Romanticizing Our View

October 19, 2025October 19, 2025Leave a comment

I’m unsure when it happened, but one day, it clicked for me that romanticizing your life is the biggest if not one of the most essential life hacks. In a world and a time where it’s deemed “better” to always be doing something fresh, novel, exhilarating, or leading you to what someone else defines as success, it’s easy to forget that getting to experience ordinary, uneventful days that you can shape is such a blessing. Over the last several months, I’ve made it a point to own my moments and opportunities to be jazzed by my daily life activities and rituals. Why? Because the majority of our days are not going to be a full 10 on the excitement meter…unless we make them that way. If we were actually rating days, I’d propose that any day you wake up to see already started at a 10 even if it didn’t include winning a prestigious award, enjoying tropical fruits on a faraway island, or getting the last available chocolate glazed donut for the morning at the bake shop. The reality is monotony is often a part of life and getting to live in those simplistic moments is a privilege. To recognize and honor that, I started creating space to be much more mindful and celebratory of those moments that furthered my happiness and love for what I get to do. For me, it has looked like —

Buying myself flowers and making what I’d say are very pretty arrangements for stems that were once shelved by the broccoli and brussels. I learned some time ago that while it’s incredibly sweet when someone else gives you flowers, doing it for yourself is an act of self-love and admiration. Don’t let the only time you celebrate you be because someone else did it.

Making French press coffee in the morning sometimes because it’s not an instant process and that alone helps me avoid what feels like a rushed start to the day. Do know that beakers and a dishwasher don’t go together, so you’ll need time…plenty of it.

Trying a new recipe that requires a little strategic planning on your next grocery run yet isn’t too far off from the normal items you’d buy. Sorry not sorry, but I’m not buying a spice that’s only available at a specialty store and good for one dish. But…I will buy the Italian tomatoes that will taste divine with my hand grated parmesan.

Using dinner plates that I would normally only eat on if I was hosting guests. I’m here to confirm that snow peas taste better on the pretty plates and weekdays are made for recycled paper ones.

Finding shops that curate collections of vintage glassware and vases. Whether thrift, locally owned boutique, or antique, I’m there. Simply browsing is therapeutic for me and a way to slow time that’s already frozen in a decade of dishes.

Lighting the candles I’ve collected and convinced myself that I should save for some sort of special occasion not realizing that now is the special occasion. Now what kind of scents does that make?

Taking the scenic route home just to have more time to listen to and sing my favorite songs in the car. They’re always better in the car. Always. Carpool karaoke is life. IYKYK.

Diffusing essential oils in my room or bathroom to channel lavender and jasmine serenity. Because spa vibes without needing to travel anywhere is everything. It’s also a weeeee bit cheaper.

Surrounding myself with a jazz ballad or classical piano sonata that makes me feel like I’m in an elevator or waiting room. That’s until the songs transition to the latest bop because going from Mozart to Megan is very possible on my playlist.

Putting on mascara and perfume during the work week for my own personal pizazz. Look good, smell good, do good! A motivational motto.

Getting lost in the library or bookstore for an unknown amount of time because I wait until the spirit moves me to leave. And because I’m usually enchanted by the world of words, a warm beverage adds a little dash of delight (but not at the library because rules…please abide).

Laughing with people at the food or clothing store because we’re looking for deals we probably won’t find and somehow we end up in a dialogue over fruits in season or wide leg trouser trends. I’m one of those people who will be minding my own business and someone will start telling me all their stories or ask for advice. Not sure if it’s my smiley nature or a magnetic force, but to be in harmony with other humans is to be alive. And you always get to decide the energy you’re going to bring to an interaction. Just know it’s hardly random or chance because God specializes in perfect placements.

All of this and so much more is a montage of what I deem as sacred presence…of life and of love. May this be a reminder that the allure of your being is you, and the lens you choose to view your every day sets the tone of your life experience. What’s in your view?

You Can Choose Regard

February 16, 2024Leave a comment

Sometimes we forget how far we’ve come. I can remember earlier in 2023 feeling like I was standing in the middle of a maze with no idea if there was indeed a fulfilling path to follow. Some days there was a burst of motivation to figure it out; other days everything seemed to be moving in slow motion or not at all. It was a feeling I hadn’t previously experienced in this capacity. And it didn’t take me long to determine that whatever strategies I had employed in the past to see me through weren’t going to work for this because…burnout. The ugly ‘b’ word. Although juggling and the diversification of life’s happenings have always had a starring role in my story, this was beyond that. It was a wall that I couldn’t scale anymore. It was a constant overwhelm of WTHs. It was honestly a joy stealer. And the latter was enough for the light bulb to go off, because I love my joy. Ain’t nothing stealing that!

