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
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
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
SophieJ Life Experiences 