Not everyone will stay — and that’s something the heart learns the hard way. A few days ago, I saw a TikTok post from Rica Peralejo where she talked about friends who had cut her off — and how she’s learned to be okay with it. What she said really hit me, so I decided to write this. Twelve years ago, I suffered a stroke … Continue reading It’s OK When People Unfollow You in Real Life
I never liked the sound of the alarm. That’s why I felt so at peace when I could wake up automatically at exactly the time I wanted—yes, like clockwork! If I planned to wake up at 5 a.m., I’d open my eyes at 4:59 a.m.—seriously! I never understood how it happened. Maybe as you get older, your body just makes you do certain things, and … Continue reading Morning Musings
Sometimes the bravest decision is choosing peace over a paycheck—because health and growth matter more. 🌱✨ #SelfCare #MentalHealthMatters #ChooseYourself #LifeAfterQuitting #PersonalGrowth” Continue reading The Day I Chose Myself
Some people say life can change in a second. For me, that second came while I was getting ready for work—on a regular Monday morning, October 21, 2013. Just two weeks after my 34th birthday. I’ve actually written a separate blog post that walks through exactly what happened that day, but to sum it up: I had a stroke caused by an AVM. I ended … Continue reading One Day at a Time: How I Reclaimed My Life After a Stroke
Time has this funny way of slipping past quietly. One minute it’s New Year’s Eve, the next you’re staring at a calendar that says July. We’re halfway through the year—and if I’m being honest, it doesn’t feel like six months have passed. It feels like maybe… two and a half? But the calendar doesn’t lie. So instead of wondering where the days went, I’m looking … Continue reading Halfway There: What the First 6 Months of the Year Taught Me
Understanding the Condition That Changed My Life It was just another regular morning. Nothing seemed off—at least, nothing out of the ordinary for someone who had been battling splitting headaches for over a year. I used to joke that Ibuprofen had basically become one of my food groups. Looking back, that wasn’t funny at all. In 2013, everything changed. One moment, I was pushing through … Continue reading What Is AVM?
Some days, it creeps in quietly—usually right after asking your teen for the third time to take out the trash… and getting a grunt in return. Or maybe it’s seeing them glued to a screen while you’re drowning in dishes, or hearing them talk back with that mix of attitude and indifference that could win awards. You try to stay calm, but the frustration builds. … Continue reading What To Do When You Feel Like a ‘Bad’ Parent
II’m a middle child. Growing up, most of the focus naturally went to the eldest, who carried the pressure of setting an example, and the youngest, who needed the most care. And honestly, that’s okay. It rattled my confidence a little, sure — but I never let it define my worth. I quietly learned how to carve out my own space, even without being front … Continue reading You’re Not So Important, and That’s Okay
Tomorrow is Mother’s Day, and to celebrate, I got this list for you. Let’s be real—Mother’s Day these days isn’t what it used to be. Life’s gotten more expensive, time feels shorter, and honestly, not all moms are thrilled about getting gifts that end up collecting dust or stuffed inside a cabinet we rarely open. If you’d ask me? I’d rather not receive flowers. They’re … Continue reading 10 Mother’s Day Movies Worth Watching
Summer outings have always been a big deal in our family. With just the four of us, we’ve built a little tradition we really look forward to—one special outing for each side of the family—one for my folks and one for my husband. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s ours, and it’s something we all treasure. Every year, the planning kicks off with casual conversations — … Continue reading How To Make Every Family Summer Outing More Meaningful
From My Corner of the Couch 