Stephanie Lahart Quotes

A life filled with excuses is defeated, unproductive, and miserable. ~ Stephanie Lahart

So, you want to be in a relationship and you're tired of being single, right? But let me ask you an important question: Do you have a healthy relationship with yourself? I get it! Everybody wants to be in love and feel loved, but trust me, SELF-LOVE is far more important. How is YOUR mind, YOUR body, YOUR spirit? Listen, it's okay to be single! You may not want to be single, but sometimes it's best. Learn to commit to yourself, first. Be good to yourself, take care of yourself, and love yourself! You've got to like and love who YOU are before you can give your very best to that special someone. Don't be in a rush and don't be desperate. Work on yourself first and be at peace. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Dear Black Girls and Black Women… WE matter. Our presence matters, our voices matter, and our votes matter. Make no mistake about it… WE ARE POWERFUL. We disrupt the norm and change the system for the betterment of ALL people. ~ Stephanie Lahart

She's an original! She doesn't need to compete, copy, or envy other women. The confidence that's within her won't allow her to stoop that low. She's a Queen! And jealousy isn't something that she cares to entertain. Insecurity isn't in her DNA. She shines! She succeeds! She's a quality woman with purpose! She empowers, inspires, motivates, and celebrates other women. But depending on how you feel about yourself, you'll either admire and respect her or hate on her. Listen, it's okay to acknowledge other Queens! Don't be an undercover hater. Have self-confidence and allow YOUR light to shine. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Black female entrepreneurs don't make excuses, we find solutions. We're leaders, resourceful, ambitious, hardworking, and creative. We're powerful, unstoppable, confident, smart, and fearless. We're Exquisite Black Queens that represent Black Excellence… We are success! There's no denying it… Black female entrepreneurs are resilient and we rock! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Too BLESSED to entertain mess. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Go above and beyond for yourself! You do it for family, friends, and colleagues, but don't forget about YOU. It's important to include yourself… You are worthy of your own kindness, too! ~ Stephanie Lahart

She needed somebody to believe in her, so she decided to be that somebody! She stopped doubting herself and gave herself a chance. She persevered through every obstacle, because NOT believing in herself was no longer an option. Self-doubt wasn't welcome there anymore. ~ Stephanie Lahart

No, I'm NOT Team Light Skin. No, I'm NOT Team Dark Skin. No, I'm NOT Team Brown Skin. I'm Team Melanin because we are one! I'm a Black Queen that celebrates ALL shades of Black beauty. Black women and Black girls are equally beautiful in EVERY shade. Our skin tones are Exquisite Beauty. Respect the complexion! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Accept it… Black women are beautiful, pretty, gorgeous, appealing, elegant, attractive, lovely, stunning, and exquisite. ~ Stephanie Lahart

DANCE… My heartbeat, my soul, my TRUE happiness. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Don't be afraid to stand tall in YOUR truth! Boldly and confidently face everything that has, and is, keeping you bound. Fight for your inner peace! Fight for your happiness! Fight for everything and everybody that's important to you! You are NOT a victim! Don't even play into that. You owe it to yourself to LIVE! Live your life without the regrets, without the resentments, without the unforgiveness, without the blame game, without the self-pity, without any and everything that keeps you from experiencing true joy within! You are too important to waste your life away! Learn to appreciate and value your life, but most importantly, learn to appreciate and value yourself! You count too, no matter what you've done! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Black Barbie? Nah… I'm an unapologetic Exquisite Black Queen who's intelligent, creative, courageous, confident, ambitious, and authentic. My beauty is just a bonus! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Natural Hair is an Exquisite Crown. It's a wonder and fascination to many. But to the confident Black girl or Black woman who's rockin' it, they know what they've been born and blessed with. A head full of unique, healthy beauty. NATURAL BEAUTY. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Say what you mean and mean what you say. Don't be afraid to stand firm on the decisions that you make. Trust yourself. Believe in your instincts. Do what works best for YOU. Stay true to yourself and be good to yourself. Allow every decision that you make to empower, enrich, and add value to your life! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Exquisite... I was born this way! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Black women were beautifully created at birth. We were blessed with melanin in our skin, which makes us Exquisitely Beautiful. From the lightest to the darkest skin tone, our melanin is Fiercely Poppin' on Purpose. There's no denying it, a Black woman's beauty is elegant! We are Black Queens... Uniquely perfect, flaws and all! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Her outer beauty is just a bonus, but it is her inner beauty that's most captivating. She's loving, caring, kindhearted, empathetic, and genuine. She's comfortable in her own skin, therefore, she's able to compliment, celebrate, and build up others around her. She's a quality Woman with a strong sense of self! She doesn't need the spotlight, because she is the light wherever she goes. Smart, confident, ambitious, and fearless… Beautifully created from the inside out. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Being your authentic and unapologetic self… Now that's courage, confidence, and self-love! Never underestimate yourself… There's great power in simply being YOU. ~ Stephanie Lahart

