I walk in the park daily. Nashville has so many lovely parks, and for me, it’s an essential part of my day. I have fond memories of walking with my parents and our dogs when I was a young, and it’s a routine that we’ve continued into my adulthood. Walking is not just wonderful physical…
How Making a New Recipe Was the Best Self-Care
I was flipping through my August issue of Real Simple when a recipe for Feta and Watermelon Grain Bowls piqued my interest. It included ingredients I love and looked like something I’d enjoy. I left a dog-ear on the page, finished reading, and placed it on the coffee table. Typically, I see recipes that look…
Our Isolated Summer Vacation
H and I recently got back from a 10-day vacation at his family’s home in DeBordieu, South Carolina. After much debate about whether to travel this summer, we agreed that for our mental health, we needed to relax at the beach. (I, in particular, felt this as I’m a teacher about to embark on a…
Why I Journal Every Night
I am a routine-oriented person, and every night, when I slip into bed, I journal (and then I read). I first write the date and, in recent times, how many days we’ve been in the “new normal” of the pandemic (it’s day 120). Then, I write what I did that day and any feelings I’m…
10 Ways to Be Relaxed & Rejuvenated This Summer
Many of us live in a perpetual state of busyness. I have never been into the “hustle” mentality. I believe that we can be successful, fulfilled individuals without making our lives about work 24/7. And in fact, I think we would all be much happier by giving ourselves daily time to rest and just be,…
A Conversation with Ella Junior: Growing Up Black in the South and Practicing Self-Care Along the Way
Today, I am delighted to share with you the gem of a human that is Ella Junior. I have known Ella since 2016 when we both started working at a diverse school in East Nashville as kindergarten teachers. Ella is such a sweet person with a kind, loyal, and giving heart. She is also a…
