Category Archives: Walking In Your Own Shoes
Happy New Year: My Own 12 Favorite Posts
Happy New Year!!!! I pray that this year is one that you continue to grow, heal, learn to trust God, have God’s peace that surpasses all understanding, and that you have joy for the joy of the Lord is your strength. And that you are healthy, laugh a lot, and live life as well as live meaningfully.
Alrighty then, in celebration of a new year and with much reflection brought upon this time, here are my 12 favorite posts I have written since the start of my WordPress and public writing/author journey.
No specific order here:
I wrote this post in relative to the release of my second book. I explored what it meant to walk in your own shoes. What it meant and what it meant for me. I remembered setting my heels out for a photoshoot for the book cover. The process for this book was fun and a great time of reflection.
2. Go To War
I love this post also. I love when God download or shall I say uploads a word to my spirit for myself as well others. It more so feels like a word for me that I get so excited about and sometimes nervous about sharing with others. Sometimes, if you are like me, confrontation and fighting scares you but there is a spiritual warfare that we as Christians cannot ignore. And God wants to teach us how to fight and how to strengthen our faith while doing so.
This is my favorite poem. I wrote this for a church service/event. Much prayer and seeking God led me to the book of Job and reflecting upon my own experience. Subsequently, this poem was birthed. Thank You, Jesus!
I wrote this post after watching an episode or entire series of Raising Dion with the youngin’. We enjoyed this series. And as usual when I watch some things I found a lesson or two that spoke to my heart. I feel like God uploaded another one to my spirit.
5. The Enemy’s Trick (Lesson’s From The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead is my favorite tv show. And I wrote this post after watching one of the episodes (I forgot the season, it may have been 9). Anyways, once again the lightbulb went on and I got another word.
6. Tannika’s Writing Vault: Sunday School Blues
I started a new series last year I believe or the year before: Tannika’s Writing Vault. This post featured a skit I wrote for church that never made it to production or event. Yet, I had so much fun writing it and preparing for it.
7. Guard Your Heart Like An Athlete Guarding A Football
This is another favorite as I visited what it looked like for me as a Christian and subsequently someone else to guard their hearts. As a believer and follower of Christ Jesus, I am to guard my heart and do so intentionally, even when my flesh says otherwise.
This is one of my all time favorite posts. I wrote it for another blog titled EmpowerMoments. My time with EmpowerMoments brought a lot out of me as a writer and editor, and I am forever grateful. This post, whew, I knew it had to be another upload to my spirit from God partly because of the transparency and the grace to write it and upload it. And I love how He used a scene from a movie I enjoy watching to express a message to me that was needed.
This post is simply that, introducing my latest book, titled Bring It To The Surface: Poetry & Journal. I love my growth as a self published author. And this book, I believe showcases my growth as an author, poet, and writer. I also was so excited to bring forth something a little different than what I had done previously with my poetry books. A Journal for self reflection. A guide to self reflect and begin a journey of healing. One that allows God to bring some things or all of them to the surface but one day/step at a time.
I wrote this post because the I Am Free promo photoshoot for my first book or post for it resurfaced and it got me to reflecting on my life and struggles with anxiety and fear at the time. I felt like I either was lying or had fallen backwards since I wasn’t feeling free. So hence, the post “Was I Really Free?” came about.
11. My DIY Project
I desired to change my bathroom for awhile and finally did so. I documented the journey and thought it would be different and fun to post. I had fun painting the bathroom walls, not so much the ceiling. And I enjoyed redecorating the bathroom.
I don’t really like being on camera. I am a behind the scenes, shy one. However, I thought I would step out of my comfort zone as I thought of fun videos to do for Christmas, especially since I was in the Christmas spirit. This is what came to mind. I had fun doing the video and definitely watched my most favorite one the next evening.
So there you go! I love many more posts and I also enjoy my writing tips series and the interviews I did showcasing awesome writers/authors and much more; nevertheless, these are my favorite 12 posts for now.
Sincerely,
Tannika Nikeya
Tannika’s Free Writing & Flash Fiction: Can You Find Yourself?
Welcome to my series where I will be free writing and writing flash fiction to have fun, to regain my discipline as a frequent writer, and to stretch and strengthen my writing skills.
