There are moments in life when doubt creeps in and makes you question your worth.
In those times, it’s easy to forget one fundamental truth. You are extraordinary, not by accident but by design.
Like a masterpiece, your value isn’t determined by perfection but by the richness of your story. The trials you’ve faced, the lessons you’ve learned, and the resilience you’ve shown are the brushstrokes that make you who you are. Every experience, even the hard ones, adds depth and meaning. What the world might see as imperfections are the very marks of your courage and growth.
There are moments when self doubt speaks louder than your ability to recognize the strength it took to overcome what you faced.
Your presence in this world matters, and so does your light. You don’t have to be perfect to inspire or impact others. Simply by being yourself, you bring something unique and irreplaceable. Imagine the stars. They shine brilliantly, even against the darkest skies. They don’t apologize for their light, and neither should you.
What would happen if you saw yourself through a lens of appreciation rather than criticism? What if, instead of focusing on what you think is missing, you celebrated all the ways you’ve grown and all the beauty that already exists within you? Life becomes fuller when you stop hiding and start believing in your worth.
So today, make a choice. See yourself as the treasure you are, shaped by the journey you’ve walked. Own your story, your voice, and your presence. You are not defined by what you lack but by the infinite value you hold. You are, and always will be, more than enough.
Carry that truth with you, not as a fleeting thought but as a constant reminder. Let it fuel your courage to stand tall, live boldly, and share your light with the world. Because the world needs you, just as you are.
You have finally done it. You made the difficult but necessary decision to cut ties with someone toxic in your life. It might have been a spouse, a friend, a colleague, or even a family member. And now, here you are, standing on the other side.
But it still feels surreal. Every so often, you catch yourself wondering if you did the right thing. You question whether you were too harsh or if you should reach out to see how they are doing.
These thoughts are normal. Walking away from someone who played a significant role in your life, even when they were harmful, is a major shift. But here is the truth. You made the right choice. You chose yourself, your peace, and your well-being. That is something to honor.
Still, it is not uncommon to feel a void or even a strange sense of longing. Not because you miss the toxicity, but because the absence of chaos can feel unfamiliar. Understanding why this happens can help you move forward with clarity and compassion.
Why you might miss a toxic person
When you leave a toxic relationship, conflicting emotions often surface. One moment you may feel relieved, free, and empowered. The next, you may feel lonely, guilty, or nostalgic.
Familiarity creates comfort Humans are creatures of habit. Even harmful relationships become familiar over time. You knew what to expect, whether it was criticism, manipulation, or emotional tension. With that person gone, your mind is adjusting to a new reality, one that may feel quieter than you are used to.
Take a moment to reflect. Write down the routines or interactions you think you miss. Ask yourself whether they were genuinely fulfilling or simply familiar.
Emotional conditioning Toxic individuals often create a sense of dependency. Over time, they may chip away at your confidence or make you feel like you need their approval to succeed. Even after the relationship ends, those emotional imprints can linger.
Ask yourself whether they made you feel incapable on your own, whether you constantly sought validation, and how their presence affected your self esteem. Then gently challenge those beliefs. You are capable, worthy, and complete on your own.
Guilt and societal pressure If the person was a family member or long term partner, guilt may show up. Society often encourages us to keep the peace at all costs. But forgiveness does not mean allowing continued harm. Protecting your mental and emotional health is not selfish. It is necessary.
Loneliness Loneliness can be difficult to sit with. The absence of someone, even someone toxic, can leave an empty space. But loneliness can also be an invitation. It offers time to reconnect with yourself and rediscover parts of you that may have been neglected.
How to move on and thrive
Letting go is only the first step. Healing and rebuilding come next.
Create new routines Filling the space left behind can feel challenging, but it is also an opportunity. Begin your days with intention. Set small goals that bring you joy. Explore interests you once set aside. This is your time to shape a life that reflects who you truly are.
Set boundaries and honor them Toxic people sometimes try to re enter your life when they sense distance. Be prepared to protect your space. You are allowed to say you need time, space, or no contact at all. You do not owe anyone access to your life.
Build a support system Healing does not have to be a solo experience. Lean on people who listen without judgment. Consider support groups or a therapist if that feels right for you. Sharing your experience can be deeply validating.
Prioritize self care Self care goes beyond surface level comfort. It is about caring for your mind, body, and spirit. Nourish yourself physically, emotionally, and creatively. Journal your thoughts. Rest when you need to. Give yourself permission to slow down.
