Rather than just putting down “work” or “business” in a block of time, put specific tasks.

Once a month could be a couple hours for “social media content,” another time could be set weekly for “follow up calls” or “shipping products.” During those time blocks, do not do any other tasks on the 0to-do list for your business—only 7 the specific reason for that block.

3. Stick to the plan for at least a week. Evaluate how much time you actually spent on tasks and then you can adjust that time accordingly for the following week.

4. You can now say NO! Now that you know exactly what your time looks like, you have the freedom to say no to anything that will distract you from your goals. You have time set aside for family, business, cleaning, hobbies, etc.

5 . Stay consistent! Track what works and doesn’t work and then adjust after a month.

Finally, enjoy your new found freedom to be completely present in the moment!

BEFORE YOU n ctio in a t i put

START TIME BLOCKING:

Declutter

Cut the distractions

Whether physical or mental, clutter of any kind can slow us down. Before you start your time blocking scheduling, make sure that your work envirionment, your home, and your mind are decluttered and organized to help you focus better.

Before you set your timers, make sure that your phone is on do not disturb, the TV is off, and that you are ready to focus in on the tasks that you've said you're going to start with. The less you will be interrupted, the more productive you can be.

Get Enough sleep

Move your body

Lack of sleep can make you tired due to reduced availability of oxygen. It can also affect your creativity. The average person needs 7-8 hours a night, so set yourself up to be well rested each night so your days can be more productive.

A quick burst of exercise can turn on your brain and flood it with all kinds of good things, especially oxygen. This helps increase concentration and focus. Make it a priority to move your body every day and in between tasks.

meditation

Eat your brain foods

Meditating for as little as 5 minutes a day can greatly increase concentration and focus, and research proves this. Training your brain to be still and quiet can seem daunting at first, but start small. Even a little bit can help!

Food can affect our mood, increase energy, mental clarity and remove brain fog. Stay away from sugar and trans fats as they can make you feel depressed and mentally foggy. Eating berries, avocados, celery, and dark chocolate are a few good options.

We’ve all heard the miraculous story of the

THE PROCESS OF AWAKENING

caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. We know about the dark days of the cocoon and the

struggle

to

break

free

from

the

constraints of our past, as well as the fear of our future. It’s a metaphor that society has used many times in our spiritual growth in order to help us persevere in what we are becoming. ’I've loved this analogy over and over again in my life as I’ve seen transformation occur that produced a whole new level of freedom and joy within my circumstances. It created a

By Sarah Humphrey Photos by Emily Reagan

shift in my thoughts, my actions, and the direction of my dreams. And as I look at myself again in this season of transition and growth, I am reminded that awakening is often just the same as transformation. It can

STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 15

19

"AS I LOOK AT MYSELF AGAIN IN THIS SEASON OF TRANSITION AND GROWTH, I AM REMINDED THAT AWAKENING IS OFTEN JUST THE SAME AS TRANSFORMATION." look like struggle, it can look like perseverance, and it can also look like healing and rest.

Awakening can take on a variety of wardrobes that fit our personality in our day-to-day lives.

And that’s the beauty of its process.

To awaken is to arise from sleep. And when I think of the areas in my life that I have put to rest because it wasn’t time or it wasn’t clear, I have known that the extra stillness gave me more fervor to embrace my true vision, engage my heart in a deeper way, and relate to the world around in me in a different light. God is faithful in His timing, to awaken us when we are established in the rhythm of His heart, and to arouse in us the story that is needed for the world.

I’m not sure about you, but I love process. It can be frustrating at times, full of setbacks but also comebacks, full of uncertainty and full of faith, and I’ve noticed that its where God has met me personally in ways I would have never learned otherwise. God’s grace over my life has not come in the common forms of humanity, but it’s come in the midst of His miraculous work in my heart— cultivating an inner life of stillness and peace— and then releasing that to the world around me in a practical and tangible way.

