My dad is an instrumental part of my life. Although he is not here in body, he lives on in spirit. Hearing a snippet of his voice “mkay” or “love you too, babe.” His laugh. Feeling his hug. Picturing him standing back, observing what his family is doing. I imagine him sitting on my lanai.… Continue reading
Category: Self-Care & Self-Love
Consider Me: Breaking Down the Invisible Wall
When I was nine years old, I was a little chunky. Subsequently, I was picked on at school. My dad believed the solution was exercise. He began to teaching me to consider me. First, my journey to exercise began with a conversation. Second, the benefits. Finally, I wouldn’t be alone in the process. At the… Continue reading
Acknowledging My Why: It’s in the Math
I was what one would call a Chatty Cathy. The younger me talked my dad’s ear off. Asking about all sorts of things. Dad answered every question. At times, the response would encourage me to do research. Most times, the response would lead to hours upon hours of conversation. The discussion led me to acknowledge my… Continue reading
Strong Black Father: Things My Father Taught Me
I was 37 years old when my dad died. It was the most challenging time in my life and remained difficult for nearly ten years that followed. Bruce Edwin Carlton was my bonus dad- a strong black father. When I was eight years old and in the third grade attending Ernie Pyle Elementary, he came… Continue reading
Release and Grow: Permission to Purge and Merge
Have you woken on a Saturday morning with the intent to clean out your closet? The plan was to donate the things no longer worn or of use: the end goal- purge, release and grow. I have. Starting so energized. Having eaten my tea, a bagel, and eggs with spinach to fuel my efforts! I’m… Continue reading
Focusing On Me: Permission to Discover Wholeness
There are days when the slightest thing frustrates me, and I’m easily triggered to respond with a snide comment or not-so-favorable body language. Immediately, I take a step back to ask, “what have I done for me lately?” If my answer is “umm,” then I know taking time to focusing on myself by rejuvenating and… Continue reading
Letting Go: May Gave Me Permission
As a child and teen growing up in the 70s and 80s, I asked my parents’ permission. Certainly, asking was the expectation. I would always start my ask by saying, “Mom/Dad may I…?” I couldn’t do what I wanted, how I wanted, or when I wanted. However, as an adult, I asked less and did… Continue reading
Self-Love: I Choose Me
I’ve come to realize that there is a consequence to contorting to the status quo and not listening to my gut. Dimming my light by accepting what isn’t for me. Subsequently, taking an emotional toll on me. Feeling sadness. Expressing frustration. Haunted by episodes of isolation. It became clear that I needed to refocus my… Continue reading
Self-Sureness: Check Your Posture
It is not unusual for me to have a different visual in my head from what others see. An area where I know this is true is my body language. In my head, I am conveying the message of engagement, confidence, and understanding. In reality, I don’t feel self-sureness. For instance, I am slouching as… Continue reading
Self-Care Currency
During my morning walk, I listen to a podcast. Enabling me to continue improving my mindset, and aligns my intentions. This go-round, I listened to On Purpose with Jay Shetty, the interview with Big Sean. Big Sean dropped a gem- self-care isn’t selfish, and gratitude feeds growth. If both were currency, how much would someone… Continue reading