The Black Man... He can, he does, he WINS. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Crying is NOT a weakness. Cry as much as you have to. Don't be afraid or ashamed to let your tears flow. Crying is a natural part of life. We all have feelings, and sometimes crying is all that we can do. Crying can help relieve the pain, hurt, disappointments, and all of the other things that life can throw our way. Know that it's okay, and know that you're going to be okay as well. Wishing You: Peace of mind, Comfort, Happiness, Joy within and LOVE. ~ Stephanie Lahart

BELIEVE in yourself even if nobody else does! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Love is. Love can. Love will. ~ Stephanie Lahart

A woman's number one relationship goal should be with herself first. Liking, loving, and valuing who she is will set the standard for what kind of man she chooses to date and/or marry. She's got to not only know her worth, but she's got to protect it, too! Protect it from men that don't mean her any good. Dead-end, unhealthy, and toxic relationships won't be something that she cares to entertain. Her self-love won't allow her to go down that road. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Dear Black Women… Save, Invest, and Spend Less. Save because you just never know what will come up. This will save you from having to borrow from friends, family, or going to get a payday loan. Invest so that you'll have something of value to show for. Investing also helps in building WEALTH. Spend less so that you're not broke, living paycheck to paycheck, and/or in a lot of debt. Don't allow money to control you. Take charge! Keep, and/or get your finances in order. Value your money and be mindful of how and what you're spending. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Say NO to negativity and say YES to positivity. Negativity has no place in your life. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Above everything else, genuinely love yourself first. Self-love is powerful and it's the best love that you will ever have. When you love who YOU are, your relationships will be healthier and your life will be happier. Self-love sets the standard in how we allow others to treat us and how we treat ourselves. Your happiness and well-being is important. Protect it by always valuing who you are! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Dare to succeed without apology! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Black Girls… Just be BRAVE. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Never too tired to DANCE... It's my PASSION. It's my LIFE. ~ Stephanie Lahart

It's a SELF-LOVE thing... I LIKE, LOVE, and CELEBRATE myself. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Dare to be bold and brave, my BEAUTIFUL QUEENS. Dare to believe that you can. Dare to make your dreams a reality. Dare to get out of your comfort zone and soar! Dare to live your life limitlessly. Dare to be yourself and be comfortable in your own skin. DARE. ~ Stephanie Lahart

I've got self-love, self-confidence, and self-motivation... I AM POWERFUL. ~ Stephanie Lahart

No longer will I doubt my abilities ... I will give myself a chance. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Excuse Me While I Succeed! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Busy Building FUND$ While Y'all Have FUN. ~ Stephanie Lahart

The key ingredient to being successful is YOU. She encouraged herself, she believed in herself, she loved herself, and she NEVER doubted who she was. Her ambition, perseverance, resilience, and self-motivation were consistent. She was her own personal cheerleader every step of the way… She is me! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Dare to be different. Dare to accept yourself for who YOU are. Dare to live your life without limits. Dare to follow YOUR dreams. Dare to explore, experience, and make mistakes. Dare to live your life without being afraid. Live, learn, and grow. It's your life! Make every decision that you make count for something. Always know your value as a person and don't allow anybody to make you feel anything different. You may have to stand alone at times, but don't be dismayed. There's something special about you! Allow yourself to shine and dare to do the unknown. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Many people lack discipline when it comes to saving money. What good is having a bunch of stuff if you're struggling, in debt, or broke most of the time? So many people put up a front like they've got it going on, but they know the truth. They spend all of their money trying to look important, and/or keep up an image. Knowledge is everything! Educate yourself about money, investing, and saving. I encourage you to start investing in yourself instead of things! Set yourself up for a better future and start making better choices. Building wealth takes time! Have discipline. Save. Stay consistent. Be brave enough to change your spending habits. Be wise! Don't allow money to control you. Strive to have a healthy relationship with money! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Racism, hate, and bigotry are EVIL and WICKED no matter how you try to rationalize it. I couldn't imagine living my life with this crap in my heart. I love building new relationships and I enjoy learning about different cultures! If people would change their thinking and open up their hearts, they'd be amazed at the beautiful relationships that they could have. And, for the record, I couldn't imagine ALL of my friends being black. There are too many amazing people from different backgrounds that I still have yet to meet. NO WAY would I limit my relationships based on race, absolutely not! I am free to like and love who I want to and I won't allow anybody to persuade me with their opinions. I have my own mind! I'm my own person! I refuse to dislike and/or hate another race 'just because!' I am Stephanie Lahart: BOLD. BRAVE. STRONG. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Black, intelligent, and educated... Now that's POWER. ~ Stephanie Lahart