Awakening sets me free to dream, to delight, to desire, to receive, and to give. It melts my heart so that grace and mercy have its full place, setting aside fear and callousness, and instead cultivating in a me a work of humility, honor, trust, and truth. We don’t awaken when we refuse truth, but we awaken when we settle into it allowing our hearts the honesty to evaluate, to ponder, and to engage with the depths of God and of ourselves.

As the Acquiring Editor for Stellar Day, I

this time in the cocoon will make all the

consider it a holy and happy privilege to read

difference for our lives of inner-peace. We

the work that comes in. I get to experience a

will arise with new fervor and new graces,

part of each writer’s heart with a sense of

with our hopes and dreams in hand, because

dignity and honor for what they’ve chosen to

transforming the world is honoring. We can

submit. More than just the practicality of

lift our heads high and embrace the sun on

grammatical editing, I see a person who is

our faces with fresh zeal, gratitude, and

awakening and a story that is being given a

vision as we embark into new territory with

voice. It can often feel like watching flowers

new wings. As you face each day before you,

continually bloom one right after another. It

know that your process is valuable and that

refreshes me to steward what is awakening

it holds the keys to what you long for. With

you! And it’s in your places of peace and

each slow step or each gentle push, your

process, that I get to watch Stellar Day

awakening heart holds presence; it is a grace

develop its color as well.

the world needs.

As we move forward with Spring when the

And we are grateful for it!

world has become unsettled, I know that

"AWAKENING SETS ME FREE TO DREAM, TO DELIGHT, TO DESIRE, TO RECEIVE, AND TO GIVE."

IF YOUR DREAMS DON'T SCARE YOU, THEY AREN'T BIG ENOUGH

MY FOOD AWAKENING

By Leah Castle Photos By: Rayia Soderberg

Take a drive through your neighborhood and you’ll most likely come across five different fast food joints within two miles of each other. Access to quick meals is crazy impressive. We live in a world with easy access to fast and cheap.

We also live in a world where heart disease, cancer, and obesity are rising. While food is not the sole cause of this epidemic, it is certainly a huge factor and

STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 19

something we should think about every day because food is just one of those silly things that can be both a problem and solution.

Not that long ago I was hitting up those fast food joints because I too wanted something fast, easy, and cheap to feed my family. I was a tired young mom with a husband in the Navy who was gone often. I didn’t have time to think about what I was eating nor did I really care.

"I got serious about what was going into my body while developing a mindset that awakened a new lifestyle."

However, the day came when all those bad habits caught up. It came in the form of acne, back pain, knee pain (thanks inflammation), and absolutely zero energy.

After multiple doctor visits and chiropractic sessions I still couldn’t figure out what to do and was beyond frustrated. Then I asked myself a very important question—probably the most important question of my life: Is food the problem? That simple thought led to a whole new way of eating and thinking about food.

I was skeptical at first, but awakened after I felt what a month of eating whole plant foods could do for me physically and mentally. I started to crave more healthy food, less processed food, and ditched the sugary drinks while swapping those for water. I got serious about what was going into my body while developing a mindset that awakened a new lifestyle.

If you can relate and want something new when it comes to food, but don’t know where to start, I have four tips for you.

Wanting to eat healthier is great but actually starting and sustaining it is a whole different thing right?!

1. Change how you think and always remember why you started.

What motivates you to want to eat better?

For me it was the way I felt. I was tired of my

"What motivates you to want to eat better?" body hurting and that desire to feel better kept me going.

Over time it turned into a lifelong habit.

Setting myself up for convenience in the kitchen meant feeling less overwhelmed which is crazy important if you want to sustain this for life.

2. Enlist support.

4. Add before you subtract.

Tell your friends, family, or co-workers you are going to be healthier. Be proud of your desire to change! With support, your want for healthier foods grows much faster.

Also, you never know who you are inspiring.

3. Keep it convenient.

Prep. Prep. Prep.

It doesn’t have to be a ton of prep, but even the tiniest things like cutting veggies the night before, cooking large batches of rice, or making extra meals for leftovers become big things in the form of convenience.

Nothing makes me want to eat out more than having nothing prepped or cooking a long drawn out meal.

