Be Present. Be Light. Be Love.

Be Present. Be Light. Be Love.
Why Missing a Deadline Was Exactly What I Needed

Last week, I missed my goal.
No podcast episode went live. No blog post dropped.
And at first, I was disappointed. I’ve worked so hard to stay consistent, to build something meaningful, and to show up for the community I’m creating.

But then I looked up, and realized who I was showing up for instead.

My nieces were in town. And instead of recording, editing, or writing, I spent time doing something just as important: being present.
We talked about school and boys, makeup and glow-ups. We did some school shopping (don’t worry, they’re definitely stepping into the school year ready), and I got to show them around the DMV, from the monuments to the museums, from Black excellence to bomb food.

It was fun.
It was soul-filling.
And it reminded me why I do any of this in the first place.

Sometimes we get so serious about building, growing, and “adulting” that we forget to simply live.
We forget the joy of pouring into others.
We forget how much light we carry, especially for the next generation.

Spending that time with my nieces reminded me that presence is powerful. That being available, listening without judgment, and offering a safe space can create bonds that last a lifetime.

And isn’t that the real goal anyway?

Yes, I’m back now — ready to dive headfirst into podcasting, blogging, and all the things.
But I return with a full heart.
Because God allowed me a moment to slow down and remember what matters. He reminded me that we’re not just called to hustle . We’re called to shine. To be lights in the world. To mentor. To love.

So here’s to presence.
To prioritizing people.
To remembering that sometimes, the most important work doesn’t come with a deadline. It comes with laughter, late-night talks, and a little eyeliner tutorial.

Thank you, God, for the pause.
Now let’s keep going, with joy, with purpose, and with presence.

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