I spent the next month or so focusing on work. Easy because it was necessary. None of us had been in a school building in 18 months and we were severely out of practice. There was a lot to be done. So many academic, behavioral, and social gaps to fill. Routines, procedures, expectations, relationship-building. For children and adults. Outside of work, I worked on my … Continue reading Seasons, Part II: All Falls Down
There’s a season for everything. To be born. To die. To live. And in living, we connect with many other people. Many other souls. Some hang around for a lifetime (or what seems like one). Others linger momentarily or pass right by. Some people find a way to get inside us, causing massive transformation – for better or worse. But even what appears to be … Continue reading Seasons, Part I: A Midsummer’s Night Dream
“You are everything.” That’s what I’ve told myself a million times. You might not be everything to every single person on Earth, but there are a lot of people on this planet. You are everything that someone is looking for. They’re going to be happy with you. They’re not going to constantly criticize you or try to change who you are at your core. How you … Continue reading Choose. (Part III)
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)
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)
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.
“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.
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.
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)
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.
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