Category: Blog

Posted in Amy Douangmany, Blog, Healing, parenting, Self Reflection

Dear Diary, Life isn’t always going to be pretty

Posted on by Ms. Amy D

— but it’s mine, and I’m going to live it authentically.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately, reflecting on how dramatically my life has shifted. It feels like closing certain doors, leaving some chapters behind, is gradually lifting me up to new heights. And with that elevation comes a sense of security, a stability that I can feel deep in my bones. It’s as though the warmth of the sun, beginning to break through the clouds, is mirroring the change in me. I feel ready to bloom, to expand with the coming season, and to embrace whatever lies ahead.

I used to find my laughter in scrolling through TikTok, mindlessly passing time, but now, it comes from moments with my family—my children, yes, but also my extended family. The stories we share, the memories that we have built together, seem to pick up right where we left off. It feels like we’ve just stepped back into a conversation we paused years ago. The connections are real, and they resonate so deeply within me. There’s a warmth in that, a comfort that I’ve been waiting for.

And you know, maybe that’s the lesson I’ve been learning: to not isolate myself too much. To not get lost in the idea of being hyper-independent. Sure, there are pros and cons to everything, but people are meant to be in community with one another. Yes, boundaries are important—clear, firm boundaries that define what we will and won’t tolerate—but at the end of the day, life is short. It’s too short not to live it fully, to live it authentically.

I feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the support I’ve received this year. I’m not where I thought I’d be, but I’m where I need to be, and that’s enough. Some might think I’ve been defeated, and maybe at times, it felt like I was, but that’s not the truth. The truth is, I’ve lived and learned, and through it all, I’ve stayed true to myself. I’ve played the hand life dealt me, and I’m still playing it. Maybe the decisions I’ve made in the past don’t seem like the best ones now, but in those moments, with everything I was carrying—my health, my mental state, the weight of being a mother to children, to multiple children—those choices made sense. It was survival. It was the best I could do at the time.

And that’s what I want people to understand: not every life is filled with sunshine and rainbows. Not everyone is living a life of ease, and that’s okay. We all face our battles, our struggles, our moments of darkness. And in that space, I hope we can all hold space for each other, without judgment. Yes, I am human, and I deserve to be treated as such. I won’t tolerate harassment, manipulation, or anyone trying to take advantage of me. I will stand firm in my boundaries, but I also won’t let that stop me from sharing my truth. I won’t hide who I am, what I’ve been through, or what I’ve learned.

I stay in my lane, not inviting animosity or hate, but I do invite connection, understanding, and support. Whether through my live streams, my creativity, or my writing, I want to express myself fully. I want to be real, and I want people to join me in this journey. Life isn’t always going to be pretty, but it’s mine, and I’m going to live it authentically. There will be highs where I feel on top of the world, flourishing, thriving, and living my best life. And there will be lows, too, when I’m struggling to make sense of the darkness. But through it all, I believe we can learn from one another. We can grow together, and that’s what matters.

I am so grateful for every sunrise, for every new day. The sun always shines, no matter how much we see it or how much we appreciate it. It’s always there, offering warmth, offering light. And yet, I’ve learned that too much of anything can be overwhelming, just as too much focus on either the good or the bad in my life will only give you a partial view. My life is a wave—an ebb and flow of everything. It’s deep, never shallow. And I hope we can all take that lesson with us, embracing the fullness of each moment, no matter where we are in our journey.

Posted in Amy Douangmany, Blog, Healing, Self Reflection

Dear Diary, I just realized something

Posted on by Ms. Amy D

—really realized it this time.

You can’t help who you love. You can give someone the entire world, pour every ounce of light into them, and it still won’t be enough to save them. You can be their structure, their stability, their home. But at the end of the day, people have to save themselves. And I think that’s where I’ve been getting it wrong for so long—trying to be the net when I should have just let them fall.

It’s not my job to intercept someone’s karma.

