Good morning!

Happy Holidays!

& starting today, happy Kwanzaa! I will be sharing brief posts with each principle each day as we make our way to the new year!

day #1

Umoja-Unity

To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.


SUNDAY
Kwanzaa

day # 2

Kujichagulia- Self Determination

To define and name ourselves, as well as to create and speak for ourselves


​MONDAY
Good morning!

Happy Monday!

This week, our last week of the year we get a twofer! I hope you have enjoyed your holidays this far. It’s Monday, our last Monday of 2020, and this week ought to start off as good as you would like any other week to. This week is still a part of your journey, your story. How you use it, live it still matters and carries power.

What awaits you? What special quality you possess awaits to being light and joy to someone else’s day? What’s on your mind/heart?

Today is the only today you have, the only day that’s active! This is your time to do what you want to do and be who you want to be!

#challenge

Kwanzaa day #3

Ujima- Collective Work & Responsibility

​To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems and to solve them together.


TUESDAY
Good morning!

I contemplated doing another Tuesday think tank.. but I think I’ll keep it short and sweet today while still encouraging you do to your own think tank.

Pick a handful of questions to ask yourself or ask between friends, loved ones...ones that really get you thinking about your growth, your contribution, what you’ve been enlightened by, and what you’re still curious about.

Today is here and will be here for you to do all the “must get done” items on your mental or physical lists.... but you are in charge of taking the opportunities to exercise your mind in different ways, to stimulate the heart through thought... Take some time to do that.

#challenge

Kwanzaa day #4

Ujamaa-Cooperative Economics

To build & maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together


WEDNESDAY
Good morning!

It is Wednesday, a great time in this week and one of the last opportunities in this year to truly pause and contemplate your relationship with self and others.

Don’t just take some time, make it an agenda point to use today to assess these relationships, where you are, where your loved ones are, your friends, colleagues,, whoever it is you care enough to know how they’re doing.. today is for seeing how they’re all doing! Today is for being honest about how you’re doing!

Remember to let love, compassion, understanding, grace, and unity tule today.

#challenge

Kwanzaa day #5

Nia-Purpose

To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness


THURSDAY
Good morning!

Well we are here! The last day of the year but not quite the end of the week!

I know reflection is usually the Friday speech, but how could we not on such a day as this?? Am I right?

Yes, it’s Thursday. What good are they? What has a Thursday ever done for you? Let’s think about that! Let’s think about the days that we felt big, strong, undefeated! Let’s think about the days that hurt, made us pause, cry, and wonder how we would go on... Let’s think about who was there for it whether in person or over the phone. Let’s think about how you got from point A allllllll the way through those things to this pint right here, right now.

Wow. Being here for this Thursday ain’t small potatoes, folks. You made it. Now keep on keeping on.

#challenge

Kwanzaa day #6

Kuumba- Creativity

To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it


FRIDAY
Good morning!
Happy Friday!
Happy New Year!

You did it! You’re here!

What a beautiful morning it is... one of continued reflection and great hopes.

Today is yours as any day given to you. Today, you consider your values, your priorities, your loved ones, and yourself. It’s the end of the week but the beginning of a new day and year, both sure to provide a unique journey as long as you’re willing to show up and be a part of it!

Enjoy your day, friends.

Be kind. Stay safe.
Be safe. Stay kind.

#TGIF+
#2021
#challenge

Kwanzaa day #7

Imani- Faith

To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle

MONDAY
Good morning, all!

Happy Monday!

Can’t believe we are entering the last couple weeks of the year...

As you start this week, or just today really, consider what it is that keeps you going. What is, has been one of your most influential motivations, driving force behind all that you’ve been working on either self, in your job, in your life?

What is driving you right here and now, today? Just today... same thing or something else? How often do you pause to acknowledge that? Have you ever?

Perhaps today could be used to acknowledge what keeps you going as you take the next steps in your journey.

#mondaysmatter
#challenge


TUESDAY
Good morning!

I hope your week is off to a good start, friends.

