Unlabeled.

If another person calls me difficult, challenging, or too much, I may scream…

Why is it that when women, including myself, assert themselves, it's immediately labeled challenging or too much? And then, to add insult to injury, I was told, 'You're going to have a hard time with a man, much less finding a husband’—Ew.

Am I to believe that women are just going along with whatever, and am I the only one who isn't passive? There's no way!

I want to be clear: I am not one of those extreme feminists who think all men are terrible. I do not believe that at all. However, I also encounter similar attitudes from women. Once again, someone said, "Shan, you are just too difficult."

I think I am offended.

While I don't need validation of my identity or womanhood, being told that I am viewed as "challenging" affects me deeply. Having just completed a year of singleness after a seven-year long-term relationship, I'm on a journey to become a better version of myself. I always believe in reflection and there’s always room for improvement. I contacted some of my closest friends to explore this notion and understand how they perceive me. Do they see me as challenging? More specifically, what does that even mean? Is my quest for love and connection destined to fail because I am perceived as too complicated? What exactly is considered "too difficult"? Why does this perception even exist?

Let's dive in.

This idea of being a difficult woman is not a new nuance to the world, but recently, I have come across more than one person saying this. A little about me: I tend to say what's on my mind. If there is not a word to ever describe me, it's the word passive. I have large eyes; I see everything, and I tend to say what others want to say but may not say for whatever reason -Did you catch that?

I am a firm believer in showing up as your most authentic self and the same time, I do believe in time and place for confronting matters. I have also been working on how I say things because, let's not front. Your message can be great; however, if it's not said in the right space with the right tone, who's listening? I am a vulnerable person, or what I like to call a Sensitive Savage.

In the dating world, I have learned assertion is not always deemed "ladylike." Digging deep with this notion, I found most of the men I speak to and encounter would describe me as a "high-value woman" and no-nonsense, whatever that's supposed to mean. They reference my accolades, which are not everyday accomplishments. How I speak, dress— because sis gets busy with a broche on my left shoulder, and more of having my own. My mother has raised me to be independently equipped because, baby—One thing no one can ever say is my hand is out looking for someone to take care of me.

My friend specifically focused on material things and said, "look at the car you drive." Most people can't afford the things you think are basic. ( His thoughts and feelings—not mine.) Throughout our discussion, he seemed pretty uncomfortable, likely due to the intensity of my facial expressions. The way I think about it is: When someone sets a deadline, like saying something needs to be done by 9 PM, I will look at the clock. If 9:02 PM rolls around and that task remains incomplete, I'll inquire, "Didn't you say 9 PM?" According to my subject expert, this sort of questioning or "holding up a mirror" can be intimidating for many people. It can cause them to feel as though they are walking on eggshells, especially if they are unaccustomed to being held accountable. This tendency is often labeled challenging, as I frequently find myself going against the grain of the status quo.

As someone who enjoys exploring the human psyche, I often watch and read about love and how people connect. In particular, I find some reality TV shows good for the soul, and I enjoy Netflix's "Love is Blind." Season seven features Marissa and Ramses, and their storyline caught my attention. Some may agree, while others may not, but when Ramses tells Marissa that her "energy may be too much for him" and ends their engagement on the show, I immediately empathize with her heartbreak. She breaks down, visibly crushed, and Ramses also shows his emotions. Their journey continues into the reunion, where she discuss the concept of being "too much" for anyone and admits even after him saying she was too much, she continued sleeping with him —_—. While the show includes many complexities, this line made me reflect on feeling "too much," as I have been told this repeatedly.

I hated how she embodied being "too much" for Ramses as a depiction of being too much for anyone as a whole because her love life is not where societal norms deems it should be at her age. While feeling pretty low, she continues to sleep with him which confused me. This portrayal made her appear as if she was somehow inadequate or excessive instead of embracing the uniqueness of her.

I honestly do not think that "being too much" is even a real concept. Everyone is different and holds various qualities about themselves. Some people click instantaneously, and some people don't. We must remember that people come from multiple walks of life where trauma, experience, time, and capacity can really make or break how we show up for ourselves and our relationships.—However, not fitting in with someone does not mean they are too much or challenging; they just may not work for you. In today's norm and what we see in the media, men and women have to fit this stigma, and when they don't, it's as if something is "wrong" with them.

