I resonated so deeply with this article by
. I won’t ask you to read it or not - it’s up to you, as I respect where everyone is at on their own mental health journey & what they have the bandwidth to digest. It may have dark tones, as Jameela prefaced, but it’s true, real, and powerful. For anyone paying attention to the world around us right now, you might also feel seen in this piece. But KNOW that you’re not alone…and that together we can create the ripple of healing we so badly need.
This is why sharing vulnerably is scary, though. And why I am always writing blogs low key convincing myself that I have to share it. It’s always been vulnerable, but these days, it comes with a heavy weight - one I’m not entirely interested in carrying - but in some ways, come with the territory. At least, if I am continuing this journey of finishing this book that I’m knee deep in writing. Or ya know - being a human in times such as these.
Quote from my blog, Stories Are My Offering: These are THE times. This is it. I’ve been writing for months in my notebooks, asking God, life, history, myself, anybody who will listen - are these the times?!
My birthday is in less than a month and I’ve always been someone to talk about it like it’s Christmas. As I’ve gotten older, it’s become a much quieter time of reflection and inquiry as I enter my personal New Year. This year, I have already been doing a LOT of that already and I need some time to “just be.”
That said, I’m going to scale back on the public vulnerability a bit so I can go inside. When I am out *here* with my heart on my sleeve so much, I am constantly looking over my shoulder - checking for notifications, wondering if anybody had something to say - good or bad. I have a hard time letting myself go enough to deeply connect these days for all the reasons stated above + my personal health, family life, and other responsibilities. Not to mention, and in case I haven’t said it - the fucking times are insane. It’s wild outside.
So, as I take care of myself in that way and look forward to entering a new year, I just want to focus on giving you gifts from the journey. The personal story telling will be limited to the VIP section of the blog, while all subscribers will receive songs to a curated playlist that sets the stage for the book I’m working on, book recommendations, quotes, self-inquiry tools, and little knick-knacks I’ve stuffed in my pockets as I’ve traveled through life.
If you find these writings/sharings valuable, you may want to consider becoming a VIP subscriber where you can hang out in what I like to call “the hug zone.” I do what I can to provide bonus content and connection opportunities for those individuals but more than anything I DEEPLY appreciate their support and love. I have endless content that I will be producing in connection to the book that I look forward to sharing in that space.
Your $5 a month supports this work and the sustains my ability to share with you more than you might realize. To everyone who has already made that leap, I THANK YOU!! Thank you for seeing me and fanning the wind beneath my wings for so long.
QUESTION - on your playlist of life, what would the intro song be? If your life was a feature film, what song would set the tone for the journey?
Here’s mine (and also the inspiration behind the question above.)
I’ll share more from the playlist this week.
As far as books go - I got lost in the sauce.
I have several opened right now … old habits die hard. idk what to tell ya. I’ll land on one and I think it might be a re-read. I’ve been seeking some clues and my eyes landed on a book I’ve shared before - The Book of Secrets by Deepak Chopra. It’s full of dog ears, highlights, and personal anecdotes. We won’t get into my spiritual beliefs again … so take what’s for you and leave the rest. For me, it all pieces together along with my personal relationship with God for a deeper understanding of how to heal, think, and process life.
To my friends celebrating Sukkot, Chag Sameach. (I Googled that, but sending you lots of love and peace this week.)
To my friends feeling the same as that article I shared, I’m here. We can hug each other through it. If you’re local to me, check out one of the community events we are having this week on my IG or FB.
If you’re virtual, let’s connect. Tell me what you really find yourself needing right now and I will aim to provide those tools - either from my toolbox or a friend’s.
I love yall. Keep breathing. xo
I can appreciate needing to take a step back from constantly being vulnerable in our posts. I feel the same way sometimes. These are weird times.