For as long as I can remember, writing has been my refuge. Words poured out of me effortlessly, weaving stories and expressing emotions I often struggled to articulate aloud. It was more than a hobby; it was my identity. But a few years ago, I found myself staring at a blank screen, my fingers hovering above the keyboard, unable to summon the words that once flowed so freely. My passion for writing had evaporated, leaving me adrift and questioning my very essence.

It began subtly, a gradual decline in my enthusiasm. Deadlines felt like chains rather than motivators, and the joy of crafting sentences turned into a chore. I told myself it was a phase, something all writers go through. Yet, as weeks turned into months, I realized this was more than just a creative slump. The spark that once ignited my imagination was gone, replaced by a dull, oppressive void.

I tried everything to rekindle the flame. I read books by my favorite authors, hoping their magic would inspire me. I read reviews from people who adore me. I sought guidance and camaraderie from fellow writers. I even experimented with different genres and styles, but nothing worked. The more I forced myself to write, the more it felt like an insurmountable burden. My passion, the one thing that had always defined me, seemed lost forever.

Desperate and disheartened, I decided to take a break. I put away my notebooks, closed my laptop, and stopped pressuring myself to produce. It felt like giving up, but in retrospect, it was the best decision I could have made. Without the constant stress of unmet expectations, I began to explore other interests. I traveled, met new people, and experienced life in ways I hadn’t allowed myself to before. I started journaling, not with the intention of creating something profound, but simply to record my thoughts and feelings. I have sooooo many blogs!

It was during one of these journaling sessions that I had a revelation. Writing didn’t have to be perfect or for an audience. It didn’t have to be anything but an honest expression of myself. The pressure to produce had stifled my creativity, and by letting go of that pressure, I slowly began to rediscover my love for writing.

Since, I've been starting small. I write about my travels, capturing the essence of new places and the people I meet. I pen down random musings, snippets of dialogue I overhear, and descriptions of moments that move me. Without realizing it, I am writing again—not for publication, not for validation, but for the sheer joy of it. The words flow naturally, unburdened by expectation.

The other day, I stumbled upon an old draft of a story I had abandoned during my creative drought. I read it with fresh eyes, and to my surprise, I felt a familiar twinge of excitement. Ideas started bubbling up, and I found myself itching to rewrite and expand it. That story, once a symbol of my failure, has become the bridge to my renewed passion. I have been ENGROSSED in it.

Looking back, losing my passion for writing was a painful, yet necessary part of my journey. It taught me to let go of perfectionism and external validation, to find joy in the process rather than the product. Today, I write with a newfound appreciation for the craft, savoring each word and the freedom it brings.

Writing, like any passion, ebbs and flows. It’s not a constant, unchanging force but a dynamic, evolving part of who we are. Sometimes, it requires stepping away to gain perspective, to grow in other areas of life, and to return with a deeper understanding of ourselves. Losing my passion for writing was one of the hardest experiences I’ve faced but finding it again has been infinitely rewarding. It’s a testament to the resilience of creativity and the enduring power of words.

I’ve always been a thinker. My mind constantly buzzes with ideas, plans, and dreams, yet for years, I found myself stuck in a cycle of endless contemplation and minimal action. It wasn't until recently that I realized the true cost of this inertia: time wasted, opportunities missed, and a life half-lived. Bridging the gap between thinking and doing has become my mission, and it’s transformed my life in profound ways.

Relationships: 

Leaving a relationship is one of the hardest decisions we face. For years, I stayed in a relationship that wasn’t right for me, paralyzed by fear and indecision. I kept thinking, “What if it gets better?”  These thoughts held me captive. Eventually, I realized that every moment spent in that state of limbo was a moment I could never get back. I could have been with my wife in 2019. We talk often about how far we'd be together had we just chose each other. 

The day I finally decided to leave was terrifying yet liberating. I stopped overthinking and just did it. Yes, it was painful, but it was also empowering. By taking immediate action, I reclaimed my time and energy. I learned that sometimes, the only way to find the right person is to leave the wrong one.

Friendships

Friendships, too, can become stagnant. I used to maintain relationships out of a sense of obligation, even when they no longer served me. I’d think, “We’ve been friends for so long,” or “What if they need me?” These thoughts anchored me in friendships that drained rather than nourished me.

One day, I decided to prioritize my well-being. I began to distance myself from toxic friendships and focused on nurturing connections that brought joy and support. It wasn’t easy, but the immediate action made a huge difference. I found myself surrounded by people who genuinely cared for me and shared my values. Life is too short to spend it with people who don’t uplift you.

Jobs

Leaving a job is a monumental decision. For years, I stayed in positions that stifled my creativity and passion. I’d think, “What if I don’t find another job?” or “I need the stability.” These fears kept me in a perpetual state of dissatisfaction.

One day, I made the leap. I quit my job without a backup plan, driven by a desire to pursue my passions. The immediate action was scary, but it opened doors I never imagined. I found work that excited me and aligned with my values. I realized that the time spent in unfulfilling jobs was time stolen from my true potential. I'm about to do it again real soon as I switch careers in the next few months.

Procrastination is often rooted in fear—fear of failure, fear of change, fear of the unknown. But what I’ve learned is that procrastination is just another way of wasting time. The more we delay action, the more we squander the precious moments we have.

Taking immediate action has taught me that mistakes are part of the journey. It’s better to try and fail than to never try at all. Each action, no matter how small, propels us forward. It’s a step toward living a life true to ourselves.

Shortening the time between thinking and taking action requires courage, but it’s a practice that pays off. It’s about trusting yourself and believing that you are capable of handling whatever comes your way. Life is fleeting, and every second counts.