Start adding in more produce into meals like extra veggies in your spaghetti sauce or make those veggies the main course. The point is to increase the positive health portions of your plate and decrease the not-sobeneficial stuff.

Looking back, I realized the simplicity of it all and I wish I would have embraced this one simple fact much sooner: Our bodies are made up of cells, and cells thrive on plants.

Leah Castle lives in San Diego, CA with her husband and two children. She is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist who has a passion for helping women stop the yo-yo dieting and get back to eating real food easily and tastefully. Her blog and business 'Living On Roots' is a true passion! It is her way of providing new ways to get more roots in others' lives and helping them start lifelong habits.

The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.

STEVE JOBS

p U e k Wa

BY EMILY REAGAN PHOTOS BY LYNDSI EDMONSTON

TO 20/20 VISION

What adventure have you set out on? Do you have a vision, a plan for the year ahead.....and beyond?

As we entered the year 2020, I asked myself what I hoped to accomplish over the next year. I didn't make goals. I sought out a vision, an over-arching plan with steps I needed to take in order to see that vision come to fruition. This year, I finally chose to wake up and get to work. I chose to be intentional to create a clear vision, determined to have 20/20 vision, to move forward boldly and confidently with my passions and dreams.

Think about what you want this next year to hold for you. What are you believing for, and what are you working hard for? Of course you will come up against things that are not in your control. That is inevitable. Life throws a lot at us—too much it can seem at times. Keep pushing ahead though, and look

for

opportunities

to

fulfill

that

vision.

Sometimes you may take small steps or you may find yourself taking a few steps backward. Other times you might be able to leap forward!

Time is a valuable commodity. What is important enough

to

consume

your

time?

A

clear

and

detailed vision will help you focus and make the most of the time you have to pour into your pursuits. I can't afford to waste my time with a list of items to complete that I inevitably abandon because other things get in the way. Think about what you need to physically see in front of you on a daily basis to encourage you and to make that vision a reality. Create a vision board! This has helped

me

so

much

in

my

journey,

both

professionally and personally, since I started doing this annually almost four years ago.

STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 23

THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT THIS NEXT YEAR TO HOLD FOR YOU. WHAT ARE YOU BELIEVING FOR, AND WHAT ARE YOU WORKING HARD FOR?

Perhaps there is an inspirational quote that you want to be the “theme� for the upcoming year. Write it out and stick it on there! Do you need

to

have

meetings

or

attend

any

workshops or conferences? List any deadlines that need to be met. Write out in a few sentences or a short paragraph your mission statement.

What

do

you

want

to

see

accomplished by the time we reach 2021? Or even the years after that? Anything that symbolizes your vision and what you need to do, put it on the board.

My personal vision board has the book I want to finish writing this year. My board also includes big dreams for the future of some of my books that are listed. There is a calendar pinned up with a timeline of where I want to be at by certain months. Publisher and agent information is also on there. The cover art of my first published book is pinned up to remind me that I have started this journey and it has only just begun!

Maybe you didn't start off the new year with a vision. No problem! The perfect time to start your dream is today, now, right away! Be vigilant, be persistent, be expectant! Take a good step forward to start accomplishing your dreams. If you have given some thought about what you want to accomplish in the next year, now is a great time to evaluate the vision. Get that clear 20/20 vision to make it happen!

PROVISION

BY KATTIE FULKERSON PHOTOS BY CLAIRE MAYO

As a small-town girl, I never in my wildest

ahead, there was always something in me that

dreams thought I would sit here today and tell

longed for flexibility and freedom.

you that I would consider myself to be an entrepreneur. In all honesty, I barely knew how

In May of 2017, I began to dream for the first

to spell it or even tell you what it looked like to

time. I was a mama of three beautiful little girls

forge the way of my own ideas and dreams. I

and had been at home full time with my girls for

wouldn’t trade my simple, little rural town for

about a year and a half. When we made this

anything. It was easy enough for me to just

decision, it was the first time we completely

make it through and graduate with a diploma. I

surrendered our family and finances to God. It

only visited one college away from home

literally made zero sense on paper, and we had

(because my best friend needed a tag along), and

no idea how we would pay the bills we already

we received an excused absence for the trip. But

had, but we listened! Like many mothers have

much to my surprise, I moved 2 hours from

encountered, we sometimes pick up a little

home after we threw those hats in the air. And

extra to help with finances, but I also knew that

she was the one who actually stayed home!