I think about it like this: none of us are football players. Even if we were, we’d all retire eventually. We’re not meant to spend our whole lives catching things that were never ours to hold. And at this point in my life, I’m done trying to be the quarterback, running headfirst into someone else’s storm. You want to take the long route? Fine. You want to learn the hard way? That’s your lesson to learn. I can’t drag people to their own healing. I can’t protect people from the consequences of their own choices.

And I won’t.

But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to walk away. I’m at a crossroads with this, because there’s such a huge difference between helping someone through a tough season and trying to save them from themselves. At some point, we all have to take the reins, decide what road we’re going to take, and own the steps we choose. And some of us, no matter how much guidance we’re given, still take the longest, hardest road—because maybe we needed a little more time to grieve. Maybe we needed more space to mourn the versions of ourselves that had to die along the way.

I know how that feels. I’ve been there. I’ve lived that chapter. And maybe that’s why my heart is still so pure, why I still try, even when I know better.

But no more intercepting. No more trying to be the savior. No more stepping in front of fate that doesn’t belong to me. From here on out, I choose me. And I’ll keep choosing me, over and over again, because I deserve to. And I’ll be good to the people who stand beside me as I do. That’s all I can promise. I’m not asking anyone to save me—I’ve never needed that. All I ask is that I remain resilient. That I keep going.

It’s funny. I saw this picture of an anglerfish the other day, this terrifying little thing with jagged teeth and its own built-in light. It went viral online because it looks like something straight out of a nightmare. But the more I looked at it, the more I saw myself.

Because when you pan out, that scary, resilient little thing isn’t as monstrous as it seems. It’s actually pretty small—just a tiny fish in an endless, dark ocean. And yet, it carries its own light. It survives.

And maybe that’s what life is.

You keep going. You get through the tunnels. You find your way in the dark. And sometimes, you do it alone.

Sure, you can be surrounded by love, by support, by people who want the best for you—but at the end of the day, it’s on you to make it. No one’s going to carry you to your purpose. No one’s going to shine your light for you. And maybe your glow won’t light up the whole ocean. Maybe it won’t be appreciated. Maybe people won’t even notice the fight it took just to survive.

Because people don’t really care about the struggle.

They don’t care about the nights that nearly broke you, the weight you’ve carried, the way your hands shook as you held yourself together. They’re too wrapped up in their own pride, their own egos, their own need for control. People see what they want to see. And most of the time, they don’t want to see you at all.

But I see me. And that’s enough.

I’m not lost. I’m not wandering aimlessly like Dory, who forgets her destination and purpose. I know exactly who I am. I am that anglerfish—small but steady, terrifyingly resilient, carrying my own light through the darkest depths.

I’m not hiding anymore. I’m not shrinking. I’m not apologizing for my choices or my survival. If you walked in during a chapter you didn’t understand and decided to judge me for it, that’s on you. But don’t mistake my survival for a sin. Don’t mistake my resilience for something ugly.

I did what I had to do to protect myself and my children. And I’ll never regret that.

One day, my voice will be heard—not just through TikTok lives, not just through captions or comments, but through my consistency. Through my tenacity. Through my very existence.

And until that day comes, I will keep going.

Just that.

Posted in Amy Douangmany, Blog, Healing, Travel

Dear Diary, I am on my way

Posted on by Ms. Amy D

to a place that I cannot yet name

—a destination unknown but unfolding with every step I take. So, for now, let’s call this my chapter. This is my new beginning, my fresh journey, the next volume in the story of my life. And as long as I continue turning the pages, the story doesn’t end.

I’ve come to accept that with growth comes pain, and with change comes fear. The unknown will always carry uncertainty, and there will be moments where I question everything. But life was never meant to be predictable or easy. We are not meant to have all the answers at once. We are meant to live, to stumble, to learn, and to rise again.

