Tag: Chicago
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Focusing on Your Gifts
Today’s intention: Focus on who you are + remember you actually are “God’s gift to the world” just by being YOU!
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A Reminder to #ProtectUs
Lest we forget: Day after IWD + I wonder what accomplishments these women/Queens could have been celebrating today. —Sincerely, Tyra 🖤 #ProtectUs #EbonySunCHI #chicago #womenshistorymonth #awareness #internationalwomensday #blackwomen
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Get Your 2023 #SLAYTHEDREAM Wall Calendar
Our CEO, @TyraShange, had to become real UNBOTHERED to put this affirmation calendar together for us. It took some sleepless nights + some weary days HEALING from past defeats, imposter syndrome + outdated insecurities. She had to learn how to affirm herself + remember who God says she’s capable of becoming versus…
Tyra
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New #GRWM Prayers Added
I wish I could say I wake up flawless every day. But I’m not perfect—not even close to it. What I can say is that I’m trying to be a better version of myself everyday + that I’m getting ready for day I have to present myself to God, flaws + all…
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What’s Your Fave Day of the Week?
Thursday is a day that’s so uniquely positioned in the week. I think it may be my favorite day, in fact. Technically, it’s the last workday before the weekend. And, thanks to social media, of course, it’s the day of the week that makes you reminisce on fond memories…
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Perspective Shift: Accepting Help
I often think, “if you wouldn’t have made that one mistake…” But, I’m learning to accept help from those that truly love + genuinely care about me. And, realizing that my past mistakes don’t make me less deserving of real help + support.
Tyra
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Joy Over Everything
Repeat after me: I’m expectant + excited for the rest of the year.
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Talk Nice to Me! 🤭
Dear readers, It’s been a long winter/spring/not-yet-summer transition. To be honest, I feel myself falling back into that sluggish mood as Chicago embarks on its fourth cloudy day in a row. Wanna know a secret? 🤫 …I haven’t worked out or walked since Sunday. 🫠 Annnnnddd, my energy is low. When my energy is low,…
Tyra
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A Four-Page Letter to Black Women Who Work, Teach or Learn in Higher Ed Spaces
Abstract: Don’t work at North Park University without an exit plan. Don’t attend North Park University as a student of color without being prepared to advocate for your needs—often alone. Please accept this as my letter of resignation from the Assistant Director of Student Success, Careers, and Internships role at North Park University. If you…
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#INDICTVanDyke #J4L
Beloved, you’ve been living in the dark if you think that there’s not an active war on Black bodies across America right now. Laquan’s murderer, ex-CPD vigilante, Jason Van Dyke, is due to be released from his country club prison on February 3rd FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR? What type of asinine, ludicrous, bull …Nevermind, I’m too…
Tyra
African American, black America, black student union, blackbodies, blacklivesmatter, Chicago, children, community, community wellness, COVID19, crimes against youth, election, fathers, freedom, history, injustice, issues, justice, laquan mcdonald, mother, police, police brutality, power, public health, safety, Sincerely Tyra, solidarity, struggle, youth -
Choosing Joy, Week 1
2021 showed me that I could be the strong friend. But, 2022 is about me taking the steps to invest back into me. Just owe it to myself. 🥰 So, I started the year off doing more of the things that I love: writing, recording, check industry stats at work (🤓), planning + focusing on…
Tyra
Black women, blog, blogger, Chicago, confidence, dreams, encouragement, focus, goals, habits, happiness, Instagram, joy, life, lifestylepoetry, Motherhood, motivation, new year, passion, power, prayer, queen, relationships, resolution, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, womenpoetry, writer, Writing -
Running Errands
Tyra
Art, beauty, books, business, faith, happiness, mental health, prayer, quotes, religion and spirituality, self-care, Self-Help, social media, spirituality, Wellness, Writingambition, author, Black women, books, Chicago, community, confidence, empowerment, encouragement, goals, joy, love, motivation, poetry, positivity, praise, prayer, relationships, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, spirituality, strength, writer, Writing -
When Queens Link: HerbHabitue
So, story time: (Note: Click here, to listen to this episode of When Queens Link) Two weeks ago, as I was preparing for my trip to ATL, I slid over to Office Depot to see what was up with my new retractable banner that I ordered + it wasn’t ready. 🤯 If you’ve seen her…
Tyra
books, business, Entrepreneurship, goals, happiness, love, News, opinion, Poetry, quotes, social media, WritingAfrican American, ambition, Black women, books, Chicago, community, confidence, dreams, empowerment, encouragement, families, focus, freedom, goals, Instagram, joy, justice, knowledge, letters, men, Motherhood, motivation, opinion, poetry, praise, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, violence, women, womenpoetry, writer, Writing -
Prayer for the City
Good + Faithful Father, Help us to model our hearts’ desires after Your will for our lives. Let the sin of old (greed, coveting others’ possessions, back-biting, killing, lust) be struck down immediately. Heal our land + make it Holy ground again. We are desperate for Your trial of those that wish to punish the…
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Chicago’s Pain.
