I admire people of conviction. People who watch the trends come and go and remain steady. I admire people who are wise and can pass on wisdom to others. I admire people who find the silver lining no matter what is happening all around them. I admire people with lived experience who come out of the trenches with glowing faces.
In life some people have an abundance of those people around them. Maybe they were born into circumstances where they didn’t have to do so much in order to get ahead or to stay alive. Maybe they weren’t constantly looking over their shoulder in a dog- eat-dog situation. Good for them, peace is the biggest leg up anyone can have in life. That’s why I admire people who, despite their circumstances, choose to lead and become the change in the lives of others.
I also admire people who can walk away from a thing. They may even come back at a later date. But strong people are not tied down to things so much. My personal belief is that we do all things unto the cause of love and for the glory.
In doing so, everything else comes into right standing.
In this life so many people want to take you off your square, but there are more that want to see you win. I like to call them hidden in the fog. We get one life, and I hope the choice is to do it right.
Today I turned on the news and saw something that gave me hope. It was definitely a “Your Cross Is Your Crown” moment. Lately, I have been feeling like I can do hard things. Especially in areas where I may have allowed my skills to um, lapse–i.e. the financial literacy department.
As you know, life can throw curveballs and there are unexpected challenges that change everything. For some, those twists lead to single motherhood. For others, it’s been the reality from day one. Either way, the journey can feel overwhelming. You work hard, sometimes juggling multiple jobs, not just for survival but because deep down, you want more time with your kids. Ironically, the biggest struggle for single parents isn’t just money—it’s time. Time to guide, nurture, and be present.
I grew up with both parents, but they worked tirelessly to give us a good life. I often wondered if they missed moments with me and my brother while chasing financial security. That thought stays with me as a mom—because whether you’re single or partnered, the desire is the same: to give your children the best future possible.
Here’s the truth: being a single parent is not a life sentence. Kids grow up. One day, you’ll step into a new chapter—stronger, wiser, and ready to build something even better. But right now, your focus is on their future. And today, I found something that gave me hope: Trump Accounts. This is an amazing philanthropic gift from the Dell Family. I am here for anyone who puts tangible action into play, especially for our nation’s youth. This is huge. I plan to post more on the steps to engaging this opportunity in future posts but this is a genuine solution for children under 18 and their families. Read on for how it works.
Why This Matters
If you’re a single mom or part of a working family, you know the daily balancing act—stretching every dollar while dreaming of college, a first home, or a debt-free start for your child. Saving feels impossible when bills demand your attention. That’s why Trump Accounts are such a breakthrough.
What Are Trump Accounts?
$1,000 Government Seed: Every eligible child gets a head start.
Up to $5,000/year Family Contributions: Build steadily over time.
Employer Contributions: Up to $2,500 annually, tax-free.
Dell Family Bonus: $250 for millions of children in qualifying communities.
Funds grow through investments in U.S. stock index funds. If fully funded, a child born in 2026 could have:
$303,800 by age 18
$1,091,900 by age 28 (Projections, not guarantees—but powerful nonetheless.)
Why It’s a Game-Changer for Single Moms
This isn’t just about money—it’s about opportunity. It’s about breaking cycles, leveling the playing field, and giving your child a foundation for education, entrepreneurship, and independence. For single moms, Trump Accounts offer something rare: a chance to turn small steps today into life-changing outcomes tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
You already give your child love, resilience, and guidance. Now, you can give them something even more powerful—a financial head start. This is more than a savings account; it’s a promise of possibility.
Call-to-Action: What do you think about this initiative? Could it help your family? Share your thoughts below and subscribe for more resources on building a brighter future for your kids. Also, please like share and subscribe. Thanks for reading.
Last year, I took a brave leap into the wild world of taxes, tackling both my business and personal ones for the very first time! It was like diving into a whirlpool of stress and discovery. It really did change my perspective on everything. Filing taxes feels like an immersive crash course in “America 101″—where you learn the ins and outs of industry classifications and sharpen your financial acumen.