Burnout had become more than exhaustion for me. It started to chip away at my mental clarity. At my desire to persevere. At my intention to see the glass half full. Much of that was attributed to many life transitions happening simultaneously and trying to stay above water. I’m no swimmer, but I can tell you that no one can tread forever. And as I sit here and reflect on the days of 2023 that are now in the rearview, I know I’m a far cry from where I began. I have my faith, my therapist, my coach, and my consistency to thank for that because what tried to steal my joy failed at that mission. If I learned nothing else last year and even now, it’s that many things can be true at the same time. Ultimately, (with my structured reinforcements and supports as mentioned), that’s what slowly caused my burnout to dissipate. I started understanding the layers of what was draining me at the granular level while also centering every moment and experience that lifted me. Some of that centering led me to festivals, paradise, new states, and food…because I’m always going to have a love-love relationship with delectable dishes. It also led me to nurturing current and new connections, guilt-free days of nothingness, and self-advocacy. But, most importantly, the centering centered me. And as a selfless being by nature (I once heard my friend describe it as ‘loyal to a fault’), I’m taking on 2024 with burnout behind and me at top of mind. Things are different because I’m different and I think different. I also considered it a win having both my therapist and coach confirm the shifts they’ve observed from their vantage points over the course of our time together.

May the days ahead be a reflection of us showing ourselves that many things will continue to be true at the same time. Let them also represent a declaration of our personal commitment to joy that honors who we are at our core and not allowing that to fall by the wayside. Because to have joy is to show regard and compassion for yourself. That is the seed that we must first water before we can properly extend our blooms to others.

The Subtlety of Stories

December 3, 2022July 3, 2023Leave a comment

It’s true when they say time will sail beyond if you don’t stop to look around. With less than 30 days left in this year, I find myself stopping in moments a whole lot more to witness the day’s wonders and live through the breaths I have the opportunity to take. In doing so, I’ve recently felt the subtle joy from

Bubbles escaping the window of the car next to me at a red light…that made me smile

My angels speaking to me through repetitive numbers on the clock, speedometer, receipts, and off ramps

A colorful flower dancing from side to side in the wind

A canopy of the fall season draping over my car as I looked up to the sky on a country road less traveled with sister company

Surprise packages on my doorstep at times when I wasn’t looking for anything but needed a heart

The friendliest welcome and big smile from the Trader Joe’s grocer who bagged my flowers with an extra touch of kindness

The happiness in my friend’s voice when introducing me to mochi donuts and durian…the latter that made me twist my face in unpleasant shock (try for yourself though)

My grandpa’s usual reply that “he’s knocking along for an old man” when I ask how he’s doing

Traveling along a familiar road and suddenly noticing a sign of my grandma’s presence

A case of the FaceTime giggles during homework time with my bayou babies

Walking the cobblestones in a new city and expecting to discover a gift shop or snack to remember

Rotating holiday lights on someone’s wheelchair as we eagerly awaited the Christmas parade featuring a famous mouse

A new mug with pretty perfect colors or a witty phrase calling my name from the shelf in a store I frequent more than I’d like to admit

Works of art depicting the vastness of the color wheel and a nod to discovery through books

It’s so easy to think everything in life is supposed to be a long story to tell. But, the length matters not as the takeaway shall always be that the author is alive to be a part of the story.

Stop. Notice. Look for the stories. They’re in the subtlety of what can easily sail by.

Clap For Yourself

January 4, 2022January 28, 20221 Comment

To land on the other side of an intense year unscathed is nothing short of a blessing. I was tried on every side and certainly had moments when I thought I’d fold. But, I didn’t. My word for 2021 was “thrive.” Little did I know when I chose and meditated on that word that it would require me to be strong when I had little to give and that I’d have to ride a ton of waves of uncertainty all while believing that I wouldn’t succumb to volatile drifting tides. To thrive is “to grow or develop vigorously.” Take that a step further and you recognize that “vigorous” is characterized as energetic and forceful. I’d say that this year’s experiences lived up to the description with many lows and highs.

