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 It took some sleepless nights + some weary days HEALING from past defeats, imposter syndrome + outdated insecurities.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…
Tag Archives: dreams
Get Rid of Those Distractions
I hope you #SlayTheDream today.
—Sincerely, Tyra 💕
Affirm Yourself Today 💕
Sis is Tired!
I want an “off-the-grid” wellness weekend, too. 💕 I talk about what it takes to #SlayTheDream often. But this week, I had to stop + contemplate what it meant to not live up to my highest standards + to actually rest in my fatigue (i.e. listen to my body).
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,Continue reading “Talk Nice to Me! 🤭”
New Post + New Challenge! 💕
Choosing to Dream More
My sleep patterns have been wayyyy off since the beginning of the year. I mean, I haven’t seen the back of my eyelids for 8 consistent hours in IDK how long. Between work, family, + service, I interface with at least 15 people/day. That type of constant external energy in your space can wear youContinue reading “Choosing to Dream More”
Prayer for What’s to Come:
God, I trust You. I trust what You’re doing in my life. I know that You have nothing but my best interest at heart. In your hands are the inner workings of so many details. I don’t even need to know them all because I trust that You don’t know how to fail. And so,Continue reading “Prayer for What’s to Come:”
Them Project Kids | Poetry
I used to think I looked presidential here. Maybe I should rename this to “from the PJs to the Presidency.”
The Importance of Memory Lane 💕
But there’s a story inside all of us. And, sometimes—when we’re not paying attention—we let the weight of the world make us forget who we are + all that makes us great.
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 onContinue reading “Choosing Joy, Week 1”
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 herContinue reading “When Queens Link: HerbHabitue”
Made My First Website 👩🏾💻
Quick Moment of Truth: The post below is what growth looks like. I never thought to call myself a graphic designer almost ten years ago when I started playing around with all those apps that I used to add a visual to my quotes. Or even when I was building my MySpace page, but IContinue reading “Made My First Website 👩🏾💻”
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?! 😏
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 onlyContinue reading “Send this poem to a Black Woman 🖤”
Oh, But After This!
I stayed up a little late last night finalizing my monologue for this weekend while on the Art of Transparency Tour stop in Memphis. It’s a gritty take on my life story. Raw, real… and I hope I don’t ugly cry at the end… 🥴😂 For tickets: bit.ly/aotmemphis —Sincerely, Tyra **COVID protocol will be followedContinue reading “Oh, But After This!”
2021 Overflow Challenge
We have experienced so many highs and lows this year. The rollercoaster that 2020 tried to keep us riding had most of us feeling tired one day, excited the next day and completely blessed the following day. Some of us experienced the fear of death lurking behind daily COVID-19 reports or the updates of eachContinue reading “2021 Overflow Challenge”
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 IContinue reading “New Quarter = New Goals Accomplished”
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,Continue reading “ISSA POP-UP EVENT!”
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 thisContinue reading “Love: A New Inquiry”
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 withContinue reading “What About Self-Awareness?”
Protecting Us…
Warning: The following video is footage of a memorial that was built to honor Oluwatoyin “Toyin” Salau, a 19-year-old Black Lives Matter activist from Florida who’s body was found dead one week after she went missing. What does it mean to protect the Black woman at all costs??Physically…Spiritually…Emotionally…Can we finally have a conversation about this?Continue reading “Protecting Us…”
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 doesContinue reading “Prayer for Inner Peace”
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 easyContinue reading “Know Your Worth: A Self-Care Update”
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, researchingContinue reading “Defining Black Womanhood: A Conversation with us, by us, and for us”
On a Positive Note
Five positive things that happened last week: My Joy (daughter), knowing about “the germs,” said we should dress up like pirates when we went out in our new masks… I’m still considering it. I went to get gas yesterday and it was less than $2.50/gallon. I went to get gas yesterday—AND I hadn’t had toContinue reading “On a Positive Note”
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.
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 notContinue reading “COVID & The Conference Call”
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 hadContinue reading “Go Vote—with Your Children!”
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 farContinue reading “The Black Woman | Poem”
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…
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 theyContinue reading “Promises to My Joy, The Princess”
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 stillContinue reading “Chicago Peace Project Revisited”
#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…
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 to each other. And ultimately, his actions (or lack thereof) spoke for his desires.
