Choose. (Part II)
I recently went through a bad breakup. I realize now what made it even more difficult is that it was protracted, for several reasons. And I realize that my self-esteem was adversely affected, and my spirit was nearly crushed – not as much by the dissolution of the relationship, as by the perceived coldness. Some of the things said and done during that long stretch … Continue reading Choose. (Part II)
Choose. (Part I)
At the top of the month, I visited my friend Tiffany and her family in Houston. She and I were catching up, and one of the things she said during our conversation is ‘Life is simple; people make it hard.’ I was taken back to a few years ago when my Uncle, Ricky, said the same thing. I thought about it. And they’re right. Yes, … Continue reading Choose. (Part I)
Life.
It’s the 26th week of the year. We’re officially halfway through 2021. Wow. The hours, days, and weeks are truly flying by. When I relaunched my blog at the top of the year, I had a plan to post weekly. On a schedule. Like clockwork. But I quickly realized that this approach felt contrived. Disingenuous. I have to write as things come to me, touch me. … Continue reading Life.
Acceptance.
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” Probably one of the most duplicated, recited, and recognizable pleas. A short, simple prayer. Full of intention and power. In writing the “Serenity Prayer,” author Rev. Reinhold Neibuhr seemed to be seeking calm and peace. Him and I have that in common. … Continue reading Acceptance.
Clarity.
clar·i·ty/ˈklerədē/noun the quality of being coherent and intelligible; the quality of transparency or purity. In academic and professional settings, I’ve always been labeled as “smart” and “having a way with words.” Oration. Writing. Punchlines. But still. Intelligence and apt expression haven’t made my life a crystal stair. Because a crystal stair is clear. And my life has been murky. Like the Delta River. Mississippi side. … Continue reading Clarity.
Sovereignty (Feel, Part II)
feel/fēl/verb be aware of (a person or object) through touching or being touched; experience (an emotion or sensation) Feelings can truly be one of the most enigmatic concepts to grasp. I’ve always been an emotional person. Even as a kid, I laughed very easily and cried in kind. But I’ve also been slow to anger and quick to forgive. Maybe to own detriment. Maybe it … Continue reading Sovereignty (Feel, Part II)
Love.
I was disillusioned. And I was “over” how things were going. The trajectory was inconsistent. The path was rocky for years. There were things I expected from our partnership (or didn’t expect but now realize that I should have). There were things I wanted, needed, deserved. But I still didn’t get. And I know he pretty much felt the same. Somewhere in between entering our 30s, parenthood, … Continue reading Love.
Feel.
Some say grief is the final act of love. I’ve heard others characterize it as “love with nowhere to go.” I’ve understood – and experienced – grief in both ways. I overstand now that grief is proof of life. Proof that love once lived and remains after a transition has taken place. You might not be able to actualize the love in the same way, … Continue reading Feel.
Pray.
Truth moment: I finally watched the Oprah & Meghan interview, and one part in particular really resonated with me. Meghan spoke candidly about the morning she told her husband, Prince Harry, that she needed help because she didn’t want to live anymore. These were not abstract thoughts, she explained to O. These were methodical, repetitive, real, palpable thoughts. The couple had an official event the … Continue reading Pray.
Friends.
It’s Women’s History Month. And all I can think about are all the women who’ve been carrying me on their backs lately. And for a long time. Formerly and presently. Subtly. Without trying. Without prompting or pressure. Organically. Just lifting me up with their presence. Texts that make me smile. Musings that make ponder. Moves that inspire and motivate me. Examples of grace, strength, resilience, … Continue reading Friends.
