I’ve heard it said before that the biggest enemy is the one within. When I think about the goals I haven’t achieved, this statement rings unavoidably true. Four years ago, I was inspired to write a book and published a chapbook ten months later. Two years ago, I went part-time to work on a new book that still isn’t finished let alone published. While the goals have been the same, I’ve changed, and internally it hasn’t been for the best. Since 2017, the biggest battle I’ve bee

"Pack light." -Erykah Badu Friday morning, I packed a bag of clothes from a past lover. These items were given to me, but per his request for a return of favorite shorts, I decided to give back everything. For years I’ve held on to gifts and pieces of clothing from past relationships, but for the first time ever, I’m ready to clear my space and let go. Releasing has been a common theme over the last couple years, so much so that when I hear Erykah Badu’s “Bag Lady,” the words

A year ago I went part-time at work to pursue my writing career after a year of getting paid monthly to host and perform. The month after telling my job I wouldn’t be returning full time, my performance opportunities subsided. I knew I was walking in purpose, but life had not gone according to plan. With more people choosing to pursue purpose, it’s necessary to talk about the realities of entrepreneurial life. Because I still have a lot to learn myself, I’ve tapped into some

I’m currently unemployed. I started working part-time last year as a teacher which means I no longer get paid in the summer. However, I chose not to find summer work so I could focus on my writing and non-profit. The dream chasing part of this plan is fulfilling and admirable, but the financial reality can be sobering. For me, it’s a test of faith and a shaping of discipline. It also has me wavering between thoughts of “You’re on the right track,” and “You need to be doing mo

This weekend I received a text from my mom informing me that she rode by my house two times at different points of the day and didn’t see my car. When I called her, she proceeded to tell me, “I read your blog about slowing down. Did you read it? You need to follow your own advice.” Oh, do I? I wonder where I learned this. Sad thing is, she wasn’t the only one to call me out. And, after sending myself to bed early to avoid a stress migraine last night, I've realized I don't kn

Yesterday I attended a branding conference to hear from my favorite "Insecure" character, Molly, who is played by actress Yvonne Orji. Priceless! Molly is me in real life, but because Orji and I also have aligned spiritual values, the experience was beyond rewarding. Orji’s content was enough for at least three blog posts, but I'll start with an area we all struggle with, doubt. Whether or not you believe in God, doubting your own or your higher power’s ability to surpass obs

Every year since 2012, I’ve signed up for our city’s annual 10-mile race. It's my motivation to stay consistent in the gym and get in shape for the summer. Usually I train with a partner or run group, but this year, most of my runs were solo which was challenging for me. There are certain activities I only enjoy doing with others and long distance running is one of them. Having to do it by myself, this year’s race was more than just a run; it was a life lesson. I had to compl

Two years ago, I helped launch an event called Meeting of the Sexes. Realizing that too many topics go undiscussed in dating, situationships, and relationships, we created a space to engage in these conversations. With our sixth Meeting of the Sexes this past Thursday, I had no idea that asking an introspective question, would give me and the audience unexpected therapy, but we were all for it. Confession: I’m an extremist and so are my friends. We’ve lived for several decade

Less than a month into 2018, I’m already being forced to learn lessons. I posted a quote a few weeks back saying, “Choosing between good and bad is reasonable. Choosing between good and God is faith.” Whether or not you believe in God, the latter part of the quote requires you to evaluate if the “good” in your life is necessary. Maybe, like me, you’ve eliminated all the negative vibes (people and situations), learned how to practice self-care, and you love the work you do. Ye

Being single on the holidays used to depress me. Last year, I didn't want to leave the bed, and even my instagram timeline was discouraging. Every meme was about not getting invited to dinner by a significant other because he wasn’t really serious about you. That was me. To top everything off, all my siblings and cousins had special guests at our family dinner. 2016 was a year for the books. This year, although I’m still very much single, I’m happily off the market and spendi

For over a year now, I’ve been shedding. I’ve watched habits fall off and people drift away. Sometimes it hurt. At times it’s caused confusion, but it always worked out in the end. Maybe we’re similar to caterpillars. We are meant to transform, and with growth, we are constantly shedding. At a certain point, we sit alone and undergo our own process of transformation. We can’t really explain what’s happening, but if we disturb it, we could affect the results. At first, I didn'