Oh, absolutely. Haiti is the first Black-led republic in the world. Every time I reflect on the sacrifices made by my ancestors, a sense of pride fills my chest so intensely that it almost hurts. I think about our long, relentless struggle for survival, how our fight for freedom has helped liberate nations still under … More Unwashable Colors
I complain about everything, and I’m proud of it. I refuse to suffer in silence for anyone’s comfort. If I’m unhappy, you’ll know. Women….especially Black women, are often expected to just endure: to be tough, to be strong, to be quiet, and to be unbothered. We’re told to smile through it, absorb it, and endure. … More Unapologetically Not Fine
Many moons ago, my parents decided to create a weekly Saturday check-in before we prayed and asked God to guide us through the coming week. What started as a simple idea evolved into one of the most grounding traditions in our family. The intention was clear: bonding, ensuring everyone felt supported, and creating a space … More Where Faith, Family, and Check-Ins Meet
As of now, I truly appreciate a good nap. I can’t believe I used to fight against them. Now, I will nap anywhere, as long as it feels safe. Whether on a couch, in a quiet room, or in the middle of the day with the sun shining, naps have become non-negotiable for me. When … More Booked, Busy, and Still Napping
The first thought that came to mind was: “I don’t have a dream job because I don’t dream of labor.” It’s a quote that floats around the internet; funny, yes, but also not entirely wrong. That said, I am doing work I once aspired to. Since leaving high school and entering college as a psychology major, my … More Doing the Work, Dreaming Bigger
Man, what a week, a month, a day, a year, and it’s only day 18, mind you. We literally had a conversation with 2026 before it even arrived, asking it to be gentle with us. So what exactly is going on, y’all? There is so much fear and worry in the air, and honestly, for … More Coping Skills, Willpower, and Bravo
I’ve been fasting with my church since January 3rd for the third year in a row. If I’m being honest, I’m struggling a bit to feel connected this time. I’ve taken the time to sit with this feeling, turning it over gently and asking myself why nothing seems to stand out. I’ve prayed about it … More Gentle Reminders, Steady Faith.
On New Year’s Day, which also happens to be my birthday, I celebrated my special day surrounded by family. I indulged joyfully, without a single regret, fully aware that the gym would be waiting for me next week. I could practically hear my trainer’s voice in the background, but honestly? It was worth every bite. … More No New Me, Just More of Me
The older I get, the more I realize how much my parents shaped me; sometimes loudly, and sometimes in subtle ways I didn’t notice until much later. They weren’t perfect (who is?), but they managed to find a tricky middle ground between applying pressure and showing grace. They pushed me when I needed it, softened … More Grounded in What Raised Me
My political views have become more defined, not because I’ve become more rigid, but because I’ve gained clarity. I now understand politics as an extension of personal values. What you believe politically is rarely neutral; it reflects what you prioritize, who you think deserves protection, and whose suffering you are willing to overlook. Our values … More When Politics Became Personal
SophieJ Life Experiences 