Favorite Quotes

“If growing up is painful for the Southern Black girl, being aware of her displacement is the rust on the razor that threatens the throat. It is an unnecessary insult.”

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

"...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you; we are in charge of our attitudes."

“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.”

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

Saturday, December 30, 2023

MJ Chronicles - 6 Months Together

Today I've been excessively tired. My unstructured days are like this. When we're free from our work and daycare schedules, all the energy mustered to be timely, efficient, and effective leaves my body. 

Then it's just MJ and I.

This sweet boy with wide brown eyes, curiosity, and a crescendoing voice...

This exhausted woman with a tender gaze, anxieties, and an evolving worldview... 

We've been together for 6 months. 

My life has taken a shape I couldn't have imagined one year ago. I am a single mom. That's wild.

My entry into this path; the uncertainty it holds; and the love I have for MJ is often overwhelming. Doing this day in and day out without a partner or family proximity is a challenge. I am eternally grateful for my community of Aunties (and Uncles); their support is special.

My boy is sleeping. I should clean the bottles. I should put the toys away. I should fold the laundry. I should take out the garbage and finish January's  budget. I should ...

The to-do is long. But, I am tired. MJ is sleeping. And I can take a moment, as many as I can, to rest and relax. Among MJ's needs is a healthy grown-up.

Motherhood is equal parts beautiful and taxing. It alters bodies [of bio moms], lives, homes, plans, finances, and relationships. Children touch everything. Their presence is powerful; it is shifting. Some moments feel like a freight train; some moments feel like a cleansing, calming rain.

Whatever comes next, I am grateful MJ arrived in this Earth, home, heart, and life. 

- Same pants, different milestone