Blessed & Curvy

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." - Proverbs 18:21 We've all heard the saying "the pen is mightier than the sword," but perhaps an even more profound truth lies in understanding that the tongue—our spoken words—holds immense power that can either build kingdoms or tear them down. Every day, we wield this incredible force, often without realizing the magnitude of its impact. Words That Wound, Words That Heal A sword can inflict physical damage, but its harm is often temporary and visible. The wounds from harsh words, however, can last a lifetime, buried deep in the recesses of our hearts and minds. Think about it: you probably still remember a cruel comment someone made to you years ago, while physical injuries from childhood have long since healed. Yet the same tongue that can destroy can also create miracles. Words of encouragement have launched careers, sparked innovations, and saved lives. A simple ...

  The Beauty of Second Chances By Patricia A. Saunders There’s something sacred about a second chance. It’s like a quiet whisper from the universe that says, “You’re not done yet.” For anyone who’s ever felt like giving up — I want to share a piece of my story as proof that even in the darkest moments, light can find you. In 2006 , my life shifted in the most painful way. I lost my mother, the woman who had been my rock, my confidante, my constant. Grief consumed me. Just when I thought I couldn’t take any more, 2007 came with another blow: I had to sell my house . No job. No place to call home. I was standing at what felt like rock bottom. I did the only thing I knew how to do: I prayed . I asked for guidance. I asked for strength. I asked for a second chance. And it came. A  janitor —yes , a janitor—at a former apartment complex where I once lived, vouched for me when I needed a place to stay. He saw something in me that reminded him I was worth helping. Then came ...

Celebrating the Holidays Solo: Embracing Joy and Self-Discovery The holiday season often emphasizes togetherness, but celebrating alone can be a fulfilling and empowering experience. Whether by choice or circumstance, spending the holidays solo offers a unique opportunity for self-reflection, personal growth, and creating cherished memories.​ 1. Create Personal Traditions Establishing your own holiday rituals can bring a sense of joy and anticipation. Whether it's preparing a favorite meal, decorating your space, or watching beloved movies, these traditions become special markers of the season. ​ 2. Indulge in Self-Care Use this time to focus on your well-being. Activities like reading, taking long baths, or exploring new hobbies can rejuvenate your spirit. Embracing solitude allows for meaningful self-connection. ​ The City of Dating +1 Wondermind +1 3. Connect with Others Even when alone, connection is possible. Reach out to friends or family through calls or video chats. ...

  Finding Gratitude This Easter Season: Blessings to Celebrate As the Easter weekend approaches, there's something special in the air. Spring flowers pushing through the soil, longer days filled with sunshine, and that sense of renewal that seems to touch everything around us. At Blessed & Curvy, we believe that gratitude can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary blessings, and Easter is the perfect time to pause and reflect on what truly matters. Renewed Faith and Hope Easter, at its core, is a celebration of hope and rebirth. Whether you observe the religious significance or simply embrace the seasonal symbolism, there's something powerful about this time of year that reminds us that after every winter comes spring, after every challenge comes growth. This Easter, I'm thankful for the renewal of faith – not just in religious terms, but faith in humanity, faith in myself, and faith that tomorrow brings new possibilities. In a world that can sometimes feel o...

Tackling Self-Doubt and Conquering the Challenge: Your Path to Confidence and Success We’ve all heard that little voice in our heads whispering, “What if I’m not good enough?” or “What if I fail?” Self-doubt is a universal experience, but it doesn’t have to be a roadblock. Instead, it can be the catalyst that pushes us to grow, persevere, and achieve greatness. Recognizing Self-Doubt Self-doubt often creeps in when we step outside our comfort zones—whether it’s going after a new job, launching a business, or pursuing a personal goal. It disguises itself as hesitation, comparison, or fear of failure. But recognizing it for what it is—a temporary feeling, not a fact—is the first step in conquering it. Strategies to Overcome Self-Doubt 🔹 Reframe Your Mindset – Instead of seeing doubt as a stop sign, view it as a challenge to overcome. Shift your thinking from “I can’t” to “I am learning and growing.” 🔹 Remember Past Wins – Think about times when you succeeded despite uncertainty. L...

The Journey of a Self-Published Author vs. a Traditional Author — and How You Can Support For many writers, the dream of seeing their name on the cover of a book has two main paths — traditional publishing or self-publishing. Both routes have their challenges, rewards, and misconceptions. As an author who has chosen the self-publishing journey, I’m often asked, “What’s the difference, and how can we support you?” Traditional Publishing Traditionally published authors sign with a publishing house, big or small. These companies handle editing, cover design, marketing, distribution, and placement in bookstores. The author may receive an advance but earns royalties on sales. Traditional publishing can provide credibility and visibility, but the process is highly competitive. Agents, query letters, and rejections are part of the norm. Creative control is often limited, with publishers having the final say on edits, covers, and sometimes even the title. Self-Publishing Self-published authors...