I was meant for more. Not more than being a

Funny how things work like that. But even after

mom, because that was the highest privilege I

a few major shifts from biology, public relations,

had ever been given, but to impact the world

to paleontology, I finally settled on a simple,

and encourage other women like me.

well-rounded, communications degree.

As I quickly learned, being an entrepreneur was There I was again, diploma in hand, with both

not exactly what I thought it would be.

excitement and humility beaming as I was the first in my immediate family to acquire a college

“Be your own boss!”

degree, but yet I still had so much doubt and

“Work from your home or anywhere you

confusion. This carried on as I pursued a career

please.”

in sales and customer service. While each of

“Find freedom in your finances and chill on the

those job experiences prepared me for my path

beach while doing it.”

STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 25

Yeah, it’s those things, but not without the

or without labor. Much like the journey of

journey to get there.

any entrepreneur, there will be much

failure, uncertainty, persistence, and trust.

My family, the Fulkerson’s, have a family

But this is where so many of us fail to

mission statement that we center our lives

pursue the dreams that were so vividly

around. “Love God. Love people. Live on

given to us because we rely only on what we

mission.” As I walked down this road as an

have seen happen rather than believing

entrepreneur, I realized that God had much

what can happen with God's power and

more in store for my life than to “make

provision.

some extra money” for my family. We were given a vision and a dream that still seems

And to be honest, we aren’t there yet. To

far

ever

some, we probably look like we are a long

experience. But as we trusted God to erase

way off, but that’s ok. We can engage in

the whole of income we left behind, we still

process. I’m going to keep clinging to the

trust that this vision is possible.

truth that God created each of us with

So what’s the vision? I’m sure you’re dying

purpose and on purpose. We will keep

to know! Awaken Outdoor ministry was

failing forward and allowing the bruises to

revealed to my avid outdoorsman of a

remind us what we are doing this for.

beyond

husband

a

anything

few

years

we

ago

will

with

vivid

intentions. To love and serve the outdoor

Where are you in your journey to dream?

community and lead the families that so

Are you doubting your decisions or faithful

adore creation into revival! To have a place

to them?

for full gatherings of their families and

imagined? Most days do you still feel like

loved ones that allow them to connect

you are wondering around a bit trying to

deeper. But, of course, none of that is free

find that big breakthrough?

Is it harder than you ever

Me too.

Some days I still struggle that I was given this opportunity for one purpose; I sit back and wonder “How on earth will this ever happen?” But each day we get to persevere through

the

trials

we

are

given

and

continue to be a learner. That’s incredible and worth the cost! And even in my weak days of faith, I’m reminded that God provides. If I can do this, YOU CAN DO THIS! Awaken oh’ sleeper. Rise from that valley.

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SPRING ARRIVALS FROM EVEREVE

BY TAMMY LEOPALDI WWW.HOUSEOFLEOBLOG.COM

I know the world seems pretty dark these days, but I’m hoping to brighten it up a bit with some must have spring fashion. There are so many great spring arrivals from Evereve this season. The clothes I wear the most all season long are always from Evereve. I mix and match their pieces so many ways and the quality and brands are always topnotch. I’m breaking down my spring arrivals from Evereve by styling 3 super hot trends happening right now! Also, please note that due to the Coronavirus, all Evereve stores are currently closed, but they are temporarily offering free shipping on all purchases. A $7 shipping charge for each pair of shoes does apply.

STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 29

TREND #1: STRAIGHT LEG JEANS AND KIMONOS

IF THERE IS ONE PIECE OF CLOTHING I ADD TO MY spring and summer wardrobe each year, it’s always a new kimono. They are just super versatile and easy to style. Wear with shorts, over swimsuits, style with jeans, over dresses and easy to wear casually or to the office!

