I Am Who I Say I Am… and I AM That Gworl!

Can you believe I’m back already? Smiling with my tongue between my teeth

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💫 Success Stories

I was listening to my son talk about something I could tell he felt insecure about. He made a comment, and in the moment, I thought my response was validating. But later that night, I replayed our conversation and realized… I missed the mark. I didn’t affirm him if the outcome he hopes for doesn’t happen. I beat myself up for a second, then made it my mission to circle back with intention.

When we talked again, I let him know even if our deepest desires don’t come to pass, we are still enough. He is enough. I reminded him that comparison is the thief of joy. In the words of my good sis Paulette, I advised him to always “Be your authentic self.”

Side note: Parenting is a wild ride, y’all. At my big age, I’m unlearning so much while learning how to meet my son where he is—especially as he evolves. Every version of him needs a different version of me… and every version deserves grace, even if I don't want to extend it.

Imma knock on wood before I say this next part: I thank God every day that my 17-year-old isn’t doing half the reckless stuff I did at his age. Listen. God is good.

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📚 What I’m Reading (or Listening To)

So, I asked for Audible recs—because let’s be real, some of these narrators are giving cringe. S.A. Cosby’s name kept coming up, and now I get the hype. I’ve listened to:

• Razorblade Tears 

• All Sinners Bleed

• King of Ashes

The first two are top-tier for me!

I’m also pushing through When a Wolf Loves the Moon by Granger. It’s book three of the series, and I’m too deep in to quit—but whew, the grammatical errors and lack of structure are dragging me. 😩

Oh—and PJ’s & Pages is hosting its first ever in-person book club meeting tomorrow! I’m kinda nervous, battling a little imposter syndrome but super excited nonetheless.

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💇🏾‍♀️ Hair Chronicles

I’ve been rocking a braid-out since April and finally had to tell myself, “BFFR. This is too much maintenance.” I tried booking a braider with decent prices—no luck. I even considered driving an hour to Charlotte but changed my mind.

So, I did my own hair. And guess what?

7 + 1 = ATE DOWN!

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🧠 Thoughts

I still want to create content—I’m just figuring out what that looks like. One thing I know: I can’t be quiet about what’s happening in this country. That orange bigot and his cronies are doing real damage, and I’m not the one to sit silent.

So, for now, my content might lean political, or it might be whatever’s on my heart. Either way, it’s gonna be real.

At the end of the day, I am who I say I am and I AM, that gworl!

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📝 Until Next Time…

“Start by starting.” Whether it’s a week, a day, an hour, or a single breath at a time—do what works for you.

Ciao Bella,
Lena