Rediscover your identity Toxic relationships often blur your sense of self. Take time to reconnect with who you are. Reflect on what brings you joy, what you value, and the kind of life you want to build moving forward.
Finding peace in the silence
At first, the quiet may feel unfamiliar. Over time, it becomes a place of clarity. Without constant negativity, you begin to hear your own thoughts again. You start trusting yourself. Peace becomes something you cherish rather than fear.
Imagine a life where you feel safe, grounded, and at ease. Hold onto that vision. It is not distant. It is unfolding.
Moving forward
There may be moments when doubt resurfaces. When it does, remind yourself of this truth. You deserve peace. You deserve happiness. You deserve relationships rooted in respect and care.
Walking away from someone toxic is an act of courage. It is a declaration that you matter. The journey may not be easy, but the freedom, peace, and growth waiting on the other side are worth it.
Keep moving forward. Your best days are still ahead.
Take one small step today to support your healing. Write it down. Then honor it. Your future self will thank you.
Back in 2008, in my second year of college, I had a T-shirt with the words “Haters gon’ hate, potatoes gon’ potate, alligators gon’ alligate” printed across it. What started as a funny phrase quickly became an inside joke among my friends. It rolled off our tongues effortlessly, like one of those phrases that just made sense without needing much thought.
At the time, I never really deeply analyzed it. Why would I? The surface-level meaning was enough. “Haters gon’ hate” was a phrase already embedded in everyday speech, especially in AAVE (African American Vernacular English). It was simple. People who dislike you for no reason will always find a reason to dislike you. That’s just what they do. We said it, laughed about it, and moved on.
But today, for some reason, the phrase randomly came to mind. And in true millennial fashion, I had to tweet about it:
Folks will be folks, and nature will be nature. Don’t let anyone ruffle your feathers.
And that’s when it really hit me. This phrase holds more wisdom than I ever gave it credit for.
At first glance, the phrase is just a playful way of saying that things will do what they were meant to do. But if you sit with it for a moment, you realize it’s a reflection of human nature, resilience, and acceptance.
Haters gon’ hate. People who are negative will always find something to be negative about. It’s not about you. It’s about them.
Potatoes gon’ potate. Potatoes just do what potatoes do. They grow, they get cooked, and they end up as whatever they need to be. Fries, mashed potatoes, chips. They don’t stress. They don’t complain. They simply exist.
Alligators gon’ alligate. Alligators have survived for millions of years because they do what they do best. They stay focused, stay patient, and strike when necessary. They don’t waste energy proving themselves to anyone.
At its core, this phrase is about acceptance and self-assurance. It’s a reminder that:
People will be who they are, and you can’t control them. Trying to change a hater’s mind is like telling an alligator to stop lurking in the water. It’s pointless. Instead of wasting energy on negativity, focus on what truly matters.
You don’t have to react to everything. Not everything deserves your time, your energy, or your emotions. Sometimes, the best response is to keep doing you, just like a potato doesn’t question its purpose.
Stay in your lane and trust your process. If alligators worried about what turtles or frogs thought of them, they wouldn’t be one of the most resilient creatures in existence. Keep doing your thing, no matter what others say.
This phrase is more than just a funny saying. It’s a mindset. The next time you feel frustrated with negativity, doubt, or unnecessary drama, remind yourself:
Life moves forward, sometimes so quickly that we don’t even realize how much time has passed since we last spoke to certain people. The ones who once filled our days with laughter, who supported us when we stumbled, who celebrated our victories as if they were their own. The ones we thought we would never lose touch with, but somehow, somewhere along the way, life happened. Responsibilities piled up, miles stretched between us, and without meaning to, we let the silence settle in.
If you’re reading this, consider it your quiet invitation to reach out to someone who once made you smile. Someone whose kindness still lingers in your memory. Maybe they were your rock when you needed stability. Maybe they were the person who sent you that encouraging message at just the right moment and turned your life around for good. Or maybe they are simply someone whose presence once felt like home.
Why Do We Drift Apart?
We often think of friendships as something we either have or don’t have, but in reality, they exist on a spectrum. Some friendships remain constant through every phase of life, while others evolve, fade, or transform into something new.
Distance plays its role. So do responsibilities. The daily demands of work, family, and personal growth make it easy to assume that if they wanted to reach out, they would. And maybe they are thinking the same thing about you.
