Recognize that change will change you—and that’s empowering. Expand your possible selves. Practice self-compassion when change feels hard.— Take Action This Week: When you catch yourself resisting a change or feeling stuck, ask yourself: “Who might I become on the other side of this?” Instead of focusing on what you’re losing, imagine the new capabilities, values, or parts of your identity that this change might reveal.
Positively Purging-I welcome your feedbacks in the comments and your likes and passing the real life wisdom on to others as I embark on this new venture of “positively purging“, as I know each of these pieces represents something…
Some of the best Black women writers I know have journals no one has ever read. They write in the margins, notes apps, memos, diaries, scraps of paper and on the back of envelopes. Not for likes. Not for attention. For breath. For relief. For survival. Please remember, you are a writer—even if no one sees it but you. – Alice Joy
This stopped me in my scroll. As someone raised by Black women whose power lived in the unspoken — journals, prayers, stories told over pots of food — this hit home. There’s so much brilliance that exists outside the spotlight. Thank you for reminding us that writing is a form of survival, even when it’s invisible to the world. – Eric Adams
This just took my breath away. There’s something so sacred about writing for survival and for breath. This where the most honest, life-giving words come from. The image of words scattered across margins and envelope backs, written not for applause but for relief… that’s the purest form of the craft. Those invisible journals hold truths that could change the world. Thank you for seeing and honoring these writers, for validating that the act of putting pen to paper, whether anyone witnesses it or not. This is revolutionary in itself. This is exactly what I needed to hear today. – Sly
I’m not a black woman but I am lucky enough to have a woman of color as my best friend. We both keep journals and she recently told me about she intends to burn her journals before she dies. She explained to me that her inner thoughts are not for public consumption, including her family. We talked about our writing and how she and I share deep thoughts about our lives, the universe and everything in between. And she told me about how she needs to keep some aspects of her thoughts to herself. And that no other person is allowed access to that deep hearts core. I think she’s on to something here. Our secret selves core must remain secret =Elizabeth Gibbs
She is definitely on to something. We don’t have to share everything we write. Some writing is sacred and for our eyes only. This is how our journals remain a safe space. Thank you for sharing 💗Published Sistas
A little Monday reflection for you because, at 61, I can honestly say every experience, good, bad, or heartbreaking, has been a teacher guiding me to this moment.
When you’re young, failure feels final. But I’ve learned that failure is really opportunity. It’s a chance to take what you’ve lived through, weave it into who you are, and grow into someone new.
I didn’t always see it this way. It took years of living, learning, and yes, stumbling, to realize that every relationship, every season, even the ones that drained me, were shaping me into the woman I am today—and the one I’m still becoming.
Now, I try to lean into each chapter of life with intention, but also with openness and adventure. I embrace the ebb and flow, I live fully, and I love every stage for what it is.
I’m grateful for today and excited for the magic that tomorrow will bring – carla hall
Set aside 20 minutes to take a walk outside by yourself every day for a week. Try to stick to this schedule unless the weather is extremely bad. You can still do this exercise in a light rain—provided you have a decent umbrella and rain jacket.
As you walk, try to notice as many positive things around you as you can. These can be sights, sounds, smells, or other sensations. For example, you could focus on the breathtaking height of a tree you never really noticed before, the intricate architecture of a building on your block, the dance of sunshine off a window or puddle, the smell of grass or flowers, or the way other people look out for each other as they navigate crowded streets.
As you notice each of these positive things, acknowledge each one in your mind—don’t just let them slip past you. Pause for a moment as you hear or see each thing and make sure it registers with your conscious awareness, really take it in. Try to identify what it is about that thing that makes it pleasurable to you.
Try to walk a different route each day so you don’t become too accustomed to any of these things and start to take them for granted.
“I’m an auntie to 18 nieces and nephews. My sisters say it’s unfair I only buy presents for some of them. I’m doing well financially, but gifts for 18 nieces and nephews add up. I don’t have strong bonds with all of my siblings, and it’s the same with my nieces and nephews, most of whom are teenagers.”
De La Rosa: Money is just a symptom of the core issue, which is someone asking for closeness and connection. Your siblings are saying, “Hey, I want you to love my children in the same way you love our other siblings’ children. How can we become closer?”
I would ask the letter writer to think about her values. How do you want these children to feel? Do you want to be a significant part of their lives? If the answer is yes, think about creative ways you can show up for your nieces and nephews that don’t leave you in financial ruin.
Can you organize a family gathering where you can give all the children an awesome memory? That would go such a long way.
Gatti Tassin: Questions like these are often relationship challenges masquerading as money challenges.
🔹 “My husband’s aunt gives them the amount of cash that matches their age. It’s memorable and not too pricey.” — @alimckeev
🔹“When families get that large, it almost makes more sense for each aunt and uncle to put a certain amount of money into a birthday fund each year, with the collective funds divided evenly among the kids old enough to appreciate birthday presents and spent on something that each kid actually wants.” — @katepowellartist
🔹“Not required but also don’t purchase in a way that creates division amongst children (like buying gifts for only one niece but not a nephew that’s their sibling). Always positive to acknowledge milestones even if just a card.”— @____.muse
🔹“You are never under any obligation to buy anyone a gift at any time. That’s why it’s a gift.” — @politikchik
Real Life of an MSW 