I did things and moved in the ways that made me step up and step out. None of it was to have a boastful story to tell. That’s not how I roll. But, all of it was to refill the cup that I have successfully managed to drain over the years by overdoing it with compromise and choosing one time too many to diminish my desires. I am an unconsciously selfless person. Now, you might think that’s admirable. And in a way, it is. However, if you’re not careful, it also means that it’s easy for imbalances to go unchecked. When that happens, you can sometimes place less emphasis on what works for you because you’re in a perpetual state of being there for everyone and everything except yourself. Well, I made it a point in 2021 to choose me and not feel guilty or weird about it. I’d like to profess that it was a rather simple personal order, but that would be a laughable lie. I had my moments when I slipped back into my old patterns of it’s a small sacrifice or you know what I can say less and wait a little longer on that. However, I had more moments when I was like nah, I choose me or go big or go home, girl. In fact, it makes me think of a GIF that I sent to a friend to symbolize my declaration to self that I wasn’t playing small or with people about my feelings or pursuits.

I dedicate this year’s manifestations of prosperity in my thoughts, my home, my career, my relationships, my sorority life, my cooking (I came. I saw. I killed it with more than a couple recipes.), and a host of dope experiences to my silent prayers, loyal friends, pools of tears, countless calls to my mom, supporters who carried me, and God’s winks. I thrived because of it all. And for that, I’m not entering 2022 with a list of resolutions. Those never worked for me. Instead, I’m here with a chilled glass of La Marca clapping vigorously for myself because what was supposed to stop me only helped me to level up in the best ways possible. Cheers!

If you do nothing else this year, do you for you! And then clap for yourself about it! Happy New Year, friends! xo

Monday’s Mantra: Do More Little Things

July 3, 2018April 9, 2019Leave a comment

Two years ago, I became an independent jewelry designer for a company that’s built on doing more of what you love with the people you love. As a charms based company, there’s an extensive selection of charms that represent family, hobbies, seasons, sports, and much more. But, my favorite charms in the collection are the engravables, because they can be customized with dates, initials, names, and quotes. These are particularly appealing to me, because they’ve given me the opportunity to wear my values on my wrist. Each time I look down I can be reminded of what I believe and stand for.

My most prized engravable is my hematite geo bar that reads, “little things.” If you’ve been following my posts over the years, you probably know that I base my life on the little things. For me, the small gestures of kindness toward myself, my presence for the celebratory and even non-celebratory moments for loved ones and friends, and the thoughtful gifts that I curate or purchase is what brings me the most happiness. I try to be intentional about the way I care for myself and those in my life by not being consumed with flashiness. Instead I purposely choose to invest my time, energy, and being into what makes my soul smile. Some days that might mean that I stand outside and listen to the whistle of the wind, go to the library to see if my knowledge of Dewey Decimal System is up to par (yes, I know what that is!), or randomly mail a card to someone letting them know I’m proud of what they’re doing. I do this because I’ve recognized that it’s the small things that we often take for granted that bring delight to our days and a boost to who we are as human beings. When we remove our focus from the little things it’s easier to become overwhelmed, overworked, and overly consumed by materialistic or shallow things and feelings. That instantly robs us of the ability to appreciate our blessings and privileges.

If I could give one piece of life advice, I’d say do more of the little things. That could come in the form of saying “no” when you know you’re not really committed, finally booking the plane ticket for the vacation you’ve never taken because you don’t want to get behind, not feeling guilty for leaving work on time so you can grab dinner with friends, devoting a portion of your day to pursuing your passions, calling the family member you haven’t heard from in a while, or eating the slice of cheesecake because you want to celebrate an accomplishment. The truth is that all of those little things will be the peace that you’ve likely searched for in other places. Everything we do doesn’t have to be big, bold, and witnessed by the masses. But, everything we do should be a collective representation of every little thing that makes us stress less and cherish more of what we love while we’re here.