They tried to stop her, but they failed miserably. They overlooked her, tried to discourage her, and sabotage her, but she persevered through it all with her head held high. They talked behind her back and plotted against her, but they didn't realize that they were messing with an unstoppable, resilient Black Queen. She's ambitious, intelligent, self-confident, and bold. She's a Phenomenal Black Queen that didn't have to compromise her integrity to get ahead. She's genuinely happy, successful, and free to be herself. She can, she does, she wins! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Inspired by Leaving a Legacy. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Lucky? Nah... I'm a Blessed and Highly Favored Black Woman. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Dear Young Black Males, Please listen to me closely. You have to start making smart choices in your life because, if you don't, the judge won't have any problems locking you up and throwing away the key. FYI: They're charging minors as adults in some cases nowadays. Trust me, they don't care about your life. They will wash you up in a heartbeat, simply because you're a black male. Following the crowd will get you caught up. Trying to play the hard role will get you caught up. Trying to show out for others just to make a name for yourself will get you caught up. Stealing, robbing, selling drugs, etc…it will all catch up with you sooner or later. The statics for black males in prison is alarming. Give yourself a chance! Find another way! No matter what upbringing you've had, it's up to you to make a change. You can't live your life making excuses for why you do what you do. Prove them all wrong! Prove to yourself that you're better than the life that was dealt to you. Rise up my brothas! You're much better than that. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Are You Listening Attentively? There's so much power in listening! I challenge you to listen more. Really pay attention to what people are saying. What are they REALLY talking about? Many times we overlook and/or make excuses for people's conversations. Don't allow people to dump garbage in your spirit. What we listen to can have a negative effect on what, and how, we think. Be choosy about the relationships you entertain. Surround yourself with people that bring out the best in you. People that are positive, inspiring, and genuine. Remember: Value your time! Don't waste it on dead-end and/or fake relationships. ~ Stephanie Lahart

I admire musicians! Their level of commitment, creativity, and uniqueness is amazing! Life without musicians would be lifeless. I appreciate and respect their craft! ~ Stephanie Lahart

She didn't play the game, she changed the game! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Imagine if ALL employers treated ALL of their employees with the same respect no matter what their job title was. Imagine going to work every day knowing that you and your work were valued. Unfortunately, we live in a society where some people allow their job titles to go to their head. I encourage you NOT to be one of those people. No matter what your position is, at the end of the day, EVERYBODY matters in the workplace, and every position serves a purpose. I firmly believe that how you treat others is a direct reflection of who you REALLY are. Personally, I choose integrity! ~ Stephanie Lahart

So, you've failed many times at many things. That's okay! Learn, grow, and move forward. With the right attitude and mindset, you can learn a lot from failure. Pay attention and keep on striving! You've got this! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Dear Young Black Males… Our Future Black Kings: I'm 100% rooting for you, I wholeheartedly believe in you, I deeply care about you, I genuinely love you, and I honestly want to see you succeed in EVERY area of your life. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Uplift. Inspire. Elevate. Black Women Win! ~ Stephanie Lahart

His tongue was one of his greatest qualities. He knew exactly how to use it with me. Encouraging, kind, and loving words flowed freely and frequently from his lips. Always inspiring me to upgrade my thinking. His tongue spoke life into me… Awakening gifts in me that I didn't know existed. He used his tongue wisely. Truth be told, he's part of the reason why I am me. Exquisite, Powerful, Fearless, and Unapologetic. I'll be forever grateful for his genuine love. ~ Stephanie Lahart

This Queen right here is educated and beautiful with a degree. ~ Stephanie Lahart

She's got self-love, self-confidence, and self-motivation. She is POWERFUL... She is me! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Until YOU get enough of what you're going through, no matter what advice a person gives you, you'll continue to go through the same thing. When you get the courage to stop making excuses for them, and stop excusing their behavior, then you'll be able to break free from that unhealthy situation. You've got to be willing to face YOUR truth in order to move on and be at peace. You matter! ~ Stephanie Lahart

