I have eased into 2025 with a greater sense of self-preservation than I’ve ever had before. After the whirlwind that was 2024 and these first few weeks of the second Trump administration—where every news headline feels like a plot twist and every day is a battle between the free, the oppressed, and the oppressors—I’m still here. You’re still here. We made it! Can you believe it? We’re still standing, still striving, still choosing to show up. That’s worth celebrating.
Now is the season to fully commit to our individual healing, liberating ourselves collectively, and living in our natural state globally. Rest is our pathway in the physical, dreams are our gateway in the spiritual, and our mental health reflects our current state of well-being.
The winter holiday season is a time of celebration, connection, and joy—but it can also be a challenging period for those navigating grief, mental anguish, recovery, or substance dependence. So, whether you're committed to sobriety, exploring plant-based living, or seeking alternative supports for your mental health, there’s something empowering about embracing the healing properties of plants during this time of year.
I believe if the system is the problem, then it is up to each of us to deconstruct ourselves to know ourselves and to recover, and restore our divine laws and natural order for self and collective governance. A new system (or systems) that prioritizes life and sustainability is the means necessary for all of us to be free. Because if the rights of Black folks, queer folks, and women and girls are threatened, the rights of everyone are threatened. No one is exempt from being collateral damage or shackled by the chains of oppression.
Talking about mental health, let alone connecting to related resources, hasn’t always been met with a warm embrace in our community. Yet, I’m grateful that has changed. I am beaming with pride as I see more melanated folks working to end stigma. With this month’s post, I’m sharing my reflections on the Naptown Narratives Season Four premiere.
Every story has a profound impact on the movement of a city. Tasha Marie's story is one to watch. From her work and advocacy for recovery and mental health to her journey to purpose in the world's largest small city.
Did you know that there’s an annual Global Day of Unplugging? Every year on March 1st, starting at sunset, people across the globe attend events or do nothing to mark this occasion.
Reclaiming our mind, body, and spirit from oppression as individuals is the true revolution. That is where liberation rises and oppression falls. Thus, freedom, much like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.
We’ve been sold a nightmare dressed as a dream. Convinced that we need saving. Controlled to be inactive. Contained in our misery.
I’ve never been one to celebrate V-day, I barely acknowledge it, and my experience 3 years ago definitely overshadows it now. What if I told you that I remember almost everything about that experience?
The stories I’ve heard from others dealing with this, similar conditions, or other chronic illnesses have broken my heart yet inspired me to continue to use my platform and my voice to advocate for myself, others like me, and the necessity of rest and equitable healthcare.
For most of my life, I thought it was about unity among my relatives and family. Then I thought it was all about unity in my community and throughout the world. It wasn’t until I stopped running from myself that I fully recognized that all I’ve ever really wanted was to feel unified within self. To feel whole and at peace in this life.
From a very early age I’ve been fascinated by street culture, specifically the world of selling drugs and sex. Playas, Macks, Gangstas, Dancers, Tricks, and Pros…they all seemed to call to me. Whether on the screen or in real life, I was impressed with how they were able to make impossible circumstances work for them.