Seasons change, and so do we. As winter fades and the promise of spring lingers on the horizon, I find comfort in knowing that warmth and beauty will return. I look forward to the blooming of flowers—their resilience speaks to me. They withstand the harshness of the elements, enduring rain, wind, and even the scorching sun. Yet, when the conditions are right, they flourish. The world stops to admire their beauty, just as it will recognize the strength within me once I, too, have weathered my storms.

I share pieces of this journey with those who support me, those who believe in me even when I struggle to believe in myself. And for that, I am humbled and grateful. These obstacles, no matter how overwhelming they may seem, are only temporary. When they pass, they will be nothing more than memories—lessons I have learned, experiences that have shaped me, but not chains that bind me.

I think about the light at the end of the tunnel, and I remind myself that it is there. No matter how dark things get, brightness always returns. After every storm, the sun shines again. And if we’re lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of a rainbow—a reminder of beauty after hardship, a symbol of hope.

Lately, I’ve been reminiscing about my beloved cat, Chase. My British Shorthair, who left paw prints on my heart that will never fade. I wish I could have had him with me longer, but just as I did not know he would come into my life, I could not control when he left. That is the nature of life—so much of it is beyond our control. But it does not mean we forget.

Those who have touched our souls never truly leave us. Their stories live on through the way we speak of them, the lessons they taught us, and the love they left behind. There’s a saying: when someone passes, they die twice—once when they take their last breath, and again when their name is no longer spoken. So I will continue to speak of those who have left the deepest imprints on my heart.

Here’s to another day—another page turned, another step forward, another chance to live, learn, and bloom.

Posted in Amy Douangmany, Blog, Healing, Self Reflection

Dear Diary, Change, in all its unpredictable ways —

Posted on by Ms. Amy D

is the only constant we have.

The sun is shining a little sooner these days, lingering just a bit longer before it dips below the horizon, and I can’t help but feel like life itself is reflecting that same rhythm within me. I find that when I’m doing well, when I’m in a space of growth, my words come easier, flowing like a river that has finally been freed from the ice of winter. This journey I’m on—this deep reconnection with my spirit, this peeling back of layers to find the softer, more intuitive version of myself that has been tangled in overthinking—it’s been humbling, but also so incredibly affirming.

Maybe I didn’t even realize how much I needed this affirmation. The confirmation that I am still here, still breathing, still moving toward something greater than myself. And maybe that’s just the nature of life—these changing seasons, the ebb and flow, the warmth and the cold. If the weather never shifted, if we lived in a world of permanent summer or endless winter, we would never appreciate the contrast, never learn to seek the beauty in both the storms and the sun.

Even the wind, even the rain, even the moments that feel like destruction—they hold their own purpose. They extinguish fires that might have raged out of control. They cleanse the air, pushing sickness away, sweeping through the streets and making space for something new. Change, in all its unpredictable ways, is the only constant we have. And as long as there is change, there is proof of life. There will always be moments of light and moments of darkness, but it is how we embrace them, how we surrender to them, that will define us.

I’ve wasted days before, wasted perfectly good health by keeping myself locked away, allowing time to slip through my fingers while I let the weight of my thoughts keep me still. But now? Now, I crave the warmth of the sun on my skin. I crave the sound of birds singing, the hum of life happening all around me. I am healing, deeply, intentionally. I am showing up for myself in ways I once neglected. I am making space for joy, for the magic in the smallest of things. And I am embracing my feminine energy in a way that feels like home—soft, strong, intuitive, radiant. My home will be my sanctuary, my personal fairytale, but my spirit? My spirit is meant to roam freely, to dance with the world, to exist fully in the beauty of each moment.

This journey, I now understand, is mine alone. And anyone who walks beside me—outside of my children, my heartbeats—will do so as an honor, not an expectation. The right people will add light to this path, not take from it. They will be the ones who appreciate the sacredness of this unfolding, the ones who hold space for me as I hold space for myself.