Again, this isn't a space where I bash men because women, too, have told me how "difficult I am" and that I will have a hard time being with any man. According to a female subject expert, it isn't about my looks; however, I tend to "not let things slide" and…drum roll, please… I am not submissive enough…-_-.

I just want to say, If I feel uncomfortable with any situation and that we haven't communicated about, I'm not willing to overlook them. If I don't advocate for my wants and needs, then who will? Communication is essential. How can we grow and learn together if we can't communicate effectively?

Sigh—this submission talk gets me going.

For those in the back, including women, submission is not solely a feminine trait. It is mutual and encompasses selflessness and humility. Both men and women can and should be submissive to each other in a safe environment, which includes emotional and physical safety.

To illustrate, think of a body: a head and a neck. The head is responsible for thinking and observing, while the neck supports the head and allows it to move in various directions. Similarly, men and women should approach relationships with this understanding. Each person plays an important role and must work together to thrive effectively. Submission is not something you do with anyone; it requires a safe foundation. To create an environment conducive to mutual submissiveness, you and your partner must demonstrate leadership within the relationship and responsibility to one another.

For someone who is deeply intentional about every facet of life, particularly when rebuilding self after experiencing heartbreak, being labeled as challenging or "too much" can be hurtful. Yet, I take great pride in embracing a unique, elevated energy that sets me apart. What indeed sends me to the moon is the realization that while people often impose expectations, they may not possess the emotional or mental tools necessary to fulfill their very own requests.

Ultimately, we should dismantle the stereotypes and stigmas that surround individuals, with a particular focus on women, in my case, black women—being too much or difficult. Long goes the days when my voice is not heard, once respectful. In this digital age, where most communication occurs behind the safety of a screen, it's perfectly acceptable to express oneself verbally, even if that expression doesn't align with what others are accustomed to hearing. Authenticity should be celebrated, not stifled. Moreover, just because individuals express themselves differently doesn't imply they are inherently difficult to understand or interact with. Often, perceived difficulties arise from our own unprocessed emotions or insecurities. Acknowledging that making someone feel like they are "too much" is not just unfair; it undermines their authenticity. Bottomline, if my personality or presence feels overwhelming to you, you should seek companionship that aligns more closely with your comfort zone.

As I leave these thoughts here, the labels "difficult," "challenging," or "too much" often reflect our internal struggles rather than a truthful assessment of the other person. We tend to compare ourselves too much with those around us, and when we encounter someone who is unapologetically different or dares to challenge the norms we hold dear, it can evoke feelings of inadequacy. Instead of taking the time to introspect and recognize that these feelings are rooted within us, we may mistakenly project our discomfort onto others. It's crucial to understand that the real challenge lies in our personal growth and self-awareness rather than in the behavior or differences of those we encounter.

So until then, kill the stigmas, do the inner work, and stay true and authentic!

XoXo,

Shan.

The In-Between

Every time there's a transition in the weather, there's some type of transition in my mind and heart as well.

Seasons are special whether we like it or not, and this in-between season, between summer and winter(fall), everything seems out of whack, but is it really? Let's get to talking…

For one, I have not worked out in about three months, so I am trying to regain my footing with that and being healthy. I have been alone. Well, there's Bella, who's my gal, but I have literally been alone more than any other time I can think of. Summer's over, so I have been in the house, baby. I started waking up in the weirdest hours at night: 2:13am, 3:10am, and 1:45am. Granted, one of these nights, my brother woke me out of my sleep playing his ass, but the other times-I just ended up tossing and turning, thinking, and this time, I just started capturing my thoughts…

There's a chill in the morning air, making me snuggle closer to the velvet blanket, and six pillows surrounding me. I look up at the ceiling fan and reflect, and I mumble, "Lord, what do you have in store for me?" In this self-discovery phase of my life, I have struggled with the notion of always being in control of things, and since time is of the essence, I have struggled with finding joy in my waiting season.

As we all know, waiting is never enjoyable, especially when you have a dream or vision of where your life should be. We've talked about this before: By the age of 28, I expected to be a successful attorney, married to my exceptional husband with children, and on the path to becoming a partner. However, life has taken a different turn from this vision...

