8 By Design

In one year, your ENTIRE life can change. You create a goal and then jump in the ocean and see where it takes you.
That is how I decided to operate for the past 1 and a half. Going to college was the goal and once I got there, I started to feel like I wanted more because I was capable of more. I dived in feet first and did scary things.
I did really well in my courses, making Dean's List for the past 4 semesters, becoming part of my college's leadership roles, building relationships, discovering new passions and so working out my body like I was doing to my mind was a natural second step.

I am older. I have cellulite. I have a mom belly from 5 c-sections but I am strong. I'm not intimidated when I walk into the gym just like I'm no longer intimidated walking into a classroom or speaking engagement.

I am finding the pieces to my puzzle and I don't need to find them all but what an amazing adventure it has been so far.

I did 3 sets of planks (I probably have to still work on my form) and the last one was 1 minute 30 seconds. I'm pretty damn proud of myself.

🧘🏾‍♀️

Women and mothers are taught to nurture others first. That becomes our primal instinct.

I love taking care of people, whether it's my kids, my friends, or strangers. I feel like that one of the many things that I was created for but I never understood what it meant to take care of me. I did not think I had the right to connect with myself, pour into my cup first, or practice discernment over what made me feel good.

This journey has been years in the making and so many amazing women have supported me and uplifted me while I stumbled and fell. Including my own daughters.

There was a time when I couldn't wait for the year to be over for a fresh start but I have to tell you, I loved 2025. Well, starting around May. From May on, the universe opened my eyes and gave me the same energy that I gave myself.

I am taking up space. I'm am not reducing myself or settling. Life can start fresh at any point, at anytime. You get to decide how you want to live.

This is my Her Era✨....creating, writing, advocating, smiling, embracing, loving, and living. No apologies. No rules. Just me and all my heart can hold. ❤️

2025 was a year!!! I started the year off in my me of the darkest places of my life. I really thought that I had reached my breaking point and honestly it didn't get any better until.....I chose myself in every way possible.

I had carried the weight of shame over years of allowing my comfort to dictate my reality. I felt like a bad mom for staying in a bad marriage for way too long. I felt like I was the epitome of bad decision making and the universe was making me pay the price.

Living that way isn't sustainable and so I had to choose me. Everyday. I chose to pour into me. Commit to myself even if it was hard or uncomfortable.

Once I did, the world opened up for me and I was able to see things clearly. Make better decisions. Give myself real grace. I became a part of communities and built them. I lived, enjoyed the little moments, and planted seeds for my future.

I didn't think I could restart my life in my 40's but life has just begun!!!