Celebrating the Legacy of a Remarkable Life
On this Christmas Eve, I am filled with gratitude for my uncle’s life and the lessons he imparted. I cherish the breath in my lungs and the opportunity to make each day meaningful. Let’s all embrace this gift of life with the same fervor and passion that my uncle did.
Navigating Weight Management: My Journey Post-Incarceration
My stress eating habits under high stress are a concern. I’m cautious about falling back into old patterns, and treatments like Ozempic seem like a helpful tool. But what my friend shared next worried me: the inmates receiving Ozempic aren't getting regular lab work to monitor their levels. Plus, how will they continue their treatment after release, since medications for weight loss are often not covered by insurance like Medicaid?
From Notebook Scribbles to TikTok Series
Early this morning, I cracked open my trusty notebook again. Lo and behold, just like a whisper from above, I found the gold – my first e-book idea. It's all about the 12 steps to prep for success behind bars, based on my own hustle. No preaching, just sharing what got me feeling truly free.
Embracing Opportunities: A New Chapter in My Journey
In a surprising turn of events, I not only found myself unashamed but also embraced the chance to proudly disclose my felony record early in the application process. Prioritizing efficiency and transparency, I responded promptly to the interview invitation with gratitude. "Thank you for this opportunity. I noticed your commitment to hiring individuals with records, and I want to disclose that I have something on my record to save time for both of us."
Giving Thanks For Freedom
Last year's Thanksgiving was my first major holiday away from my family. I remember the profound sadness, a sense of devastation. Though I haven't had the chance to discuss it with my family yet, I plan to do so today. They mentioned briefly how the celebration was muted in my absence.
Leaping Towards Your Dreams: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Possibility
My posts, infused with raw honesty and vulnerability, resonated widely, going viral and amassing over a million views in a mere 48 hours. My digital family grew exponentially from a modest 100 to a whopping 5K plus in just a day! While the numbers are impressive, they're more than just statistics; they're a testament to the power of voice and connection.
Happy Birthday To Me!
Happy birthday to me, bitch I made it! I am just grateful for life, for my health, for my strength. I’m grateful for love. I’m grateful for my family, my friends. I’m just grateful today.
Rising Again: Embracing the Power of New Beginnings
So, to anyone out there who feels like they've fallen off track, remember this: every day is a new beginning. Our past missteps are not our destiny; they are merely stepping stones. We have the power to redefine our journey every single day.
Rebirth of an Entrepreneur: My Journey from Incarceration to Business Success
I've shared a lot about my inner personal life, but for those who truly know me, you're aware that I'm a serial entrepreneur. The fire of entrepreneurship burns deep within me. I thrive on business development, especially during the exciting startup phase. In fact, I often describe myself as a "fire starter." My Instagram bio used to proudly declare, "I create ish." I’m a creator, I'm passionate about new beginnings, birthing businesses, developing concepts, crafting brands, and shaping business models. However, if there's one aspect I'm not particularly fond of, it's babysitting a business as it matures. It's like dealing with a child in their terrible twos – you're almost eager to pass them back to their parents. That's me when it comes to managing a business. I relish the initial stage and the thrill of creation.
Embracing New Beginnings: My Journey of Reinvention
This journey may be filled with uncertainties, but it's these very uncertainties that make life beautiful. So, as I approach my 46th birthday, I embrace the challenge of starting over, rekindling my spirit, and crafting a life that's uniquely mine.
Aging, Loss, and the Impermanence of Life
Losing a parent and witnessing the gradual aging of another changes your perspective on life in profound ways. It's a stark reminder that death is an inevitable part of the human experience, and no one lives forever.
The Greatest Homecoming on Earth
It's GHOE, baby! If you're not familiar with what GHOE is, it's the Greatest Homecoming on Earth - the homecoming celebration of North Carolina A&T State University. I'm an Aggie through and through, with not one, but two degrees, and I even had the privilege of being a faculty member there for a few years. My days of GHOE go way back; it's practically in my DNA.
Dear Little Sharita
I recently revisited my pictures from the past few days, and one image, in particular, stood out to me. It's the one I chose to feature in yesterday's vlog. After gazing into the tearful eyes of my younger self, I felt compelled to write a letter, sharing everything I wish my 7-year-old self knew from the perspective of my 45-year-old self.
In The Beginning
Some photos brought immense joy, a sense of accomplishment and achievement, while others evoked deep sadness, carrying with them grief, loss, disappointment, anger, and frustration.
Embrace the Rebel Within
This journey isn't about rebellion for the sake of it. It's about being true to myself, embracing the aspects of my identity that were suppressed or overlooked in the past. It's about savoring the sweet taste of authenticity, liberated from the confines of societal norms. It's a metamorphosis, a gradual unfurling of the wings I never knew I had.
Worthy of Me
Today, I decided to treat myself to a much-needed "me day." Life has been a whirlwind lately, with a packed week and weekend ahead, so it felt essential to take some time just for myself.
Life Has Been Life-ing
It's been quite some time since I last put pen to paper. Life has a way of getting me caught up in its whirlwind, and I've been feeling a bit disoriented lately. I miss the grounded feeling I used to have, back when consistency and journaling were my companions during my incarceration. It's ironic how life on the outside can sometimes make me feel further away from myself.
A Journey from Draft to Reality
When I embarked on the journey of penning down my thoughts, feelings, and experiences, little did I know about the intricate process of transforming those words into a tangible piece of art - a book. Today, the final version of my book cover was done, and I am left in awe. The culmination of months of brainstorming, revising, and refining has led to a cover that’s not just visually appealing but encapsulates the essence of my written words.
Freedom Fighter
Who could have told me that I would still be fighting for my freedom even after leaving prison? The journey of redemption is often far from straightforward, and for many, the battle for freedom doesn't end at the prison gates. In fact, it's a journey that continues long after the physical confines of incarceration have been left behind.
A Difficult Conversation: Setting Myself Free
Yesterday, I had one of the hardest conversations of my life. It was a talk I had been putting off for far too long, one that I knew was necessary to truly set myself free. I sat down with my youngest daughter, during our special mommy-daughter date, and decided it was time to reveal a painful truth that I had been hiding from her for the past year.