Sometimes there is a heaviness that we feel in our lives. It may be there for various reasons. It can get difficult to manage in the cold months and when the weather is grey. I was talking to a family member about the healing power of art today and what makes it so powerful. Art doesn’t ask you to talk. It doesn’t judge and when you are in the process of creation—you are free.
I’ve moved into the realm of spiritual art, and as fascinating as it is, it can also feel heavy. Its purpose is healing, yet I realize now that I needed more healing myself before diving into this journey. I’m in a better place these days, more grounded, and more prepared to receive the remarkable gift of communion with the other side.
When I feature saints here on Chiara Atoyebi Media, it’s intentional. Through every challenge and hardship in my life, a saint has walked with me. Even my daughter Calais — whom I imagine praying for me day and night — brings me a deep sense of calm. I share with my readers the same things I lean on in my own life. I may not be as direct as many people, but this is my story. I mention my other site, my life’s work, and my nonprofit because they are part of that story. The House of Maryam is something I had to grow into, and I suspect I’ll always be reaching for the wisdom and compassion I hope it reflects.
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that the beauty I’ve poured into others becomes medicine when I finally give it to myself. That realization felt like a holy ordinance. I never imagined I could offer that kind of love to myself or that joy could be something I truly experienced. For the first time in my life, I listen to love songs. The first was “Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder, then “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers, and the list keeps growing. I spent a lifetime listening to breakup music. If I have any advice, it’s this: you are what you listen to. If you fill your ears with fighting and making up, you’ll live in that cycle.
In the months ahead, my goal — along with the other writers on this site — is to offer simple, useful information that helps you build a beautiful life right where you are. I believe that when we’re faithful in small things and truly grateful, we rise. I already feel lighter and more elevated simply by having this space to communicate and share with you.
This month is National Hobby Month, and it’s the perfect time to reconnect with something you love. What’s life without a little joy that belongs only to you? If you have a hobby you adore, I’d love to hear about it. I’m always open to trying something new. Who knows — I may even join you from afar
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.
If I was any different than I am now, I honestly don’t remembfer. In my opinion if you met me within that last three years, it’s the better version, and we can go from there.
February 22 would have been my daughter’s 11th birthday. I only just now thought of it in terms of years passing. I also realized that this month was ok. I am doing quite well in a way that feels authentic. I am not putting on an affectation to present myself as something; I actively count my blessings. I’ve probably been here before. (Actually, I’m sure I have.) It’s kind of like anticipating getting off the train, but there are a few more stops to go–but you want to be there already.
Going out, being with friends, moving about the world, and taking risks has been the best medicine. I had moments of being irritable that I immediately attributed to the fact that my daughter’s birthday was passing. But I count my blessings because I have not only felt my memory returning, but I’ve also felt grounded and even emotionally generous. All of this growth signifies that my changes are sticking.
Have you ever wondered about the heaven in the sky?
Have you ever wondered where do we go when we die? I never truly pondered this question because I’d always taken what was told to me at church at face value. I simply believed that all souls go to heaven after purgatory and ultimately we all worship at the footstool of the big throne in the sky. It wasn’t until I’d spent time at hospices and dealt with the reality of my own child’s passing that I began to inquire and encounter something that felt like it moved beyond fiction. It would during times of deep comtemplation, many of which I wrote about two years ago, that
NO ONE EVER REALLY DIES
Losing my daughter to a brain tumor was difficult. It was a sobering goodbye. More importantly, it made a person like me, who has been a lifelong Believer, leading by example, understand that I am human. Even though it is hard to understand, I really know what it’s like to be chosen because through suffering and complete surrender is where you will get the gift. Oftentimes, that’s when you are still enough and alone and broken enough to receive the keys to your real freedom: True Love. Love is power. There is no force more powerful.
A few hours before she took her last breath, I turned up her oxygen and imagined that she would have to keep breathing if the air was flowing through her lungs, but that was just one last effort to hold her. But my heart was ok with it all. I cherished every moment and took advantage of every resource to make memories, which also gave me peace. Although she was the one doing the heavy lifting with her diagnosis, she turned me into a warrior.
It was just her and me, and it was also peaceful. If that means anything to anyone who may read this–your loved one begins to go before you see it. If you are lucky, you will be able to feel the “spirit,” or what I believe is a holy, benevolent, and peaceful spirit, fill the room. When this happens, you can see what it means when people say, “you come in to the world alone, and you go out alone.” Not only is it powerful to witness, but, it will give you a different perspective on life–you become fearless.
“WOMAN LOST AND RUNS AWAY TO FORGET HER PAST“
In reality I didn’t run, at least not physically, but I absolutely was not fully present. My memory, like my emotions, would go in waves. It took lots of painting to understand that I was grieving although I felt good. That I was more truamatized over watching the suffering and dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of cancer. The pain of feeling helpless and the pressure to be strong for others but even stronger for myself.
Not only did I learn that I am calm under pressure but I had the ability to carry others on my back during tragedy. I learned that when you surrender to your human limitations you access an unseen power. Like Maya Angelou describes our eyes open with a new clarity. For me, the eyes of my understanding first opened to compassion for me and others which is why I largely felt immense gratitude and hypersensitivity for years. It was through making papercrafts, collages, paintings and ceramics that I have learned what the root cause of so many things are for me.
The Otherside of This
Shortly after my daughter Calais passed, I had an intense desire to see where she went. I wanted heaven to be proven to me. I wanted to be shown the place where she went if it was real.
But I feel that through meditation and sheer spiritual pleading, I was shown the cosmos, and I could feel the energy. Although I could only go so far up, I felt this connection to stardust and the galaxy, and then this feeling of love washed over me, although I never saw my daughter out there physically. Yet when we talk about it from the “dust we come and the dust we return,” I feel they are referencing the cosmos. And each day that I am painting and sewing, I tap into that energy. This practice also helps me write.
Ascending Into The Forever
When my daughter began to wind down and transition, she talked a lot about the moon. Then she saw her grandparents in her room. Finally, she said that Santa was coming and the last time she saw him he was with Mrs. Claus, and she said they had a present for me. All of this explaining to me and watching her gently ascend allowed me to feel so much peace. It was goodbye, yes, and it’s still beyond my comprehension. Yet, it never felt final because I saw her in my dreams. It felt like more of ellipses because she sent me her twin (my daughter Monarch).
So when you try to explain the inexplicable, it’s ok to know that sometimes you can’t. Knowing that you don’t have all the answers and that life can be senseless –signals the beginnings of true understanding.
Although it can be difficult, I learned from volunteering at a hospice and watching my grandparents transition that it is way more beautiful where they are going. They will tell you that if they see it. Although they are not with you in their flesh, they are probably right there with you, and you can feel them. So, even though my goodbye has been ongoing, in many ways, it still feels like she never left.