Today is yours, and today has already been influenced by that fact, by your presence.

What else will you do with today?

Think about it. Wrote it down. Say it out loud.

Get started.

#challenge


WEDNESDAY
Good morning!

We are here in the middle of a holiday week, a great time for a rest stop, check point, or what have you.

For me, though, I think the emphasis this week (month even) is a bit less “holiday” and more rest, quality time focused.

Today may or may not be the last day of work for some of you. Today may just be another day.

But... today regardless of what you are tasked with (or not) is about you and your well being. It’s about remembering there is space to care about the well being of others. Today is a day for pausing, mending, initiative, rest, internal assessment, outward extension... what needs might be filled in your beat interests and in the best interest of those around you. What’s within your power and ability to do?

Today is not for over exerting yourself mentally, emotionally, physically. It’s not for hoarding all the love, joy, peace or the good and beautiful things of life.

A good reflection might lead you to better action, and your best self.

#challenge

Happy Holidays!

Will taking the next two days for rest+ family time! See you back here for Kwanzaa as we countdown to the new year! 


THURSDAY
happy holidays

FRIDAY
​happy holidays

MONDAY
Good morning!

Very early day today! I hope you’re well!

Let’s kick the week off right, friends. It’s a new day, fresh start even if some of the same worries or trials are following us into this week.

Today is good. It has as much potential for positive impact as you do. As you begin a new week, give yourself a few minutes to breathe, clear your thoughts. Clean the mind and heart of last week’s attitude or negative energy.

If you need something, anything... reach out to those who care for you.... Today is a good day to check in with your state/well being and then get after all that you want to accomplish.

Whatever your goal is for the day.. You got it.

#mondaysmatter
#challenge


TUESDAY
Good morning, friends!

It’s Tuesday, a time for??

You tell me...

What would you like to see happen today? What do you want out of today? Are you working on something? Are you interacting with anyone that you could impact or be impacted by? Have you stopped and just gone outside to take some deep breaths or a short walk around? What’s the last thing you did for yourself, your sanity, your inner peace?

All just questions...just another think tank?

What’s the last question you asked and found an answer to? perhaps you need a new puzzle, a fresh mental exercise to keep the blood flowing between your head and your heart.

Find one you like and give it a go for a day or two or seven.

#challenge


WEDNESDAY
Good morning!

We did it! We are halfway through the week, and a much deserved pause is in order.

Deep breathe in.. hold.. exhale out.

You are here, but not alone.

Really think about what you need to FEEL at peace, well, rested, safe...

Think about what those in your sphere, your various environments might need to FEEL at peace, well, rested, safe...

Not sure about the answer to one or the other or both? Sounds like just cause for intentional conversations with oneself or another or both. Let’s have more of those.

#challenge


THURSDAY
Good morning!

pressing forward with safety and in wellness, I hope. Today awaits!

If there was one activity you could do today just for your own enjoyment for a few minutes or an hour that would help center you, put a smile on your face... what would it be? And why not make that happen today?

Also however you choose to vent, express yourself so you don’t hold on to all the feelings of the day or week, when’s the last time you did that? Make some space for that today even if it’s just notes in your phone or a long winded text to a friend.

You wellness is in your hands, and so is this Thursday.

#challenge


FRIDAY
Good morning!

Happy Friday, friends!

How is the week treating you? What takeaways have you collected? What progress has been made? Any pleasant surprises or restorative interactions worth acknowledging?

Today continues the journey. We’re thankful for the weekend, but the weekend doesn’t mean our best selves aren’t the best choice, our smiles aren’t needed, or our unique gifts aren’t useful.

Keep showing up, keep being you, and keep enjoying what there is to enjoy.

I hope you have a great day.

Be kind. Stay safe.
Be safe. Stay kind.

#TGIF+
#challenge

MONDAY
dealing with Nick's (my dog) diagnosis

TUESDAY
Good morning, friends

It has been quite a week already.. I hate I missed the start of the week but I was bit emotionally distracted yesterday.

