You Are Valuable — Don’t Stay Down, Get Up and Shine

 

What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people?

I just wanted to remind you today that you are valuable. Thank you so much for stopping by my I’m Joyful Life blog. Today is a beautiful day—a day of love, joy, recognition, and accepting just how valuable you truly are.

It doesn’t matter where you failed or where you fell short. We all fall short. Nobody is perfect, and you are allowed to fall. Yes, you have permission to fail.

But hear me clearly:

You are not permitted to stay where you failed.

You are not allowed to break down, give up, and stay stuck.

It’s okay that you messed up. It’s okay that things didn’t go as planned. But don’t let a moment define your entire life. Get up and keep going. This life needs you. We need you. The world needs you.

There is something unique, powerful, and beautiful about you that the world has never seen before—and we’re waiting on it.

Don’t allow rejection, lies, disappointment, heartbreak, or breakups to keep you from rising. You are allowed to be a work in progress. Nobody expects perfection from you. The journey of life includes falling down and learning how to rise again.

Life is messy—but don’t let the mess keep you stuck.

Get up.

You can do better.

You can be better.

What people have concluded about you does not get the final say. You have the power to change the trajectory of your life—and even your generation.

We’re waiting on your light.

Don’t dim it because of naysayers.

Don’t dim it because you got tired.

Don’t dim it because you momentarily gave up on yourself.

Get up. Let your light shine.

Your light will inspire us.

Your light will restore faith.

Your light will remind people that life is still beautiful.

There are people waiting on you to rise.

So don’t let depression steal your joy. Don’t let lies or labels keep you bound. Get up. Smile. Dance. Take a shower. Fix your hair. Do whatever you need to do—but get up.

Your light is worth it.

Your light must shine.

Today is your day.

We’re cheering you on.

If you want to work with me and need support on your journey, visit:

👉 www.maryamsjoyfullife.com

Let me help you rise.

Stay the Course — Don’t Give Up

 

What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people?

How are you all doing today?

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. I truly hope you’re having an amazing day. Today is a beautiful day, and I felt led to come on here to encourage you — to stay the course and not give up.

I want to remind you today to believe and to hope. No matter what it looks like, nobody has the final say but God. Nobody. You may have been rejected. You may have been told it’s impossible. But let me ask you this — who is the One that does impossible things? Who is the One that truly determines what is possible or not? It’s God.

I’ve lived long enough to see things that looked impossible become possible. Just because people judge what you’re going after based on their experiences, their failures, or their rejections does not mean their story has to become yours. Just because they couldn’t make it doesn’t mean you can’t.

Don’t give up on something simply because everyone around you failed at it. They are not you.

The Word tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and all our strength, and lean not unto our own understanding. In all our ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct our paths.

Today is your day of breakthrough.

Today is your day of miracles.

God has you, and amazing things are coming your way — even right now.

So don’t give up. Just because other people quit doesn’t mean you should. You can make it, and you will make it. It is possible for wonderful things to happen to you. It is possible for you to be the one who breaks that generational curse.

I want to remind you today that the power to break that curse is already in you and for you. You are capable. You are chosen. You are equipped.

Don’t allow other people’s stories to become your story.

Don’t allow their defeat to become your defeat.

Don’t allow their lack of bravery to become your lack of bravery.

Have faith. Be encouraged. Know that all things are working together in your favor. And it’s okay for you to want something different. It’s okay to want bigger, better, and more than what others in your family have settled for.

Don’t settle just because the people around you are settling.

Great things are coming. Get excited. Be happy. Stay hopeful.

All things are working together for your good.

I believe in you.

I see you.

I love you with the love of God.

And I’ll see you at the top.

You can also check me out at www.mariamjoyfullife.com — let me work with you.

Yes, You Can 🌱

 

What’s up, wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people?

It’s a beautiful day today, and I’m truly excited to be back with another blog post. I don’t believe this is random—I believe this message is right on time for someone who needs it.

Today, I want you to know this simple but powerful truth: you can.

Whatever people may have concluded about you, whatever you may have concluded about yourself—that is not the truth. The truth of the matter is this: God is for you. And because God is for you, things can change, and things do change.

You might be in a place right now where you feel stuck. You may feel like it’s too far gone, like nothing good can come out of your situation, or that life has become too heavy and too difficult. I’m here to tell you lovingly and boldly—that is a lie.

No matter how far gone it may seem.

No matter how difficult it may look.

God still changes things.

And not only that—you have power within you to make a difference.

Sometimes all it takes is one decision. One simple step. One small action that begins with a choice. That decision can change your life—and it will change your life.

