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I still can't believe that someone loves me so much that they literally want to follow me everywhere. Parenting ain't for everybody, and sometimes I'm everybody. But I'm learning as I go. This post is my reminder to appreciate the fact that I'm living the life I prayed for. Feel free to let it be yours too. Time is an extraordinary thing, because my life looked nothing like this just five short years ago. I had no plan and very little hope but I knew that I was deserving of all that I desired. Now here I am genuinely at peace. I have everything I need and a lot of what I want. I'm manifesting the fuck out of my dreams. (at Yosemite National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMxtjlEBuW1/?igshid=cj2jsvjij5zw

Let me tell you how you can have it all and still be sad. How you can have the most loving family, supportive friends, go to therapy, have a million coping tools in your pocket and still have hard days, hard months, hard moments. Depression isn't something that just goes away. Recognizing that is part of the journey to joy. So in case no one told you, you're allowed to be sad. Especially in a pandemic. Especially when you're trying to care for a family while caring for yourself. You're allowed to be disappointed and question everything you thought you knew. I promise you won't break and anyway we are too grown to be avoiding our pain. Show me someone who's never been depressed and I'll show you someone who is emotionally detached. It's really okay to just feel your feelings. There is healing in the hurt and don't let nobody tell you any different. (at Healing) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMDHhLGhFxt/?igshid=164n8cwd28u9d

Words of affirmation typically is not my love language. However, I've gained such an appreciation for them sense becoming a mother. Paul already works hard to let me know that he appreciates me and does not take anything I do for granted. So these small gestures are just a sweet bonus. He gives me a day off every week to be alone and pretend like I'm a young single woman, only responsible for myself. When he's not at work, I never have to change a diaper and barely have to do any cleaning. And he ALWAYS does bath-time and laundry. He comes home and jumps right into the role of caretaker. Yet, he still holds space for me and finds time to honor my contributions. I pray that I am able to make him feel at least an ounce of how special he makes me feel daily. 😩 (at In Love) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLAG6yqhW8A/?igshid=y4lr7gxl4egm

Yesterday I received such an outpouring of love and affirmations. I came to y'all with my truth and y'all made me feel so held that today I am grateful in every sense of the word. This is an interesting time where we're all experimenting with connection. So to actually feel touched and caressed through a meditated form of communication is a different kind of special. I cried multiple times yesterday and softened in places where I was stiff so thank you, thank you, thank you. ❤️ (at Alameda Beach) https://www.instagram.com/p/CK49KfcBc1s/?igshid=1tz55ca3y6007

February 1st just happens to be one of my favorite days because it's the day that my best friend was born. I honestly believe that the world would be a much better place if more people were like Paul. Fight me. Today and every day I'm grateful for his love and guidance, and I'm praying for another hundred years of him snoring in my ear. #issabirthday (at Oakland, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKxWQakhQJP/?igshid=1n45fyq61dalr

Every moment I get to be soft with my family... Every moment I get to love on them a little more, is an opportunity for healing. (at Yuba Pass, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKj72-ihpz1/?igshid=ejaqmcrnucn9

How you argue with your partner is important. If you turn every disagreement into a battle of who's right, you will both lose. For anyone who honestly believes that Paul and I don't argue, I am here to set the record straight and tell you that we absolutely do. Yes, our home is very much "peace and light" ANNNND we are still two human beings who are highly protective of our ego's. We are constantly working through things like every other couple and often feel quite secure in our insecurities. However, we are always mindful to maintain a level of respect. At this point, most of our disputes don't last any longer than 10 minutes. Giving us time to do much more fun things. P.S. the better the bond, the better the sex. (at Crissy Field Beach) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKcMEbbBuyz/?igshid=3ixlk4ssp5zl

Learn how to be in community with yourself. If you've gained nothing else during quarantine, I hope you've realized the importance of being able to sit with yourself. To communicate with yourself, and meet your own needs. You have to live in this body every day. Why not invest in it? Don't just be ok with who you are, be in love with who you are. That means taking the time, and doing the work to truly get to know yourself. 📷: @_oamao_ @shirasagi.project (at Mills College) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKE7FC6h9nS/?igshid=940303cp3sfa

If I asked you what makes you happy, would you be able to give me a clear and direct answer? Are you willing and able to bring joy to your loved ones in the ways they have specified? https://www.instagram.com/p/CKE3eZLhPcG/?igshid=pcsy4dq3o3zo

I hope everyone experiences the discomfort of learning new things and meeting new people. I honestly believe that travel is crucial to our growth. From swimming in waters all over this country and even some abroad, what I've gained more than anything is perspective. A skill in one place might be useless in another. And the most urgent situation can seem completely trivial somewhere else. We've got to be more willing to let go of our assumptions and what we think we know. There is so much that this world has to offer if we remain open. Anyway, that's my 2 cents for 2021. Alexa, play "Everybody's Free" by Baz Luhrmann. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #travel #explore #learn #letgo #yoga #workinprogress #life #selfcare #selflove #metime #rest #livehappy #healing #inspiration #love #grateful #followyourdreams #justdoit #peace #create #blacklove #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlblog #getoutside #mommyblogger #spain #fun #growing #shinebright #laugh (at Plaza De España, Sevilla) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ9YfZNB4x4/?igshid=1bqj9hpwui4g2

