• Woman in a haze of confusion

    Why Unlearning Is One Key to Growth in 2026

    I was speaking with a friend this morning who was doubting herself—her reaction to a situation she already knew the answer to—yet was still willing to give the offending person the benefit of the doubt. A person who, in my opinion, was way past that point and who earned all the doubt and zero benefit. I listened and in response I said my piece, spoke my truth, and she heard me. She’s my mate and I’d never steer her wrong, but when our convo was over it left me thinking: what if, in this season — still wintering, so to speak — and not rushing to force ourselves to learn…

  • The word CLAIM faded in the background with multi colored hands reaching

    I’m Not Revealing Myself in 2026, I’m Claiming It

    I’ve got it! It’s locked in, loaded, and ready to go. My word for 2026 is CLAIM. Behold and absorb the visual of me breathing a giddy sigh of relief. I flirted with some other real-deal contenders. But claim landed like a slap to the face that I soothed into sticking, and a friend helped me see why. Reveal wasn’t strong enough. For me, anyway. I didn’t need to show who I am. I already know. This year is about claiming it. Phase two of who the heck knows. Claiming the work I’ve been doing quietly.Claiming the parts of myself I held back while waiting to feel comfortable.Claiming forward movement…

  • black and white image open journal with january 1 on it and it's next to 2 champagne glasses

    How To See January as a Continuation, Not a Correction

    When I think about resetting, January is the biggest, dustiest, stankest lie I feel like we all agree to tell ourselves. We pretend it’s the start of a brand new season, when the holidays literally just ended five minutes ago and I’m still too full to dive into anything with any real gumption. Don’t push me. January equals dark I still love all my January birthday babes, February ones for that matter, too, but January is dark! It’s dark when we wake up, dark when we leave work, and dark when we get home. And somehow we’re, read I’m, supposed to hop up and reinvent our lives right here, right…

  • Glass amber heart in water droplets

    Finish These 5 Easy Reflection Prompts to Close Out 2025

    Hi friends, who’s ready to wrap up 2025? And who’s beyond tired? Yep, same. So how are you closing out this calendar year and checking off day 365? With some more honesty, more gratitude, some reflection, growth, pleading for calm… or maybe a little humble bragging. Ooh, love that for you! Now, put down the whatever. Take a moment, and a deep breath, and finish these sentence prompts. No overthinking or second-guessing you allowed. And perfection? We don’t know her, and we don’t owe her. Comfy? Cosy? Ready? Okay, let’s go: Bonus Prompt! Yes, I’m sneaky! Drop your answers in the comments 👇(No grammar checks. No pressure. Just your delicious…

  • Beach alcove with rusty 'Destination Reached' wooden weathered sign.

    A Reminder for Anyone Who Feels Behind Right Now

    One with a few words but giant vibes as we wrap up 2025. Here’s a snackable truth: the calendar may be running out, but you’re not. You’re still moving—sometimes with momentum, other times like you’re dragging a mountain in some dusty, worn-out flip-flops. Didn’t cross off all your finish lines? Shake it off, Luv. You’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Read this if you feel behind (though you’re not). You don’t need to rush this season I’m calling this an active change, and you’re allowed to keep going at this pace. You don’t need to justify your pace. It’s time for you to enjoy this, and all the seasons—tied…

  • Gavel in Christmas decor

    Holiday Traditions That Need To End in a Lawsuit

    My Possibly Unhinged, Maybe Accurate, But Deeply Necessary List The holidays: a magical time of joy, connection, warmth… and an absurd number of expectations no one signed up for. Some traditions are sweet.Some trigger warm memories you actually want to hold on to.But those other ones? Jail. They need: So, in the spirit of healing, humor, and all the chaos I feel is needed, here’s your (my) completely necessary list of… Holiday Traditions That Should Absolutely, Positively End in a Lawsuit… beginning in 2025. 1. Unnecessarily leaving the comfort of my home to go into the ‘Winter’ First of all? Why? Second of all, who’s asking? Third-of all… why?Absolutely not!…

  • 48 neon numbers

    The 48-Hour Pre-Holiday Survival Challenge

    Non-apologetic. Completely necessary. Do it once, then repeat as needed. I’m learning that the best skill for navigating any holiday isn’t planting a fake veneer of cheer on your face. It’s doing what you actually want and fully enjoying it in the moment, and again when you look back once it’s all over. So before the chaos hits, here’s the 48-hour reset that I praying will keep me sane, hydrated, and unbothered like a champ. Feel free to steal all or some of mine, or create your own, and then protect your peace like it’s the fragile sliver of calm before the internet gifts you more political clownery with a generous helping…

  • Beautiful black woman in warm clothing with a sign that reads 'Desperately Seeking Sunshine'

    How to Survive December When You Absolutely Hate the Cold

    Let me be clear from jump: I am not a cold-weather loving girly. I do not flourish in frost. I do not awaken joyfully to the dank darkness. And I have never, nor will I ever, romanticize a numb bum, fingers or toes.I miss the beach. I miss sand. I miss sun. And when I’m on the Maryland side, that delicious summer heat hugs instead of attacks – 99-degree boob-sweat days aside, clearly. Every year, my brain has to formally come to terms with the fact that for the next three months, I will be waking up in darkness and also ending my days in darkness. At some point in the…