But this morning is here... it’s a new day for each of us, and I hope we are each able to use it in a way that leaves us satisfied by the end of it.

Think about what you want, what you enjoy, who you love, and how much you accomplished and overcome up to this point...and. keep. going.

I hope you and your families are safe.

#challenge


​WEDNESDAY
Good morning!

For the first time in a long time, it doesn’t actually feel like Wednesday, like the middle of the week.

But it is, and the message still stands. Today is the opportunity, the one time a week I use to truly consider and participate in your own well being and that of others. If there is room for us all to be here, than there is room for our compassion, understanding, and peace to extend to ourselves AND beyond ourselves.

Who haven’t you checked on in a while?
Who hasn’t been quite themselves in your sphere?
How have you been feeling the last few days?
If it’s been tough, who have you reached out to? What do you need?
Have what you neee, great.. what can you do for someone else? What kindness or service might you be able to offer?

It doesn’t have to be as tedious or time consuming as we like to let ourselves believe, and so what if it is.

If you can’t be bothered to care or haven’t been, today is a great day to start. If you need some love, it’s okay to say so...it’s okay to give yourself a little reminder of why you matter too. Feeling good, got a spare minute or more, see what need you could fill, who you could love on a bit just because.

#challenge


THURSDAY
Good morning....

Figure since I’m up I may as well get writing. I haven’t done one of these this early since I’ve been off haha... but Nicky and I had a rough night, he’s a bit unwell resulting in some periodic “accidents” throughout the night/wee hours..so here I am, here we are...

It’s Thursday already, and I’d like to urge you to try and make your first and last thoughts of the day specific and positive. In a quiet space (if possible), eyes, breathing in and and out slowly.... make three internal statements. They can be affirmations, prayers, mantras, a thought about someone sea to you, a goal, what have you as king as it keeps you feeling light, peaceful, motivated, happy... Three good thoughts, eyes closed and breathing... this morning and tonight. (Maybe once midday of its proving to be a little rough)

This is just a small way to keep yourself engaged with what there is to appreciate, be thankful for, look forward to... a way to stay engaged with the good, positive things in life.

Give it a try

#challenge

FRIDAY
Good morning!

Happy Friday, friends!

I don’t know what sort of week you’ve had, but at least we’re here...moving forward, taking our next steps, and figuring it out one day at a time.

This week has been a little long and intense for me for many reasons, but I’m thankful for support and love when on the tougher days of the week.

Today is good, better than the days prior. And at the end of the week that’s what I hope for is to know better, do better, be better each day.

I hope you enjoy your Friday, take some time to tell the people you care for how much they mean to you, take a moment to acknowledge your progress/growth this week, take a moment to rest if/when you need. Today is yours.

Be kind. Stay safe.
Be safe. Stay kind.

#TGIF+
#challenge

MONDAY
​Good morning beautiful people!

Another week awaits, but for now let’s concern ourselves with just the day that awaits you and all you have to offer.

Remember to give yourself a few minutes of peace and positivy before diving in and maybe even a couple similar rest stops throughout today if it’s a little overwhelming or you just need it.

Prioritize your growth, well being, joy, and grace. Keep your compassion, selflessness, and again grace accessible and ready to deploy for those around you.

How will you influence today? What kind of influence do you believe yourself to be?

#mondaysmatter
#challenge

TUESDAY
Good morning!

Your next step is here, friends.

I hope today serves you well, that in it you find any and every reason to be thankful, that you seize each opportunity put before you to know more/do more/be more...

I’ll bet today could use as much of you as it can get it, so why not give it your all?

#challenge

WEDNESDAY
Good morning!

Wednesday already! Goodness!

Let’s take a moment or a few and just breathe. Still and empty your mind, take a couple more breaths and then slowly fill it with thoughts of what/who you love... thoughts of what feels good, what brings a smile to your face, what you’re excited for or ready for...

Think of one person outside your home to check in with, see how their day/week/month is going... Your time is an extension of you, so when you offer it...it speaks volume regardless of receiving thanks or recognition.