But here’s the thing. Sometimes, life doesn’t get in the way. We do. We overthink. We wonder if it’s been too long, if they’ve changed, if they even remember us the way we remember them. And in that hesitation, more time slips away.
But What If They’ve Changed?
Some people believe that just because you were once close to someone doesn’t mean they are the same person now. And in a way, that’s true. Life shapes us. Experiences change us. But that doesn’t mean the connection wasn’t real or that it no longer matters.
Reaching out isn’t about trying to rewind time or recreate the past. It’s about acknowledging that, at some point, this person meant something to you. And if there’s no unresolved hurt, no reason to hold back, why not let them know they’re still in your thoughts?
A Simple Message Can Mean More Than You Think
Maybe they’ve been waiting to hear from you, unsure if they should be the first to reach out. Maybe they’ve had a hard day, and your message will remind them they’re not as alone as they feel. Maybe your words will bring a smile to their face or spark a conversation that neither of you realized you missed.
Or maybe it will simply be a quiet reminder that the kindness, the memories, and the friendship you once shared still exist, whether as something to rekindle or simply to cherish.
So Go Ahead. Reach Out.
Send that text. Make that call. Drop a simple, “Hey, I was thinking about you.”
Not every connection is meant to last forever, but some deserve the chance to find their way back. And if not, at least you’ll know you tried. At least you’ll know that for a moment, you brought warmth into someone’s day.
And maybe, just maybe, that warmth will find its way back to you too.
While scrolling through Instagram, I stumbled upon a post by Dasha Kennedy, founder of thebrokeblackgirl.com.
Her words hit home. Dasha’s message is a reminder that we don’t have to conform to society’s rigid deadlines. Instead, we can shift our focus from fixed deadlines to flexible timelines. Her insight prompted me to reflect on the self-imposed deadlines we often carry and the unnecessary stress they create.
Dasha explains, “To decide which deadline to remove from your life, focus on those that cause unnecessary stress or are based on external pressures. Understand the difference between deadlines (strict targets) and timelines (flexible plans). If a timeline feels forced or stressful, it’s more than likely acting as a deadline. Consider letting it go or adjusting it.”
She also shared a list of common deadlines we might want to rethink: • Getting married by a certain age. • Purchasing a house by a specific age. • Reaching financial independence by a certain age. • Completing education by a certain age. • Starting a family by a specific age. • Achieving career advancements by a certain age. • Saving specific amounts of money by a set age. • Traveling to particular places by a set age. • Starting new business projects by a specific date. • Achieving social media goals by set dates. • Achieving fitness milestones by a certain age. • Completing home projects by specific dates. • Paying off all debts by a certain age. • Reaching specific personal growth milestones by certain ages.
Deadlines vs. Timelines: What’s the Difference?
A deadline is a rigid target, often driven by societal expectations or external pressures. It’s strict and inflexible—like a ticking clock. In contrast, a timeline is a flexible plan, a gentle guide that accommodates life’s twists and turns.
Dasha’s advice stayed with me: “If a timeline feels forced or stressful, it’s more than likely acting as a deadline. Consider letting it go or adjusting it.” This shift in mindset can make all the difference.
Rethinking Common Life Deadlines
Getting Married by a Certain Age
We’ve all heard it: “You should be married by 30.” But relationships don’t come with a timer. Whether you find love early, later in life, or choose not to marry at all, your worth isn’t tied to your relationship status. Focus on building meaningful connections, whether or not they lead to marriage.
Buying a House by a Certain Age
Homeownership is often seen as a milestone of adulthood, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all goal. Financial stability, career changes, and personal priorities all factor in. Renting or waiting doesn’t make you less successful. A home is where you feel safe and happy, whenever and however you achieve it.
Reaching Financial Independence by 30, 40, or 50
The internet glorifies early retirement and financial independence, but life isn’t always a straight path. Setbacks, emergencies, and shifting goals happen. Instead of racing to a finish line, focus on building financial habits that work for your circumstances. Progress matters more than perfection.
Finishing Your Education by a Specific Age
Whether you graduate at 22 or 52, learning has no expiration date. Returning to school later doesn’t mean failure—it means commitment to growth.
Starting a Family by a Certain Age
Starting a family is a deeply personal decision. Some have children young, others wait, and some choose not to have children at all. What matters is that your decision aligns with your values and life circumstances—not society’s timeline.
