All Posts By Charlene Gonzalez

As I stand on the threshold of 39, I won’t lie — the excitement wasn’t exactly bubbling over. In fact, I can vividly recall feeling just as apprehensive when I turned 29. There’s something about these transitional years, these “bridge years,” that can feel daunting. But I’ve learned that once you close that chapter and step into the next decade, things often start to click into place. That was certainly my experience when I turned 30.

In preparing to write this post, I found myself diving into the reflections of other women who had reached this milestone. I’ll be honest — it stirred up some feelings. Many of them are married, with families, and I couldn’t help but feel a bit of sadness that my journey looks different. But then, like a gentle nudge of grace I got a reality check and a powerful realization: my life is uniquely mine, crafted with purpose, and my path is not meant to mirror anyone else’s. Each twist and turn is a part of a divine design, and I’m learning to trust that.

Oh, what a journey it has been! I’ve lived so many lives within this one, navigating through major changes and transitions that have shaped who I am today. My 30s have been a canvas of exploration, allowing me to discover what truly resonates with my soul — what brings me joy, what drains me, and the spaces where I feel most safe, comfortable, and empowered. I’ve come to appreciate the preciousness of my time, energy, and attention, realizing how vital it is to invest in what uplifts me.

I’m incredibly grateful for the circle of support I’ve cultivated around me. I’ve surrounded myself with people who love, respect, celebrate, and inspire me. When I look into the mirror, I see someone I genuinely love. The self-critical voices that once clouded my mind in my 20s and early 30s have transformed into a chorus of encouragement. In a world that often feels unpredictable, I’ve found it easier to tap into a deep sense of inner peace.

As I step into this final year of my 30s, I feel a profound sense of gratitude and calm wash over me. Turning 39 feels like a significant turning point, filled with potential and promise. I have plans, dreams, and aspirations for this next chapter, and no matter what challenges lie ahead or unexpected twists life presents, I know that I will always make it through. 

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in the past year is the value of cherishing each moment. Life is delicate and unpredictable; it can change in an instant. I’m thankful for the growth I’ve experienced, for the resilience I’ve built amidst life’s challenges. Each day is an opportunity to become a better version of myself, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.

Here comes a new year filled with new achievements, new adventures, and new possibilities. Happy birthday to me! It’s a privilege to celebrate another year of life, embracing good health, peace, and the chance to accomplish great things. 

I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for my blessings and hopeful for the future. Here’s to a wonderful birthday and the journey ahead as I close this chapter and live this last year in my 30s. Trusting in God’s plan, I am ready for whatever comes next even a major plot twist. 

Be Lovely, Be You

Charlene Gonzalez 

Photos by: Randy Garcia randy@rgstudiosny.com

As Thanksgiving approaches, conversations are filled with expressions of gratitude, but this powerful practice shouldn’t be confined to just one day of the year. Gratitude is a mindset, an attitude we can nurture and cultivate daily, even when life presents its challenges. In fact, embracing gratitude can transform our perspective and enrich our lives in profound ways.

Feeling grateful doesn’t always come easily. It can be particularly difficult during times of struggle. When we’re faced with daily challenges, it’s all too easy to focus on what’s lacking rather than what we have. However, cultivating an attitude of gratitude is not just a passive feeling; it’s an intentional choice we can make every day.

In our pursuit of more—more success, more happiness, more abundance—we often overlook the blessings that already surround us. I can relate to this feeling deeply. There are moments when I find myself reflecting on where I am in life and where I want to be. I may not have accomplished every goal I’ve set for myself, and the path hasn’t always been smooth. Yet, despite the struggles and adversities I’ve faced, my heart remains full of gratitude. I’ve experienced God’s grace in ways that have left me in awe, reminding me that there is so much to be thankful for.

It’s essential to embrace gratitude during both the highs and the lows. I’ve learned to appreciate the challenges I’ve encountered, for they have shaped me into a stronger and more resilient person. Each obstacle has taught me valuable lessons and provided opportunities for growth that I might have otherwise missed. 

So how can we cultivate this attitude of gratitude in our lives? Here are a few simple practices to consider:

1. Daily Reflection: Take a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as a warm cup of coffee, a conversation with a friend, or a beautiful sunset. Writing these down can help solidify the habit.

2. Gratitude Jar: Start a gratitude jar where you can drop in notes about things you appreciate. Over time, you’ll have a tangible collection of blessings to look back on, especially during tough times.

