About Evolving toward Excellence
Welcome to Evolving Toward Excellence (ETE)! Thank you for stopping in. So what is ETE? ETE is the digital account of my spiritual adventure. This adventure will share my ideas on wholehearted living, mindful authentic parenting as well as simple creativity with you. These are the areas that make life worth living to me. My desire is to share with you.
My intention is to openly share stories from my life in hopes that something will help you as you make your way on your own life's adventure. Maybe you will find something that will make parenting easier for you. Perhaps something here will spark creativity in you. It might be that something to make you stop - think and be grateful. I’m secretly hoping that it will just make you smile!
Let me tell you a little about myself. My name is Monique Jenkins. I am originally from Philadelphia. I am a single mother of five wonderful children living in the suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland. Ok, so let that marinate in your mind... Yup one, two, three, four, FIVE!!!!! And I have the audacity to be a SINGLE MOM! A single mother with a career! So you might be thinking "Is this going to be a comedy or a tragedy?” Don't know (jury is still out). I can tell you it will be an interesting experience one way or the other. I started this page as a creative outlet for my life. I needed a space to be open, honest, and transparent. An environment to be me and share the things that motivate, scare, and confuse me about this thing we call life. I have discovered so many tips and tricks that have helped me manage this crazy thing that is my life ranging from parenting to preparing good weeknight dinner to feed a huge family.
ETE started out as Divvami, so what is Divaami? It really is Diva-am-I, but why? I have challenged myself to strive to be the Diva, the leading lady in my own life. You see I am one who often played the supporting role in her own life. I compromised myself in many ways and ultimately "decided" not to be the Diva in my own life. I spent a lot of time saying things like: "Who am I?" Why do I feel like life is happening to me, instead of me happening to life?" “Why is this happening? This isn’t the way I saw my life.” So, after a long hard look at myself, I “decided” to do be the leading lady. I did it! I embraced becoming Divaami, and every day I strive for excellence. I see my life as an evolution, an Evolution Toward Excellence. It’s not all pretty, to be honest, there have been some really ugly parts. It is this evolution that taught me about myself and who I am as a mother. Most importantly I learned who the Creator is on a deep and personal level and started to co-create my life without limiting myself. So I decided to do what I do best… Share! I mean share it all! This is the no governor, gonna let it all hang out, take ownership of it all type of sharing. Yes, the good, the bad, and the “Girl, you did what?”
So are you ready? Cool beans!!! Let’s do this!!!!!
The Mission..
To inspire all people to evolve toward excellence by committing to co-create with God in every area of their lives.
Meet the family (aka My Team)
Tyree
Tyree is my firstborn. He is a Marine veteran and is a personal trainer. Some of the best lessons Tyree has taught me is “Pain is fear leaving the body!” and “If you don’t mind, it don’t matter!” Tyree is teaching me that every day is an opportunity to become a brand new better version of yourself.
Zyon
Zyon is my second born. Zyon is in his fourth year at Dickinson College.. (Go Red Devils Football!!) He is my motivator! He is the one who will push me to give more even when I think I can’t. Zyon teaches me to dig deep and stay hungry for excellence in every area of my life.
Azariah (Zari)
Zari is my third son. Zari is very creative and is starting is own business showcasing his creations. He is the “chill” one of the group… Well, most of the time. Zari teaches me to relax and know it will be okay.
Jaaziel (Jaaz)
Jaaz is my one and only girl. She is my sparkly unicorn. Jaaz is a warrior-girl and was born with enough spunk and attitude to keep all of these boys in line! Jaaz is a Diva with a tomboy core, just in case she needs it. Jaaziel teaches me to be a strong, proper role model at all times.. because she is watching.
Gabriel (gabe)
Gabe is my last! (Thank you, Jesus! My baby-making days are done!) Gabriel teaches me to fear nothing and try everything! Gabriel gives the word Foodie new meaning. His first love is food followed by Lego’s as a close second. Gabe is very loving, but will also test the limits on your patience as a parent.