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. ThereContinue reading “You are INSPIRING | #GRWM”
Living on Cloud Nine
I’m on cloud nine and I don’t wanna come down. | Natural high, haters can’t make me calm down. | Hunting for it and I could eat it right now. | These mf’in poems ain’t gon sell theyself na. | 😂… (Okay, I got it out of my system! I watched the entire season ofContinue reading “Living on Cloud Nine”
#DearSelf
Honestly, I haven’t been feeling like myself lately… Then, I remembered I’m cut from a different cloth: I’m a Queen. I’m genuine and caring. I have goals achieved and that are making progress. I’m stronger than I give myself credit for. AND, I know my purpose. So despite everything, I was born to win. WomenContinue reading “#DearSelf”
#DearSelf
Dear Self: Stop trying to compact your love in their tiny box. It’s too huge; too vast; and too much a thing to be marvelled. Not at all a fixture to be hidden or revealed by decision of a weak ego needing to be stroked. –Sincerely, Tyra
Worth the Work
Writing this post thinking of some of the ways that I have blocked my own blessings in the past: A. By moving too fast, B. by trusting too quickly (yes, there’s a difference between trusting people and being naive like I was), C. by doing my own thing out of pride, D. and by notContinue reading “Worth the Work”
Prayed Up | An Excerpt
She is gospel and spoken word all at once. Healing and remedies summonsed at her command. Who would dare stand in doubt about her strength? Or the length of her care? The type you pray that you stay in her prayers. —Sincerely, Tyra
Comments on Control and Being Still
Bruh, here’s a not-so-secret secret: I struggle with being in control. If I’m being real, I can paint a picture for you. Give me a second… Okay, so: A. Sometimes, I roll my eyes at people who I think don’t know what they’re doing instead of helping them. B. Although I’ll say when I’m wrong,Continue reading “Comments on Control and Being Still”
Breakthrough Prayer
Dear God, Help me bring everything to You FIRST. Every dream. Every concern. Every responsibility. Every decision. Every relationship. Every battle. Every opportunity. Every obstacle. Every health issue. Every need for healing. Every trial. Every step outside my home. Every job promotion. Every difficult conversation. Every worry. Every idea. Every victory. Every sin. Everything, God.Continue reading “Breakthrough Prayer”
Happy Mother’s Day!
Yo I’m tired now that I’m actually sitting still —BY MYSELF. Finally. Hosted an event, facilitated class today, and an hour and a half-long admin meeting. But God gave me the strength… This is a Gal. 6:9 moment. Just being able to sit still, alone. Grateful for a day filled with great conversations, but IContinue reading “Happy Mother’s Day!”
Voice and Freedom
I used to be “the quiet one” in the family. But my fam knew how to uplift me stoically. Voice is still only revealed or reeled in when necessary—mostly to heighten the sound of another’s. It’s tougher out here for the introverted mind that’s alerted by the time we usually tend to run out ofContinue reading “Voice and Freedom”
Eartha-Ntozake Mashup
“From the Desk of Eartha-Ntozake: Interesting how that works for a woman—brown-braided and radical like myself. I can be as fragile as flower and as submissive as a servant. And yet, it’s always been the ones that said they want a woman who has something to offer the world that leave me abandoned. So they’llContinue reading “Eartha-Ntozake Mashup”
Light, Zest, Space | #GRWM
“Light, space, zest!” This whole idea that God our light, the creator of every space, and our zest/spice of life is really special. It’s a simple reminder that God is really everything and with Him, I should have no fears! I mean in the NIV version it literally says WHO shall I fear? Well, whom actually, but you feel me. This reminder that if the CREATOR OF EVERY CREATURE, the PRODUCER OF ALL LIFE has my back… WHO gon stop me if God be for me?! Like WHO? I’ll wait…
Get Out of My Office!
I had the opportunity earlier today to pick the brains of forty Howard University Alt Spr Break students about our work! I can’t lie, it was dope/my job is dope. BUT, their insight, questions, and mere presence makes me wanna do more/create more spaces for these types of opportunities for my teens to serve ourContinue reading “Get Out of My Office!”
#HealitGod: Fear of Love
I read somewhere that God can’t heal what you are unprepared to reveal. This is an interesting concept that requires us to do a bit of work. Mainly, if you are not in the mindset to be self-reflective and confess your flaws and sins to God, they’ll remain thorns in your side. As my relationshipContinue reading “#HealitGod: Fear of Love”
Free Woman
No one wants a free woman. They want us to be small and contained, unopinonated and ashamed of all our own ideas. When I say, “Stop that. It hurts me.” They’d rather recall how strong I was before and parade my wounds around like a trophy. I just want to be a free woman, fullContinue reading “Free Woman”