Can you find yourself in all of what you want them to see?
Will you still feel good about yourself,
When social media doesnt appease?
When the lights turn out and the applause stops,
Will you still be the one who rocks?
When social media exposes you for who you really are,
And you dont look up to par,
Will you realize you are beautiful and raise the bar?
Are you limiting your greatness by living up to others’ standards?
Are you still successful, even when it looks different from theirs? Will you still commit to fulfilling the task, even if no one cares?
Are you goals when your goals are not always coming to pass?
Can you still value your relationship, if your relationship is not within the Relationship Goals Class?
Will you use your platforms also for right and to uplift others?
Will you measure yourself by the standard of His Word and not another?
Will you care more about the likes or care to like yourself?
Will you find your purpose or imitate someone else?
Will social media and fear of man rule your life?
Will you spend time building your brand,
But never the heart of your family and friends?
Can you strive for greatness but be brave enough to show your imperfections, hardships, and flaws?
Will you stand out in a world of counterfeits, lookalikes, and conditional love and conditional applause?
If you liked this poem, please check out my poetry books!
Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me
If you can identify with this poem and really need to get back to or start learning to embrace your imperfections, love yourself, overcome your fear of man, see yourself the way God does and grow from there, please share this poem but also begin the mission of doing these things that I just mentioned.
Flashback Friday: Walking In Your Own Shoes
Today, I would like to share with you my top read post of last year which was originally published on January 8, 2016.
On December 5th, I introduced my second poetry book to the world. It is titled Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me. It is a long title but every word is imperative. The theme of my book is “walking in your own shoes”, not someone else’s shoes, but your own.
Walking In Your Own Shoes
So, what does “walking in your own shoes mean”? I define this idiom as walking in your own identity, learning and using your own voice, finding and fulfilling your purpose, and living out the destiny God created for you to walk in. It is not a physical walk but a mental, emotional, and spiritual flow you possess all your own. You are the only you God created and although there may be people who look or act similar, no one can fulfill your destiny like you can, the way you can, if you set out to do so. I love Sarah McLachlan lyrics, from In Your Own Shoes, that says it best, “Time for you to walk in your own shoes/Lay down your footprints wherever you choose/Leave it all behind and move on ’cause you are your own woman” (or man, if you are reading this).
Masks, Enormous Loads, And Broken Heels
“Walking in your own shoes” also means letting go of the baggage that has been holding you down and keeping you from moving forward. Are you walking with an enormous load or a broken heel and a broken heart? “Walking in your own shoes” too means removing the masks we often put on to appease others and keep up a facade of how we want to appear before others. What masks have you been wearing?
Walking In My Own Shoes
I wrote this book, like any other books, poems, or writing I do, to get out whatever I need to sort out within and to put down on paper the things I had been learning about life, people, and myself. I wrote some of the poems years ago and the rest I wrote last year, 2015. I have been learning to grow comfortable in my own skin as well as outside of my comfort zone, and I do stress learning. It has to be true about life after 29 (do I have to tell my age, Laughing out loud) when you start to come into who you are because I am experiencing that, amidst some fear and a little anxiety. Although, I have always been goal-oriented, I would not have been able to tell you my purpose before now. I often let people chime in on what I should do and be. But thanks to my strong mom, who has encouraged me to always get off the couch and live and my pastor who impressed upon me to find my purpose and fulfill my destiny, I would not have committed time to seeking out my destiny and purpose these past few years. In this moment along the journey, I am also learning to deal with my flaws, past issues, insecurities, and emotional wounds I’ve incurred along the way. So, I too, am still learning how to walk in my own shoes.
Named for its leading poem, my book, Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me, poetically talks about finding your destiny, living life on purpose, embracing your God-given journey and even allowing yourself to be vulnerable (not naive and gullible, but vulnerable) and trusting God to protect you in doing so. We will talk about vulnerability another time.
As always, I love to encourage, so here are some Tools for your Journey!
Here are 24 Walkisms you should have:
- Walk in love.
- Walk in forgiveness.
- Walk in desperate pursuit of God.
- Walk in humility.
- Walk in peace.