Achieving Career Success by a Certain Age
Careers aren’t linear. Some people find success early, while others take time to explore, pivot, or prioritize work-life balance. Define success on your own terms, rather than by comparing yourself to others.
Paying Off All Debt by a Certain Age
Debt can feel overwhelming, and while managing it is important, life often throws curveballs. Celebrate small wins along the way, and remember that progress is the goal.
Fitness Milestones by a Certain Age
Fitness is a lifelong journey, not a race. If you haven’t hit the gym regularly or reached certain fitness goals by a particular age, that’s okay. Your body and health evolve over time—progress at every stage is worth celebrating.
Embracing Flexibility and Grace
As Dasha emphasized, timelines are meant to guide us, not control us. Life is unpredictable, and clinging to rigid deadlines often leads to frustration, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. Instead, we can view timelines as flexible, adjusting them as needed and offering ourselves grace to grow at our own pace.
Letting go of the pressure to meet every milestone by a specific date creates space for personal growth, joy, and experiences that truly align with our values.
Redefining Success on Your Own Terms
Success isn’t about checking boxes on a timeline. It’s about living authentically, embracing each season of life, and finding fulfillment in your unique journey.
Take a moment to revisit the deadlines you’ve set for yourself. Ask: Are they serving me, or am I serving them?
Special thanks to Dasha for inspiring this reflection and reminding us that we have the power to set and reset our own timelines.
What deadlines are you letting go of? Share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear how you’re embracing flexibility in your life.
Some relationships, like seasons, come to an end, and that’s okay. There are people I once held close, whose presence I cherished, but our paths have naturally diverged. The connection we shared, though meaningful, has shifted into a memory. This realization isn’t born of bitterness but from understanding that not all relationships are meant to last. Growth often requires letting go, especially when a connection no longer supports who I am or nurtures my well-being.
Confidence didn’t come naturally to me. It’s something I’ve earned through effort and persistence. It’s been forged in the fire of trial and error, falling, getting back up, and learning each time. Every failure became a stepping stone, each attempt a chance to grow stronger. Building confidence is less about perfection and more about resilience.
Setting boundaries, however, was a lesson I resisted for years. I worried that drawing lines would make me seem cold or unkind. But I’ve come to understand that boundaries aren’t about shutting people out. They’re about inviting myself in. They’re a declaration that my mental and emotional health matter, and that preserving them is not selfish but necessary.
Boundaries are a form of self-respect. They protect my energy, allowing me to stay true to myself and avoid the slow erosion that comes with overextending for others. I’ve learned to notice when a relationship no longer feels balanced or uplifting. And while stepping back can feel bittersweet, it’s often the healthiest choice, for both me and the other person. Without boundaries, I risk burnout, resentment, and losing my sense of self.
Of course, not everyone will understand or accept my boundaries. Some might feel hurt, especially if they’ve come to expect my constant availability. But boundaries aren’t about pleasing others. They’re about honoring myself. They’re a quiet yet powerful way of saying, “I matter, too.”
That doesn’t mean the process is easy. There are still days when guilt or doubt creeps in, when I question a decision or wonder if I’m being too harsh. But I remind myself that saying “no” to what drains me is saying “yes” to what restores me. Prioritizing my well-being isn’t selfish. It’s essential.
Boundaries have taught me the true meaning of self-love. They’ve allowed me to cultivate relationships built on respect and authenticity. They’ve freed me to show up fully, without fear of losing myself to people-pleasing or unrealistic expectations. Most importantly, they’ve reminded me that my needs and feelings are just as valid as anyone else’s.
Some may not understand or agree with my boundaries, and that’s okay. Their acceptance isn’t my goal. Peace is. Protecting my energy and choosing myself is not an act of rejection but of love. And that, I’ve learned, is one of the greatest acts of strength I can offer myself.
Life often tugs us in different directions, filling our minds with expectations and our hearts with uncertainty. We chase shifting standards, wondering if we are doing enough, being enough, or moving fast enough. But what if, instead of carrying the weight of doubt and pressure, you carried something different? Something lighter. Something that strengthens rather than burdens.
What if today, you carried belief, not just in fleeting moments, but as a steady, undeniable truth? Fear will always try to hold you back, whispering reasons why you can’t, shouldn’t, or aren’t ready to soar, but belief will take you places fear never could. It will remind you that you are capable, worthy, and already enough.