You may be feeling heavy right now. Heavy from the conclusions people have made about you. Heavy from lies that were spoken over you. Or maybe even heavier from the lies you told yourself and began to believe because you were in a vulnerable mental space.

But hear me clearly: those lies have no power over you anymore.

You’re getting up.

Do you want to be successful as a parent? God has already given you the power to be successful. Get up and start being there for your kids. Engage them. Love on them. Cook something special. Take them for a walk. Be present. See them.

Do you want to be more successful in your business? Get up and start practicing the skills of being successful. Learn your craft. Grow in it. Do it with joy. Get excited again.

Do you want to be more successful at your job? Get excited about it. Refuse to allow heaviness to take over your heart and mind.

Because you are worthy.

And you are deserving of abundance.

Yes—you are worthy and deserving of abundance.

Do not allow circumstances to determine the value or direction of your life. Your life is wonderful. God gave you this life. You are here for a reason. You have a contribution to make. You are important. Your presence matters.

And listen—I need you to give yourself a break from trying to be perfect.

You can’t be perfect. You will fall. We all fall. Mistakes happen. But don’t stay where you made the mistake. Don’t become paralyzed by it.

Get up.

Pick up your mat.

And walk.

You are deserving of wonderful, beautiful things. Do you hear me?

So today, I just want to remind you of how amazing you truly are. Don’t let emotional garbage or negative mental patterns keep you stuck. Get up. Shake it off. Shake your body. Move. Get excited again.

Turn on some music.

Dance.

Open the curtains.

Let the light in.

Today, you can.

Yes—you can.

Thank you for being here, and have an amazing day. 💛

Bringing Hope to the Struggling: A Call to Action from Dream Big Corp

At Dream Big Corp, our mission has always been to stand in the gap for the underserved — to be a beacon of hope for those silently suffering. Recently, we sent one of our officers to a remote location in Nigeria to get a firsthand look at the difficult economic conditions many families are facing. What we witnessed was both heartbreaking and eye-opening.

In this quiet corner of Nigeria, poverty isn’t just a word — it’s a reality that grips families each and every day. Mothers go to bed hungry so their children can eat. Fathers take on back-breaking labor with little to no return. And small business owners, against all odds, hustle daily just to survive.

Among the many stories that moved us deeply are those of Ms. Blessing Chijioke and Ms. Anita Ogbeche.

Ms. Chijioke is a mother of 7 who sells okra to feed her children. She doesn’t have the capital to purchase in bulk, so she buys okra on credit, sells it, pays back her creditors, and starts the process all over again. Every day is a struggle, but she shows up with resilience and determination.

Ms. Ogbeche, a mother of 3, has been selling fufu for 7 years — carrying a heavy tub on her head from street to street in the scorching sun, just to scrape together enough money to feed her family. Despite her years of effort, she is still barely getting by.

These are not isolated stories. These are the everyday realities of countless families in this community.

As the CEO of Dream Big Corp, my heart is heavy — but it’s also hopeful. Because I believe that with your support, we can do something about this.

We want to provide food donations, support small businesses, and help women like Ms. Chijioke and Ms. Ogbeche stand on their own feet. We want to bring dignity, hope, and real change to those who need it most.

Instead of standing on the sidelines and complaining about how bad things are, I’ve chosen to act. And I’m asking you to act with me.

Please consider partnering with us through your donation. Every contribution — no matter how small — goes directly toward helping families in desperate need.

Donate Today:

PayPal: PayPal.me/dreambigcorp

CashApp: $dreambigcorp

Let’s be part of the solution. Let’s put food on tables and hope in hearts.

Together, we can make a big difference.

Thank you, and may God bless you for your kindness and generosity.

Warmly,

Maryam Shumate 

CEO, Dream Big Corp

HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO DO SOMETHING BUT FEAR KEPT YOU FROM IT?

 What's up wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely people. I hope you are all doing great and are not letting anyone steal your joy. Welcome to Maryam's Joyful Life. Today is a beautiful day. Thank you for joining me today. You're amazing!

Today is a good day and I am so grateful to God for this opportunity to share a blog with you. 

Have you ever wanted to do something so badly but  fear kept you from going from it? I have. It is a scary place to be. Do you know that when you make a decision to go after what you want in spite of the fear, you will discover a whole new way of living that causes you to expand and fills you with so much joy. 

No matter what it is you desire, it is not too big for you because you are the King's kid. God loves you so much and wants you to have abundance in your life. Abundance in all areas of your life. 