Today is great day to care.

#challenge

THURSDAY
Good morning!

This week is moving quickly, friends don’t miss out!

How are you feeling? What has you occupied mentally, emotionally, physically? Is it worth it, truly? If so what’s one step forward you can take in addressing/changing it?

It’s not about solving everything in a day, but acknowledging what efforts are not only worth your time but help you feel a bit closer to the goal.

#challenge

FRIDAY
Good morning! Happy Friday!

We are moving through this December, but with purpose I know it!

Think about your week, about your wins, about your lessons... Today is here for the continuation of truth, goodness, and beauty. Stand up for your worth, your joy, your peace.

Enjoy your day, keep your eyes and heart set for the good and opportunities to grow.

Be kind. Stay safe.
Be safe. Stay kind.

#TGIF+
#challenge

MONDAY
​Good morning!

welcome to the latest & greatest day in your story, your journey....

Today, this morning in fact... whether you’re resting, working or something in between, take a moment to say aloud a few you things you care deeply about, a couple things you like about yourself/your life, something to improve on for yourself, someone you know loves you (well), AND either one thing you have learned recently or a question that you will use today to explore the answer to...

Let’s exercise our mind & heart this morning, and see where it leads us.

#mondaysmatter
#challenge


TUESDAY
Good morning!

it’s early in the week, but never too early for a quick reminder of grace.

We all seek balance with each day, and more often than not we don’t allow ourselves to ever believe we are doing well at attaining it. We mistake it for a thing you get and keep, when it’s really a very dynamic, fluid, and relative concept.

Balance looks different each day, feels different each day. It’s an active sport requiring you’d best effort and full presence, but each day is its own match. So make room for grace on the days you feel you’ve “lost”. Make room for grace for those in your life when you feel it’s been especially challenging... and make room for acknowledging when you’ve done your best and the day wasn’t all that bad after all.

You’re likely doing better than you can know or see for yourself.

#challenge


WEDNESDAY
Good morning!

as all the alternative thanksgiving preparations take place, be mindful of what and who is worthy of your appreciation... of how you could express it with a little more intention.

This is a mindset, a practice... so much more than a season but if the season is your most effective reminder then by all means, give it your all!

Make the phone call, send a message or package, show up, whatever you’re able to do that says this matters/you matter and mean a lot to me..

Get that “we” spirit flowing, friends and keep it up. Enjoy your holiday.

#challenge

THURSDAY
Thanksgiving

FRIDAY
Family time

MONDAY
​Good morning!

New day! New week! New opportunity!

What are you looking forward to from today? What have you set out to do or be better at? How are you going to hold on to your peace and joy today?

Today can only begin to reach its full potential when our best selves fully show up.

Don’t let today pass you by, friends.

#mondaysmatter
#challenge


TUESDAY
Good morning!

Tuesday think tank....

What is the healthiest thing you’ve done or want to do for yourself this week?

How do you feel about yourself/how you’re doing in life right now? What’s one thing to improve? What are three things you’re doing well?

Who is one person that either pleasantly surprised you, did something kind for you, OR you had a really good interaction with so far this week?

Today, one thing you’re grateful for? One person you’re grateful for?

At the end of the day... why was today good?

#challenge


WEDNESDAY
Good morning!

We are here, friends.

How are we feeling? How are you? How are your loved ones? How is work? How is life?

I am truly trying to convince anyone I can that asking “how are you?” should carry more weight, that if I’m asking, you have space to truly answer in fullness. We are all dealing with things at various times that weigh on us or that we desperately want to share but feel as if the opportunity is never there.

This question is that opportunity but as much as these words are spoken, hardly anything is ever said in return to them.

Let’s change that today. Even if it’s just for today.

#Challenge


THURSDAY
Good morning!

As the week moves along, let’s reassess our focus.

What’s at the forefront of your mind & heart today?

Are you thinking of all the things yet to pass, what “so & so” hasn’t done or never does right? Are you fixated on shortcomings or misfortunes?