We prided ourselves on productivityuntil “produce despite a pandemic”became our reality.Into the dawn like bird songs, nowpangs of insomnia beckon us.Mistaking insanity for invincibilitycausing us to be more recklessduring the day. “Black folk the new robots.” All the while paving the way,for heavier workloads.They’re writing the code on our souls.Imputing and uploading mixed messagesin our…
Tyra
African American, ambition, author, Black men, Black women, Chicago, community, crimes against youth, education, empowerment, families, freedom, goals, God, history, issues, justice, life, lifestylepoetry, mamas, men, motivation, national poetry month, parenthood, passion, poet, poetry, police, power, protest, relationships, safety, self-empowerment, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, SlayTheDream, so ncerelytyra, spirituality, spoken word, violence, womenpoetry, Writing, youth -
I Have An Announcement! 🎉
“Why have I never added that to my Facebook profile?” (Insert a 🤦🏾♀️+ a 🙄) …Guessing now this means, at some point, I need to do a proper launch party, huh?! 😏
Tyra
Art, beauty, books, Community Issues, education, Entrepreneurship, faith, family, goals, happiness, Health, history, hobbies, Literature, love, mental health, music, News, opinion, parenthood, prayer, quotes, Race and ethnicity, Relationship, religion and spirituality, self-care, Self-Help, social media, spirituality, travel, Wellness, Writing, youth, youth developmentAfrican American, ambition, author, beauty standards, Black women, body image, books, Chicago, community, confidence, dreams, education, empowerment, encouragement, facebook, family, focus, goals, Instagram, knowledge, life, lifestylepoetry, love, mothers, motivation, opinion, parenthood, passion, poetry, relationships, self-care, self-empowerment, self-love, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, Tik Tok, truth, twitter, village, writer, Writing -
Send this poem to a Black Woman 🖤
Is there someone in your life you who could use a reminder about how strong/creative/blessed they are? If you are a Black woman reading this, what are you speaking over yourself this morning, Queen? Here’s a poem I wrote years ago to speak over myself when I needed an extra bit of encouragement. My only…
Tyra
African American, ambition, author, beauty, beauty standards, Black women, body image, books, Chicago, childhood, children, community, confidence, daughter, dear, dreams, education, empowerment, encouragement, family, fathers, focus, freedom, goals, God, happiness, history, Instagram, issues, joy, justice, knowledge, letter, letters, life, lifestylepoetry, love, mamas, marriage, mother, Motherhood, mothers, motivation, nonfiction, opinion, parenthood, passion, poetry, positivity, power, praise, prayer, protest, queen, relationships, self, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, spirituality, strength, truth, twitter, unity, uplifting, village, wife, women, womenpoetry, writer, Writing, youth -
In-Person or Remote Learning? A Solution-Focused Conversation
I like to call my full-time job, the “not-so-9-to-5-9-to-5.” I know it’s a bit clunky, but it’s true since I work in the out-of-school time/youth organizing realm. As the Community Resource Manager for Gary Comer Youth Center on the Southside of Chicago, I have been able to plan, organize and facilitate some dynamic events focused…
Tyra
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New Quarter = New Goals Accomplished
You know, I think I’ve always wanted to start a clothing line. I vividly remember sketching designs for our cheerleading uniforms in grammar school and re-designing all the hottest Nikes I couldn’t afford. I was customizing Nike’s before it was ever an option on a website. So earlier this year when I decided that I…
Tyra
Art, beauty, books, Community Issues, Entrepreneurship, faith, family, goals, Health, history, hobbies, Literature, love, mental health, music, News, opinion, parenthood, prayer, quotes, Race and ethnicity, Relationship, religion and spirituality, self-care, Self-Help, social media, spirituality, travel, Wellness, Writingambition, Art, author, babies, beauty, Black men, Black women, books, business, Chicago, childhood, children, community, confidence, daughter, dear, dreams, EbonySun, education, election, empowerment, encouragement, Entrepreneurship, families, family, fathers, focus, freedom, goals, God, happiness, healthcare, history, husband, Instagram, issues, justice, kids, knowledge, letter, letters, life, lifestylepoetry, Literature, live, love, mamas, marriage, men, mother, Motherhood, mothers, motivation, parenthood, passion, poetry, positivity, praise, protest, race, relationships, self, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, sons, spirituality, struggle, twitter, unity, village, we lf-esteem, we lf-worth, wife, women, womenpoetry, writer, Writing -
ISSA POP-UP EVENT!
