Life is a tapestry woven from countless moments—each thread representing a phase, a story, a lesson. It Takes As Long As It Takes is not just a tagline; it’s the recognition that every part of our journey, whether joyful or painful, is essential to the person we become.

In this photo gallery, I invite you to walk with me through the snapshots of my life: from the trauma of my early childhood to the resilience that emerged after facing cancer, from the tender moments of motherhood to the freedom of travel and exploration. Each image captures a moment, a role I’ve played, and a challenge I’ve overcome, but more than that, they show the beauty of growth and transformation.

As you reflect on your own life’s journey, I encourage you to think about your own chapters—the highs and lows, the times of loss and the moments of triumph. Together, let’s celebrate the richness of our stories, knowing that each phase, each experience, takes exactly as long as it’s meant to.

As the season of love approaches, with hearts and flowers beginning to fill the air, take a moment to reflect on the most profound love story of all—the one you have with yourself. True self-love is not found in grand gestures but in the quiet, daily dedication to your own well-being. It’s a discipline that invites you to nourish your soul with the same tenderness you might offer to a beloved.

In these early days of February, as thoughts turn toward connection and affection, let your love for yourself be your guiding light. Ask yourself: Is this choice a reflection of my self-respect? Does this relationship uplift and nourish me? In embracing these questions, you cultivate a love that is steadfast and enduring—a love that grows and flourishes, not just for a single day, but for all the days to come.

Sometimes, the idea of changing everything can feel like the only way forward. You wake up and realize that the life you’re living no longer aligns with who you are or who you want to be. In those moments, the temptation to overhaul your entire existence is strong. But here’s the truth: while radical transformation can be necessary at times, more often than not, the real power lies in making small, intentional shifts. The beauty of change doesn’t always come from drastic measures; sometimes, it’s the subtle adjustments that spark the most profound growth. In this article, I share my journey of navigating the crossroads between small shifts and radical change, and how both can play vital roles in our paths toward living a more authentic life. Whether you’re ready for a small step or a bold leap, it’s about understanding which choice will bring you closer to the life you’re meant to lead.

Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it. Each misstep, each setback, is a step forward, even when it doesn’t feel like it. The tiny, invisible improvements you make with every attempt are building something extraordinary. So if you’re afraid to start because you might fail, do it anyway. Fail. Get back up. And trust the process, knowing that every stumble is bringing you closer to where you want to be.

Through lonely halls of youthful pain,
She danced her steps in hope’s refrain.
Each plié, a whispered plea,
'Let this be my sanctuary.'

Movement is more than just the physical act of getting from one place to another; it’s an expression of who we are and how we engage with the world. When we move through life with compassion, kindness, and grace, we offer a gift not only to others but also to our own spirit. It’s about consciously choosing how we respond to life’s challenges, showing up with patience and empathy, and navigating each moment with intention. But even when we falter, remembering our human nature allows us to find balance and harmony again. How do you move through the world today—are you navigating with intention, or simply being carried along by life?

Before we dive headfirst into our goals for the year, let’s pause and ask a deeper question: What will you do when you arrive? It’s easy to get caught up in striving for change, but what if the most meaningful work is learning to welcome ourselves just as we are? In this post, we’ll explore the art of intentional living, reframing goal-setting, and finding peace in the journey by starting with self-compassion.

As we approach the final days of 2024, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on the year that has passed. In this post, I invite you to consider the highlights of your year—both personal and global—and to embrace the power of intentional living. Together, let’s celebrate the growth we’ve experienced, the lessons we’ve learned, and the positivity we’ve nurtured, all while preparing ourselves to step into 2025 with purpose and clarity.

As we prepare to step into 2025, let us embrace the beauty of transition—the space between what was and what will be. This post reflects on the lessons of 2024, the importance of setting intentions over resolutions, and the power of letting go to make room for new growth. As we navigate uncertainty and change, let’s move forward with gratitude and the intention to become the best versions of ourselves in the year ahead.

The typewriter was more than just a machine; it was a sanctuary. In the chaos of my childhood, it was the one constant, the one thing that allowed me to express the turmoil inside. The rhythmic clack of the keys was my only form of self-expression, and it became my lifeline. The act of writing grounded me, gave me purpose, and helped me heal. Writing wasn’t just a pastime—it was my way of survival, my way of making sense of the world. Even now, as technology changes, that sound, that rhythm, is still a part of me.

The day Aunt Sue drove our U-Haul out of South Carolina is one I’ll never forget. As we pulled away from Daddy Number Two’s house, she glanced at me with a sly grin and said, “We gotta get you guys outta here. That man’s got eight wives locked in his basement.”

At the time, I didn’t know whether to laugh or be terrified. I took her words literally, filing them away with all the other odd, fragmented memories of my childhood. It wasn’t until I was in my 20s that I realized Aunt Sue’s stories were more than just jokes—they were her way of navigating a life full of hardships with humor as her armor.

Aunt Sue, the oldest of three siblings, had been through a lot. Life in the small town wasn’t always kind, and Granddaddy, with his tough love and hard lessons, was a man who could be as mean as a snake. Yet, Aunt Sue always faced life head-on, armed with a quick wit and a story for every occasion.

But even then, even as a little girl, I understood something deeper: we were running. Running toward something better, or at least something different. It wasn’t just a physical escape—it was a symbolic one.

Resilience isn’t about avoiding life’s hardships—it’s about learning to adapt, grow, and thrive despite them. Discover practical ways to cultivate resilience and transform challenges into opportunities for personal growth and strength.