Today, my thoughts are drifting high, nestled in the clouds where the sun kisses the sky with golden warmth. The air feels different, charged with possibility. This year started out rough—so rough that I almost lost sight of myself in the storm. But I stayed, I fought, I endured. And I am so damn proud of myself for not abandoning my own ship, for not letting fear be the thing that dictated my course.

So to anyone who feels lost in the waves, I say this: stay. Stay in your boat, no matter how unsteady it may seem. Do not be the one to sink yourself simply because you fear the unknown ahead. Let the currents of life guide you, trust that the tides are working in your favor, even when it doesn’t seem like it. Your ship will find its way. You will reach the shore. And when you do, you will step onto solid ground with the wisdom of every wave you’ve survived.

And that? That is where the magic happens.

Posted in Amy Douangmany, Blog, Self Reflection

Dear Diary, No matter how chaotic or uncertain things may seem

Posted on by Ms. Amy D

every experience—whether painful or joyful—contributes to our growth.

Life is an ongoing process of transformation.

I woke up today feeling good, and that feeling is something I cherish. Lately, there’s been a lot happening in the world, things beyond our control, and while we all wish for better days, I’m beginning to think that maybe everything is unfolding exactly as it’s meant to. Change is inevitable. Some shifts happen overnight, others take weeks, months, or even years—but the world is in a constant state of movement. The weather changes, the population grows, illnesses come and go, and we, as people, are required to adapt. Survival isn’t just about existing; it’s about learning, growing, and evolving.

One thing I’ve come to realize is that not everyone will truly understand who I am or see life the way I do. And that’s okay. We’re all different, shaped by our own experiences, yet bound by the unspoken rules of society—standards of morality and guidelines we’ve learned over generations. It’s why we have laws, why we have juries, why we have systems in place to uphold justice. Authority figures, essential workers, and everyday people all play a role in keeping society functioning, and whether we realize it or not, we’re all contributing in our own way.

Despite all this, I feel at peace today. That peace comes from knowing that I am actively working on becoming a better version of myself. Growth isn’t just about wanting to change—it’s about putting in the effort. And I know I’m putting in the work. It’s easy to look back and wonder where the time went, but in many ways, I still feel like that little girl stepping into kindergarten for the first time. I remember the excitement of discovering letters, numbers, words—tools that allowed me to communicate and express myself. That curiosity never faded; if anything, it only deepened over time.

Through consistency, I’ve learned that we have the power to shape perceptions—not just of ourselves, but of ideas and concepts. If someone speaks a false narrative about you often enough, they can influence how others see you. That’s why it’s so important to use your voice. Never let someone paint you as something you’re not. I’m grateful for the heart I have, for the way my mind works, and for the emotional intelligence that allows me to navigate life with both logic and empathy. I know I’m contributing to the world in the best way I can, in a way that feels right to me.

Letting go—especially of good memories and connections—is painful, but I’ve learned to appreciate every single person who has crossed my path. Whether intentional or not, every interaction teaches me something. Some people show me the kind of person I want to be, while others reveal what I never want to become. You don’t always know what isn’t for you until someone exposes you to it—whether it’s dishonesty, aggression, or selfishness.

As I move forward, I embrace the beauty of transformation. Sometimes, change looks messy. Sometimes, it feels like everything is falling apart. But I have faith that, in the grand scheme of things, life is shaping me into exactly who I’m meant to be. We all have our ups and downs, but no two journeys are the same. And knowing that, my takeaway for today is this: trust the process, keep growing, and never let anyone define you but yourself.

Posted in Amy Douangmany, Blog, Healing, Meditation, Self Reflection

Dear Diary, I find myself grappling with an unusual fatigue

Posted on by Ms. Amy D

– a heaviness that lingers within me.

Life has been quite intriguing lately. I truly believe that the universe has a way of aligning things to your liking when the time is right. Yet, there are moments when that waiting period feels like it stretches on for centuries—maybe even decades—though in reality, it’s probably just a few months. The weight of that waiting can feel overwhelming.

