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Living From Your Gift, Not Just Your Job

There’s something unsettling about waking up each day knowing you’re headed to a job that brings no joy, no peace, and no passion. It’s a feeling too many people carry quietly—the dread of the daily grind. But what if we’ve been looking at work and fulfillment all wrong?

I believe that within each of us, God has placed a gift. A talent. A passion. Something that doesn’t just make money—but makes sense of our lives. And when we ignore that gift, when we bury it under responsibilities or fear, we start to feel a deep disconnect—not just from ourselves, but from the One who made us.

💬 I’ve met people who are amazing with their hands, crafting, styling, painting. Some who have the kind of voice that moves you. Others who can counsel and uplift you with just a few well-spoken words. These are gifts. Not hobbies. Not side gigs. Gifts from God meant to be cultivated, celebrated, and—yes—even monetized.

💡 So Why Do We Stay Stuck?

Because it’s easier to follow a paycheck than to follow a calling. A paycheck comes with guarantees. A calling comes with faith. And that’s where things get hard—because faith requires trust in a process that isn’t always clear.

But let me tell you something: When you start operating in your gift, the happiness it brings can’t be bought. You might work harder than you’ve ever worked before—but your spirit won’t feel depleted. You’ll wake up with purpose. You’ll look at your life and feel proud of how your gift is serving not just you, but others.

 

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Which activities make you lose track of time?

There’s a kind of magic that happens when you find yourself doing something you truly love—so much that you lose track of time. For me, that magic lives in blogging and preparing content for my YouTube channel IamCree, set to launch this September. I can’t help but feel a wave of excitement each time I think about stepping into the lane of purpose that’s always waited patiently for me.

My life’s journey has been painted with vibrant strokes of service, community, and connection. I spent years working in both elementary and high schools, surrounded by children whose laughter, honesty, and potential lit up my world. Those days weren’t just jobs—they were callings. I poured into young lives, helping guide them with love, consistency, and the kind of encouragement every child deserves.

For 15 years, I also worked ringing up customers and working in self-checkout at Walmart. That may seem like an unexpected chapter, but it was one rich with conversations, familiar faces, and everyday moments that taught me the beauty of people. I saw the elderly man who always carried exact change, the young mother juggling kids and coupons, the teenager nervous about his first card transaction. They were stories—and I was listening.

Now, I know deep in my soul that YouTube is where I’m called to amplify my voice. It’s the platform where I’ll communicate, inspire, encourage, and touch hundreds of thousands. It’s no longer just an idea—it’s a vision unfolding.

And let’s not forget my love for candles 🕯️. I’m a proud candle maker. There’s something special about crafting scents that feel like comfort, nostalgia, or joy in a jar. Candle making taught me that even quiet creativity can speak loudly when it’s done with love.

I’m not just chasing dreams anymore—I’m catching them. And with every blog post, video, and candle, I hope to pass that spark on to someone else. Because everyone deserves to lose track of time doing what they were born to do.

https://www.youtube.com/@Iamlacrease/videos

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What bothers you and why?

It’s the attitude people carry when life isn’t going their way—and how they pour that negativity onto others who did nothing to deserve it.

I’m talking about the folks who walk around ready to argue, debate, or fight at the drop of a dime. Their faces stay twisted, their words sharp, and their energy hostile. And let’s be honest: it’s not always about what’s happening right in front of them. Often, it’s the unresolved frustration they’ve packed away from broken homes, demanding jobs, or wounds they haven’t addressed.

What really grieves me is when that pain becomes a weapon.

  • 😞 Like when cashiers bear the brunt of someone else’s bad day.
  • 😡 Or when someone sees another person smiling and goes out of their way to make them miserable.
  • 💔 Or when kindness is met with bitterness simply because someone is hurting inside.

I get it—life is hard sometimes. But what I don’t understand is why hurting people choose to multiply pain instead of healing it. Why spread darkness when someone’s light could be a lifeline?

People say, “hurt people hurt people,” and while that may be true, it doesn’t make it right.

We need to be better. We need to stop punishing the world for what we’re going through behind closed doors. Healing starts with accountability—and that means recognizing when our attitude is toxic and choosing a different path.

So if you’ve ever snapped at someone just because your day was rough… If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at joy or dismissed someone’s peace… Ask yourself: “Is this really about them—or is it about me?”

Let’s do better. Let’s be kind even when we’re tired. Let’s give grace even when life’s not perfect. Let’s choose light even when everything feels dark.

Because that one smile you try to dim? It might be the very thing carrying someone through.

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How to Talk to Kids About Personal Boundaries

“I never imagined I’d need to ask this out loud. But when was the last time you looked a child in the eyes—your daughter, your niece, your godson—and said, ‘If someone ever touches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, you can tell me. Always’?”

  • Don’t wait for a “reason.” Start age-appropriate conversations early so it never feels like a one-time scary topic.
  • Let kids know that nothing is off limits—they can talk to you about anything without fear of punishment or disbelief.

👂 Believe and Support, First and Always

  • If a child shares something, believe them. That moment can shape the rest of their healing journey.
  • Validate their feelings without rushing to “fix it”—sometimes presence is more powerful than immediate action.