We’re excited to announce that our mother company, EbonySun Chicago, is partnering with this dynamic group of Black-owned businesses next week to offer you all NEW merch (like new NEW… not even on our website… exclusive NEW) and of course, boxes of Sincerely, Tyra-authored books! Join us and share the good news! Happy Sunday! —Sincerely,…
Tyra
Art, beauty, books, Community Issues, Entrepreneurship, faith, family, goals, happiness, Health, history, hobbies, Literature, love, mental health, music, News, opinion, parenthood, prayer, quotes, Race and ethnicity, Relationship, religion and spirituality, self-care, Self-Help, social media, spirituality, travel, Wellness, Writingambition, Art, author, babies, beauty, Black men, Black women, books, Chicago, childhood, children, community, confidence, crimes against youth, daughter, dear, dreams, education, election, empowerment, encouragement, Entrepreneurship, families, family, fathers, focus, freedom, goals, God, happiness, healthcare, history, husband, Instagram, issues, joy, justice, kids, knowledge, letter, letters, life, lifestylepoetry, Literature, live, love, mamas, marriage, men, mother, Motherhood, mothers, motivation, parenthood, passion, poetry, police, positivity, prayer, protest, race, relationships, safety, school, self, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, sons, spirituality, struggle, twitter, unity, village, violence, wife, women, womenpoetry, writer, Writing -
Love: A New Inquiry
So I’ve been listening to a lot of Drake and Anita lately. But somehow in between them, I was able to come across this song, Sacred Space, by India.Arie. Honestly, between her and Anita’s Tidal playlists, I’m rethinking the type of love that I need and want in my life. There’s a lyric in this…
Tyra
Art, beauty, books, Community Issues, Entrepreneurship, faith, family, goals, happiness, Health, history, hobbies, Literature, love, mental health, music, News, opinion, parenthood, Poetry, prayer, quotes, Race and ethnicity, Relationship, religion and spirituality, self-care, Self-Help, social media, spirituality, travel, Wellness, Writingambition, Art, author, babies, beauty, Black men, Black women, books, Chicago, childhood, children, community, confidence, crimes against youth, daughter, dear, dreams, education, election, empowerment, encouragement, families, family, fathers, focus, freedom, goals, God, happiness, healthcare, history, husband, Instagram, issues, joy, justice, kids, knowledge, letter, letters, life, lifestylepoetry, Literature, live, love, mamas, marriage, men, mother, Motherhood, mothers, motivation, parenthood, passion, poetry, police, positivity, prayer, protest, race, relationships, safety, school, self, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, sons, spirituality, struggle, twitter, unity, village, violence, wife, women, womenpoetry, writer, Writing -
What About Self-Awareness?