- Walk (or dance) in the rain every now and then.
- Walk in justice and integrity.
- Walk with patience.
- Walk alive, not like the living dead.
- Walk, smile, and laugh. A smile and laughter are medicine for the heart.
- Walk out of your comfort zone.
- Walk to give a hand to those unfortunate than yourself.
- Walk and make your mama proud. Return the love and create memories and moments for her like she did for you.
- Walk in confidence.
- Walk according to your own pace.
- Walk in healthy attitudes and habits.
- Walk in faith and trust Jesus who died for you because He has your back like no one else can or will.
- Walk to make an impact.
- Walk in the present, not the past, not the future.
- Walk accordingly to the plan God has for you.
- Walk in originality. Be yourself.
- Walk up to fear, knowing it’s bluffing.
- Walk in your season.
- Walk, not looking back.
Put your shoes on honey, our journeys await,
Tannika
How have you begun to walk in your own shoes?
National Poetry Month: Free Copy of A Must Have!
National Poetry Month
I am excited to tell you about our latest giveaway in honor of National Poetry Month! Poetry has always been my favorite genre of writing since the age of 11/12. It has allowed me to not only express myself, but learn about myself and find my voice. Poetry and poetic prose have been intimate friends and I am so blessed that God has gifted me with these two friends for myself as well as others. It has been a tool for me to encourage and uplift others, teach others, and share God’s heart with the world.
Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me
My latest poetry book, Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me, comes at a time where I am learning to surrender my life to God as well as find and embrace my purpose. God created each and every one of us with a destiny and purpose. My “shoes” cannot fit you and yours cannot fit mine. Maybe our journeys will lead us to the same roads. Maybe we will experience the same trials and triumphs. However, God didn’t create you to be me and He didn’t create me to be you. Let us allow God to transform us and guide us into our destinies, so we can walk in our right shoes.
Giveaway
Subscribe today so I can keep you posted (no pun intended) and encouraged. Upon subscribing, your name will be automatically entered in our raffle for a chance to win a free copy of my awesome, inspiring book, Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me. Subscribe while you can, the raffle ends April 19th.
ENTER TODAY!
No purchase is required to enter or win. Only submit one entry per person. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission for STCF POETRY & MOORE to use the winner’s name, likeness, and entry for purposes of advertising without further compensation unless prohibited by law. The winner will be notified via email to the email address they entered within five (5) days following the winner selection. STCF POETRY & MOORE shall have no liability for a winner’s failure to receive notices due to winner’s spam, junk email, etc. If the selected winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim the prize within 15 days from the time award notification was sent, or fails to timely return a completed and executed declaration and releases as required, prize may be forfeited and an alternate winner selected. By entering the contest, you agree to receive email newsletters periodically from STCF POETRY & MOORE/Author TANNIKA MOORE. Your information will not be sold or shared with third parties. You can opt-out of receiving this communication at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the newsletter.
Walking In Your Own Shoes
On December 5th, I introduced my second poetry book to the world. It is titled Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me. It is a long title but every word is imperative. The theme of my book is “walking in your own shoes”, not someone else’s shoes, but your own.
Walking In Your Own Shoes
So, what does “walking in your own shoes mean”? I define this idiom as walking in your own identity, learning and using your own voice, finding and fulfilling your purpose, and living out the destiny God created for you to walk in. It is not a physical walk but a mental, emotional, and spiritual flow you possess all your own. You are the only you God created and although there may be people who look or act similar, no one can fulfill your destiny like you can, the way you can, if you set out to do so. I love Sarah McLachlan lyrics, from In Your Own Shoes, that says it best, “Time for you to walk in your own shoes/Lay down your footprints wherever you choose/Leave it all behind and move on ’cause you are your own woman” (or man, if you are reading this).
Masks, Enormous Loads, And Broken Heels
“Walking in your own shoes” also means letting go of the baggage that has been holding you down and keeping you from moving forward. Are you walking with an enormous load or a broken heel and a broken heart? “Walking in your own shoes” too means removing the masks we often put on to appease others and keep up a facade of how we want to appear before others. What masks have you been wearing?