Here's the deal guys, I have been so afraid to start a podcast to share my hope, love and joy with the world. I started one a couple of years ago but gave up. Well, it is with great joy that I want to introduce you all to my new podcast Unshakable Faith Podcast. Make sure to follow me because we are going to have fun! This is going to be life-changing and nothing you have ever seen before.

Get the book "Unshakable Faith," on amazon.com. Official launch date is May 26, 2021. Join me on this journey and it will be an amazing ride!

No matter what it is you're desiring, pray to God for guidance and GO for it! Nothing shall be impossible for you. If it is the love of your life, ask God for definite lead and guidance that will connect you to your Divine selection.

I got Unshakable Faith!

Don't let anyone steal your joy!

Maryam

WHY WORKING OUT WITH YOUR HUSBAND OR WIFE HELPS YOUR RELATIONSHIP

Hello wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely people. how are you all doing today? I hope you all are having a great day today and are not letting anyone steal your joy. Welcome to Maryam's Joyful Life. Today is a beautiful day!

I enjoy working out with my sweet man (husband). It is a time that helps us bond and talk about something else other than our normal routine. I remember when my husband purchased our Bowflex, earlier this year. I weighed over 210 pounds. I had been thinking about running and working out but had not started yet. The Bowflex gave us an opportunity to set personal weight and health goals together. My husband motivated me and helped me stay focus on my goals. Hey babe, if you're reading this, thanks for encouraging me to stay with my goals.

There were days when I didn't feel like working out or even sticking to a healthy diet. I have had days when I craved donuts and ice cream and every junk food that someone on a diet shouldn't crave. But my husband was there telling me to fight the urge or not overindulge. Sometimes, I got really upset because I felt like I needed my donuts to help me feel good. It was very hard but I tried and can look back now and be thankful for my accountability partner.

Your spouse can be your accountability partner for those times or days when you feel uninspired and the temptation to go back to your old eating habits is knocking at your door. It is at such trying times that your spouse can come in and remind you of your goals and help you stay focused.

I am very fit and healthy today. I love how I feel and the ease that I feel when I want to run or jump. I absolutely love it! Unlike when I was a college athlete, with achy joints from excessive workout, I don't feel the aches.

I'd like to encourage you to take up a new bonding activity with your spouse. Exercising together is a great way to bond. My sweet man loves it and emphasizes it and I think it is very important to spend time with your spouse doing some type of fitness activity outside of the house.

Here's a video that might interest you. We filmed our outdoor workout session together and we encourage you guys to try spending time together and see where it takes your relationship.

Until next time.
Maryam💖

I LOVE BEING A MOM AND A WIFE AND A FRIEND AND I JUST LOVE

Hello wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely people. How are y'all doing today? I hope y'all are having an amazing day today and are not letting anyone steal your joy. Welcome to Maryam's Joyful Life. Today is a beautiful day!

Have you ever just stopped in the middle of whatever you're doing, to express gratitude for the many blessings of God? Maybe it's just me. I catch myself often, thanking God for blessing me with the gift of motherhood and wifehood and friendship. I truly am thankful for the many blessings God has given me. I have also noticed that each time I stop to express gratitude, I find more things to be grateful for. I really like the place gratitude takes me. I know right now, some y'all are like "Maryam, you're always happy regardless." Yes and no. We all have our moments when we feel uninspired and worn out but I have discovered that in those moments, if we could start counting our blessings and consciously stirring our thoughts in the direction of gratitude, we are suddenly empowered to snap out of that negative demeanor.

I see the glory of God in my children!

I spent this past weekend serenading my sweet man with some sweet words and love appreciations. I encourage every wife to do the same. Learn to just appreciate and serenade your husband with some sweet words without having any agendas. You know, my husband used to think that when I get like that it's because I want him to do something for me. I soon corrected that thought, so I thought. I made him understand that I do it because I'm feeling him and grateful to God for bringing such an amazing, sweet, and lovely man into my life. He then smiles and says ok, with a question mark. Ladies, what is it with men always thinking that when we get lovey dovey it's because we need something? LOL! Maybe it's because most of us only get like that when we need something.

God is so good and I love Him so much. The more I acknowledge God in my life and daily activities, the more He makes my life sweet and brings miracles my way. I am making it more of my priority to acknowledge God in all that I do, so He'll keep taking care of me and my family. GOD is soooo good to me and just the thought of His love and mercies alone make me feel butterflies in my stomach. I feel something great in the horizon. I see a shifting happening. Lord have Your way!

My baby LE'VEON

Y'all, I didn't mean to get prophetic but I've noticed that God is up to something big and it's contagious too. Is there anything in particular you're trusting God to do, may the anointing in Jesus Name touch you right now and make that thing manifest now.