The colors in this one are super neutral and will go with everything — black, brown, gray, white, etc.

I know we are all loving the mom jean trend right now but the other big trend is straight leg jeans.

Nothing, and I mean nothing makes you look longer, taller and more put together than a good pair of straight leg denim. This pair by Agolde are definitely an investment but worth every single penny! Super stretchy, button fly are easily my new favorite pair of premium denim. Agolde usually runs small, but I went with my normal 25 in these.

You can pair this look with a cami, graphic tee or my fav — a good old bodysuit.

GRAPHIC TEES & SWEATHSHIRTS AREN'T GOING ANYWHERE. Thank goodness because my closet is packed with them! One of my most worn pieces all fall and winter was my black Chaser Tiger cat sweatshirt. It has that good lived-in fabric and great weight for spring and fall.

Some of my favorite spring arrivals from Evereve are always their denim shorts. Just as I love Agolde jeans, I equally love their denim shorts. They fit crazy good. This pair runs TTS. You’ve heard the hype! Once you wear Agolde shorts, you’ll never want to wear anything else.

And now, the sneakers. I’m still hitting the sneaker trend hard, ladies. But these?! They are nothing like my other pairs. Super sporty, crazy comfy and that pop of neon makes them a great spring and summer option. Run TTS and under $100!

TREND #2: DENIM SHORTS AND GRAPHIC SWEATSHIRTS

TREND #3: LAYERING MIDI AND MAXI DRESSES

I CAN'T SHOW SPRING ARRIVALS FROM EVEREVE WITHOUT SHOWING YOU their dresses. They have some of the best dresses!

They are ones that you can wear so many different ways. The on-trend way to style midi and maxi dresses this spring is to layer them. Add graphic tees, jackets, kimonos or blazers over them to elevate the look.

And if layering isn’t for you, that’s totally ok! You’ll get so much mileage out of this one. Double layered, racerback, and super flattering.

I love the cool mom vibes it gives with the sneakers! And there you have it. So many great spring arrivals from Evereve this season!

Stay healthy friends!

BELIEVE IN THE GOOD

Stellar DAY PODCAST

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN!

SIX SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS For Entrepreneurs Who Are Overwhelmed With It All

1. TARGET AUDIENCE Decide who your target audience is, determine what their pain points are, ad work to solve those needs inside your social media. Narrow it down but don't over think it!

2. PHOTO TAKING Plan to take many photos in one sitting if you can OR make sure to save extra photos as you go. This will help on days when you don't think you have anything to post because you will have reserves.

3. GRID PLANNER Use a social feed planning app like Planoly to layout your feed in advance.

You can always interrupt that plan and post spontaneously but for the times when you aren't sure what to post, you will already have a plan.

STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 36

4. COMMITMENT Commit to posting consistently in any fashion that may mean for you.

Whether you can post every day, three times a week or once a week, it's important to select a schedule that truly works for you, and to commit to that. When you are inconsistent, it not only can confuse your audience but also won't give the algorithm anything to work with. Make a plan, pick your times, and be as consistent as you can.

5. STOP COMPARING Come up with a plan that works for you and your business. Comparison is the thief of joy and will shove you into a creative rut faster than anything.

Postyour work, stop the scrolling, and choose a higher & productive mindset.

6. GIVE GRACE Find your rhythm and give yourself a lot of grace. It's overwhelming to implement all of the tools all at once.

Commit to learning one or two, and then growing from there. Above all, be patient with yourself and aim for quality over quantity.

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EDITOR'S NOTE First and foremost, I want to say THANK YOU to the women who contributed to this first issue back. Some of them have written in the past, other faces are new, and I always feel so blessed for the women who take the leap and join me on each and every issue. It humbles me to the core. If you want to read more about them, turn the page and check out how truly wonderful they all are.

It has felt really refreshing to AWAKEN this dream. In the middle of a global pandemic, it's refreshing that we have the tools that we do in order to continue to move forward with encouraging women within Stellar Day. We knew that choosing AWAKEN as our theme would be important. It FELT important. But we didn't realize that the entire world would be sitting amidst an awakening unlike any other before it.