I want to hide… Literally just want to get under the covers, ball up like a baby and hide. Why? Because of this feeling of rejection—and how I chose to respond to it. Disclaimer: This post is going to share my flawed reactions to a recent male friend’s choice to be in a relationship with…
Tyra
Art, beauty, books, Community Issues, Entrepreneurship, faith, family, goals, happiness, Health, history, hobbies, Literature, love, mental health, music, News, opinion, parenthood, prayer, quotes, Race and ethnicity, Relationship, religion and spirituality, self-care, Self-Help, social media, spirituality, Wellness, Writingambition, Art, author, babies, beauty, Black men, Black women, books, Chicago, childhood, children, community, confidence, crimes against youth, daughter, dear, dreams, education, election, empowerment, encouragement, families, family, fathers, focus, freedom, goals, God, happiness, healthcare, history, husband, Instagram, issues, joy, justice, kids, knowledge, letter, letters, life, lifestylepoetry, Literature, live, love, mamas, marriage, men, mother, Motherhood, mothers, motivation, parenthood, passion, poetry, police, positivity, prayer, protest, race, relationships, safety, self, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, sons, spirituality, struggle, twitter, unity, village, violence, wife, women, womenpoetry, writer, Writing -
Prayer for Inner Peace
Here’s a question: What does it mean to “match energy?” The other day I was writing and reflecting on a few things and a thought came to me: “Vow to never again reciprocate anyone’s negative energy….” It’s no secret to the people that know me the best: I don’t “match energy” well. When someone does…
Tyra
Art, beauty, books, Community Issues, Entrepreneurship, faith, family, goals, happiness, Health, history, hobbies, Literature, love, mental health, music, News, opinion, parenthood, prayer, quotes, Race and ethnicity, Relationship, religion and spirituality, self-care, Self-Help, social media, spirituality, travel, Wellness, Writingambition, Art, author, babies, baby mama, beauty, Black men, Black women, books, Chicago, childhood, children, community, confidence, crimes against youth, daughter, dear, dreams, education, election, empowerment, encouragement, families, family, fathers, focus, freedom, goals, God, happiness, healthcare, history, husband, Instagram, issues, joy, justice, kids, knowledge, letter, letters, life, lifestylepoetry, Literature, live, love, mamas, marriage, men, mother, Motherhood, mothers, motivation, parenthood, passion, poetry, police, positivity, prayer, protest, race, relationships, safety, school, self, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, sons, spirituality, struggle, twitter, unity, village, violence, wife, women, womenpoetry, writer, Writing -
Know Your Worth: A Self-Care Update
So, “The Goddess of Self-Care” looked up and realized I’d been taking care of everyone else’s needs first. I love to help others and am usually the person friends and family run to when they want something done. I also really struggle with saying the N-word, at times. You know, “no” is not as easy…
Tyra
Art, beauty, Entrepreneurship, faith, family, goals, happiness, Health, hobbies, love, mental health, parenthood, Race and ethnicity, Relationship, religion and spirituality, self-care, Self-Help, spirituality, Wellness, Writingambition, Art, author, babies, beauty, Black men, Black women, books, Chicago, childhood, children, community, confidence, crimes against youth, daughter, de lf-empowerment, dear, dreams, education, election, empowerment, encouragement, families, family, fathers, focus, freedom, goals, God, happiness, healthcare, history, husband, Instagram, issues, joy, justice, kids, knowledge, letter, letters, life, lifestylepoetry, Literature, live, love, mamas, marriage, men, mother, Motherhood, mothers, motivation, parenthood, passion, poetry, police, positivity, prayer, protest, race, relationships, safety, self, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, sons, spirituality, struggle, twitter, unity, village, violence, wife, women, womenpoetry, writer, Writing -
Defining Black Womanhood: A Conversation with us, by us, and for us
Good morning Family! I pray that you are all healthy, happy, and adhering to the Shelter-in-Place guidelines in your area. #StayAtHome (as much as possible). There has been so many movement-building moments happening in the past couple of weeks. I have been participating in marches, reading up on the Black Panthers and Toni Morrison, researching…
Tyra
Art, beauty, books, Community Issues, family, happiness, Health, hobbies, love, parenthood, prayer, quotes, Race and ethnicity, Relationship, religion and spirituality, self-care, Self-Help, social media, spirituality, Wellness, Writingambition, Art, author, babies, baby mama, beauty, Black men, Black women, books, Chicago, childhood, children, community, confidence, crimes against youth, daughter, dear, dreams, education, election, empowerment, encouragement, families, family, fathers, focus, freedom, goals, God, happiness, healthcare, history, husband, Instagram, issues, joy, justice, kids, knowledge, letter, letters, life, lifestylepoetry, Literature, live, love, mamas, marriage, men, mother, Motherhood, mothers, motivation, parenthood, passion, poetry, positivity, prayer, protest, race, relationships, school, self, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, sons, spirituality, struggle, twitter, unity, village, violence, wife, women, womenpoetry, writer, Writing -
Make Us Better | Prayer
Dear God,Sometimes I wonderwhat You think of me.Am I pleasing You?When look at me,do You smile? Is Yourheart satisfied? Teach mehow to live out life like You.Hold my hand, ordermy steps, and set a firein my soul for Your ways.Consume me, filling allthe cracks and crevicesof my being with Your Spirit.Make Me Better,in Jesus’ Name.—Amen.