Surprisingly, only a select few tackle their own taxes—but doing so feels like cracking open a treasure chest packed with real-world lessons in civics, business, and law. It’s everyday life turned into a masterclass. As much as I cherish formal education, I’ve discovered an entire universe of free knowledge just begging to be explored. A few years ago, when I was dabbling in selling houses, I felt that earning my real estate license gave me that “I’m officially adulting” feeling—especially diving into ethics. But learning the ins and outs of taxes? That was the real transformation. It reshaped how I handle money and responsibility, leveling me up in ways no classroom ever could.
So, if you haven’t tried preparing your own taxes you should. Additionally, I am a great listener. I have been around enough lawyers in New City during tax time and I learned a lot. Sadly, none of the cheat codes applied to me, but I have them in my mental rolodex for a rainy day. I was once asked if I ever regretted not jumping on an opportunity. Looking back, I would say leaving finance. I had really bad imposter syndrome because I was counting on my fingers and overspending at the sushi bar. It’s too late now. (and yes, it is) but I love the things that finance teaches you.
Embarking on tough tasks whether they are successful or not– is a reminder that you can do anything you set your mind too.
When I first started my writing collective a few years back, I chose the name Kambili. It means “let me live.” I felt it was perfect. I was living in a world where I was being focused on at a granular level and that’s alot. Yet, I have lived enough life to know that there are people who feel an innate need to tell others how to live despite being reproached.
For me harmony is achieved when everyone is respectfully giving their opinion and sharing feelings and ultimately minding their business and letting other people live. In 2019, I gave up gossiping. Right after that I did my best to remove the things that were erected as idols in my life. Those two actions cleared out pretty much everyone in my life. That’s sad and scary when you think about it.
To be clear, I really only had one gossip partner, but she was, and is, the queen bee of it. We all have these people in our lives. For the most part it’s innocent, but I had to permanently let it go. Gossip puts in motion unforeseen tragedies that often boomerang back in the form of karma. Most people don’t know that’s what’s happening though. When I did that, it created a peace within me that has been unwavering. I largely focus on the tasks at hand and the joy in my circle. Harmony is best when you do you and I do me, and when it feels right, we can do us. I am ok to lose out in some situations and win in others. But all people need the space to express themselves and to simply be. We are here to love and to express ourselves in the unique way that God intended and will often upset the apple cart if those ideations are obstructed. Remember, one person’s harmony is another person’s overbearing—therefore walking away or taking turns being quiet is best.
How many times have you gone to one of those white tablecloth lunches or dinners and you are starving? Even though you ate earlier that day, or you had the tea and bagels in the morning, everyone seems to be ravished by noon. It’s crazy. By the time they roll out the food it’s all crunchy and saucy and awkward. It’s also at that very moment when you’ve lost the battle of “to eat the onions or pick them off,” that your boss wants to be buddy -buddy and sit next to you. Obviously, the onions will have to wait until the next luncheon.
For me, situations like that always makes me nervous. It’s why I now pack some nuts in my bag and do a little snacking before I sit down. There is nothing that scares me more than biting into my sandwich and then having a small piece of lettuce shoot out of my mouth. Or drinking my coffee only to have it dribble out the corner of my mouth and onto my white shirt–dang it! I’m not one of those women who can stoically sit in front of a buffet of food and casually chit chat while not eating at all. These women were the discipline MVP’s before Ozempic hit the scene. No, by the time lunch is up, I’m typically hangry.
Granted, I don’t hate eating in front of people. I just hate being too hungry in front of people. It’s like all bets are off in the class department when Jose Andres or someone is catering. You will have to think of me as you will. It’s like paella is about to be incoming very fast. More than anything, I’m often too nervous to eat on some occasions. Let alone in spaces where I’m trying to make an impression. I can do soup, noodles, small bites and anything that requires chop sticks.
This is actually my first time thinking about this, and now I’m wondering if I need therapy. But yeah, messy foods and meetings are a no for me. I’d rather drink my beverage and look glamourous, unless it’s our second time lunching together, then all bets are off.
