To my family: My Greatest Muse

This comforter is nice but the real warmth stems from Luna and you. We are flowing in familial harmony and unison. The stillness of the room envelops us in a blanket of peace, and we are greeted by the eastern sun reflecting off the curtain gorgeously. The sound of your voice breaks the silence as you say, “This might be my favorite part of the day.” 

That resonates with me. This is the part of the day and life that is ours.

Those sweet nuances of life with family and my soul prove life is good. They are my balance. I find myself surrendering to it all through presence. Mindfulness allows me to endure every aspect of the moment so I can live fully. 

How typical of my human mind to relentlessly contemplate the future: the next shift at work, or the next chore on my to-do list. Succumbing to that anxiety merely extracts me from the moment, forcing me to experience it halfway. Presence is the priority. I should be immersed fully in the richness and sweetness life offers me.

Those serene, meditative times with family is the enrichment that satisfies me. They are like a dose of sugar, or a quick fix. They’re true soul therapy. 

Slow Down & Be with Her: A Reflective Life Update

I recently read the saying “I will never have this version of myself again. Let me slow down and be with her.” These words struck a chord with me, as they felt like divine permission to be still and balance the grind with gratitude and presence.

My creative, professional and maternal ambition has led me on an endless journey of goal setting, striving and self-improvement. I am incessantly pursuing avenues of elevation for myself and my family unit. I realize however that there are so many gems of the here and now that are equally deserving of my attention.

Creatively speaking,  there is much in store for my art brand, and it is a true pleasure using every day to invest in my craft, and using my expressive passion to fuel my projects. Admittedly, though, it is a journey. While I graciously endure the gradual creative process, I can celebrate what I have now artistically. 

Like my recent discoveries of new artists, new music, new poems and writers with fresh artistry that aliment my heart. I am quite taken with this version of myself that is diving deeper into the creativity  of others and using it to nourish her soul. 

Some of my most rapturous moments have been in solitude enjoying the lyrics, poetry, and celestial expression of other artists. Art and creativity are the soul’s playground, and I’m happy I can resonate with other creators. Surely I am endlessly striving to be the best artist I can be, but I will not attach my happiness to the end result of my creative journey because there’s much to savor right now.

Domestically speaking, I find myself in endless pursuit of ways to elevate myself as a mother, partner and young adult. My emotional, financial and spiritual contributions to my family unit are the most important aspect of my life as nothing is more important than my daughter’s and fiancé’s wellbeing.

That said, it is easy to fixate on the grind and the goals I’ve set to level up for myself and for my family, like using my degree, bilingual, and writing skills to advance my corporate career to enhance my family’s quality of life. But there’s a unique peace I gain from enjoying what we have in the now when it comes to my young adulthood and my family.

For example, I am certainly committed to striving to give my Luna Violet the highest quality of life, as it is her birthright. However I’m loving the current version of me who has learned to budget, be financially disciplined and to prioritize her daughter’s needs to ensure she is provided for. Additionally, in my quest to career advancement, it’s important I take time to celebrate all that I currently have.

Surely, it is empowering to envision myself climbing the corporate ladder and shattering the glass ceiling as a woman in the workplace. Admittedly though, I’m impressed that in the present, I am a bilingual college graduate applying her education and professionalism to her current corporate role and budding entrepreneurialism. There is always something I can improve or develop, but there’s a plethora of tasks that I’m currently doing right and well, and I am pleased to be reminded of that.

Finally, and most importantly, I cherish this version of me who surrenders her goals and desires to the Great Spirit above, and exercises patience as her blessings grace the horizon.

Often, I am greeted by the nostalgic memories of my past selves. The sentimentality makes me think of the fast pace life happens at and the value of the many versions of myself I’ve experienced. What’s more, it all inspires me to be more present with my current self & to appreciate the nuances of each stage life gifts me, no matter how hectic or demanding the grind gets.

To My Luna

Let’s get lost in this moment, savoring our ever-growing bond. I’ve never known a time as precious as this. In between the hustle and life grind it’s just you and me, mother and child, finding refuge in each other.

The simplicity of our connection fills me up the most. Like the calm, serene pattern of your breaths as I nurse you. Or the content way you rest in my embrace symbolizing your trust in me.

From First Dates to Forever: Our Engagement Story

Chris is a divine demonstration of love. What greater blessing is there, than a partner who speaks to my heart, personalizing every token of love to me. 

Like our first date, where he picked me up and graced my senses with his Dior cologne, nearly inebriating me. 

He then immersed me in nature through sunflower bouquets and gorgeous lake views, knowing florals and aquatic scenes satisfy my soul deeply.  

Or last week, when he selflessly converted his birthday dinner into a night of honoring our union. 

Just after I lit his birthday candles so he could make a wish, the heartwarming melody of Stevie Wonder’s Ribbon in the Sky graced my ears to my surprise.

This ballad reverts me to childhood. It is what I’ve always envisioned myself getting married to, when I found the one to approach eternity with. 

Shortly after the opening lyrics, Chris asked me to stand up, and showered me with a sweet dialogue of what our partnership meant to him. 

Taken aback by this pleasant transition of events, I listened joyfully, completely captivated by his heart’s expression.

He then addressed my full name while taking a knee and presenting a stunning jeweled silver diamond. At that moment, he asked me to be his wife. 

I gladly said yes, and surrendered to the lump in my throat with happy tears. 

I feel so blessed to have experienced this monumental moment in our journey, and to have shared it with our daughter and every other soul surrounding us with communal love and support.

Diamonds are luxurious. Flowers and picturesque views are a bonus, but what’s more touching is the sentiment behind it all. 

What counts the most is the great efforts invested to convey his deepest affections for me. That is what I am truly grateful for.

Songs of the Heart

I appreciate the ways music depicts love.

It is such a sonically gorgeous expression of intimacy, like Muni Long’s Hours and Hours, so poetic, so passionate, and pure.

What an incredibly soulful and sultry translation of the heart’s enamoration. 

How alluring it is to witness a woman in love, as found in Ariana Grande’s Imagine.

The harmonies, the melodies, & her enchanting narrative of intimacy, inspire me to reflect on my own journey.

& they mark a pivotal chapter in my young womanhood. 

I rediscovered this hypnotizing track upon obtaining my degree, and finding my passions.  

A serious romance, and a family of my own were now what I saw for myself. This was the epoch in my life where I felt I could manifest that.

This song gifted me a profound hope and certainty that those desires were God’s will for me. 

Love is captivatingly beautiful.

What’s even more sacred is the magnitude of gratitude I have for God’s and life’s grace, hindering the past from working out and saving me for better.

Home is Where the Soul is Happy

Aromatic sweetness of mom’s cobbler fills the air, and there is overwhelming peace in my heart.

I have never been so centered.

Routinely I am on the go, attempting to keep up with the rapid-fire pace at which life flows at, yet this is the most presence I have ever known.

I am inspired to savor the moment and experience it in full, as my spirit knows This is where I should be.

There are mini luxuries all around, like mom’s distinctly captivating home decor, allowing her soul to manifest through the house.

& The harmonic chorus of birds singing the songs of spring, while the external arbor life exudes stillness and serenity.

Home is where the inner presence is centered, and where the soul is happy.