Monday’s Mantra: Don’t Take It Personal

October 25, 2016February 16, 2024Leave a comment

I think I deserve a pat on the back for growth. Rarely do I ever toot my own horn about anything, but nowadays I have to celebrate the fact that I’ve made some strides in a rewarding direction. There used to be a time when I would take everything personally. The weight of a conflict, letdown, or confrontation was a burden that I believed had everything to do with me and how I may have initiated or reacted to the disturbance. I often proceeded to carry the blame for things that I should’ve let fall away like the leaves from a tree on a brisk autumn day (is it just me or did this season waltz in quickly like it’s ready to put on a show stopping performance?). While I may not have held any grudges toward the parties involved, I allowed myself to be far too consumed with the ways in which things had escalated and why someone could be so discourteous with little regard for my feelings. I think one of the reasons why I’m not too fond of merry-go-rounds is because I had one that was constantly spinning in my head. I’d go round and round with myself only to feel irritable and drained once I decided the ride in my brain was closed for the day.

It only took a few years for me to learn that a surefire way to exhaust your peace is to walk around being angry and offended. I’ve lived long enough to know that there will be people in life who will do and say things that will make you scratch your head or want to let out a few expletives (again, God is not finished with me yet!). There will be words that sting and actions that hurt. But, you can’t take it personally. The truth is that most of the time people’s responses have nothing to do with you. This is why you’ll find yourself in situations with people where the apology or discussion you want will never come. You’ll be told a lie before they realize you would’ve respected them more with the truth, and you may even have to settle with being wrong when all the evidence says you’re right. And guess what? You can’t take it personally. People respond in life based on their individual experiences and perceptions. Some responses will be favorable and some you’ll wish they had been counseled on before you crossed their path. Either way it’s not something you can control since God works on all of us in different ways and at a different pace. Why give energy to what you can’t control when it’s a battle you were never meant to fight?

I can assure you that the less you take personally, the more years you’ll add to your life. So, stop being mad and start being mindful of what you allow to rest in your spirit. Everything and everyone isn’t meant for you to handle. And something tells me you weren’t meant to slay other people’s giants!

I Choose My Peace

September 18, 2016October 16, 2016Leave a comment

garden of peace If I had a choice between $1 million and my peace, I’d choose my peace. First off, $1 million isn’t a lot of money once Uncle Sam gets his cut. Secondly, peace can stay with me for the duration of my life; if you don’t make money work for you, then eventually it runs out. I don’t ever want to be in a place where I no longer have my peace. That tranquility. That stillness. That unshakable love for who I am and where I am (and even where I’m not). Those are all things that money can’t buy, keep you happy, or plugged into the miracles of life. I look for peace in everything. And with age I’ve learned how critical it is to make a concerted effort to be peace, give peace, and accept that peace isn’t always going to look like you have the upper hand.

To be peace means that you choose to approach each day with gratefulness and an expectant heart for that which is good. Every minute of every hour is not going to be something to write home about. The volatile details that make up our lives can be challenging, annoying, and unnerving. But, allowing those things to alter your attitude and drain the delight from your character will not change the story. You have to be intentional about maintaining the energy that makes you bright, bold, and bountiful in your love for the delicate tapestry of your being.

To give peace means that you choose your battles. I can think of more than a few things and offenses in my life that didn’t warrant a response or reaction, but I gave one. And what exactly did that do besides cause a volcanic eruption of emotions between all parties involved? I’d venture to say…nothing. Sometimes it’s best to let things pass right on by. And it’s not because you don’t have valid points, but because making those points is going to infringe on the harmony you need to be a better human. In that moment, there’s so many more things of importance.

To accept that peace isn’t going to always look like the odds are in your favor means that you understand everyone you encounter is walking a path that you don’t know much if anything about. Living ain’t easy, and all of us govern our lives according to our personal experiences. The fact that we process and internalize differently can sometimes lead to rifts in relationships because we all want to be understood. But, typically no one understands why we are who we are until the dust settles. Frankly, some people have a little more living to do before they know what it means to give peace. You have to be attuned to the concept of loving people where they are to tap into the peace of what it means to win the war instead of exhausting all of you on the battle. A lot about life isn’t about you, and 99% of the time people know when they’re wrong. So, when you have to be the mirror, be patient enough for people to see their reflection. Accept that you haven’t lost anything or been forgotten. You’re really a lifeline for someone who probably hasn’t had the courage to divulge and embrace they’re imperfections.

A life without peace is a life without joy. And if you don’t have joy, then you simply don’t have life. So, as long as I’m here, I choose peace because with that there are mountains I can climb, roads I can travel, seeds I can plant, and no limit to the skies that I can touch.