Orrrrrr are you thinking of what things have gone well this week, the people who made things a little better or easier? Maybe dwell just a bit longer in how you have improved just in this week alone, what has worked out, what opportunities were placed in front of you.....

What we choose to hyper focus on will influence more than just a moment of our time. It can impact our perspective, attitude, and interactions. So be mindful of what you let sit & simmer in your mind & heart today because it’s likely to still be there tomorrow.

#challenge


FRIDAY
Good morning!

Happy Friday!

As our days get going and we get moving, I hope your morning is filled with peace. I hope today, you let your first thoughts and words be ones of joy, kindness, or whatever positive feeling gets you in the right place to want the most out of your day.

Today is unique, and how sweet it is to be able to experience & explore why it’s unique... how sweet it is to be here to be a part of what makes it unique for you and others. Because you are... a part of that. You’re the only you today has. Today is the day like this each of us will have.

Enjoy it. Enjoy your weekend.

Be kind. Stay safe.
Be safe. Stay kind.

#TGIF+
#challenge

MONDAY
Good morning!

Happy Monday!

Here’s to starting the day and week off right where you need to be physically, mentally, and emotionally. The roads to health and happiness are a sum of the paths we choose each day.

So what are you choosing today? How are you taking steps toward better health and more happiness in this day, right here and now?

There’s no use wasting time that’s already yours... let’s use it for own growth and betterment.

#mondaysmatter
#challenge

TUESDAY
Good morning!

Hope you’re all well!

What to tackle this Tuesday?? Hmm... theme for me so far this week seems to be the value of breaks. Sometimes life gets so so busy and we may prioritize accordingly but when things slow down we feel an obligation to pick up everything we sat aside at once.

This inevitably places our health at the bottom of the priority list and we become rundown by all the things or people we actually enjoy.

Take those breaks, the opportunities to truly pause that are in front of you especially if you know you need it. Be mindful of your state and what would be most beneficial for you.

Self neglect never helped anyone.

#challenge

WEDNESDAY
Good morning!

Midweek mood? How are we feeling?

Today is the day for checking in with yourself and others. Today is the the day to remind ourselves of our own humanity and allow it to influence how we treat and communicate to others (for the better).

Reflect on the times you have been in need of a shoulder to cry on, ear to listen, any form of comfort. Reflect on the times you have received kindness from a stranger. Reflect on the times you have been rundown and someone checked in. Reflect on every good human experience and then remember we all need that. Why not provide it to someone? What would it take you from you? What would you lose?

There is much to be gained from acknowledging one another in love, peace, and kindness at every opportunity.

#challenge


THURSDAY
Good morning, friends!

Hope this week is treating you well so far. I don’t know what your Thursday will look like, no one does or can.... and to an extent neither do you and that’s where the opportunities are.

Your opportunity to influence and mold your day. Your opportunity to be influenced and molded by your day.

Don’t waste them. No one will be able to do with them what you will.

#challenge


​FRIDAY
Good morning!

Happy Friday!

Friends, gratitude is so powerful. It is a perspective, mindset, mood, spirit....

When we allow ourselves to seek out and seize the chance to express it, dwell in it even, the day just hits different.

I hope you let today be the day you practice this.

I’m glad you’re here. Today has you for a reason that none of us can predict and that no one else can fulfill.

Enjoy your day and weekend.

Be kind. Stay safe.
Be safe. Stay kind.

#TGIF+
#challenge

MONDAY
Good afternoon, beautiful people!

Sorry for the delay (long drive)! I hope your morning was good... today has really flown by (for me at least).

What are you hoping to get out of today? How are you starting your week, in what mental, emotional, physical state? What might you be able to do to kick this week off with more peace, motivation, or whatever it is you need to be grounded and active??

Spend some time thinking of these things, preparing your mind and heart for how you want to be and live in this week.

#mondaysmatter
#challenge


​TUESDAY
Good morning,

Today will be different. I would like to encourage as much interaction and peace seeking as possible. Who are the people around you are most connected to? Who do you reach out to when you’re in need of comfort?

