Blessed & Curvy

The Monday before Christmas holds a special kind of magic—and mayhem. It's that unique day when holiday anticipation collides with last-minute reality checks, creating a festive and frantic atmosphere. The Scene Around Us Walking through our neighborhoods, we see homes twinkling with lights, while cars zip past loaded with hidden treasures. The malls are buzzing with determined shoppers, lists in hand, hunting for those final perfect gifts. Coffee shops are filled with people seeking liquid energy to fuel their holiday missions. The Last-Minute Rush This Monday holds a mirror to all of us: The procrastinators finally facing their gift lists The planners check their final details The dreamers still hoping to create that perfect holiday moment The realists just trying to make it through the week Finding Peace in the Chaos Yet amid the rush, there's beauty in this moment. It's in the smile of a stranger who holds the door while you juggle shopping bags. It's i...

In a world where challenges often seem to outweigh triumphs, the simple act of practicing gratitude can be transformative. Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you” – it’s a mindset, a way of living that shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance we already have. Gratitude reminds us to find joy in life’s simplest moments. The warmth of a sunrise, the laughter of a loved one, or even the comforting aroma of your morning coffee – these fleeting moments often hold the keys to true happiness. But what happens when life gets tough? How do we cultivate gratitude amid hardship? Start Small : Begin each day by listing three things you’re thankful for. It could be as small as a smile from a stranger or as significant as overcoming a personal struggle. Find Lessons in Challenges : Every challenge brings growth. Reflect on what you’ve learned or how you’ve become stronger through adversity. Express It : Share your gratitude with others. A heartfelt note, a compliment, or even a sim...

The holiday season can feel overwhelming when you're grieving. The twinkling lights, cheerful carols, and festive gatherings that once brought joy might now feel like painful reminders of who's missing from your celebration. But I want you to know something important: your grief is valid, and there's no "right" way to experience Christmas during loss. Here are some gentle strategies to help you navigate this season: 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings Your emotions are real and important. Some moments you might feel sad, others angry, and sometimes unexpectedly peaceful. Allow yourself to feel without judgment. Grief isn't linear, and Christmas won't magically erase your pain. 2. Create New Traditions While honoring past memories, consider creating new rituals that feel meaningful. This might mean: - Lighting a memorial candle - Sharing stories about your loved one - Doing an activity they enjoyed - Making a photo album or memory box 3. Set Boundaries It's ok...

  Celebrating Mentors: The Unsung Heroes Who Shape Our Journey Mentorship is a profound and transformative relationship that goes far beyond simple guidance—it's a powerful connection that can fundamentally alter the trajectory of our personal and professional lives. As we take a moment to celebrate mentors, we recognize the incredible individuals who selflessly invest their time, wisdom, and energy into helping others grow. What Makes a Great Mentor? A true mentor is more than just an advisor. They are: A trusted confidant who listens without judgment A mirror that reflects our potential, often before we can see it ourselves A source of wisdom drawn from years of experience A cheerleader who believes in us, even when we doubt ourselves A critical friend who offers honest, constructive feedback The Transformative Power of Mentorship Mentors do more than provide advice—they: Open doors to opportunities we might never have discovered Help us navigate complex profession...

World AIDS Day: Understanding, Awareness, and Hope Every year on December 1st, the world comes together to observe World AIDS Day, a powerful moment of remembrance, awareness, and commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Since its first recognition in 1988, this day has been a critical platform for raising awareness, honoring those lost, and highlighting the ongoing global fight against HIV/AIDS. The Global Landscape of HIV/AIDS Despite significant medical advances, HIV/AIDS remains a serious global health challenge: As of 2022, approximately 39 million people worldwide are living with HIV Approximately 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2022 An estimated 1.3 million people were newly infected with HIV in the same year Key Achievements and Ongoing Challenges Medical Progress Remarkable medical advancements have transformed HIV from a near-certain fatal diagnosis to a manageable chronic condition: Antiretroviral therapies (ART) can now suppress the virus to undet...

Thanksgiving is often depicted as a joyous time filled with laughter, shared meals, and expressions of gratitude. But for those who are grieving, the holiday can be a stark reminder of loss and absence. Whether you’re mourning the recent loss of a loved one or navigating long-standing grief, Thanksgiving may feel heavy, and that’s okay. Grief and gratitude can coexist, even if it feels complicated. Acknowledging the Empty Chair One of the hardest parts of Thanksgiving is the empty chair at the table—a vivid symbol of someone missing. It’s natural to feel their absence even more acutely during a time meant for togetherness. Instead of avoiding the topic, consider creating a moment of remembrance: Light a candle in their honor. Share a favorite memory or story about them. Cook their signature dish or something they love. These small acts of acknowledgment can help keep their spirit alive and create space for both grief and connection. Redefining Gratitude Gratitude during grief doesn’t h...

  It's Not You! This year, I’ve met so many people who have faced the harsh reality of layoffs. Whether it’s due to restructuring, budget cuts, or economic shifts, the experience of being laid off can feel surreal. Having been laid off three times myself during my career, I understand how this journey unfolds—first, you go into auto-pilot, then the wave of emotions hits. When you spend over forty hours a week with co-workers, they become more than just colleagues—they’re a part of your daily life. Losing that connection can feel like separation anxiety. Initially, you may think you’ll stay in touch, and sometimes you do. But more often, the calls and messages dwindle, and instead, you find them checking your LinkedIn profile to see where you’ve landed next. It’s not personal; it’s just how things go. One of the hardest parts is internalizing the “why.” When a company decides who is impacted, it’s important to remember: that  it’s not your fault . You didn’t do anything wrong. ...

  What a difference a day makes! As I wake up today, I find myself deep in reflection. It has been two years since my sister passed away from cancer—a year that has forever changed me and my family. In that time, we’ve held each other tighter, finding strength in our bond as life threw its challenges our way. This year has been full of curveballs—health scares, job uncertainties, and relationship hurdles. Yet, I’m grateful for the lessons these experiences have taught me. They’ve forced me to grow, adapt, and lean into the person I’m becoming. Looking back, I know I’m not the same person I was at the start of this year. One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is addressing my emotions head-on. Too often, we’re told to bottle up our feelings, to smile through the pain, but I’ve learned that suppressing emotions takes a toll on your health and spirit. Instead, I choose to be honest, to set boundaries, and to speak up when something feels wrong. Not everyone may receive that ...

  Learning to Trust Again: A Journey of Healing and Growth Trust is one of the most fragile yet powerful forces in our lives. It binds relationships, fosters connection, and makes us feel safe and seen. But when trust is broken, the hurt can run deep, leaving scars that make us question everyone and everything. I know this feeling all too well. There was a time when I wore my heart on my sleeve, believing in the goodness of people without hesitation. Then came the betrayals—the lies, the broken promises, and the disappointments. Each experience felt like a brick being added to the wall I built around my heart, and before I knew it, I was no longer just cautious—I was closed off. The world felt safer that way. If I didn’t trust anyone, I couldn’t be hurt. But here’s the thing about living behind walls: it’s lonely. I realized that by shielding myself from pain, I was also shutting out joy, connection, and the possibility of something beautiful. I didn’t want to be defined by my fear...