Recently, I reached out to several friends, and their responses have been nurturing and supportive, adding bits of positivity to my life. It’s remarkable how, at our core, we are all just human beings trying to navigate this existence. In these interactions, I’ve come to realize the importance of kindness, forgiveness, and making the best of every situation. I don’t want to be caught up in conflicts or negativity with others. I strive to understand their perspectives, but I know that we all need to find common ground and hit that reset button together.

For me, resetting feels crucial right now. I’m facing some emotional and spiritual challenges that seem to have caught up with me. Catching up with friends—whether in person or over text—has become a vital part of my healing process. I don’t want to be selective about when or how I reach out; I just want to connect. However, prioritizing these connections has become difficult because I’m focused on my own growth and self-improvement.

As the weather turns colder, I find myself embracing my hibernation season. I crave the comfort of home, cozying up with warm coffee and comfort food. There’s a simple luxury in having a safe place to call home, where I can operate on my own schedule—though I know that, like everything else, that can change. Change is inevitable, the one constant in life, and I welcome it. It often brings discomfort and demands adaptation, but upon closer reflection, I see that we are always adjusting to the shifts around us. I’m choosing to remain open to these changes, eager to continue growing along my journey.

Lately, I’ve been feeling particularly fatigued, and I know I’m not at my best energy-wise. Restoring that energy is important to me, especially as I focus on improving my communication and relationship with my children. I want to reassure them that they will always have a safe space with me, and everything I do is centered on creating that environment for them. As for my friends and family, I’m doing my best to stay connected without putting too much pressure on myself or them. I trust that we will reconnect in our usual ways when the time is right.

I remain humble and grateful, aware that my struggles, while challenging, are nothing compared to what others face. I recognize that life can indeed be much harder, and I strive to maintain that perspective. Acknowledging my current challenges allows me to understand that these experiences are opportunities for growth. I believe that life will get better, and I hold on to the hope that everything will eventually fall into place in due time.

Posted in Akira, Amy Douangmany, Ariyah, Blog, Healing, Malynah, Maylana, Self Reflection

💝💭🫀🐅🐾 Dear Diary, There is something incredibly beautiful

Posted on by Ms. Amy D

about being a woman, especially a mother to daughters.

It feels like such a special, almost magical connection to share a similar energy with them. And if you’re lucky, like me, to be a girly girl yourself, surrounded by women who are the same—your mom, your kids, your sisters—it feels like an endless thread of experiences and conversations. There’s always something to talk about, something to bond over. I think it’s so amazing how women can connect like that. If life weren’t weighed down by all its stresses, I feel like we could be even more connected, as human beings should be. But the way society is structured sometimes causes challenges for people, especially those less fortunate. It creates these divides, placing people on different levels of life instead of seeing everyone as equals. The best way I can explain it is by looking at tax brackets—such a clear example of how people are categorized and separated.

I’m also really proud of myself because I made it through my first week of a caffeine detox. I know the advice out there is to ease into it and not quit cold turkey, but that’s exactly what I did. I guess I don’t always like to go with the flow. Sometimes I feel like going against the grain is important. It’s about experiencing something for yourself, even if it’s tough, so you have a story to share, a lesson learned. It gives you a unique perspective, like, “This is why it’s hard, but here’s what I gained from it.” I think there’s something beautiful about taking a different path, even when it’s the harder one, because it shows courage and bravery. It highlights how different we can be from one another, and that’s what makes us special.

Today, I’m feeling really good, almost emotional in a way that brings tears to my eyes. I’ve been feeling so disconnected from the people I love the most in life, especially my mom, my sisters, and even my dad. Life has a way of pulling us in different directions, but the friends I’ve made along the way—they’ve been my steady anchors, always within reach. My family, too, even when we drift apart. I think it’s normal to go on our own journeys for a while, but what matters is that we always find our way back to each other. That bond will always be there.