⚖️ Don’t Stay Silent—Speak Up

  • If your gut is sounding the alarm, don’t ignore it. Whether someone said something, or you just sense something’s wrong, trust your instincts.
  • Taking action might mean confronting someone, getting authorities involved, or simply documenting behaviors and keeping a close watch. Silence protects predators—truth protects children.
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List 10 things you know to be absolutely certain.

There are some things in life I don’t just hope for—I know them in my spirit. These truths anchor me, guide me, and remind me daily of the path I’m walking. I’m sharing them today, not just to speak life over myself, but to encourage anyone who’s striving toward a future that feels aligned with faith, family, and purpose.

1️⃣ Jesus Is Real—and He’s Coming Back

This is the foundation of everything. His presence in my life is undeniable, His promises unwavering. I know without a shadow of a doubt that Jesus is coming back to gather His people. This truth shapes the way I live, love, and lead.

2️⃣ My YouTube Channel Ms.Cree Will Blossom

I will launch my YouTube channel and build something truly special. It will be a place for storytelling, laughter, healing, and testimony. Success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about impact, and I’m committed to both.

3️⃣ I Will Care for My Family—Deeply and Consistently

My daughter, my mother, and my siblings are doing well, and for that, I’m grateful. But I know there’s more I can do. I will help them grow, thrive, and feel supported. That’s part of my calling.

4️⃣ I Will Live Downtown Detroit and Thrive

The city carries a rhythm I love. I will plant myself in the heart of Detroit, live abundantly, and shine from right where I’m rooted.

5️⃣ Creasygurl Candles Will Be a Success Story

My candle business is more than wax and wick—it’s comfort, creativity, and care in every jar. I will build Creasygurl Candles into a brand that reflects everything I stand for: warmth, authenticity, and God’s light.

6️⃣ My 60th Birthday Will Be a Joy-Filled Celebration

When September comes, I will gather my circle and celebrate this milestone with laughter, music, and the kind of love that only, family and friendships can bring. My party will be a blast—trust me, it’s already in motion.

7️⃣ I Will Prioritize My Health and Strength

I will work out at least three times a week. Not out of pressure, but out of love for my body, my energy, and my journey. Fitness is becoming a sacred space for me.

8️⃣ I Will Travel and Explore God’s Creation

From city lights to quiet mountains—I will travel and take in the beauty of the world. New places bring new perspective, and I welcome that with open arms.

9️⃣ I Will Use My Voice to Uplift Others

Through my blog, my videos, and my platform, I will speak truth, healing, and hope. I know that what I share can change someone’s life—and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.

🔟 My Life Has Meaning, and I’m Walking Boldly in It

Everything I’ve been through has prepared me for this season. I’m not just surviving—I’m thriving. Purpose is here, and I’m leaning into it with everything I’ve got.

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My YouTube Channel Coming Soon- Subscribe Today

Hey friends!

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Just wanted to share that I’m starting my YouTube channel Mid-September! I’m so excited to open up my world and talk about, My Love for God- Family and friends- Learning Life Lessons- Sisterhood- Inspiration- To Encourage- Have Funny and Serious Story Time- City Driving- Door Dashing, Teenagers and Women/Men Advice- Showing how I Make Candles and everything in between. Stay tuned for Ms. Cree—this is going to be fun! 💛📱

I need you to SUBSCRIBE NOW! I want all my family and friends on this journey with me

https://www.youtube.com/@Iamlacrease

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If you could host a dinner and anyone you invite was sure to come, who would you invite?

As I prepare for a special evening of food, laughter, and heartfelt memories, I find myself reflecting on the women who walked with me through some of the most defining moments of my life.

My sisters. My very first and still-current best friends. These aren’t just guests to a dinner—I’m inviting the heartbeat of my personal history.

Each woman I’ve invited played a vital role in my becoming. They didn’t just witness chapters of my life—they helped me write them. This dinner is a tribute to that sisterhood, to those unspoken bonds and years of grace that still linger like music in the background. I’m envisioning a table full of warm candlelight, handwritten notes at each place setting, and a moment where each sister gets to share a memory—funny, meaningful, or tender—that reminds us of why we’re all sitting there together.

I want the energy of the night to be cozy, celebratory, and deeply felt. The kind of evening where you leave not just full from the meal, but full from the love.

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Planning My 60th Birthday Bash: Ideas Needed!

I’m entering planning mode! 🙌🏾 In two years, I’ll be celebrating 60 wonderful years of life, and I want to start building the vision now. Theme ideas? Venue ideas Downtown Detroit or Surrounding Suburbs? Catering ideas? Party IDEAS? I have no experience at all in this area. Please help!!!!

Post ideas even if you don’t live in Detroit. I’ve never had a party because of shyness; I have a big personality and is Blessed to have wonderful family and great long-lasting friendships. I need help!

Please leave comments below.

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What do you think gets better with age?

Let me be honest. Stepping into 58 ain’t just a birthday—it’s a reckoning. A moment where every scar has a story. Every laugh line has a testimony. Every tear I didn’t let the world see… has turned into wisdom that wakes folks up.

This ain’t about aging gracefully. It’s about aging truthfully. So here’s my open-hearted answer for the ones who’ve asked: “What gets better with age?”

My Voice Got Braver I used to second-guess my truth. Now I speak from places only pain, God, and grace could reach. When I blog, when I post, I’m not performing—I’m pouring. And I know when a story lands, it’s because somebody needed it like air. That knowing? That’s grown-woman power.

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