The Joshua Gray Style Concept #75: “Olives & Chocolates: The Layers of Levi” | Photographer: Okenichiwa
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The Joshua Gray Style Concept captures my daily style and incorporates a style, trend, and concept message to share an inspirational message. Taking on a Levi’s Coat designed to acclimate to various temperatures with its various layers and components, I share a few reminders and thoughts to consider, when it comes to being prepared for the various layers and components of 2017.
When I purchased this jacket over five years ago, I appreciated that this Levi’s jacket had various options for customization (inclusive of detachable fur-trimmed hold, long flight trench, perforated under jacket). This Levi’s purchase (that I got from Ross for a mere $20.00) purchased seemingly prepared me for anything, any type of temperature; with 2017 across the block, I’m presented with a similar question: am I prepared for anything?
Reflecting on 2016, it brought with it a plethora of life experiences from: testing my physical limits during a 16 mile hike in Argentine Patagonia, to graduating from Pepperdine University with a B.S. in International Business, to then discovering how relaxation and too much social media can lead to a depressive mentality, to experiencing the affects of such depressive mentality on relationships. 2016 revealed much about me and I revealed a portion of that to the world via this site, such as how Buenos Aires surprised me, to my top 20 Midyear Moments, to how I responded to the 2016 Presidential Election with the launch of my online store GRAYTER. But, once again, as this coat prepared me for anything, I’m asking myself: am I prepared for anything in 2017?
In the year of 2017, I literally have full control and autonomy over what I allocate my time to and what ideas I’m going to pursue and develop. Honestly, it’s one of my scariest years yet, filled with potential moments of uncertainty; nevertheless, here’s how I’m conditioning myself to be prepared for anything in 2017:
1. Strengthening Relationship with God: Admittedly, this is a relationship that needs strengthening because it is the foundation, in which all other relationships are built, the foundation for my confidence, and the root of my success. With this relationship strengthened, I know I’ll be prepared for anything because I’ll have a redeemer, a refuge, and reassurer! This can be your foundation too!
2. Dreaming Bigger & Strategizing Smaller: At this point in my life, I have nothing to lose, so I’m preparing myself to dream bigger and then strategize through smaller, realistic goals. 2017 can bring whatever it brings, however, each step of the way, I’m preparing to dream bigger and better!
3. Being More Authentic in All Situations: At the same point in my life, I’m striving to be more authentic within all situations. As a relatively optimistic person, I can sometimes void valid emotions or valid assessments in hopes of things being better. Nonetheless, I’m committed to distinguishing between the faith value of something and the face value of something, that’s when your works make your faith alive!