The best way to do something is to do it. Faith without works is dead. However, when you feel that you’ve done all you can but you still can’t “make it” then it’s time to investigate the genesis of your discontent. I like to use marriages of opposites as a point of reference. For example, the glass half empty person married to the eternal optimist. In both case they are not right, or wrong, but what can be agreed upon is that there is a glass. The contents of it is a matter of perception, and therein lies your discontent, or your joy. If you focus on the glass, you will see that the glass itself is malleable. It can be utilized and symbolizes opportunity overall.
There is a school of thought where people wait for their cup to be filled and others learn to fill it themselves. Which is better? I personally am self-motivated and activated. While it is always nice to have the support I desire, I am not entitled to a sustained stream of anything. If I were, that means that someone is giving for me and taking from them, and that could leave them in lack. The goal is always to be what I desire and to share it. That is the most abundant state and one where most giving can be genuine. I feel alot of people would categorize themselves as genuine, altruistic, and even selfless. Yet, the real challenge comes when your help is no longer needed or someone you helped surpasses you. Will you be able to handle that? Most of us can’t. We want you to do good, but not necessarily that good.
You Don’t Really Grapple With Truth, You Grapple With Interpretations
This is where the idea of living out a truth as opposed to talking about a truth has a different feel. It will cause you to think logically upon the things you claim to value and to become honest about your desire to share them. For example, when we say “our shared history” what does it mean? If everything thing is shared and we came up together, can anything be appropriated? Of course. The truth discontent is the lack of citing the sources, or citing the creator. It doesn’t mean that it won’t be taken, it absolutely will be, and monetized as well, but at least we will know where it came from.
Does this communal sharing work both ways? Of course. You wear my dreadlocks and I dance the Irish jig. However, what is lost, is individuality. A menudo and melting pot isn’t necessarily diverse on the surface. It appears more like a goulash and less like a buffet. Personally, I like everything having a cultural diversity. I think now people comfortable embracing their heritage and they want to figure out a way to keep it a normal part of their existence without it being a centerstage issue. They don’t want to be set apart for it, judged for it, discriminated against because of it–but it also doesn’t need to suck the air out of the room. How is that done? I have my ideas but I will wait and see. I guess this can be solved within in a pluralistic society, yet technically we already live in one. We live this everyday, and it’s what makes this country great, but there is a disconnect. Many people feel trapped in a state of discontent. I think what we desire is to feel a sense of connectedness, and that comes from a connection that goes beyond the law books and the dogma and into the heart. That can only happen without interference.
One of the best things to come from this election was the honesty of the people. I actually think that we grow more and more honest and resolute each day. Instead of planning what to say next in the debate of life, it may be even better to listen. Listen to what is being said and valued. The ideals that are being actualized in this moment are centered around strength, peace and empowerment. Empowerment now, not when someone provides the parameters.
It is also important to note that some people simply do not believe in that line of thought. That has to be acknowledged as well. Again, there are two different schools of thought. Neither is right or wrong, but for increased success and greater buy in, it’s best to know true intentions and feelings. Once all of the cards are on the table, can their be room for certain complaints? No. If you like or dislike something, you will take the consequences because it was your decision. Disenfranchisement is actually born from the hopelessness of true change occurring. It is the very definition of apathy and going along to get along. Sadly, far too many people are ok with that. Can they be trusted to serve my interests if they don’t trust me to understand? Not at all. At every level there not only should be transparency, but an understanding.
Now is the time to live it and be it. And before you take hold of this message, make sure it rings true. In this day and age, everyone subscribes to a different truth. It’s best not to criss cross the lines in the sand, unless you are truly in the middle. We need people who will fight with intelligence and integrity, not for solely for their own futures, but for quantifiable differentials that will produce substantial long standing outcomes.
The love will come from us coming up from the trenches together. We are all in this together. I know what it is like to have to make some intense grocery, travel and shopping decisions. But I also know, like many of you, that I have a good life because of my values, who I am, and how I live my life. This is the time to learn new skills in finance, business, and even the circular economy. This is a time to get excited about what you can do to make your dreams come true. If you fall short, so what? There is a deep satisfaction that comes from trying in the first place. Good luck.
