Welcome to my lifestyle blog, where I write about my favorite things: pop culture, travel, career, wellness, fashion, friendship and relationships.
Enjoy! Dareise
I had already planned to write about what I am thankful for during this pandemic, but after listening to a podcast this past Tuesday, I was inspired to reframe this piece and not just talk about what I am thankful for, but how those things are gifts. Sparks of light to take action, live with purpose and savor every moment with those you love.
Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end. -Robin Sharma
This perfectly captures the essence of this journey. The transition is very uncomfortable and you’ll try, and sometimes, go back to your comfort zone. But guess what, that may no longer feel comfortable, so you may find yourself at a crossroads with a decision to make. Keep going toward the new version of yourself.
I visited Puerto Rico five years ago with my best friend and absolutely loved it. We stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel right on Isle Verde beach and enjoyed the sun and sand there. We toured El Yunque Rain Forest, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, kayaked to the bioluminescent bay, walked the streets of Old San Juan and visited the art museum.
I promise I had the topic of motivation on my blog like crazy schedule a month ago, it just so happens I wasn’t feeling very motivated to write today…or to do much of anything. But, sh*t got done! Lol. Initially, I’d planned to write about what motivates me: my ancestors, desired lifestyle and building a legacy; but it transformed into something broader because I tapped into these strategies today when I had to motivate myself.
I love that last sentence because caring for yourself is an essential part of cultivating self-love. I’m talking about the self-care that takes your mind and spirit to its healthiest state. Therapy, affirmations, self-reflection, gratitude journaling, consuming healthy foods, media and music are all ways to build self-love. Of course, there are many more, but I have tried all of the aforementioned methods which led to the following four practices I also employ to deepen the love I have for myself.
So, you’re writing consistently now. You have a blog, you’re freelancing regularly, or you’re writing plays, fiction, poetry or non-fiction. You are a writer. A bona fide one at that. Of course, you have your laptop, tablet, notebooks and favorite pens; but do you have a writing tribe? A group of like-minded ladies who are committed to writing, inspiring and supporting each other in a business that is essentially a one-woman job. I saw a t-shirt on an Instagram post last week that read “I’m a writer. I was already social distancing.” And, it’s true, most writers don’t work in a writers’ room or have a step in their process that includes interacting with other writers consistently, so that’s why a writing community is so important. You’re usually working on your own, but here are three reasons you need a writing tribe.
I did a thing today. I took another step in my creative journey. Well, my journey back to creativity. I spent years creating a life of stability, something I know stems from my childhood. My mother has a mental illness and could not raise me and my father was absent so my grandparents raised me. My grandfather died suddenly from a heart attack on a Sunday night. I was nine. Four years later, my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and lost our family home to foreclosure. We had to move and my grandmother needed a caregiver.
This isn’t about the singer Dareise…yet, she’s still emerging. This is about the journey to earning that moniker, fully and respectfully. It is an ode to fear. That scary monster under the bed, that when you finally take a look under the covers hanging down and camouflaging the unknown, you realize is an old forgotten stuffed teddy bear highlighted in darkness to be your worst enemy, but is in fact an ally. A clarion call for action, energy and dedication to your gift.
A few months ago, Emelda De Coteau, founder of the community Women Creatives Chat and the podcast Pray with Our Feet started a series called “Creating through COVID-19,” which includes live conversations with women creatives who talk about how to embody gratitude, cope with mental health challenges and how to be mindful about physical and mental wellness during the pandemic. As a member of this remarkable community of diverse women creatives, I can attest to the power it has had on me in supporting my goals as a creative while also providing a platform for us to share experiences, advice, encouragement and expertise to aid in each other’s growth.