Do what it takes to keep in mind what it means to be human, that is what you are, and that is what everyone around you is as well. It ought not be so difficult to view ourselves and one another this way.

Stay safe & stay kind today, friends.

#challenge


WEDNESDAY
Good morning, friends!

Wednesday is here and with it, many opportunities to search within and reach without.

Take a deep breath in and let it out. Then, imagine how you want to feel today, how you would like to make others (who interact with you) feel today?

Let your good intentions of your mind and heart guide your actions... let it do more than guide let it be the truest and greatest influence on them.

#challenge


THURSDAY
Good morning!

How are you? How has the week been?

What is one thing you’d like to do differently that you can implement today? What’s one thing you have done well or enjoyed that you would like to do again today?

Remember just because there are many things out of our control doesn’t mean we are without some influence.

#challenge


FRIDAY
Good morning! Happy Friday!

Already ending our first week in November. How has it been?

What can you do today to apply the lessons you’ve learned, celebrate your wins, and understand your pitfalls?

Today is a good day to remind yourself of all that you are and have to offer. Today is good day to remember what and who you’re most grateful for. Today is a good day to do good and be better.

Enjoy your day, friends.

Be kind. Stay safe.
Be safe. Stay kind.

#TGIF+
#challenge

MONDAY
Good morning!

Happy Monday, friends! I know it’s cloudy and chilly, but you’re here & today needs you.

Bundle up yes but also consider starting out your day warming yourself with sweet thoughts and a couple affirmations. Set the tone for your mind and spirit for today. Remember your best is all you can do, and it is sufficient... even if the intended results don’t come today, your effort is significant to your progress.

#challenge

This is the last week of October/Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Continue to educate yourselves and those around you. We need more people advocating for this issue even if it’s just in knowledge. Even that gives you power and potential to help someone.


TUESDAY
Hey, hi, hello!
Good morning!

This Tuesday is already challenging, had some very resistant ice on my windows and I really needed to get this oil changed and my wipers replaced. Only a block away and still a risky trip.

Those of us facing icy weather/roads please be safe! Stay home if you can, but i know everyone isn’t able. It’s a good day to take care of errands, take care of tasks, take care of you.

I know it’s “just Tuesday” but this day counts. It is a part of the days you have lived and should be taken advantage of. Leave your mark on it. Let others (good others) leave an impression on it, on you.

Stay open. Stay warm. Stay safe.

#challenge



WEDNESDAY
Good morning!

We made it, friends. It’s the middle of the week and a little colder than yesterday, a little icier than yesterday but we are here!

Who could you reach out to today? Is there someone you could help or at the very least engage with a little more intentionally?

Whats an area in your self you’ve been wanting to work but haven’t gotten started or maybe got stalled along the way?

Today is the day to remover we all need grace and patience is truly a virtue. Today is a day to acknowledge just how human we are and allow that to fill us with understanding and love for one another. We all want to make it through the week, so why not be a part of what makes that a little better or perhaps even the best days to come?

#challenge



THURSDAY
Good morning!

Sweet Thursday... how is everyone feeling? What’s at the top of the agenda today? How’s the week been so far? What is your best takeaway up to today? What unexpected interactions have you had? What haven’t you been able to express? What needs to be processed?

How is today going to start for you? Where’s your mind? your focus? How do you want to feel? What do you want out of this day?

Each day you are given is an opportunity to explore and assess your mind & heart and just how much your life actually reflects their intentions. Use today, to live honestly, genuinely. Take a few minutes to say aloud some inner thoughts and really confront them.

#challenge


FRIDAY
Good morning & Happy Friday!

I hope this week has been good to you and you, to yourself & others.

It’s a great day to pause, reflect, and start implementing the lessons learned or any positive change.

It’s a great day to remind yourself of what (and who) matters.

It’s a great day to be present, living, well...

It’s a great day and it’s all yours. Don’t let it pass you by.

Be kind. Stay safe.
Be safe. Stay kind.

#TGIF
#challenge