When I think of meat, or meat related questions a big picture of Fred Flintstone and his brontosaurus burger often comes to mind. I know it’s a silly image but I became a vegetarian all by myself at the age of twelve. It wasn’t until the last twelve years have I been on again off again with meat. Today, I think I have derived a firm conclusion on meat eating via the ideology of the Pueblo Indians and my connection to Curanderismo. It’s good in moderation and even better when it’s well sourced.
In the second grade my son was working on a project about the Southwest Indian culture when I had an epiphany: the eating of flesh is when you need to be strong and aggressive and the intake of veggies and fruits are for calming and peace. Also, the seasons of eating meat came into significance for me based on when the concepts of seed time and harvest.
After I had that highly intellectual and rationalized thought, it made sense to me why eating fish sometimes made me sad. It’s because I believe life is in all things. Once I reconciled all those high level beliefs within myself—I went to the Korean BBQ and had a meat feast—no regrets. It was amazing and I love good cuts of meat. Unfortunately not all cuts are of good quality unless they come from the right source. I would rather have small portions of great instead of large portions of meh.
To support my wayward meat eating habits and the meat eating habits of my family I purchased a smoker. I love eating smoked foods. This method of cooking low and slow is actually good for your skin as well. (I believe so)
In short, my daily habits don’t include meat. It does however, include too much dairy. I feel better, think and operate better, with minimal meat. But there does come a time when I can’t say no to a good steak. It’s one of the best ways to recharge the blood.
Growing up I was very impulsive. Like hop in cars and on planes on a whim, and even down to get engaged because: I-felt -like it–impulsive. Looking back, I never really had a bunch of regrets because I was so caught up in the moment. Which can be good. Living in the moment is a constant reminder that today is really the only day that’s promised and so you live it full out. I tend to believe I was always following my heart and passions and that my gut checks were largely right. I have no regrets when I look back on life. It was definitely full force ahead.
Well, I did have my blind spots. The only place I never seem to follow my instincts full out is when it comes to love. You know that reckless abandon that makes you want to run towards someone and never look back? Yeah, that’s always been scary for me. I mean, what if I fall in love myself? Kind of like what ended up happening over and over any way–but that’s another story for another time.
I think the best relationships don’t worry about the fall out, or maybe they do worry about it and don’t care, either way it’s a gamble. You never can tell what’ll happen on the crazy, sexy, outrageous train of love.
There is another side to making strange gut decisions, and that is feeling something and ignoring it. How many times, have you felt like,” this person is sooo perfect. Wait, no they’re too perfect…let me check out someone a bit more flawed or familiar?” That’s actually trauma. That’s an unhealed area of life and maybe even a revelation on allowing television and social media to shape your relationships.
The correct choice was probably the person that you may have had to take a leap of faith with. Maybe they weren’t that exciting but they made you laugh or they studied you intently when you spoke. Maybe they were the person that made you lose track of time, or you feel safe, when you’re used to feeling reckless.
Or when it comes to love and relationships you can be so detached from your sacral and root chakras, and detached from the truth of who you are, and what you want, that you decide to just date someone’s resume. That way, you know you won’t make a mistake. It’s a quiet kept secret but men do this too. They often go towards someone’s resume and what their parents want and fully ignore what makes they happy. Later on down the line they find themselves suffering in silence over the one that got away.
“Reflections of You” (2021) Korean Drama
That kind of love that has your stomach twisted in knots, but is forbidden on so many levels, is depicted so well in the Korean drama “Reflections of You”. I have never seen two people look so miserable apart, and while one stays attached to the one he was loyal to from the beginning and the other lives her best painter life but has an empty marriage, it is an ongoing cat-and-mouse chase of self-denial and unnecessary hell. They both could have kept their smiles and become the artists they were born to be had they simply stayed together. But loyalty called them both, and they paid for it royally. Don’t get me wrong I would done the same thing and have done the same thing, but we are looking at the road less travelled during the road to reconstructing the self.
It’s a position where you have to ask yourself what is more important: instinct or loyalty? It’s a difference between the devil you know and the devil you don’t know.
