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.
Tag Archives: self-care
Affirm Yourself Today 💕
Keys to a Longer Life
Honey, Ms. Annie Mae Belin of Darlington, S.C. (what a cute city name 🥰) became a household name in June of last year from this clip of her reminding us to mind our own business!
Joy Over Everything
Repeat after me: I’m expectant + excited for the rest of the year.
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! 🤭”
I’m Speaking at a Mother’s Day Brunch!
Grab everybody + they mamas because I’m speaking at the AOT Mother’s Day Brunch on Saturday, May 7th! We’d love to brunch + kick it with you this time next week! 💕
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 only read the above summary and commit to learning from that viewpoint—I’ve been vindicated. But if you choose to continue reading why I am leaving NPU, please note that this resignation is also an open letter is a nod to the students I had hoped to impact and help them greatest achieve their career goals.
Purchase your #SlayTheDream Affirmation Card Set!
Know Your Worth 👑
You can’t add tax before the original value.
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:”
Dear Queen: Listen to When Queens Link 🥰
Running Errands
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”
Dear Accountability Partners
I don’t do well with cluttered spaces. That’s physical and mental space alike. But, in my line of work, I don’t often have much time to myself—so life tends to get really cluttered with things to do and people to talk to very quickly. (Anyone else ever looked up at 3 or 4 in theContinue reading “Dear Accountability Partners”
What “Turned It Around for Me?”
There was a time when I was so fed up with myself and my surroundings that I actually considered… …It’s a “turning point” story in all of us! To hear how it turned around for me and each of the speakers on the 2021 Art of Transparency Tour, grab your tickets and meet us inContinue reading “What “Turned It Around for Me?””
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 🖤”
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?”
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”
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”
18 Love Lessons I Learned in 2018
I took some time to reflect on my relationships. This list represents the love (and sometimes lackluster love) that I experienced in the form of my family ties, friendships, and more intimate relationships. Ultimately, I realized that I should pay special attention to the ones that were blessings and found some important lessons in the rest. Please take what you need.
Dear Self,
1. Sex will not sustain you.
#InternationalSelfCareDay
During last week’s Career Day discussions, some my students asked our professional guests whether or not they bring work home. There was a time when I would have said yes. For example, I could be having the craziest day at work. Somebody else could be working on being messy while everyone else is doing theContinue reading “#InternationalSelfCareDay”
“7 Things I Do When I’m Sad”
Read one new poem every day. Write down all your dreams; turn them into goals. Listen to the music you won’t mind humming later. Dance away any tension or frustration; your hips are your friends. Continue moving forward without leaving your conscience behind. Begin every day as if you know it will end too soon.Continue reading ““7 Things I Do When I’m Sad””
Slay. The. Dream. #2017in3Words
So this last quarter of 2016 has been really insane as far as life goes. I experienced a lot of ups and downs forcing me to make some tough decisions and cut a few people out of my life, focus more on my own self-care, and publish more of my writing. Once again, life happenedContinue reading “Slay. The. Dream. #2017in3Words”