Nonetheless, what happens when this dream, the one you have envisioned since you were five and prayed for, does not happen? You begin to wonder, am I praying hard enough? Does God hear me? Bruh, you even start questioning if you did something wrong because you did it right after all?- You finish school, get all the degrees, and show up as the best version you can, and still, this dream you have does not populate in real life…

The waiting season should not be too unfamiliar to anyone; whether we are waiting on the home of our dreams, the love of our life, children, or a job, it is difficult to wait. Faith is being tested at an all-time high, but lowkey, I think I am finding my footing with my in-between seasons. I had to really hone in and realize that just because it's not happening right now does not mean it will not happen. Timing is everything, and as you get closer to yourself and your spirituality- you realize how important it is. One, time waits on no one, and two, timing is key with everything. It is also about how we see things; we may want things in a specific way, not realizing we have received what we envisioned but in a different way. Lowkey, one of my prayers has been removing people not for me as I envisioned my life. Lo and behold, there are people that I would have always thought would be there suddenly dropped off the face of the earth. I just told you how secluded I have been recently, right? Being alone does not mean I am lonely; I am just vibrating on a level not everyone can be with me, which is okay.

The in-between season is more than just a period to endure; it is an opportunity to pursue my life. This involves discovering what makes me the healthiest, happiest, fullest, most present, most confident, and the best version of myself and allowing the right people, places, and things to come my way—in that order, honey. While I'm not a therapist, my ultimate aim is to understand myself and stay true to that. Self-awareness enables confident decision-making, prevents stagnation and fear, and fosters independence from others' opinions (especially when they don't even know themselves; come on, give me a break).

Let's ground ourselves in this in-between season, even though it feels like an eternity. Doing so will make us consistent and faithful and provide the stability necessary to pursue our endeavors- love, career, friendships, or fitness! I plan to stay grounded by being authentic. The plan is to Steady. I'll steady to be the person who speaks honestly, even when it's tough to hear, and speak with intention because, let's be real—things tend to slip out of my mouth. I'll steady myself to stop overthinking and trying to control everything (I'm a work in progress). I'll steady in writing because I need to reconnect with my passions! I'll own my areas for improvement and remain faithful that everything will come to me as I wait with open arms.

Stay steady and true, y'all!

-Shan

Saturn’s Return…again?

My thirty-second birthday is here, and I tell you, since turning thirty, my life has been taking me on a ride—a literal hayride. Not me waking up on my birthday with a charlie horse, nah this is me getting old?

In the most recent months of my life, I keep hitting pivots, twists, and turns—and it has been hitting me like a ton of bricks. As I move into this decade as gracefully and unscathed as possible, I find myself questioning who I am, what kind of woman I want to be, and who will be alongside me on this journey.

Birthdays have always been special to me. If you know me, then as a fellow Gemini, one of the most hated signs in the world, I do the absolute most because, of course, It is the day my presence was blessed to the world! But this year was different for me. This year I did not plan a thing, no outfit no outing, NUDDING.

Usually, I am determined to be on a flight, at a party dancing away, or something, but this year, I said screw it! I found myself trying to plan and accommodate others to celebrate me, and it is one of the most draining aspects of celebration. Instead, I have and will continue to be pretentious about how I feel and what I want, and to be honest, this year, I just wanted to be at peace and have love. It sounds cliche, but hear me out.

When I say peace, I mean that. I just wanted to feel content within myself and the energy I exuded. Falling into silence and basking in it. My brain and body these days have been on different wavelengths, and I am fighting hard to maintain that balance. I want to provide a safe space for myself to be who I am, express myself, and keep showing these teeth, hunny! I want to create the peace that I so require; the people I speak to daily, my job, my family, and one day in my love life (whenever I get one again) will all be what I need it to be…for Shannon.

One thing I have been experiencing with this growth is loneliness. No one tells you that when you begin to grow, reflect, and see people for who they are, you shift away from the noise. Which then leaves you with that one friend or by yourself. This season of isolation was hard for me to accept for a while, but now I get it. Difficult times and isolation make you see the value in everything, though. You take in the breeze more, slow down, and experience a lot of silence. In a sense, it’s like you wake up, and the puzzle is finally coming together.

So, as Saturn has reached its solar return, I am embracing the stillness. Have you ever thought about when a big storm will come and how quiet it gets? Yeah, I am about to witness a significant shift soon because right before every storm, there is calmness. Once the storm clears, the sun appears. I am embracing solitude because the noise blinds you. I am getting to it together!

As my birthday is blooming into full effect, here I leave you all with thirty-two gems that are important through this journey of adulthood:

1. Move towards ease and stop resisting the change…

2. Express yourself to the fullest, even when it’s hard and uncomfortable. Stop holding things and building resentment. It really just makes things worse.

3. Take things and people!!—at face value. Stop making excuses for others when they aren’t up at their best.

4. Lay that—ish down! Especially when you know you reached out and tried. Sometimes, people are just not ready, and that’s okay. Lay it down, y’all!

5. No one tells you how lonely growth is. So, I am here to tell you to brace yourself, and nothing is wrong with you. You are just expanding, exploring, and exuding.

6. People will come into your life when you least expect them to and be amazing to you, for you, and everything in between. They won’t want from you. Embrace it.

7. When you least expect it will leave your life for all reasons, let them go. Rejection can be protection!

8. Say hard things well. Most of the time, it isn’t the message but how we say things that people tend to remember (one of my biggest learning lessons). But also be aware of when people just aren’t ready to handle the truth.

9. Have Boundaries, just because someone treats you better does not mean it’s well.

10. Be kind! For the most part.

11. Just because you forgive doesn’t mean the behavior was okay. It means you are moving forward and healing. It is time to move forward.

12. Sometimes, what we think we want isn’t what we need. Be open to learning.

13. Get out of your head and say what you have to say. If they get mad, it’s okay, but if they listen and compromise, it’s so worth it.

14. Please bucket who your friends, acquaintances, and lifelines! Not everyone wants to see you successful! Not everyone should be in your home.

15. Have good morals—keep your hands and heart clean. Remember, everything we do somehow comes back to us.

16. You should have good people around you from whom you can learn. If you are not learning from them, then what’s the point?

17. Sometimes, the people closest to you are jealous of you. Run!

18. Please exercise discernment. Use your frontal lobe! Stop defining and interpreting things based on your definition/perspective. Everyone has their own opinions.

19. Stop lying to spare people their feelings; most of the time, the damage is worse because you are withholding the truth.

20. Learn how to communicate in all forms! Texting is not the only way to talk y’all. Please stop hiding behind words and open your mouth. Hearing words and reading words can make or break a conversation.

21. Love … hard, truthfully, and with all of your being. Focus on the people that love you back. Hold them close.

22. Grieve…

23. Heal… it comes in waves, but do it.

24. Read the room…

25. Take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

26. Stop searching for love. It’ll fIt'llou…and that in friendships, family, and romance!

27. Stop comparing your life to others yall!

28. Social media is not accurate (I am yelling at you) -_-.

29. Stop playing in people's faces! If you are not ready for what they want, please leave people alone.

30. Be cautious of how you speak to yourself!

31. Cry…

32. And last but not least, live y’all— in the most authentic way.

Cheers to another year around the sun! To another 32 times infinity!

Saturn’s Return…

As the new year began, I found myself in this state of frustration.

Frustrated with many things, beginning with myself and not feeling like I am where I would like to be at this age…I know, I know, I need to stop with the timeline stuff. Frustrated with Ezpass and NYC because it's hectic out here with having a car and the amount of money it's draining out of my pockets. It's been costing literally hella funds to work or survive as an adult, especially as inflation is on the rise, and who the hell taught us about financial literacy?

It's frustrating that I haven't gotten a raise for how long. After all, I chose to opt out of private entities and work for city agencies because I believe in ‘public systems’ (you should see my face writing this). Because I have a dream…I want to work and make a change in the community (slaps my forehead)…yet there’s no raises, no COLA’s at least in my sector and i’m out here just winging it…I gotta make a change.

Frustrated with my leg because, oh yeah, I opened up the new year by opening up my kneecap. Frustrated because I felt like I have so much to say and couldn't get the words out. Frustrated with my creativity or lack thereof. Frustrated with love and my heart because I have so much of it bottled up inside of me and literally have no one to give it to. I just want to take care of somebody's son y’all (I'm cracking up as I write this; cues Shalamar's song, This Is for the Lover in You).

Frustrated with the world and its politics, crime, violence, racism, red tape, and everything in between, I just want to scream sometimes. I literally feel bad for my therapist because she just stares at me like Sis, I don't even know what to say to you except breathe.

I took a minute from drinking and everyone this month because I literally have been in this state for some weeks, and if there is one thing about me, I need to check myself because I do not want to rub off on anyone. Secondly, I have no idea what to do with it or myself. I call "it", "it" because I feel like if I can name "it," I can define "it". I can understand "it" and throw "it" away-once I dissect what the hell Is going on with me.

I have been just sitting in silence a lot, staring, really just trying to piece together all of my thoughts and not knowing how to explain this weird space I am in. I try reaching out to friends and family, but I am still unable to really put my space into words, which has frustrated me even more. I guess I realize everyone is in this weird space as well lately.

While I was home festering over my knee surgery, I found myself in and out of a lot of feelings, and before anyone can understand any of my rants, they gotta understand my passion, and to do that, I have to label how I'm feeling. So, for one, I have been feeling:

• Hella alone:

The surgery opened up a ton of old and new feelings. Some about my breakup last year that shook my shit to the core. The last time my knee was shot- I wasn't single, and I had my person at that time help me through physical therapy and learning to move again. I felt hella vulnerable this time like I couldn't do it. I was grateful for my family, especially my mom and the friends who checked on me. It showed me that I didn't need any romantic relationship to get through this. I could depend on myself even when it was hard. I realized this time it's okay because I can label and pinpoint that it still hurts from time to time. I think it still stung though because of what I had hoped for then and how it ended up being. I had moments of wanting to be cuddled but refused to let self-pity take over-I think. I felt what I felt, which was hella uncomfortable, but I dealt with it…as best as possible.

• Hella unfocused:

I just finished another degree, so my desire to do anything with school is the furthest thing from my mind; however, my passion for community and service drives me daily. I find myself still swooning through the woes of the past, career moves, investments, stocks, retirement, financial gains, marriage, children, traveling, and normative constructs. I am trying to make the best decisions for my life, and of course, there’s no blueprint, realizing I have to bust a move and take a risk. I need to choose one focus at a time, and everything else will all fall in line one after the other.

• Hella closed off:

During 2023, I was maneuvering through various transitions new to my body and me. I literally kept moving. I didn't want to face the music of loss. I didn't even fully feel my pain when I think about it; I didn't want to. I also didn't want to sit in any discomfort. So, as I sat for the first time in months, I realized the silence began to bother me because I was forced to think about everything. So as I was sitting in my discomfort with my opened ass knee and heart, everything came crashing the hell in at once, pouring all over the place. Here comes the work.

Now, I have words that are just pouring out, feelings that are all over my nervous system, but they aren’t really making any sense. I needed to organize my thoughts. I needed to reorganize my mind and, in a sense, my life lord. First things first, not only did I need to rehabilitate this knee of mine, I needed to rehabilitate my mind. I needed to plan and prioritize. I began to welcome new people into my life, and I was amazed to find that some of them brought precisely what I needed during that time, a sense of calm and comfort.

• Hella unhealthy:

When I think about health, I think about working out, movement, and nutrition; I also think about energy, people, and spirituality. As I lead heavily into my thirties, I lean heavily into prayer, good people, and balance. I realize slow ghosting, as our forever First Lady Michelle Obama has used, is an excellent ass tactic for energy works for me. Respectfully, if it doesn't align with all the G's…God, good vibes, looking good, good energy, and the good list continues… it can stay where it is, and I am moving along. There is no judgment; it just doesn't work for me. My prayers have become more intentional as I have asked to be refined. Removing all people and things that do not wish me well. As I continue to have this intentionality for myself, I have become closer to people I would have never dreamed of being closer to. People who I would have always thought would have been in my corner have been the most distant. In this refinement, I also ensure that I pray for preparation for all that I ask for because one thing I am learning, baby, I will not mishandle anything that is for me!

This month has been the longest month I have ever felt in a long time. Each day felt like a week, and as I settled in, I realized I was just grieving hella shit. As morbid as many people would say it is or I am, I think that's okay. Or hell, I am giving myself permission to slow down and just be; to grieve disappointment. To grieve where I thought I would be at the time of my life and who I thought I would be with. Grieving friendships that ended or how I thought it would have been.

I realized during this month there were hella peaks and pits, and I have been trying to love myself through the grief and each pit. Learning to love yourself through each pit is more challenging than you think because we have been conditioned to love only the highs and pretty things of life. Someone used to tell me you have to enjoy the process too. So let me feel the feelings I feel so I can go through the process of where I am because:

1. I was told I talk too much (Let me use these words and teach you something then)

2. Let’s grow because baby…I just CANNOT DEAL.

Finally, I am learning to clear away all the dust and make room for Saturn's Return because there is so much room for much more ahead.

Until next time y'all…Stay authentic.

The Three P’s…

From seeing who people are, losing love, and my safe space -pivoting, prayer, and push was my mantra for 2023 going into 2024…

As winter ramps its ugly head, I can only reflect on how far I have come this year. The season I have embarked on is about alignment. Aligning with my womanhood, gifts, and, most of all, my purpose. Everything has to align with my faith and values in the season of my life. Another step closer to the person I need to be, I realized I needed to work on the art of forgiving. 

I was tasked with writing a letter for my father's appeal earlier this year, and for the life of me, it was one of the hardest things to be asked to do. As a person who thinks I have a way of writing, this letter took me about a month to complete, and I realized it was because I was in a state of unforgiveness. Who would have thought that something so simple is one of the most challenging concepts to master? 

As a child, we are taught to say "sorry" if we hurt someone or did something we didn't mean. But really, have we been introduced to forgiveness? Can we actually say we saw someone truly forgive and move forward? Have we actually seen someone master forgiveness where they never brought up that hurt again? Not get an apology and still move on? I know I haven’t.

According to the Oxford Dictionary of Languages, to forgive, since it is a verb, is defined as the release of resentment or anger. Tyler Perry stated, "Forgiveness is freeing oneself to move on." Well, boy, I tell you, I have been angry and stuck. As I fall deeper into my womanhood and faith, I have taken a deep dive into learning how to move forward and forgive people. Really, when I think about it - I am on a train ride to Forgiveness Land. Starting with childhood and moving forward, I can learn how to do it with everyone. Who knows how far this train will take me, but it's worth a try. First stop on this train, good old Dad. 

Many have faced pain and hurt, saying, "We don't care; it is what it is." But the truth is, we hold onto that pain. It takes immense courage to confront and come to terms with our feelings. Writing our truth is not easy, but it is a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth. This letter I wrote became a testament to my strength and his character, humility, and honesty. Despite the trauma caused by my father's incarceration, I have refused to let it define me. Instead, I have sought help through prayer, therapy, and self-reflection. It takes great courage to face our fears and seek help, and I am proud of myself. The journey of forgiveness is never an easy one, and it is often filled with difficult questions and self-doubt. However, it is a journey worth taking. By digging deep and pushing through the pain, we can find peace and understanding that we never thought possible.

Through my life experiences, I have gained the understanding that most individuals try their best with the resources and abilities they possess. This realization has enabled me to perceive people and situations in an impartial and objective manner. Despite facing challenges in managing my negative emotions, I am constantly motivated to improve myself and strive towards personal growth. As I have grown older and entered my thirties, I have come to appreciate the significance of looking beyond appearances and building a small yet strong support system of individuals who encourage and inspire me. With the right people in your life, it becomes easier to forgive and evolve.

I would be dishonest if I said that I have fully come to terms with everything that has happened, but I have managed to complete the letter and fulfill my responsibilities towards my father as asked. As for everything else, it is solely his responsibility and the result of his actions. I have managed to work through my negative feelings of loss this year. Most importantly, I am forgiving myself. Forgiveness is a daily practice that one needs to master, and I am doing my part to move forward by accepting what is and letting go of what I once thought. I hope it becomes easier as I become more self-aware. As we approach the end of this year, I can see how much I have dealt with and grown. Here are my little gems from 2023:

• As I try to remain delicate, I know what I went through was for the greater human in me.

• Take everything in strides; where is the discernment?

• Remember, people's decisions and actions reflect them and their fears; most of the time, it has nothing to do with you.

• Hold onto the ones that value you.

• It's okay to leave people and things right where they are…and you don’t owe anyone an explanation. Just be.

• People gonna hate…

• Be open to new people!

• For everything you have asked for, continue to have an open mind. Things come when you least expect it.

• Be willing to learn or unlearn.

• And lastly, Staying prayed up because people are hella whack.

May this last post of the year inspire you to face your struggles with courage and honesty. Remember that you are not alone; with determination and perseverance, you can overcome anything that comes your way. Happy New Year, Y’all!

Until next time…stay authentic…