Needless to say, if this was a easy cut and dry topic, there wouldn’t be so many relationship podcasts out there pondering the subject. Following your instincts are for those who are willing to take big risks for a big reward. Oftentimes, it calls for going against tradition and even coming up against naysayers. What would you do? Do you often follow your instincts? Or do you follow them in some instances and not in others?
My goal for life going forward is to take on the courage of my spiritual guides and advisors. I plan to go big or go home. I may seem to be taking baby steps, but in my mind I am leaping forward. How about you?
I love the month of November. It’s generally the time when the leaves begin to change color and thoughts of the holidays dance around in our minds. I especially love Thanksgiving. Over the last decade I have significantly scaled down my festivities. I did this for various reasons. One, I needed to in order to reconnect to the true meaning of the holiday which is to , not outdo my family members in the kitchen, but to enjoy the day and have a good meal. Two, I really started to order in takeout. Ordering in takeout on Thanksgiving has been a game changer for me. No more stressing about picky eaters or anti-social family members. I can grab what everyone wants, lay it out, then relax, For those of us that cook, it can be a stressful time. But, not when you order in. The only thing that’s missing is that certain, je nais se quois, that’s the love of a homecooked meal.
November is also a spiritual month as well. It is as perfect time to remember those family and friends that are no longer with us. It’s also a time to remember that, the most important aspect of the holidays is love. Just being with people you care about is a blessing, in my opinion. There are people that do not have anyone to spend time with on the holidays. Others don’t like their choices and would rather just be alone. Politics have been particularly stressful and people have allowed the media to separate them on a difference of opinion. I will admit, I will permanently look at some people differently after the way that acted this past year. It could never be the same. This last political cycle, especially for those with money and jobs on the line, showed a whole side of themselves that needed to be kept locked away. At this point, the grins and handshakes are tenuous,—I’d only break bread with one eye open. On the flip side, there is a certain strength and resolve that has arisen from remaining true to oneself during this season. But, I won’t judge you if protecting your peace is far more important than anything else. There’s nothing wrong with spending it alone, but there are other ways to do it. For example, you can start a Friendsgiving tradition.
Some of my best days around the holiday were spent with my friends. However, I personally like to go home during Thanksgiving or even host because it’s the one time of year I make and indulge in the world famous Patti Labelle Mac and Cheese. If you haven’t had it, I highly recommend it. You’ll sleep like a baby afterward.
November is the month that’s considered the quiet before the storm. It’s the time to rest, rejuvenate, and prepare for the year ahead. It’s been a busy year, why not take a break and wind down? This month, I am getting a new arsenal of board games to play with my kids, I am getting back into reading and overall, I am simply meditating and enjoying the changes in the weather. I won’t be doing a lot of holiday parties this year either. I’ve really been in my solo vibe and it has been an experience all its own. I love it. If you haven’t had that time in life where it’s just you and God, I highly recommend it. It’s life changing. It will open spiritual doors that no one can shut and rearrange the way you see yourself, others, and life. Who knows what next year will bring, but this year, I started with love and I will end on the same note.
“For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything” Hebrews 3:4
Growing up, I moved around a lot, and I always dreaded the question “Where are you from?” I never stayed in one place too long while growing up, so the question often threw me off. Many people identify home with a person or believe home is where they were born, but for me, home is wherever I am.
In our world, we get so caught up with “repping” things, and in many ways, these conventions are things that can weigh us down and keep us from taking flight in life and enjoying what the world has to offer. For me, life is about taking in as many experiences as possible and making memories, and for a while, I have enjoyed making those memories from home.
When my personal space is tranquil and filled with delicious seasonal smells and laughter from loved ones, I feel like the wealthiest person in the world. If you follow me on social media, every now and then I will mention my love for snacks. In my household, snacks are a big part of making any home feel comfortable, and I go on a snack run daily.