I am a Black woman... Exquisite from the inside out. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Dear Exquisite Black Queen... No matter what shade of MELANIN you are, know that your skin tone is brilliant. You, my Queen, are phenomenally made! ~ Stephanie Lahart

Dear Exquisite Black Queen… You are original, unique, and exquisite! Embrace your imperfections with confidence and self-love. Your authentic self is your best self! Flaws and all, you're still a rare gem! Black woman, you are phenomenal, please believe that! ~ Stephanie Lahart

My grandfather believed . . . He believed that we were magic."
Stephanie stared at him. "What?"
"He said it'd been passed down, this magic, generation to generation. He said we were descendants of a great sorcerer called the Last of the Ancients. ~ Derek Landy

Josh: I love you. Do you still love me?

Isla: How could you ask me that? Of course I love you. This hasn't changed anything.

Josh: But it was my fault. The whole weekend was my idea.

Isla: Hey. Hey. I wanted to go. It was my decision, too. I love you. I have always loved you.

Josh: What do you mean? Always?

Isla: I mean that you never have to worry about me leaving you, because I've been in love with you since our freshman year. There's no story. I saw you one day, and I just knew. ~ Stephanie Perkins

We don't have drama in public schools in France. I had never taking an acting class. ~ Stephanie Szostak

Ava: – Gentle. I was never taught to be gentle. When I sang, I did so loudly. When I played sports, I had to win, otherwise what was the point? My mother would never tell me to quiet myself for a boy. She would tell me to never change for anyone, because the people you change for are the people who control you. ~ Stephanie Oakes

That's all religion is. Strategy. ~ Stephanie Oakes

Wait awhile, and everything will change."
~'Griblich ~ Stephanie Osborn

I wasn't being a git. I wasn't even being a twat, or a wanker, or any of your other bleeding Briticisms - ~ Stephanie Perkins

Tella was the sister who would destroy the world if anything happened to Scarlett, but Scarlett's world would be destroyed if anything happened to Tella. ~ Stephanie Garber

You know you knit too much when ... You take knitting to a wedding, in case there's a little time before the bride comes down the aisle. Double points if you are the bride. ~ Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

All right, Tess. You want it all? You don't care about consequences? Then it is too late. I could tell you to leave him alone. That he's complicated, not in a sexy way, but in a damaged way. I could tell you damage isn't sexy, it's scary. You're still young enough to think every experience will improve you in some long-term way, but it isn't true. How do you suppose damage gets passed on? ~ Stephanie Danler

It is amazing that, though I am small and ungifted and barely educated, even I can appreciate the scale of the universe. And from this perch in space, for this moment at least, it seems unimportant whether someone made it, or if it made itself. ~ Stephanie Oakes

So ... this business trip of yours?"
"What about it?"
"Are you and Coop sharing a room?"
She raised her eyebrows, then said, "Right back at you, Cowboy."
"Liz and I are just friends."
"Uh-huh. I hope your shots are up-to-date."
"Meow. ~ Stephanie Bond

Pigeons flew in diminishing waves between the low buildings. The sun rose. It said, Now that you've done this, you can never have that. Now that I'm like this, I can never go back. ~ Stephanie Danler

LISTEN to the small, quiet voice within that only ever guides you with love and compassion. Let yourself receive the inspiration of beauty and kindness. Let yourself rediscover peace in your heart. And, from that secure place, meet whatever comes. ~ Stephanie Dowrick

There is no truth," Stephanie said mysterously. "Only perspectives. ~ Michelle Hodkin

There's something so sweet about being on your yoga mat, whether that be at Jivamukti, Dharma Mittra, or in my living room. ~ Stephanie Ellis

I come from a long line of strong and confident women out of New Orleans. My grandmother and great-grandmother were women who ran their homes and were leaders in their communities. I was never taught that there was anything that I couldn't do, and I believed that. ~ Stephanie Allain

I don't care about anything. But I care about you. ~ Stephanie Perkins

There's no such thing as a partisan base. ~ Stephanie Herseth

And we're finally home. ~ Stephanie Perkins

Fear - It's a fine line between that and pushing yourself. You definitely reach new heights when you push. But fear is good. Fear keeps us alive. If we didn't have it, we'd be doing crazy things and getting in sticky situations. ~ Stephanie Gilmore

