Leaning Into Joy, Slowly

I know this post is long overdue. When I started my site in 2024, I felt so rejuvenated—like I was finally getting clarity on where I wanted to be, both professionally and personally.

But, as we all know, life doesn’t work in straight lines. Entering 2025—amidst freezing weather (in ATLANTA!) and the Trump inauguration—has been a reminder to embrace the ongoing, non-linear journey of figuring oneself out.

These days, I’m leaning deeper into caring less about what others think and focusing more on the people, experiences, and practices that bring me joy, challenge me, and make me feel restored. I’m also on a journey to get more comfortable with my body—from loving the tummy layers that came with growing and birthing my daughter to listening to my lower back when I need to stretch more often.

And you know what? I love it here. I am tired, but I am grateful. Grateful for the community I’ve fostered. Grateful for the work I get to do amplifying voices in social justice movements. Grateful for my daughter, Iman, who is brilliant, energetic, and masterful at keeping me humble. Grateful for my safe, cozy home. And grateful for the grace I’ve learned to give myself when I wake up wanting to do the bare minimum.

There’s so much noise out there—it’s so easy to doom-scroll and get lost in it. But I wanted to take this moment to share a few things that have been grounding me lately. And I’d love for you to share what has been helping you calm your nervous system too. Here’s what’s been keeping me steady:

1. Reading Octavia Butler – I discovered Octavia back in 2021 (I KNOW—I was late!) during a post-separation rediscovery phase, and she has had me in a chokehold ever since. Now I’m finally reading Wild Seed, and it’s taking me on a crazy ride. 

2. Supporting Aligned Businesses – I’m sure many of you heard about Target scaling back its DEI initiatives. That news hit hard because I’ve always loved Target, but I’ve also felt the difference between spending money at places that align with my values and those that don’t. Supporting Black and queer-owned businesses just feels different. Lately, I’ve been buying my books from Charis Books and Iman’s books from Brave + Kind Bookshop, resisting the Amazon trap as much as possible. TBD!

3. Not Taking Myself Too Seriously – Last week, I spent way too much time laughing at memes, and I feel zero shame about it. It made me feel lighter the entire day. 

4. Calling on Community and Showing Up – There are days when I just don’t want to see anyone, but my community always shows up for me—and that’s a testament to the kind of reciprocal, caring relationships I’m determined to hold onto. So I try to match their energy, even if it means showing up tired sometimes. 

I hope you’re leaning into whatever brings you joy and contentment this year. I’d love to see some of you at the Narrative Power Summit in May (pending accepted applications lol!).  But if we don’t cross paths there, let’s find a way to connect soon.