3. Mindful Moments: Throughout your day, pause and take a deep breath. Acknowledge the good things in your life, no matter how small. This practice can shift your focus from what’s missing to what’s already present.

4. Express Your Thanks: Don’t hesitate to reach out to those who have made a difference in your life. A simple thank-you note or a heartfelt message can strengthen your connections and spread positivity.

5. Reframe Challenges: When faced with difficulties, try to view them as opportunities for growth. Ask yourself what you can learn from the experience, and find the silver lining.

Embracing gratitude gives us a new perspective on life. It reminds us that even the simplest things we have can be enough when viewed through the lens of appreciation. As we gather around tables this Thanksgiving, let’s not only celebrate our blessings but also commit to carrying that spirit of gratitude into every day of the year.

Remember, gratitude is a practice, a choice, and a journey. Let’s choose to cultivate it, allowing it to enrich our lives and the lives of those around us. This season and beyond, let’s keep our hearts open and full of gratitude.

Be you, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez 

It’s officially fall, and there’s something magical about this season that makes my heart skip a beat. One of the highlights of being back in New York is undoubtedly the autumn atmosphere—the crisp air and the unmistakable aroma of pumpkin spice. As the leaves change, so does my wardrobe, and I can’t help but fall in love with fall fashion all over again!

As I’ve grown older, I’ve noticed not only changes in my lifestyle but also in my personal style. While I’ve always had a passion for classy fashion, my color palette has shifted dramatically over the years. In the past, my wardrobe was a vibrant canvas filled with bright hues and playful patterns. Nowadays, it’s taken on a more subdued tone, leaning heavily towards neutrals: about 50% black, 20% beige and brown, 15% white, 9% grey, and just a splash of color—1%, to be exact! There’s a certain elegance in simplicity, and I find comfort in these timeless shades as I curate my fall looks.

This season, I’m particularly excited about incorporating some key pieces into my wardrobe. One item that stands out as an essential fall staple is the trench coat. A trench is not just a piece of clothing; it’s a classic accessory that never goes out of style. Its versatility makes it the perfect addition to any wardrobe, effortlessly elevating even the simplest of outfits.

I recently added a beautiful beige trench coat to my collection, and I can’t get enough of it! For a recent church service, I styled it with a navy blue dress and brown boots, creating a look that felt both polished and chic. The trench added an air of sophistication while keeping me warm—a win-win in my book!

To add a touch of personality, I’ve been obsessed with bag charms lately. My suede tote is now adorned with my favorite Labubu charm and a cute cherry charm, bringing a playful element to my fall ensemble. It’s amazing how little accessories can reflect your personality and bring joy to your outfit!

So here’s to fall, to pumpkin spice lattes, and to embracing a style that evolves with us. I’m ready to step into this season with confidence, showcasing my love for classy fashion in all its neutral glory. What are your go-to fall fashion staples? Let’s celebrate this beautiful season together!

Be You, Be Lovely 

Charlene Gonzalez 

My beautiful Puerto Rico is NOT a floating island of garbage! Puerto Rico “La isla del cordero” belongs to Jesus! I stand proud as a Puerto Rican, and I refuse to let anyone tarnish the beauty of our island. For 16 incredible years, I immersed myself in everything that makes PR special—its breathtaking nature, mouthwatering food, vibrant culture, and the warmth of its people. So, you can imagine how deeply offended I felt by the careless words of that comedian. It’s time for him to step up and apologize.

As a Latina who thrived in Puerto Rico as a blogger and influencer, I’ve dedicated my platform, Lovely Chicas, to showcasing our tourism, culture, fashion, gastronomy, and the undeniable beauty of our island. I can’t stay silent about this—it hits too close to home.

For all my fellow Puerto Ricans, I know those words sting. We’ve weathered so much together, from the devastation of Hurricane Maria to the ongoing battles against corruption in our government. But through it all, we’ve shown our strength and resilience time and time again.

This election season has been a rollercoaster of emotions. I’ve been keeping it in my prayers because the choices we face are tough. Amid all the chaos and controversy, there’s one candidate who truly represents my values. I urge everyone to take a moment, reflect and make a wise choice on Election Day, guided by faith. Mi isla preciosa te amo! #puertorico

Let me take you on a little adventure through an incredible day spent with my little sister—my partner-in-fun and the queen of my heart!