Now, when I find myself overthinking, I remind myself of the power of immediate action. Whether it’s leaving a relationship, ending a friendship, quitting a job, or starting a new venture, I choose to act. I choose to live fully, embracing the uncertainty and the thrill of the unknown.

In the end, it’s about creating a life that feels true to who you are. Don’t let procrastination steal your time. Act now, and watch your world transform.

As June 19th approaches, communities across the United States prepare to celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday that marks the end of one of the darkest chapters in American history: slavery. Known also as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, or Jubilee Day, Juneteenth is a time for reflection, celebration, and education about the long journey towards freedom and equality for African Americans.

The Historical Significance of Juneteenth

The roots of Juneteenth trace back to June 19, 1865. On that day, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3, which proclaimed freedom for the last remaining enslaved people in Texas. This momentous event came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had officially abolished slavery in the Confederate States as of January 1, 1863. The delay in the enforcement of this proclamation was due to the minimal presence of Union troops in Texas to enforce the order until General Granger's arrival.

A Day of Celebration and Reflection

​Juneteenth has evolved into a day of joyous celebration and profound reflection. Across the country, people observe the holiday with parades, cultural festivals, family gatherings, barbecues, and educational events. These activities highlight African American culture and heritage, emphasizing the importance of community, history, and shared experiences.

The Path to Federal Recognition

For many years, Juneteenth was celebrated primarily within African American communities, with limited recognition at the state and national levels. However, the tireless efforts of activists and advocates helped bring greater awareness to the significance of this day. On June 17, 2021, a historic milestone was achieved when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, making Juneteenth a federal holiday.

Understanding Juneteenth's Cultural Impact

Juneteenth is more than just a celebration; it is a reminder of the resilience, strength, and enduring spirit of the African American community. It serves as a moment to honor the sacrifices and struggles of those who fought for freedom and to recognize the ongoing fight for equality and justice.

Educational events and discussions during Juneteenth provide an opportunity to delve deeper into the history of slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and contemporary issues of systemic racism. By engaging in these conversations, individuals and communities can foster greater understanding and solidarity in the ongoing quest for social justice.

Moving Forward: The Legacy of Juneteenth

​As we celebrate Juneteenth, it is essential to remember that the journey towards true equality is ongoing. This day not only commemorates the end of slavery but also calls us to action in addressing the remnants of racial injustice that persist in our society. By acknowledging our shared history and working together, we can continue to build a future that upholds the values of freedom, justice, and equality for all.

Juneteenth is a powerful testament to the enduring fight for freedom and the triumph of the human spirit. It is a day to celebrate, educate, and reflect on the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. As we honor this significant day, let us commit to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for generations to come.

Wrote this in 2021 adding to it until I was satisfied. Took a picture of it February 13, 2023 scared that I would lose it because I wanted to start carrying it with me.  February 15, 2023 RE-connected with the love of my life. It's all beat up now, but it worked. Counting down to my big day and I don't have words for how good the universe has been to me.  Don't settle. Ever. Believe that you can have what you want and need. 

 what exactly is manifestation, and how can it genuinely impact your life? At its core, manifestation is about turning your dreams into reality through focused intention, belief, and action. It’s a powerful tool that, when used correctly, can help you achieve your deepest desires and create the life you’ve always wanted.

Manifestation is based on the principle that your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs shape your reality. By aligning your mindset with your goals, you can attract the experiences and opportunities necessary to achieve them. This concept is rooted in the law of attraction, which suggests that like attracts like. Positive thoughts and beliefs draw positive outcomes, while negative thoughts and beliefs can attract undesirable results.

Clarify Your Goals

The first step in manifestation is to clearly define what you want. Be specific about your goals and write them down. The more detailed you are, the better your chances of manifesting your desires.

Visualize Your Success

Visualization is a powerful technique in manifestation. Spend time each day imagining yourself achieving your goals. Picture the details vividly—what you’re doing, how you’re feeling, and who you’re with. This practice helps to create a strong mental image that guides your subconscious mind towards your goals.

Believe in Yourself

Belief is a crucial component of manifestation. You must truly believe that you are capable of achieving your goals. Cultivate a positive mindset and affirm your worthiness. Overcome self-doubt by focusing on your strengths and past successes.

Set Intentions and Take Action

Manifestation is not just about thinking positively; it requires action. Set clear intentions and create a plan to achieve your goals. Break your plan into manageable steps and take consistent action. Every effort, no matter how small, brings you closer to your dreams.
Practice Gratitude

Gratitude enhances the power of manifestation. Be thankful for what you already have and for the progress you’re making towards your goals. Gratitude shifts your focus to the positive aspects of your life, attracting more positivity.

Let Go of Attachment

While it’s essential to be clear about your goals, it’s equally important to release attachment to the outcome. Trust the process and be open to different paths that may lead you to your desired result. Sometimes, the universe has a better plan than the one you envisioned.

Overcoming Skepticism
It’s natural to be skeptical about manifestation, especially if you’re new to the concept. However, consider approaching it with an open mind. Start with small goals and observe how your thoughts, beliefs, and actions influence your outcomes. As you witness the results, your confidence in manifestation will grow.

The power of manifestation lies in your ability to align your thoughts, beliefs, and actions with your deepest desires. By clarifying your goals, visualizing success, believing in yourself, taking action, practicing gratitude, and letting go of attachment, you can transform your dreams into reality. Manifestation is not about wishful thinking; it’s about harnessing the power of your mind to create the life you’ve always wanted. Embrace this power, and watch as your dreams unfold before your eyes.

Remember, the journey of manifestation is a continuous process of growth and self-discovery. Stay committed, stay positive, and believe in the magic that lies within you. Your dream life is just a thought away.