Recovery takes longer than I thought The world got worse every day. Before long, the threat of it crashing down on me kept me in bed. If I was already parallel to the ground, the world’s weight could not hurt me much more. I lay there and watched the world…

Our internal navigation system I wish there were a life navigation system on our phones, tablets, or laptops. That way, we would know when to make decisions that completely change our direction toward living better lives. “Poor decision warning, say no to people pleasing. …

On the ranch… — The serenade of upward and downward inflections of, “Moo,” and the occasional cattle bell awakened me from a restful sleep. The cattle grazed on grass kept green by irrigated water. At the same time, calves played together like carefree puppies chasing their tails. Outside the window, beyond the deck, Ted…

Finding an unexpected friend My neighbor and his two Cane Corsos approached me during my morning walk. The male was a massive beast that would tower over me if it stood on its hind legs. The female was smaller but pure muscle and visibly strong. Fear is a natural survival…

It is already within you I attended my first in-person African Brazilian dance class in over two years. The musicians played the djembe, dundun, and surdo, African drums. As I took in the music and allowed it to permeate throughout my body, my soul began to heal. Like the sunshine…

No need to feel overwhelmed — I went to sleep planning for tomorrow. Gardening before the sun is high in the sky, complete chapter 4 of my book. I’ve been avoiding it for weeks, copyrighting several pieces of art, each one a different aspect of trees, and dance class at 8 PM. What will I do…

The husband will follow After a wistful gaze across the vast grocery store, I spotted a beautiful black dress with delicate white flowers. I had been looking for a versatile dress for weeks. One that could be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. …

Daily thought #3 — My family relocated to California from Jackson, Mississippi when I was in first grade. I wasn’t afraid, shy, or withdrawn. Not until I started school and my teacher Miss Davis asked me to introduce myself to the class. Since I’m from a southern Black family and girls should be neat…