Now, let’s rewind a bit. As kids, we were like fire and water. Total opposites. But as we grew up, something beautiful happened. Our relationship transformed and we turned into inseparable besties, and now we support each other every day. I admire her so much—she’s my rock, my cheerleader, my inspiration, my hero and my ultimate adventure buddy. Whether we’re planning an epic getaway or just hanging out at home, every moment spent with her is pure gold.

So, here’s the scoop: I had never been to Universal Studios before, and my sister organized a sister day there on my most recent trip to Florida! I was very excited! But, confession time—I’m an introvert at heart. While I used to be a rollercoaster junkie, my 30s have turned me into a bit of a ride-wuss. So, instead of screaming my lungs out on thrilling rides, I found my joy in snapping pics with every character I could find!

Our first stop was Islands of Adventure! The moment we stepped into Dr. Seuss Land, my inner child came alive! Seriously, I felt like I’d fallen straight into the pages of my favorite childhood books, especially “The Grinch.” I mean, who doesn’t love the Grinch?! The train ride there was a total blast, and I couldn’t stop smiling!

Now, here’s a fun fact that might surprise you—I’ve never seen or read anything related to Harry Potter. Yes, I know, please don’t throw your wands at me! I’m more of a Twilight girl, but my sister is a HUGE Harry Potter fan. She insisted we visit the Harry Potter area, and wow, was she right! It was absolutely epic! But no, it still didn’t convince me to dive into the series. And yes, my sister made me go on the Harry Potter simulator ride. Let’s just say I almost threw up my lunch!

Next up was Jurassic Park, and I was living my best dino-loving life! My inner child came out to play again as I snapped some super cool photos with those massive dinosaurs. It was a total highlight!

Then we made our way to Universal Studios, and I was pumped to see the Transformers character. But guess what? We missed him!  No worries, though—we headed over to The Simpsons area, which was totally cool!

Strolling around we met a few characters, and I had a blast posing with SpongeBob, Patrick, Poppy from Trolls, and Puss in Boots. It was like a cartoon dream come true!

We made a stop at Minion Land which was so adorable, and we had a delicious massively sugary drink which almost gave me diabetes.

A ride I absolutely couldn’t skip was the E.T. ride. It was such a chill vibe, and after that, we caught the characters’ parade, which was the perfect way to end the day. All in all, it was an unforgettable experience, mostly because I got to spend it with my sister. But you know what? I think we both secretly prefer the magic of Disney!

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez

This year, I embarked on a journey that fulfilled one of my greatest dreams: participating in a mission trip. United with this special group from my church  Ignite, we traveled to El Progreso, Honduras. While it may sound cliché, I can wholeheartedly say that this experience was life-changing and reaffirmed my sense of purpose.

Miracles unfolded during my time in Honduras, beginning with what I can only describe as a small blessing: my Korean skincare products, which were slightly over the allowed ounces, miraculously went unchecked at customs. It was a reminder that even the little things can feel monumental when you’re on a journey of purpose. Even God knew I needed my Korean skincare. 

For those who may not know, I previously lived in Puerto Rico, where I built a platform as an influencer. I had a significant following, which I used to empower women and teens, host conferences, and visit shelters and orphanages. However, two years ago, my life took a turn when I was hacked, and I lost everything I had worked for. In the aftermath, I struggled to find my purpose and prayed for guidance. This trip felt like a new beginning, an opportunity to reignite my passion for service.

On the second day of our Vacation Bible School (VBS) activities, a little girl gifted me a bracelet adorned with an airplane charm. This child, who had so little herself, chose to share a piece of her heart with me. The act was incredibly touching and represented so much more than just a bracelet—it was a confirmation of my purpose. These little cuties in Honduras completely stole my heart. Every day, they welcomed us with endless love and joy. Despite having so little they would continuously gift me precious tokens of their affection.

The time spent with the kids at the center was beyond special. Each interaction was filled with laughter, joy, and learning. On the last day, I had the opportunity to hold my conference “We are Lovely Chicas” for the girls at the center—a moment I had longed for. It had been years since I had shared my story and talked about self-love and empowerment. As I spoke, I felt God’s presence in a powerful way, reaffirming my purpose and reminding me why I had embarked on this journey in the first place.

This mission trip was not just a series of activities; it was a profound reminder of the impact we can have on each other’s lives. I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a heart full of gratitude. I am excited to continue this journey, to serve, inspire, and empower others, just as I once did. 

In the end, I realized that purpose is not always a destination but rather a journey—one that can be rediscovered in the most unexpected places. Honduras will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I am eager to carry the lessons I learned into my future endeavors.

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez