#3 I need a fur bestie. Writing Prompt: Which one of my pets is your favorite and why? [I’m] kidding — though if you want to write about that, you … can. What is your favorite pet you’ve ever had? If you’ve never had a pet — what is your…

I can’t take the toxic positivity. — I have always been iffy when it came to LinkedIn. I can’t put my finger on it, but I’ve always felt like the outsider trying to “fit in” with the popular crowd. That professional space has yet to feel safe for me. …

“Quiet the mind, and the soul will speak.” – Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati — If, at any point, I don't feel safe or protected, I retreat. I keep all thoughts and opinions "in-house," meaning my mind. I play invisible and only play with my shadow. The only person who understands me is me. The only way to get out of my head is to…

Gratitude in small doses Sometimes, you have to reintroduce habits you’ve practiced and learned. Situations in your life happen, and you forget about the routine that you’ve been practicing. This past year, I still need to remember how to show gratitude. Just be thankful for the small things to prepare…

“Silence is a source of Great Strength.” ― Lao Tzu — Chatter Constant chatter At different volumes You have the silent chatter of "just give up." You have the whispered chatter of "You're not good enough." You have the libraian chatter of "nobody will notice." The restaurant chatter of "constant bad news." The TV commercial chatter that says, "What you have…

Let us see how many kicked dogs will holler — Disclaimer: This opinion piece is based on what I’ve analyzed and seen these past few years. I wanted to step away from the writing challenges and talk about something I’ve had a strong opinion about most of my adult life, but mainly these past few weeks. I was sixteen years…

#8 I love ya’ll, but I didn’t need to hear it. Prompt: The people in my life are very important sounding boards for me. Tell me the best AND worst advice you’ve been given from each of the following people: 1. One (or both) of your parents. 2. A sibling…

Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.” ― David Richo — Author’s note: My therapist decided to close her practice, which had me thinking about my first session. This was written four years ago. If this helps you, great; if it doesn’t, that’s great, too. Imagine waking up on a crisp Saturday without the loud tones of your alarm. You roll…

Can you navigate? — 2023 has been a pressure cooker during the pandemic; we had to create ways to stimulate our minds and move our bodies, but now I feel as though our minds are one significant internet home page and being force-fed information that doesn’t enlighten us or challenge us to become better…