What if you carried grace, for yourself, for others, and for the journey ahead? There will be days when you stumble, when things don’t go as planned, when the road feels uncertain. Instead of meeting those moments with self-criticism, meet them with understanding. You are not meant to have everything figured out at once. Growth takes time, let yourself unfold at your own pace.
What if you carried kindness? The world could always use more of it, and so could you. A kind word, a gentle thought, a moment of patience with yourself, these small acts can soften even the hardest of days. Let kindness be something you extend not just to others, but also to the person staring back at you in the mirror.
What if you carried confidence? Not the loud, boastful kind, but the gentle assurance that you are more capable than you give yourself credit for. The kind that quiets the doubts that try to convince you otherwise. Even when you feel uncertain, even when you are still learning, confidence is knowing that you are already equipped to take the next step.
What if you carried self-acceptance? Not the conditional kind that waits until you have achieved more or become someone else, but the kind that embraces you as you are. The way you see yourself shapes everything, your choices, your happiness, your relationships. Choose to see yourself with compassion.
What if you carried love? Love for the life you are building, for the moments that shape you, and for the journey itself. Love that fuels your growth, embraces your imperfections, and reminds you that every step forward is worth taking.
And if nothing else, what if you carried a simple, steady truth? A truth that does not depend on achievements, validation, or external approval. The truth that you are enough. Not when you reach a certain milestone. Not when everything falls perfectly into place, but right now. In this very moment.
So, as you embrace this season of your life, release what weighs you down. Instead, carry what strengthens you, what lifts you, what reminds you of who you truly are. And watch how it changes everything. Carry what fuels your soul, what centers you, what reflects who you truly are.
There you are, standing in the fullness of who you were always meant to be. This wasn’t by chance or luck, but through a quiet revolution within yourself. You didn’t arrive here by accident. Every step you’ve taken, through moments of doubt, of fear, of pain, has led you to this place. You carried the weight of all that, and still, you stand. Not broken, but transformed. Not lost, but found.
The past no longer clings to you. It’s not that you’ve forgotten it, but you’ve learned to release it. Not with one dramatic, sweeping gesture, but in small, tender acts of surrender. A gentle forgiveness, a quiet letting go. Healing doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a slow process, a soft unraveling. You’ve peeled away the protective layers that once shielded you, but those layers were heavy, weren’t they? They kept you from feeling the warmth of light, from living fully in the now.
So you started letting them go. Not because it was easy, but because you realized the weight they carried wasn’t yours to bear anymore. And in the space they left behind, something unexpected blossomed, a quiet wonder, a peace that seemed so far away, now settling gently in your heart. It wasn’t by waiting for healing to come, but by opening yourself, truly opening yourself, to the possibility that maybe, just maybe, you were meant for more than the pain.
Healing doesn’t come with loud fanfare or dramatic moments. It comes quietly, like the first rays of dawn slipping through a window. One day, you wake up to find that the things that once hurt no longer have the same hold over you. The pain has softened into lessons, the fear has transformed into wisdom, and where survival once ruled, joy now finds a place.
You’ve claimed a pace that honors your truth. No longer rushing to keep up with someone else’s pace or trying to fit into a story that isn’t yours. You’ve discovered your center, the place where your truth resides, grounded and unwavering. And in this alignment, you’ve uncovered something sacred, freedom.
Freedom to be yourself, unapologetically. Freedom to grow, to evolve, to dream once more. Freedom to release the things that no longer serve you and make space for all that is waiting to come. You’ve become a vessel for all the possibilities life has to offer, open and ready to receive the goodness that has always been yours.
There will be days when the road feels hard. Healing isn’t a straight line, and the past doesn’t always stay where you leave it. But you are stronger now. Not because you’ve learned to fight through every battle, but because you’ve learned to honor the journey. You’ve learned to sit with the pain, to understand it, and ultimately to release it.
And in doing so, you’ve created space for something beautiful. A life where your essence no longer hides, but shines brightly. A life that feels lighter, truer, more in harmony with who you are becoming. A life where wonder blooms in the quiet moments, and where hope no longer feels distant, but is steady beside you.
Look at you. Alive. Whole. Open. Free. Ready. This is not the end of your story. This is the beginning of your awakening.
There are moments in life when doubt creeps in and makes you question your worth.
In those times, it is easy to forget one fundamental truth: you are extraordinary, not by accident but by design.