Tyra
African American, ambition, Art, author, babies, baby mama, beauty, beauty standards, Black men, Black women, body image, books, Chicago, childhood, children, community, confidence, crimes against youth, daughter, dear, dreams, education, election, empowerment, encouragement, families, family, fathers, focus, freedom, goals, God, happiness, healthcare, history, Holy Spirit, husband, Instagram, issues, Jesus, joy, justice, kids, knowledge, letter, letters, life, lifestylepoetry, Literature, live, love, lust, mamas, marriage, men, mother, Motherhood, mothers, motivation, nonfiction, opinion, parenthood, passion, poetry, police, positivity, power, praise, prayer, protest, queen, race, relationships, safety, school, self, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, sons, spirituality, strength, struggle, truth, twitter, unity, uplifting, village, violence, wife, women, womenpoetry, writer, writers, Writing, youth -
COVID & The Conference Call
We’re on these conference calls and you can literally hear the fear and angst in people’s voices. I know we all have obligations and deadlines (in spite of/during) this pandemic…. But I just want to remind you that it is okay to not dial-in or to dial-in and stay on mute if you are not…
Tyra
books, Community Issues, Entrepreneurship, family, goals, Health, hobbies, opinion, prayer, quotes, self-care, social media, spirituality, WellnessAfrican American, ambition, Art, author, babies, baby mama, beauty, beauty standards, Black men, Black women, body image, books, Chicago, childhood, children, community, confidence, covid, crimes against youth, daughter, dear, dreams, education, election, empowerment, encouragement, families, family, fathers, focus, freedom, goals, God, happiness, healthcare, history, husband, Instagram, issues, joy, justice, kids, knowledge, letter, letters, life, lifestylepoetry, Literature, live, love, mamas, marriage, men, mother, Motherhood, mothers, motivation, opinion, parenthood, passion, poetry, police, positivity, praise, prayer, protest, race, relationships, safety, school, self, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, sons, spirituality, struggle, truth, twitter, unity, village, violence, wife, women, womenpoetry, writer, Writing, youth -
Go Vote—with Your Children!
Listen, sometimes what looks like an obstacle is actually an opportunity! If you can, take the babies with you to vote today. It’s a reason they are out of school and we are off work at the same time! It’s the perfect opportunity for them to see the process and learn something. My Joy had…
Tyra
Art, beauty, books, Community Issues, Entrepreneurship, faith, family, goals, happiness, Health, history, hobbies, Literature, love, mental health, News, opinion, parenthood, prayer, quotes, Race and ethnicity, Relationship, religion and spirituality, self-care, Self-Help, social media, spirituality, travel, Wellness, WritingAfrican American, ambition, Art, author, babies, baby mama, beauty, beauty standards, Black men, Black women, body image, books, Chicago, childhood, children, civic responsibility, community, confidence, crimes against youth, daughter, dear, dreams, education, election, empowerment, encouragement, families, family, fathers, focus, freedom, goals, God, happiness, healthcare, history, husband, Instagram, issues, joy, justice, kids, knowledge, letter, letters, life, lifestylepoetry, Literature, live, love, mamas, marriage, men, mother, Motherhood, mothers, motivation, oas sion, opinion, parenthood, passion, poetry, police, positivity, power, praise, prayer, protest, queen, race, relationships, safety, school, self, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, sons, spirituality, strength, struggle, truth, twitter, unity, village, violence, voting, wife, women, womenpoetry, writer, Writing, youth -
The Black Woman | Poem
This womb was created to create life These hands made to make magic These feet and legs, stand stronger than a pyramid, immovable during struggles This heart pumps blood of Ghanaian warriors and American freedom fighters This hair grows closer to the sun each day, vivid reminder of my royalty She sustains a legacy far…
Tyra
African American, ambition, Art, author, babies, baby mama, beauty, beauty standards, Black men, Black women, body image, books, Chicago, childhood, children, community, confidence, crimes against youth, daughter, dear, dreams, education, election, empowerment, encouragement, families, family, fathers, focus, freedom, goals, God, happiness, healthcare, history, husband, Instagram, issues, joy, justice, kids, knowledge, letter, letters, life, lifestylepoetry, Literature, live, love, mamas, marriage, men, mother, Motherhood, mothers, motivation, opinion, parenthood, passion, poetry, police, positivity, power, praise, prayer, protest, queen, race, relationships, safety, school, self, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, sons, spirituality, strength, struggle, truth, twitter, unity, village, violence, wife, women, womenpoetry, writer, Writing, youth -
Support Your Friends (…Yes, for Free!)