Life is full of ups and downs, but I truly believe that if you look for the good, you’ll always find it, no matter how tough things get. Even when chaos and obstacles come your way, the journey is the journey. And no matter what, I know I’ll get to where I’m meant to be.

Posted in Amy Douangmany, Blog, Self Reflection

🎟🎮🌁🚘⏰️ Dear Diary, a realization dawned on me.

Posted on by Ms. Amy D

It’s true: the tables do turn.

I’ve gained enough clarity on some things about life, and it’s safe to say that life goes on and it will indeed get better if you leave some of your baggage behind. My future remains dependent on the steps that I take to get there. Just don’t ignore the opportunities that come knocking on your door.

Sometimes, they turn really fast, and other times, it’s as if they are moving in slow motion. But regardless of the speed, the tables are always turning.

Being on this side of the field has made me realize some things. It has made me understand that the trust you give out is incredibly valuable. If you trust the wrong people, it can be devastating because you gave them something so precious.

I often wonder if trust comes before love or if love precedes trust. It feels like trust is usually the first thing we offer before we decide to start loving someone, be it romantic or not.

The key to getting in is pending delivery. Once you have it, you might want to pay attention because getting in will take you to many places, and it’s not for the faint of heart for some. Perhaps it will give you access to information, networks, and involvement in various opportunities. When these opportunities come up, take them. Not often will you get something so special delivered into your life, offering you more clarity.

Posted in Amy Douangmany, Blog, Self Reflection

🍃🍨🌃🎀🧩 Dear Diary, People seem to not understand

Posted on by Ms. Amy D

that honesty and credibility are everything.

Tonight is an amazing night. Dinner was delicious, and now I’m taking a light late-night cruise, just to get to a point where I can get out and get some fresh air. On my mind tonight are some very humbling thoughts. It finally makes sense to me why I’ve always worked really hard and wanted to have luxury things, especially a luxury car—a Mercedes, in particular. My car has always been like a friend to me, taking me from place to place, from job to job, from home to home.

I feel like I’m moving in a very good direction in my life right now. I have a lot of support and many opportunities, and I want to remain humble. I may not always be in a Mercedes, plus a car is just a car. We’re not always going to have the nicest and most luxurious things. Sometimes, we might have them, but they may need to be in the shop or whatever. Not everything in life is permanent; certain things are temporary, just like this vehicle, I’m driving tonight. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter because life is about adjusting to changes, adapting, and learning how to survive. It’s about being grateful for every single thing.

As I continue through life, I hope to remain very humble, always grateful, treating people with love and respect, and being as honest as possible. In the world we live in, people seem to not understand that honesty and credibility are everything. Over time, you realize that the consequences of being dishonest and having malicious intentions toward others are not worth it. I’m very excited about the goals I’m setting for myself as I navigate through different situations that are beyond challenging and stressful at times.

Tonight is going to be a memorable night for me because I’ve found it in my heart that not everything is going to work out in life, and whatever is meant to be will be. When I had my phone call with my mother and sister today, I realized I am a very loyal person. I will always be loyal to those who are there for me, who try to give me support, love, and understanding, and who learn how to forgive. One of those people is my dad. It’s hard being a parent, working to provide for your children, giving them Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, and taking them on trips and outings. Whatever happens after a divorce or separation, it shouldn’t affect your relationship with your parents. They may have tried to make the relationship work, but it didn’t, and that’s okay. We have to forgive our parents for enduring the struggles of maintaining a relationship. I hope my children understand that in life, nothing is permanent. People die every day, relationships end, and it’s okay. Everything happens for a reason. If someone is meant to be in your life, no one can take that person away. If someone isn’t meant to be part of your life for long, ultimately they will take their exit when that time comes so stay detached from the idea that people won’t leave, because they do for various reasons outside of death or change of heart. It doesn’t mean they are bad people; they’re just not meant to be in your life anymore.