Whether you're experiencing your own awakening or just watching the world go through it, you are not alone. It's a new time, a new season and every day we move further and further into unprecedented waters.

If there ever was time for an awakening, it is now.

Jessica Williams Founder & CEO

KATE WILLIAMS Kate is a proud wife and mother of 5 who is raising her family traveling around the world as an expat. She is also a global business owner and loves to encourage and empower women to live free. Some of her favorite things include: spending time with her family, traveling, adventure, health and wellness and supporting mothers.

IG: @letters_fromkate

LEAH CASTLE Leah Castle lives in San Diego, CA with her husband and two children. She is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist who has a passion for helping women stop the yoyo dieting and get back to eating real food easily and tastefully. Her blog and business 'Living On Roots' is a true passion! It is her way of providing new ways to get more roots in others' lives and helping them start lifelong habits. www.livingonroots.com IG: @livingonroots

EMILY REAGAN After operating a photography business in Michigan, she is now also pursuing writing in her new home state of Tennessee. She is passionate about both writing and photography, and tries to combine the two pursuits whenever she can. She hopes to use these passions to inspire and encourage other women in helpful and practical ways. www.emilyreagan.com FB: @emilyreagancreative

SARAH HUMPHREY Sarah is a homeschool wife and mama with a flair for health, beauty, expression, and writing. She wears many creative hats from voice actor to author, to Etsy shop owner, to newbie violin player. She loves the joy of community and the simple things in life.

IG: @the.table.and.bath

KATTIE FULKERSON She is a wife, girl mom, and Jesus loving small town girl.

Labeling herself as an entrepreneur is a new "title" she is learning to grasp but she has learned more about herself on this journey than ever before. Her recent step into the network marketing industry has taught her to dream and trust the path that God has her on.

IG: @kattiefulkerson

CHRISTINE CRAM Married to the love of her life, Christine is a stay-at-home mom to two kids. She also spends time working two homebased businesses, Pudd's Pretty Little Things and NuSkin.

IG: @christinecram

TAMMY LEOPALDI Tammy owns and runs Hours of Leo Blog, which was born in 2017 as a creative space for Tammy to share her love of fashion, beauty and all things lifestyle related. House of Leo Blog was created to inspire the everyday woman to feel and look amazing. Tammy shows through her content that style is attainable, easy and full of inspiration. www.houseofleoblog.com IG: @houseofleoblog FB: @houseofleoblog

JESSICA WILLIAMS Jess is the Founder & CEO of Stellar Day Media, designed to encourage and inspire creative entrepreneurs to build the life they desire. Spending over a decade as a photographer, and now a business builder, she is passionate about leading other women to building businesses that they dream about. She is a wife of almost 17 years, and a mom to 3 kids in Scottsdale, Arizona. www.stellardaymedia.com IG: @the.jess.williams

WWW.STELLARDAYMEDIA.COM IG: @stellardaymedia FB: @stellardaymagazine

Upcoming

This is a look at what's coming next...

Stellar Day Magazine

Next Issue: Launching July 2020 Theme: POTENTIAL How to submit: Head to www.stellardaymedia.com/submissions to view submission guidelines and details.

Who can write: Anyone is free to submit for our blog. Considerations for the magazine are taken on a case by case basis. This is a lifestyle magazine for creative entrepreneurs, so encouragement geared towards that niche is a must.

Stellar Day Podcast

When: Launched every Wednesday! Season 2 starts soon!

What: A podcast designed to inspire the creative entrepreneur and to help you avoid the mid-week slump.

Where: www.stellardaymedia.com/podcast

Sponsorships

If you are interested in working with, collaborating with us or being featured inside the next magazine issue or any of our podcasts, please contact us at Jess@stellardaymedia.com.

Created virtually with a National team, but based in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona.

Stellar Day Magazine is published by Issuu and created in Canva. www.stellardaymedia.com

Stellar DayMagazine