Supporting your friends’ small businesses doesn’t require spending all of your money. Gotta a minute? …Yes?! Okay, awesome! There are two ways you can support…
Tyra
books, Community Issues, Entrepreneurship, faith, family, goals, Health, hobbies, Literature, mental health, News, opinion, quotes, Relationship, self-care, Self-Help, social media, spirituality, Wellness, WritingAfrican American, ambition, Art, author, babies, baby mama, beauty, beauty standards, Black men, Black women, body image, books, Chicago, childhood, children, community, confidence, crimes against youth, daughter, dear, Drae ms, dreams, education, election, empowerment, encouragement, families, family, fathers, focus, freedom, goals, God, happiness, healthcare, history, husband, Instagram, issues, joy, justice, kids, knowledge, letter, letters, life, lifestylepoetry, Literature, live, love, lust, mamas, marriage, men, mother, Motherhood, mothers, motivation, nonfiction, opinion, parenthood, passion, poetry, police, positivity, power, praise, prayer, protest, queen, race, relationships, safety, school, self, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, sons, spirituality, strength, struggle, truth, twitter, unity, uplifting, village, violence, wife, women, womenpoetry, writer, Writing, youth -
Promises to My Joy, The Princess
I promise to show you how extremely talented you are.I promise to listen before I say no.I promise to hear your point of view.I promise to make room for your heart’s desires.I promise to remind you that you are the princess (and yes, I’m The Queen—although it sounds softer when you remind me).I promise they…
Tyra
beauty, Community Issues, family, happiness, love, parenthood, Poetry, quotes, Relationship, religion and spirituality, spirituality, Wellness, WritingAfrican American, ambition, Art, author, babies, baby mama, beauty, beauty standards, Black men, Black women, body image, books, Chicago, childhood, children, community, confidence, crimes against youth, daughter, dear, dreams, education, election, empowerment, encouragement, families, family, fathers, focus, freedom, goals, God, happiness, healthcare, history, husband, Instagram, issues, joy, justice, kids, knowledge, letter, letters, life, lifestylepoetry, Literature, live, love, lust, mamas, marriage, men, mother, Motherhood, mothers, motivation, nonfiction, opinion, parenthood, passion, poetry, police, positivity, power, praise, prayer, protest, queen, race, relationships, safety, school, self, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, sons, spirituality, strength, struggle, truth, twitter, unity, uplifting, village, violence, wife, women, womenpoetry, writer, writers, Writing, youth -
Chicago Peace Project Revisited
(Politickin: The Chicago Peace Project participants discussing future goals, ancient societies, and their favorite cartoons while creating art in trauma-informed breakout sessions facilitated by the Teen Arts Council members.) (Drop Me Off at the L: Teen Arts Council members facilitate an icebreaker called Mr. Taxi Driver for The Chicago Peace Project participants.) Is it still…
Tyra
Art, beauty, books, Community Issues, faith, family, goals, happiness, Health, history, hobbies, Literature, love, music, News, opinion, parenthood, Poetry, prayer, quotes, Race and ethnicity, Relationship, religion and spirituality, self-care, Self-Help, social media, spirituality, travel, Wellness, WritingAfrican American, ambition, Art, author, babies, baby mama, beauty, beauty standards, Black men, Black women, body image, books, Chicago, childhood, children, community, confidence, crimes against youth, daughter, dear, dreams, education, election, empowerment, encouragement, families, family, fathers, focus, freedom, goals, God, happiness, healthcare, history, husband, Instagram, issues, joy, justice, kids, knowledge, letter, letters, life, lifestylepoetry, Literature, live, love, lust, mamas, marriage, men, mother, Motherhood, mothers, motivation, nonfiction, opinion, parenthood, passion, poetry, police, positivity, power, praise, prayer, protest, queen, race, relationships, safety, school, self, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, sons, spirituality, strength, struggle, truth, twitter, unity, uplifting, village, violence, wife, women, womenpoetry, writer, Writing, youth -
#SlayTheDream | A Catalyst Story
I realized a long time ago that when you start wanting better for yourself, people might want to tear you down or destroy your vision…
Tyra
African American, ambition, Art, author, babies, baby mama, beauty, beauty standards, Black men, Black women, body image, books, Chicago, childhood, children, community, confidence, crimes against youth, daughter, dear, dreams, education, election, empowerment, encouragement, families, family, fathers, focus, freedom, goals, God, happiness, healthcare, history, husband, Instagram, issues, joy, justice, kids, knowledge, letter, letters, life, lifestylepoetry, Literature, live, love, mamas, marriage, men, mother, Motherhood, mothers, motivation, nonfiction, opinion, parenthood, passion, poetry, police, positivity, power, praise, prayer, protest, queen, race, relationships, safety, school, self, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, sons, spirituality, strength, struggle, truth, twitter, unity, village, violence, wife, women, womenpoetry, writer, Writing, youth -
Move on, Sis!