My baby ZOE 

Life is beautiful when God is at the center of it. I make up my mind right now that I'll make God the center of my life always. Will you do the same? I promise, you won't, we won't regret it.

 I was with an extra serving of joy and happiness😂

I just love being a child of God. I love being entrusted with my amazing kids and husband and friends. By the grace of God I'll do a great job at being a mom, a wife and a friend in Jesus Name. Amen!
May your day be filled with love, joy, peace, health and abundance in Jesus Name. Amen!

With love,
Maryam💕

WHAT TO WEAR TO WORK OR BUSINESS MEETINGS INSPO

Hello! Wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely people. How are y'all doing today? I hope y'all are having an amazing day and are not letting anyone steal your joy. Welcome to Maryam's Joyful Life!
Today is a beautiful day!

Are you seeking inspiration or guidance on what to wear/buy for work or business meetings or even interviews? I got you covered. I love sharing my useful tips with you. It is always my joy to bring meaning to your life and inspire your next level.
I filmed a whole video talking about what to wear and staples for every wardrobe. If you are interested in watching it, I have shared the video in this post.

Everyone needs some wardrobe staples in their closets. Staples such as a black suit/jacket, a pair of black pants or a black skirt. These NEVER go out of fashion or use. I will share some pictures with you here too. All of the clothes featured were bought at a discounted rate. Stores featured are Ross dress for less; Old Navy,  Venus, and Nadine West. 

When you have a black skirt, pair of pants and a jacket, you've laid a solid foundation on which to build your wardrobe. What you need next are colors and patterns to put different looks together.

This jacket is a blue/black jacket that goes with patterns like the floral blouse I'm wearing under it.

 This is great for a work day or a business meeting or even an interview.

I really like this long tail jacket from VENUS. It's beautiful. Wear it over a nice blouse on a pair of pants like the one seen in the picture and you're ready to conquer that interview/day

You can also switch up your style by wearing a maroon blouse over your skirt untucked for a casual day at work.

 Or you can wear it tucked in as seen in the picture. It's really up to you.

 Or you can wear a jacket over it.

If you're feeling kinda inspired and excited, you can try some bring colors as seen in the picture with a jacket over it.

Or you can wear a jacket over that dress you love to mix it up a little bit.

 You can wear it buttoned or not. It just really depends on your preference.

Thank you all so much for reading today's blog. Y'all are amazing!
I hope you got inspired today. Please leave a comment below to tell what your favorite look is.
Until next time,
Don't let anyone steal your joy!

Maryam💖

AT WHAT POINT WILL WOMEN QUIT SEEING THAT THE PROBLEM IS NOT THEM

Hello wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely people. How are y'all doing today? I hope y'all are having an amazing day today and are not letting anyone steal your joy? Welcome to Maryam's Joyful Life! Today is a beautiful day!

I often get relationship questions from women around the world and one recurring theme is that the women blame themselves when something goes wrong with a relationship they hold dear. When a man breaks up with them after years invested in the relationship, for no apparent reason, they think it's their fault. Hey sis, it's not your fault! Sometimes, it's time to move on! Especially, when you've done everything to make it work!

I had this discussion with a lady, who had given all of herself to a man she thought was going to follow through with their wedding plans, only to wake up one day to the man breaking up with her. She had asked him why the sudden change of hearts, he said he didn't know. The next thing this sweet sister would ask me is, what are the signs of a spirit husband? The implication is that she thinks it's not normal and that she must have some spirit laying claim over her, which could've been the reason for her fiance's sudden change of hearts toward her.

I asked her if she'd prayed about it and waited on the Lord, she said yes but it didn't seem to work because her ex didn't change his mind still. My final advice was to let him go! It may be hard at first, but let him go! You can't force someone to be in your life who doesn't want to be in it. God may be saving you from a worse future and preparing you for that special man who would love and appreciate you; all of you!

Most times, women limit themselves from their true love and happiness by holding on to what is not meant to be, in the first place. We create most of our heartbreaks by convincing ourselves to accept or stay with someone, who God has clearly shown us is not worth our time of day. I believe that if we make seeking God's guidance in our relationships a priority, we will save ourselves from a whole lotta drama and pain.

To listen to a guy's perspective on the topic of relationships and more, please watch this video of my husband's opinion to crucial topics:

In closing, I'd like to remind you that you're amazing and worth more than you think. Don't ever think for one second that a guy is the prize because that's NOT true! You are the prize and always will be! Recognize you, accept you, embrace you and live it up!

Until next time, sweet, amazing and lovely friend.

Have a blessed week!
Maryam💗