All Posts By Charlene Gonzalez

In a world that often emphasizes outward appearances and external validations, the concept of self-love can be a challenging and misunderstood one. Many of us, myself included, have struggled with feelings of unworthiness and low self-esteem, seeking validation and acceptance in all the wrong places.
For me, the path to self-love was a difficult one, marked by mistakes and misguided choices, particularly in relationships. I erroneously believed that finding love outside of myself would fill the void within, relying on the approval of others to define my sense of worth. It wasn’t until I began to grow my relationship with God and truly understand His unconditional love for me that I started to break free from this cycle of self-doubt and insecurity.

Self-love is often misconstrued as selfishness or narcissism, but in reality, it is a vital component of our well-being. God calls us to love ourselves, to treat ourselves with kindness, compassion, and respect. It is about recognizing our value as His creations, without falling into the traps of ego or comparison.

Understanding that we are deeply loved by God can be a transformative experience, leading us towards a balanced sense of confidence and humility. As we draw closer to Him, we gain insights into our true selves, shedding light on our strengths and weaknesses with grace and acceptance.

God crafted each of us uniquely and intentionally, bestowing upon us His love and purpose. We are His masterpieces, designed to carry out good works that He has prepared for us in advance. In the eyes of God, we are precious, honored, and deeply loved.

I want to remind each of you reading this of your worth, beauty, and uniqueness. You are special, and you are loved beyond measure.

As we journey towards self-love, let us remember to:

1. Ground our identity in Christ.

2. Avoid the pitfalls of comparison.

3. Cultivate our relationship with God.

4. Harness our strengths and talents.

5. Care for our physical bodies.

6. Embrace our imperfections with grace.

7. Live intentionally and purposefully, guided by faith and love.

May we all walk in the light of God’s love, embracing our true selves with compassion and gratitude. Let us radiate His love to the world around us, shining brightly with the knowledge that we are cherished and valued beyond measure.

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez

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By Charlene Gonzalez

As the New Year approached, I sat down to write my usual list of resolutions, but something felt off. This year, 2024, felt different. I realized that I wasn’t being genuine or authentic in my intentions.

Let’s face it, when the clock strikes midnight and the calendar flips to a new year, there’s no magical transformation that suddenly changes everything. The same situations and circumstances from the day before will still be there. Instead of creating a list of generic resolutions like exercising more or eating healthier, which often fizzle out due to lack of real commitment, let’s strive for something deeper.

Let’s aim for breakthroughs that will truly change our lives in the areas where we need it most. Let’s seek happiness and purpose, being intentional and disciplined in our pursuit of personal growth. Let’s make the conscious choice every day to prioritize our well-being and work towards a more fulfilling life.

In 2024, let’s not just go through the motions or set shallow goals. Let’s be deliberate, mindful, and committed to making meaningful changes that will impact our lives in a profound way. This year let’s strive for real transformation.

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez

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By Charlene Gonzalez

Birthdays are always special, but some are truly unforgettable. This year, I had the most amazing birthday spending time with friends in New York City.
Our first stop was Ktown, my favorite neighborhood known for its rich Korean culture and mouthwatering cuisine. We couldn’t resist indulging in delicious Korean BBQ and kimchi from the famous BBQ Chicken Restaurant, often seen in kdramas. The sizzling meat, vibrant flavors, and lively atmosphere made it a truly memorable experience. And of course, no visit to Ktown is complete without bubble tea so we made a pit stop at Tea Makers.

Ktown had a surprise in store for us as we stumbled upon a cute shop called “Fluffy Algodón.” My friends surprised me with a special birthday treat – cotton candy! But these weren’t your ordinary cotton candies. At Fluffy Algodón, you could choose your favorite character, and they would create a customized cotton candy masterpiece. I couldn’t resist getting Cooky from BT21, a character I adore. It was cute and delicious addition for my birthday adventure.

No visit to New York City during the holiday season is complete without a visit to Rockefeller Center. We made sure to stop by and see the iconic Christmas tree.

To cap off our birthday adventure, we headed to Bryant Park which was transformed into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. The park was filled with cute shops, offering a variety of unique gifts and treats from all parts of the world. We couldn’t resist sampling different types of hot chocolates and indulging in delicious treats. The festive decorations and joyful atmosphere added an extra touch of magic to our birthday celebration.

My birthday in NYC was truly a day to remember. From the mouthwatering Korean BBQ in Ktown to the whimsical cotton candy surprises and the enchanting holiday spirit at Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park, every moment was filled with joy and laughter. I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate with good friends. This birthday adventure will forever hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the beauty and excitement that can be found in the simplest of moments.

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez

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By Charlene Gonzalez

As I write this birthday post I honestly can’t believe the fact that I’m 38 and the 40s are creeping in. What’s even crazier is that I don’t feel my age. I feel like I were still in my twenties, though at times a few body aches remind me of my age. I’m beyond blessed to celebrate another year are life.

Each year on my birthday I spend some time reflecting on my journey, achievements, everything I’m grateful for, and I set new intentions. I’m always amazed at how much life changes in a year. It’s not always easy and not aways pretty but some of our hardest life lessons can only be learned through pain and change.

Year 37 taught me so many great life lessons. One of the biggest life lessons I learned this year is that nothing is permanent, everything changes, and God’s plans are bigger than mine. We may have many plans, but God’s purpose is greater. If we let it, life has a way of distracting us from God. Even at times I would wonder if God was hearing my prayers, and He has always showed up letting me know He is in control always protecting me, guiding me, filling me with peace, joy and love. I’m so grateful for everything God has done in my life and everything He is doing. As I enter this new year of life all I want is more of God.

I’m excited to live this new chapter releasing the past and embracing the future.

Be Lovely, Be You

Charlene Gonzalez

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By Charlene Gonzalez