“If we both wanted the same thing, we would be in a relationship right now.” I had to explain to my friend that I knew this because he never made a deciding move. Don’t get me wrong now, we’re not on bad terms. We don’t hate each other. We simply aren’t meant to be committed…
Tyra
beauty, books, Community Issues, faith, family, goals, Health, history, hobbies, love, music, News, opinion, parenthood, Poetry, prayer, quotes, Race and ethnicity, Relationship, religion and spirituality, self-care, Self-Help, social media, spirituality, travel, Uncategorized, Wellness, WritingAfrican American, ambition, Art, author, babies, baby mama, beauty, beauty standards, Black men, Black women, body image, books, Chicago, childhood, children, community, confidence, crimes against youth, daughter, dear, dreams, education, election, empowerment, encouragement, families, family, fathers, focus, freedom, goals, God, happiness, healthcare, history, husband, Instagram, issues, joy, justice, kids, knowledge, letter, letters, life, lifestylepoetry, Literature, live, love, lust, mamas, marriage, men, mother, Motherhood, mothers, motivation, nonfiction, opinion, parenthood, passion, poetry, police, positivity, power, praise, prayer, protest, queen, race, relationships, safety, school, self, self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, self-love, self-worth, Sincerely Tyra, sincerelytyra, SlayTheDream, social media, sons, spirituality, strength, struggle, truth, twitter, unity, uplifting, village, violence, wife, women, womenpoetry, writer, writers, Writing, youth -
You are INSPIRING | #GRWM
Dear Righteous and Holy Father, I’m sure You heard me say that I would close out this year on “Cloud Nine,” praising You and blessing Your Name for all this goodness that You have done thus far…. I think right as I was saying that the devil asked You if He could try me. There…
Tyra
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A Laying of God’s Hand
I really have to thank God every day that I am not who I used to be on so many levels. Any girls/women in messed up/abusive relationships, I feel for you—mostly because I used to be you…. My Joy and I witnessed a domestic situation between two strangers late last night. And she’s talking about…
Tyra
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I talked to God in Public.
I think I’ve just now decided to call this what it is. I’m not a preacher, not an evangelist or a even a great intercessor. But I am consistent. And I’ve been consistently praying over us. Yes, even you–who I may not know. But you’re reading this right now–so yes, definitely you, too. There’s a…
Tyra
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Dope Woman #31
Sooo being the creative networker and master congratulateur that she is, my Best Fran coined this PR campaign for her birthday month. It celebrates some of her friends + showcases a few of the things that they have accomplished as Black, Young, and Gifted women. But this Empowerment Queen, Academic Recruiter, PR Guru, Sister, and…
Tyra
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Hair Wars and Self-Care
Spoiler Alert: This is a “Hair Appreciation” post. Yall. I used to be the queen of bone straight hair which over time ended up damaging it. Literally took me 10 years to become comforatble with my natural curl pattern. Would have never worn my hair like this even two or three years ago. My hair…
Tyra
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A Sprinkle of Black History Magic
Dear Everyone: Biennially, I do a daily post during Black History Month (BHM) on my Instagram. I treat it like my own little 28-Day challenge. Perhaps next year, I’ll get my life together enough in January to actually create one of those cute, little calendars that mysteriously floats around the internets with a daily theme…
Tyra
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RIP to the City (excerpt)
On the L tryin not to think about splattered blood; the tears shed in this seat; or worry why we’ve been sitting here so long. Rest in peace, Jessica Hampton. On my way; homebound. Praying nothing jumps off as I pass the Green Line. Who knows how many bullets have flown by this very spot…
Tyra