Like a masterpiece, your value is not determined by perfection but by the richness of your story. The trials you have faced, the lessons you have learned, and the resilience you have shown are the brushstrokes that make you who you are. Every experience, even the difficult ones, adds depth and meaning. What the world may see as imperfections are often the clearest signs of your courage and growth.
Sometimes, self-doubt speaks louder than your ability to recognize how strong you have been in overcoming so much. It tries to blur the evidence of your progress and distract you from how far you have come.
Your presence in this world matters, and so does your light. You do not have to be perfect to inspire or impact others. Simply by being yourself, you offer something unique and irreplaceable. Think of the stars. They shine brightly even against the darkest skies. They do not apologize for their light, and neither should you.
What would happen if you saw yourself through a lens of appreciation instead of criticism? What if, rather than focusing on what you believe is missing, you celebrated the ways you have grown and the beauty that already lives within you? Life opens up when you stop hiding and start believing in your worth.
So today, make a choice. See yourself as the treasure you are, shaped by the journey you have walked. Own your story, your voice, and your presence. You are not defined by what you lack but by the immeasurable value you carry. You are, and always will be, more than enough.
Carry this truth with you, not as a passing thought but as a steady reminder. Let it strengthen your courage to stand tall, live fully, and share your light with the world. The world needs you, exactly as you are.
I recently bought a glass pot on Amazon, one of those sleek, transparent ones that lets you see everything bubbling and brewing inside. Today, I decided to use it for the first time. As someone who loves coffee, I’ll admit it’s been a bittersweet journey transitioning away from it. Acid reflux has a way of nudging you toward better choices, and for me, that meant saying goodbye to caffeine. But in giving up coffee, I found something else. Tea. Not just any tea, but an entire world of endless possibilities and creative decaffeinated concoctions.
What I love most about tea is its versatility. You can make it as simple or as intricate as you want, tailoring it to your mood or the moment. Since embracing tea as my daily ritual, I’ve created more recipes than I can count. Yesterday, I kept it simple with green tea and a few drops of vanilla flavoring, a subtle, soothing blend that felt warm in a familiar way. But today, I decided to go all out. I reached for a hibiscus tea bag, threw in a handful of cloves, a few cardamom pods, and a stick of cinnamon. As the ingredients swirled and simmered in my new glass pot, the vibrant colors and rich aroma filled the kitchen with a warmth that felt inviting and comforting.
Watching the tea come to life, a thought crossed my mind. Just like tea, your life isn’t meant to please everyone, and that’s okay.
This reflection brewed as slowly as the tea in my pot. Just like the spices I carefully selected to create the perfect balance of flavors, each of us is a unique blend of traits, experiences, and quirks. Not everyone will savor what we bring to the table, and that isn’t a reflection of our worth. It’s simply a matter of taste. Some people will prefer coffee, bold, assertive, and straightforward. Others may not crave anything at all. But none of that changes the essence of who we are. Just like my tea, simmering and unfolding with its unique character, I remain myself whether or not someone appreciates the flavor I offer.
It’s a lesson I’ve had to learn over time, one that came with a mix of bitter moments and sweet revelations. Growing up, I often felt the pressure to fit into molds that weren’t mine, to be liked and accepted by everyone. But trying to be everyone’s cup of tea is exhausting. It’s like diluting the rich, vibrant notes of hibiscus just to make it taste like something it isn’t. In the process, you lose the very thing that makes you unique.
As I poured the tea into my favorite mug, its ruby-red hue shimmering in the light, I realized how far I’ve come in embracing this truth. Not everyone will understand your flavor, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters most is that you honor your recipe and stay true to the blend that makes you you. Whether it’s the warmth of cinnamon, the spice of cardamom, or the tang of hibiscus, your essence will find its way to those who truly appreciate it.
Sipping my tea, I couldn’t help but smile. This glass pot, my new tea ritual, and the journey I’ve taken to find comfort in my own blend all feel symbolic. Life is like a pot of tea, rich, layered, and deeply personal. Some will love it, others won’t, but your value doesn’t change based on their preferences. It remains steady and intact, just as it always has.
So here’s to brewing a life that feels true to you. Here’s to savoring your own flavor, even when it isn’t everyone’s favorite. Because at the end of the day, your worth isn’t determined by who drinks the tea. It’s found in the joy of creating it.
Aisha Belva Kazim 