“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” John :35
In my past, I was known for going out regularly and I enjoyed every minute of it. However, once I settled in and became a mom, I started to relish my home life. Home is the one place that I consider to be a buffer to the outside world. Throughout my life, I looked for comfort outside, but that was because my living spaces were not comfortable enough. I didn’t invest enough in my living spaces because I always had my eyes on my future home. I was more focused on my future living spaces instead of tending to the present living space that I was so fortunate to have. However, once I made the small shift in my mentality to focus on what I had been given stewardship over, my living space began to transform. I began to think less about getting my artwork into a gallery or a show, and more about showcasing my work in my home. I thought less about going to the latest restaurants and tried my hand at recreating some of my favorite takeout meals and got quite good at it.
Now, it seems like my homecooked food is the better option because of the freshness and love I put into it. When I transformed my mentality, not only did my home transform, but the things I wanted to manifest outside of it were coming into fruition. This is called being a good steward of what we are blessed to have, and the reward is abundance. In many ways, our homes are a reflection of who we are spiritually and how we view the world. While I am imperfect and fall short of my goals sometimes in my inner and outer sanctums, I strive to build my foundation on solid ground. In doing so, home is wherever I am. If it is not in the condition I desire, then I know it is within me to make it what I desire.
The spirit of the Divine resides in my heart, and I know that I am empowered to create beauty all around me, no matter what the circumstance. Wherever the Lord is, my home is, and I know it is well. So if you get around me and feel comfortable—that is what you are feeling. You are feeling the love and peace of home, and that makes me happy.
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I don t know about you, but since the pandemic, I have seemed to struggle with time. Not necessarily time management when it comes to completing tasks but arriving at places in person on time. What makes it even more of a challenge is that I am pretty comfortable working remotely. Unfortunately, I don’t see myself, especially as an entrepreneur, making a permanent switch to working in person. I am of the mindset that more work gets done in isolation. Yet, I am venturing out again into the world socially, and on the outside, time does matter. Not everyone wants to stay within their own four walls forever. As I started going out more, I found that I was often met with closed doors and canceled reservations because I was late.
Monochronic and Polychronic Cultural Views of Time
Differing cultural views can have an effect on how we see time. In Western society, people are often judged on their ability to be timely. We tend to follow along with and thrive best within a linear, monochronic society. Linear thinking follows a straightforward, cause-and-effect pattern. It assumes that events progress in a predictable, step-by-step manner. Additionally, monochronic cultures like ours, value timeliness when it comes to work, structured workdays, and individual accountability. These characteristics are valued in employees as well as in leadership.
However, this highly structured work environment can create burnout in people. It can be rigid and devoid of flexibility, leaving people feeling discontent and searching for life’s balance. On the other hand, cultures that are polychronic, such as those in the Middle East, tend to have work environments that allow for interruptions, breaks, and social interactions. Employees may engage in multiple tasks simultaneously. While this style of interaction can promote relationship building and greater team focus due to flexible schedules, efficiency can become an issue. I can attest to the latter. Efficiency, takes on many forms and criticisms, especially in a society where productivity can be boosted by AI. I believe that although some work and even employees may not be as timely, as other hard-driving producers, they tend to bring a distinct value that is necessary. Think quality or quantity due to honoring the natural flow of life. We could place them in a category of non-linear thinkers. These individuals tend to take a more holistic viewpoint of life, seeing the system as a whole rather than just isolated parts – they are our creatives and visionaries.
My issues with time date back to childhood. I was the kid they had to move away from the window due to my lack of focus and incessant day dreaming. My parents were in the military and I while I was often punished for my lateness, it seemed to create an adverse reaction to rigid time restrictions in me. I became rebellious instead of focused. At times, I have found myself missing out on time with friends, my yoga classes, and even some important deadlines due to my causal relationship with time. Over the last six months I have worked diligently to get back on the wagon in regard to time and I am seeing great improvements. I still tend to display a Laissez fare attitude towards time every now and then, I have learned to slay this dragon by considering the time of others. When I am late, it also affects others, and that is not a good feeling. Additionally, when you’re on time you can casually walk into a building, orient yourself, and begin your day with ease. When you are late you are rushing, anxious and often wind-up apologizing.
The moral of the story is: Leave early, be on time, and consider yourself and others in the process.