I'm fine.My father's an arse, and my mum is dying and-oh my God,I'm so pissed." St. Clair looked at me again. His eyes were glassy like black marbles. "Pissed.Pissed.Pissed."
"We know you're pissed at your dad," I said. "It's okay. You're right, he's a jerk." I mean what was I supposed to say? He just found out his mother has cancer.
"Pissed is British for 'drunk,'" Mer said.
"Oh," I said. "Well. You're definitely that, too."
Meanwhile,The Couple was fighting. "Where have you been?" Rashmi asked. "You said you'd be home three hours ago!"
Josh rolled his eyes. "Out.We've been out. Someone had to help him-"
"And you call that helping? He's completely wasted. Catatonic. And you! God,you smell like car exhaust and armpits-"
"He couldn't drink alone."
"You were supposed to be watching out for him! What if something happened?"
"Beer. Liquor. Thatsswhat happened. Don't be such a prude,Rash. ~ Stephanie Perkins

Closed. Plenty of time to see it later, remember? He leads me into the courtyard, and I take the opportunity to admire his backside. Callipygian. There is something better than Notre-Dame. ~ Stephanie Perkins

I usually sit down at 8 A.M. and work through to 7 P.M., with breaks that total no more than an hour and a half. ~ Stephanie Laurens

He sat on one side of a love seat, leaving space to sit beside him. Was it an invitation? Or a gesture of kindness, in that he was offering me the room's larger couch? WHY WAS THIS SO HARD? ~ Stephanie Perkins

I think being ambitious, successful, powerful, making a lot of money - I don't care what color you are as a woman; it's difficult to find a mate. I think the natural order is that men want to be providers. ~ Stephanie Allain

So how are the wedding plans progressing?" Richard asked, once they were out of the village.
"They aren't." Breckenridge heard his clipped tones, heard the irritation beneath. Didn't care if Richard did, too. "She's taken some nitwit notion into her head that I don't need to marry her, that she's going to go off and manage an orphanage in the country, or some such thing, so her social ruination doesn't matter."
"Ah." Richard nodded sagely. "She's playing stubborn."
"Playing?" Breckenridge shot him an irate look. "She's the definition of the word. I've already tried talking her around. Twice."
"I hate to break it to you, old son, but it won't be your honeyed words that change her mind."
Breckenridge snorted. "I've tried that, too-so far all that's gained me is..." An even deeper sense of being irrevocably linked to her.
Richard glanced at him curiously. "What?"
Breckenridge pulled a face, growled, "Damned if I know."
Richard grinned. "Well, whatever it takes, just console yourself with the thought that the end result will be worth it."
Breckenridge cast Richard a sharp glance, saw the open contentment in his face. Felt compelled to ask, "So what did you have to do?"
Richard's smile deepened. "The same thing we've all have to do-prostrate ourselves at their dainty feet, swear undying love, and mean it. ~ Stephanie Laurens

Your attitude to life is far more important in determining your happiness than your money, appearance, social status or talent. ~ Stephanie Dowrick

I thought it was the opposite," Scarlett said. "The past is set but the future is changeable?" "No. The past is only mostly set, and the future is harder to change than you would think. ~ Stephanie Garber

When there's an end-of-the-world cult living next door to you, make it your business to find out what they're up to," he said. "That's, like, a basic life rule. ~ Stephanie Tromly

In the Celtic mind, humanity and the animal kingdom were intimately connected. This interconnection with nature was reflected in their gods, who took the forms of the animals they revered, blurring the distinction between the animal and human realms. ~ Stephanie Woodfield

He carved out a place meant only for him in her soul and filled it up with equal measure. Nameless shook her to her very foundations, then fortified her, making her stronger than she was before. He owned her, but in that wondrous possession he set her free. ~ Stephanie West

Flowers don't tell, they show. That's the way good books should be too.
Stephanie Skeem. Author of Flotsam ~ Stephanie Skeem

This isn't a picture filled with wonder and a sense of fun; it's so jaded and crass that I almost wonder if it's a highly unscientific experiment designed to gauge how little audiences will settle for these days. Manic and multicolored, Speed Racer is an excess of nothingness. ~ Stephanie Zacharek

Bad guys are selfish and cruel. All they do is take and take until you're left empty. But a bad boy is different. He can be reckless and a little dangerous, but he challenges you and gets you to take risks. He pushes you beyond what's comfortable and safe, into something exciting and new. It forces you to truly embrace life instead of settling. And sometimes, just sometimes, that bad boy turns out to be a real good man. ~ Stephanie Hoffman McManus