Question for Black mom's that don't whoop their children: How are y'all holding up?? I really am doing my best but this child is determined to make me come outside myself. We are deep in toddlehood with tantrums and hitting becoming a daily practice. On top of that my little is an artist so they are ALL emotion. 😩 Last night was a true test of my patience as I got (accidently) slapped in the face during one of these meltdowns. I feel like I just barely made it to the other side but I need more tips to keep me near the cross because I grew up with with folks who strongly advocate for the belt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #sendhelp #toddlerlife #toddler #consciousparenting #deepbreaths #workinprogress #family #meandyou #love #blacklove #momboss #bossmom #blackmomsbelike #blackmomskillingit #mama #momblogger #mommyblogger #mommyandme #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #mymotherhood #bloggermom #motherhood #bayarea #Babylove #baby #babyfever #getoutside #winter #makeawish (at Golden Gate Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJokHESB6J0/?igshid=1r4sqhfjsnh4b

Didn't get to the laundry and the house is not my version of clean but I got my greens, black-eyed peas, and some real good lovin'. Overall, I'd say my ancestors are pleased. Praying for more laughs and adventures in 2021. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #happynewyear #2021 #toddlerlife #workinprogress #family #meandyou #life #livehappy #love #blacklove #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlblog #mymotherhood #motherhood #nature #bayarea #Babylove #baby #babyfever #home #comfort #getoutside #play #run #fun #shine #shinebright #laugh #raisingleaders #happychild (at Pulgas Water Temple) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJg45RbhGao/?igshid=1jmoqxwody2co

So much of this year was rough for a number reasons. But there's been some even better takeaways. A major one for us was building stronger relationships with those most important to us. I'm grateful for the community we've created in the chaos. ❤️ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #bestfriends #bff #friends #goals #workinprogress #family #meandyou #life #livehappy #love #blacklove #momblogger #mommyblogger #mommyandme #momlife #nature #bayarea #Babylove #baby #babyfever #getoutside #winter #play #fun #laugh #raisingleaders #happychild #walk #grateful #findyourhappy (at Over The Moon) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJZLKBthvUX/?igshid=19x7n02dv091t

17 years ago I met my favorite human. If I knew then that my life could be half this beautiful, I might've settled down sooner. Might've had a few of his babies by now. Might've bypassed all the time I spent finding myself, only to end up where I knew I should've been all along. Thankfully it all worked out and I'm right where I'm supposed to be. I know I got some strong hands praying over me because only someone with a Masters in patience could handle this particular kind of difficult. Someone who takes me at my most annoying and loves on me harder. Every single day I wake up and say how grateful I am that somehow we exist in the same space, at the same time. So proud of us for getting through another year together. Stronger, happier, and with even more love. Here's to many more years and many more adventures. #issaanniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #happyanniversary #us #morelife #highschoolsweethearts #anniversary #blessed #iloveyou #instagood #mylove #happy #happiness #beautiful #anotherone #anotheryear #workinprogress #family #meandyou #life #livehappy #inspiration #love #followyourdreams #snow #mountains #grateful #adventure #goals #forever #couplegoals (at Yosemite National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJOxlCXh7dD/?igshid=139rp2myxr27m

More of this…. Because there will always be something to fear. Always something to shelter from. Something or someone to miss. We've been normalizing the unfathomable for some time now. Don't be fooled. There's never been anything new under the Sun. Recognize your center. Find your joy and claim what home is for you. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #lights #getoutside #winter #home #comfort #love #workinprogress #explore #life #rest #livehappy #bayarea #Babylove #baby #babyfever #family #meandyou #blacklove #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlblog #momboss #bossmom #blackmomsbelike #blackmomskillingit #mama #mommyblogger #mommyandme #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #mymotherhood (at Morman Temple) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJCP1YuB2Wm/?igshid=1a0ean9j0jkfm

For anyone who needs to hear it, YOUR CHILDREN ARE SUPPOSED TO BE BETTER THAN YOU. 📣📣📣 Encouraging your child's light will not leave you in the dark. I promise if it's bright enough it will always reflect back on you. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #play #run #fun #shine #shinebright #inspiration #love #family #life #laugh #livehappy #raisingreaders #blogger #blacklove #blackmomskillingit #mommyblogger #mommyandme #momlife #mymotherhood #bloggermom #motherhood #homegrown #nature #getoutside #farm #happychild #bayarea #Babylove #baby #babyfever (at Ardenwood Historic Farm) https://www.instagram.com/p/CI89GAfBPxN/?igshid=1ss1u1k7oao4e

It took becoming a parent to be able to forgive my parents for not being who I needed them to be. They made so many mistakes that much of the time it felt deliberate. Almost like they were trying to get it wrong. But now I see the genuine challenge of getting it "right." I know what it means to have the best intentions, and truly act out of love only to disappoint those you care most about. I also know what it feels like to be so consumed by fear that you have no choice but to detach. The line between raising emotionally healthy children and traumatized adults seems so thin at times. Almost non-existent. So for now I'm going to let go when possible, keep my baby covered in kisses, and exhale as often as I can. And hopefully when my child is my age, they'll look back fondly on their upbringing. My biggest goal at this time is to be a parent they're proud of. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #home #comfort #love #workinprogress #life #livehappy #bayarea #Babylove #baby #babyfever #healing #kisses #family #meandyou #blacklove #blackgirlmagic #forgiveness #blackmomsbelike #blackmomskillingit #mama #momblogger #mommyblogger #mommyandme #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #mymotherhood #bloggermom #motherhood #doyourbest #parenting (at Ardenwood Historic Farm) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIygq3WhcvZ/?igshid=1rlnr5enj2lkw