Boundaries when it comes to your life and relationships are either mildly compromisable or else hard-line non-negotiable. What I mean by this, is that people grow and develop into the person they want to become, they either grow with the people around them, or else figure out that they need to deviate from one another […]
Read moreThings are always changing, and finding the right person in life to help adapt with those changes is so important when it comes to living a fulfilling and happy life. I sure as hell am not the same person now as I was in my early 20s, and I know that if I had tried […]
Read moreFamily. It’s that time of year again, where there are so many pictures cropping up online of people with their families, enjoying spending some quality time together over the holidays. As fortunate as I feel to be able to have family around and close by in order to do this with, I also truly empathize […]
Read moreWhat is going on in the world lately? More division, more ravaging of lands, more bloodshed, more hate, more sadness. I’m trying to remember the words of Mister Rogers in these times of bleak despair, and that is to “look for the helpers.” Monday, November 13th was ‘World Kindness Day,’ and the world could sure […]
Read moreI can’t believe it. I can not believe just how fast time flies. My husband’s daughter Aaliyah, who I met when she was only 13 years old, is turning 21 next Monday. I guess by all accounts, it would be “stepdaughter,” but to me, it always felt odd saying that because we got married when […]
Read moreI can’t believe I wrote a post a few weeks ago lamenting my age lines and the deterioration of my body, when it’s such a privilege to grow old enough to see those withered lines looking back at me in the mirror. The longer we live, the more we experience the loss of loved ones […]
Read moreIs my partner my biggest advocate, confidante, cheerleader, supporter? Or secretly, a hater lurking in the shadows? By this I mean are they truly rooting for me when I am excelling in things, even when they themselves are coming up short, which let’s be honest, can be quite the blow to anyone’s ego. Watching those around […]
Read moreLately, I’ve been making a bunch of Jiu Jitsu related content and videos on my social media pages, and I’ve read all of the comments underneath them, many laden with “I feel so seen!” And it really got me thinking about outliers in the community. Like dang, if you don’t fall into this neat little […]
Read moreI worked so hard growing up never to stand out. I wanted to blend right in so I wouldn’t be differentiated and then subjected to scrutiny and ridicule. Never alone, but always amongst others where I could camouflage myself in the crowd. Early on in childhood, I pushed hard to excel and stand out. Then, […]
Read moreIt’s the 6th Valentine’s Day together with my person, but the first one as husband and wife. And yes, while I think this is a dumb commercial holiday all meant for the greeting card companies and chocolate companies to make copious amounts of money, I can’t help but to feel somewhat sentimental and especially grateful […]
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