Walking In My Own Shoes
I wrote this book, like any other books, poems, or writing I do, to get out whatever I need to sort out within and to put down on paper the things I had been learning about life, people, and myself. I wrote some of the poems years ago and the rest I wrote last year, 2015. I have been learning to grow comfortable in my own skin as well as outside of my comfort zone, and I do stress learning. It has to be true about life after 29 (do I have to tell my age, Laughing out loud) when you start to come into who you are because I am experiencing that, amidst some fear and a little anxiety. Although, I have always been goal-oriented, I would not have been able to tell you my purpose before now. I often let people chime in on what I should do and be. But thanks to my strong mom, who has encouraged me to always get off the couch and live and my pastor who impressed upon me to find my purpose and fulfill my destiny, I would not have committed time to seeking out my destiny and purpose these past few years. In this moment along the journey, I am also learning to deal with my flaws, past issues, insecurities, and emotional wounds I’ve incurred along the way. So, I too, am still learning how to walk in my own shoes.
Named for its leading poem, my book, Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me, poetically talks about finding your destiny, living life on purpose, embracing your God-given journey and even allowing yourself to be vulnerable (not naive and gullible, but vulnerable) and trusting God to protect you in doing so. We will talk about vulnerability another time.
As always, I love to give and here are some Tools for your Journey!
Here are 24 Walkisms you should have:
- Walk in love.
- Walk in forgiveness.
- Walk in desperate pursuit of God.
- Walk in humility.
- Walk in peace.
- Walk (or dance) in the rain every now and then.
- Walk in justice and integrity.
- Walk with patience.
- Walk alive, not like the living dead.
- Walk, smile, and laugh. A smile and laughter are medicine for the heart.
- Walk out of your comfort zone.
- Walk to give a hand to those unfortunate than yourself.
- Walk and make your mama proud. Return the love and create memories and moments for her like she did for you.
- Walk in confidence.
- Walk according to your own pace.
- Walk in healthy attitudes and habits.
- Walk in faith and trust Jesus who died for you because He has your back like no one else can or will.
- Walk to make an impact.
- Walk in the present, not the past, not the future.
- Walk accordingly to the plan God has for you.
- Walk in originality. Be yourself.
- Walk up to fear, knowing it’s bluffing.
- Walk in your season.
- Walk, not looking back.
Put your shoes on honey, our journeys await,
Tannika
How have you begun to walk in your own shoes?
_____________________________________________
To purchase my book, Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me, click here. Kindle version also available, click here.
Trust God and Set The Captive Free!
Notification of Winners
We would like to thank everyone for joining us! We had a blast! Walk in your own shoes hunny! God designed them just for you. Allow Him to help you find your purpose and embark on your God-given destiny. That’s where true life begins.
,
And Also Soon to Be Released Book, by Saneatra Polk, titled Mama Loves Me
The following winners are (top winner) Shalamaar M (Setting The Captive Free poetry book and Rain)., Anita W. (Walking In Your Own Shoes), and Ariana F. (Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me), Tarika S. (Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me), and Jeffrey M. (Mama Loves Me)!
Party Hats, Cake, Tablets, Two Books & More!
Yes, I said it! Grab your party hats and tablets because my best friend and I are having a virtual book launch party! We will bring the books, some virtual cake, and our new books!
We will be hosting our virtual book launch via Facebook on December 5, 2015! (Click on the link below for more details.)
Tannika Moore & Saneatra Polk Book Launch
Saneatra Polk writes,
“I am happy to announce that on December 5th, I will be joining poet, Tannika Moore in a virtual book launch via Facebook. She will be releasing her second poetry book Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Aint Never Been Me and I will be launching my first novel My Momma Loves Me. I’m hoping you all join us in this joyous occasion. The simplicity of this event is you don’t have to buy a special outfit, you don’t have to worry about how you’ll get to the event, and you don’t really have to fit it into your schedule. The event is from 12 pm to 6 pm central time; you can ‘drop by’ at any time or stay logged on for the entire period. This is an opportunity to get to know us as authors, join in on the topic of ‘walking in your own shoes’, and much more.”
There you have it! I look forward to having your presence online!
Trust God and Set The Captive Free!
Tannika Nikeya 