This is the mentality I am adopting moving forward. I need to think bigger. Everything that has happened, even the bad things, was supposed to happen so I could learn from those mistakes. I have to learn how to forgive myself, even though it sometimes hurts. Everything else is just part of life. I’m trying to find ways not to stress anymore. I’m trying to rest more, think more, and do whatever it takes to make life easier for me. At the end of the day, I can’t rely on others to take care of me. I have to take care of myself. As long as I can take care of and love myself, I can take care of and love others. To give to others—whether it’s love, time, or attention—it starts with yourself. I’m starting to understand the saying “you have to love yourself” in different ways as life continues to happen to me.

So, as I drive tonight, I’m going to enjoy my music, enjoy the company of my kids, and hope that each and every day moving forward, things in my life continue to get better. I’m going to continue to add happiness and value to my life and make sure my kids are taken care of. There’s nothing more important to me than being a mom in this lifetime.

I think that’s the beauty of it. If you keep trying to understand why certain things keep happening in your life and find a way to learn from them, instead of taking it personal, you’ll thrive. You won’t let the obstacles and challenges in life make you feel defeated or discouraged. There’s so much in life that I’m looking forward to: so many experiences, places, and different intricate desserts and meals I want to try. I want to breathe different kinds of air, visit different beaches and deserts, and have the experiences I’ve always wanted since I was young. I want a luxurious lifestyle, but I’m willing to work for it. I believe that everything I’ve been through in my life is leading me to those opportunities. Whatever happens, I will continue to try and not ever give up. I will continue to be honest. There is a lot of power in staying honest and not giving up, in just hanging on and continually trying over and over again and continuously learning.

Posted in Amy Douangmany, Blog, Healing, Self Reflection

🌁🖼🎨🎻🪫Dear Diary, Life can only be appreciated when you focus

Posted on by Ms. Amy D

on giving negative issues less attention.

At the end of the day, we have to remember that we entered this world at the exact time and date we were supposed to. When our time comes to an end, we’ll take our exit at whatever time and date that’s destined. Adopting the mindset that I was meant to come into this world alone, go through everything alone, and leave alone has given me a clearer perspective on how to see the world.

It’s so important to navigate different circumstances, obstacles, and challenges with grace, hope, and wisdom. Ultimately, these qualities are the key to protecting your peace, setting boundaries, and creating the life you want to live. I realize I could have been more firm with my boundaries in the past. Setting clear boundaries is something I’ve been making progress on.

Life can only be appreciated when you focus on giving negative issues less attention and continuing to pour love into yourself, forgiving yourself, and accepting that not everything is within our control. We’re all living for the first time and trying to heal from various things in our lives. I’m hopeful that everything that has happened to me was meant to happen, and I will triumph through the good and the bad.

Sometimes, it means minimizing trauma to face value. But in my personal time, when it’s appropriate, I allow myself to fully process and heal from those traumas. People might not understand that I don’t have the leisure or luxury to maximize my traumas due to the responsibilities I carry in my life. The way that I process my feelings and evaluate the events in my life are for me to understand and is ultimately my responsibility in where the opinions of others are just merely that, opinions.

I hope we can be good to each other because life is short. If things could be simplified, we could all benefit collectively from better communication, understanding, and empathy. I hope these days of feeling this way will eventually stop so I can finally breathe and face controversy without fear.

My concerns and intentions to address my concerns are genuine and valid. I’m just trying to get through life with the people I want to spend it with—my children, a few friends, and family. It is a very small, tight-knit circle that’s mostly inaccessible. I will always love those who love and support me.

I pray that I am continuously protected, time after time, again and again.  I aspire for that day to come where I’m able to feel safe existing and being my authentic self. I look forward to focusing on the little things that matter to me. Right now, nothing matters more than my kids. That’s all that matters to me then, now and will forever always be through this lifetime of mine.