The pressure to maintain a false image of happiness and positivity — Stereotype threat refers to the fear of behaving in a way that confirms negative stereotypes about one’s race, gender, or identity. Unfortunately, this fear can and does prevent many marginalized people from expressing their true thoughts, feelings, and concerns in public, leading them to bottle up their emotions to avoid…

2nd Friday Prompt: borrow from this quote — You wanted to know about the poems I wrote. The crackling undertones of power, passion, & pain. Well, yesterday, I was lightning. Fiery & fierce. Intense. Wild. Without fear. Today I am a sonic boom — warning sign indicating danger brewing don’t be surprised — I have always been a sky, never afraid…

When your writing refuses to cooperate — There are seventeen drafts in my folder. Seventeen. And I just want to trash them all. Every. Single. One. Mostly because it seems like they refuse to be written. Is that strange? Have you ever felt like you wanted to write something, you get so far, and then your words…

A practice of embracing the moment for unspontaneous folks — I had no plans yesterday besides lighting a few sparklers and pulling out a frozen rack of BBQ ribs to enjoy on a relaxing day. However, my plans took an unexpected turn when I received a phone call from my sister. …

For the Pirate at Heart — Have you ever daydreamed about a life full of adventure, treasure, and magic? If so, this may be the perfect book for you! Imagine once being a fearless female outlaw of the sea, leading your diverse and talented shipmates through the Indian Ocean as the most notorious pirate around. But…

Poetic Reflections — I love music. Always have. One of the things I love most about music is how healing it can be. Music has the power to transform. A good song can make you remember and help you forget. …

Cherishing precious moments with my amazing family — Happy mothers Day! My youngest daughter Aniyah shouts as I open my eyes. Jumping onto my bed, she crawls over to me, covers my face in kisses, and spreads out on top of me like a human starfish. Aniyah has lots of energy. When finished showering me with love, she…

Ideas for Celebrating Women — “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” — Audre Lorde As individuals, we all have unique characteristics that distinguish us from one another. Our physical features, cultural backgrounds, religious and spiritual beliefs, personal preferences, and privileges may vary…

Standing in Your Truth and Finding Peace in Online Conversations — In this moment, I write these words as a meditation. A moment for me to pause and collect myself. To acknowledge that there are few things in this life worth sacrificing my peace for, and reflect on what I know to be true. Today, I was bombarded by trolls —…