The Summer of 35

  When Friday Slips Away I meant to write my blog on Friday, but somehow the day slipped away. Fridays tend to do that — they carry the weight of anticipation, the sweet promise of two days meant for rest and recoup. By the time the weekend calls, all I can think about is pausing, breathing, and simply being. Leaning Into the Ebbs and Flows Even though I’m writing this on a Monday instead, I’m happy I’m doing it now. I’ve started leaning into the natural ebbs and flows of life, instead of fighting them. Progress doesn’t always arrive wrapped neatly in perfect timing. It’s not a straight, linear growth chart — it’s curves, dips, and surprising climbs. And I’m learning to love that rhythm. Joy in Imperfect Consistency Today, I’m celebrating the steps taken, no matter how imperfect they feel. I’m leaning into the joy of progress itself, instead of clinging to the idea that consistency must look flawless. Growth is not about perfection, but about choosing to keep moving, even when...

A Week of Milestones and Emotions This week has been a whole week for me. I got older, I completed a six-week program, and I cried about turning another year older while still feeling like I’m not “there” yet. You know that place,the invisible milestone in your head that whispers, “By this age, I should have…” It’s a familiar ache, and it caught up with me hard this week. But even in my tears, I realized something precious: mental stability is a gem. It’s better than gold and richer than any wealth the world can give. Without peace of mind, all the riches mean nothing. With peace of mind, even the smallest progress feels like abundance. Learning to Be My Own Savior I’m learning that I must be my own savior in many ways. Not in the divine sense, God is God, and He reigns, but in the practical sense of choosing to show up for myself. I must prioritize my mental health and stability. I must love me more than I desire to be loved by people,or even by God. That might sound controver...

When the Journey Feels Heavier Today feels somber, like we all woke up to remind ourselves that the journey is tougher than we anticipated. Hard doesn’t mean God is absent. Hard doesn’t mean the dreams you once dreamt weren’t divine. Tough simply means the road requires fortitude, and not everyone has the willpower to walk it through. That’s where the decision lies—who do you become when the count gets real? A Tough Conversation Yesterday Yesterday, I had a conversation that left me feeling overwhelmed, tangled in inadequacy, with self-doubt creeping in louder and prouder than ever before. I contemplated going back to old vices because for a long time, that felt like “home.” It was the safe place where I could harbor bitterness, host pity parties for my trauma, and feed the pain quietly. But sitting in that space yesterday, I realized it was never really safe. It was familiar, yes, but not safe. Familiar doesn’t heal. Familiar often keeps you circling. The conversation echoed wh...