For 40 days, I eliminated alcohol, THC, and frivolous spending… a much-needed experience that has changed me forever, I hope.
If you didn’t know, I’m a cocktail during lunch, edible at night, and turn up over the weekend girlie. Not every day, but definitely a few times a week. During one of my most recent stressful periods, I would look forward to coming home at night just so I could microdose an edible to finally find some joy in my day.
The best leaders don’t just guide others—they also know when to take a step back and pour into themselves.
I’m a product of the GORGEOUS PRINCE GEORGE’S, a place praised for being one of the richest Black counties in the country. The home of Academy Award winning actresses, championship winning athletes and broadcasters who’ve covered some of the world’s most historical moments. Prince George’s County is the intersection of politics and policy, culture and causes, arts and ambassadorship; truly a representation of Black excellence on many levels.
I knew exactly where I wanted to be on my 41st birthday—on a beach.
When it didn’t work out for anyone to join me, I decided to go alone. Not a big deal for someone like me who loves solo travel, but it definitely raised a few eyebrows when I told people.
“Why would anyone want to spend their birthday alone?” they’d ask.
In the wake of tragedies, there’s always a rush to say something.
To make it personal.
To find a way to insert ourselves into the moment, even if—truthfully—it has nothing to do with us.
Take the recent crash of American Airlines flight 5342. A tragedy that claimed the lives of 60+ people. And yet, scrolling social media, I’ve seen post after post from people talking about how they just left DCA, were about to fly there, had once been on that route, and how grateful they are that they weren’t on that flight.
e-sigh
whew. where do I begin?
well, let’s start here… I’m thankful for Tulum. The beach town in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula that gained popularity over the pandemic truly stole my heart.
And, believe it or not, changed my life.
Yes, a full week in Vegas. This wasn’t my first time spending this much time in Sin City, but my more recent trips have been in and out situations.
I’m a content creator. But, more importantly, I’m a Black woman who is deciding to aggressively push out content that not only amplifies the voices of my peers, but also calls out the societal norms that have, for centuries, been the cause of turmoil and anguish to so many citizens of this country.
I’ve been a communications consultant for 15+ years, and honestly thought I’d have a big PR firm working with athletes and entertainers by now.
For years, I’ve helped brands, businesses and personalities craft and tell their stories. It’s second nature for me to tell others how to build their brand. But, in doing that, I neglected my own. That shall be the case no longer. Time to level up and share all the pieces of my beautifully, blessed life.
Podcasts are dope. I started mine a few months ago and truly feel honored to now be part of this impactful community. My podcast journey started 2 years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since.
It may seem like the Shades of Content podcast was this idea that effortlessly came to be and was rolled out effortlessly. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.
I wasn’t sure if this site would even have a blog feature, but I’m compelled to write this because I honestly just need to know that I’m not alone.