Let’s keep it real. 

Encouragement is beautiful. Affirmations are necessary. However (comma), in my recovery journey, what caught my attention wasn’t just the “one day at a time” slogans or the perfectly curated quotes and spoken word reels from popular folks on social media. Fun fact: Back in 2007...

In November of 2020, I was prescribed an emotional support animal. At the time, it wasn’t what I wanted to hear—and definitely not what I thought I needed. I wasn’t prepared to fully digest the weight of the diagnosis: major depression, military sexual trauma, and a few other things I thought I had ...

There’s a moment—silent but seismic—when the boots come off for the last time. The uniform is folded, the structure dissolves, and suddenly, you’re left with space. But that space doesn’t always feel like freedom. It can feel like loss. That’s the part no one talks about. The moment where your exter...

Amidst the noise of everyday life, I want to take a moment to celebrate Black History by honoring a remarkable woman and fellow veteran: Sandra Durbin.

In 1966, Sandra Durbin joined the United States Navy and quickly made history. Despite facing unimaginable hardships, including accusations of chea...

Serving in the U.S. Navy allowed me to have and learn from a plethora of lived experiences. Two of the most influential were camaraderie and unspoken relatability.

The same can be said for the experiences felt in the recovery community. Though I’ve chosen this path for over a decade, it was only tw...

Dear God:

The end of the year has crept upon us, and most people embark on resolutions and promises for the upcoming new year.

While I believe in the importance of becoming, I also realize I must remain realistic with my aspirations. Why not strive for these personal empowerments and affirmations ...

I have a question: How well do you welcome unexpected change when it arrives?

Like most, I tend to plan days, weeks, and sometimes months in advance. As of late, I have been called to plan the upcoming years with more diligence and direction. Could it be I’m getting older and desire a fulfillment i...

I have a question: Do you know how special you are?

Our uniqueness is a priceless quality. It serves as our most valuable possession, standing as a representation of our authentic selves.

» What does uniqueness look like? You.

You are peace.

You are the mist of magnificence.

You are the physi...

I have a question: Are you unfolding spiritually?

If you’re like me, you’ve reflected on how your life has evolved. Just like a flower, our petals of life extend, stretch, and unfold day-by-day. Not only in the physical sense but also spiritually. With each second, minute and hour, we are flourishi...

I have a question: How will you bloom today?

The season of spring gives us the opportunity to think about the many ways God has allowed us to enrich ourselves and the lives of others. However (comma), we must also be willing and ready to water the withered areas of our own lives. A few topics that ...

I have a question: Will you plant your seeds today?

As spring approaches, I can’t help but smile with excitement. The season represents the budding of newness. However, before this happens, seeds are sown in our lives to take root and bloom. Sometimes this is done intentionally through strategic pl...

I have a question: How do people pour into you? How do you pour into others?

(Okay, that’s two questions … haha!)

When People Pour Into You With Purpose

There is no doubt in my mind our paths cross different personalities for different reasons. Some meet us on the road of encouragement, others ...