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
I’ve mastered the art of ignoring people, and removing toxic ones. If someone’s core values revolve around hurting others, I’ve learned that letting them go is not just healthy, it’s essential. In today’s climate, boundaries aren’t optional; they’re survival. Now, I’d like to tap into my creative side a little more. I’ve never been great … More From Boundaries to Braids….maybe.
Honestly, at this point, success just looks like getting to the office on time after hitting the gym at 6 a.m. Sure, I could come up with something profound that ties back to my values, priorities, and big-picture goals, but with everything I have going on, what really matters right now is simple: show up … More Staying Aflot
A few years ago, while completing my internship for a master’s program in Clinical Mental Health, the Executive Director of the agency called a meeting with the interns. He began by sharing the agency’s accomplishments and reflecting on how far they had come since opening 40 years earlier. When the floor opened for questions, I … More Do Not Get Comfortable
That’s a great question! Why can’t it be both? I enjoy going with the flow, but I also prefer to have a loose outline. Spontaneity is excellent, especially when there is some preparation behind it. As a woman, and a Black woman at that, my top priority in navigating the world is always safety, even … More Spontaneity with a Side of Caution
While I don’t have one specific answer, I do know that denim is definitely out of the question! I’d be in full sensory overload! It’s a tough call since I live in a region with all four seasons, so the outfit would need to work year-round. If I had to choose, I’d go with something … More Gold, Grey, and a Splash of Scarf: The Ultimate Uniform”
Without a doubt, it’s trying to manage other people’s feelings and emotions. It’s draining, and honestly, it’s a full-time job I never signed up for. That’s why I’ve been working on setting and sticking to my boundaries. Most of the time, what I really want to say is, ‘Please get out of my face with that nonsense.’ … More “What’s the biggest way I waste time every day?
Mine would be: Being me isn’t a phase. It’s a whole movement. Catch up. Authenticity isn’t just a vibe, it’s a way of life. Living in alignment with who you are, while staying considerate of others, is the real flex. No more shrinking. No more pretending. Just truth, presence, and power.
Growing up in religious settings can lead to different paths. It can turn you into a devout believer, deeply rooted in doctrine, or cause you to walk away entirely. For me, it resulted in a commitment to being open-minded. I realized early on that there are always multiple sides to any story. There are different … More Being Open Minded.
I’m heading to the gym, wearing my oldest pair of worn-in New Balance sneakers. They’re not fancy—sturdy and a bit scuffed—but they carry a story. I received them from my Nana after I shared with her how going for walks was helping my mental health. True to her character, she sprang into action and discovered … More To be loved is to be heard.
SophieJ Life Experiences 