Blessed & Curvy

🕊️ Setting Up Your Release Plan: Letting Go of What No Longer Serves You By Patricia A. Saunders As the seasons shift and the year marches forward, many of us are left carrying things we were never meant to hold onto forever—old habits, toxic relationships, outdated mindsets, and expectations that no longer align with who we are becoming. If you're feeling drained, disconnected, or overwhelmed, it's time to create your release plan . Just like we plan for our goals, careers, and vacations, we also need a strategy to let go of what isn’t serving us. Because growth requires space—and you can’t move forward while carrying what’s weighing you down. 🌬️ Step 1: Identify What You’re Holding Onto Ask yourself: What thoughts keep me stuck? Who or what drains my energy? What patterns do I keep repeating that no longer align with who I am? Name it. Write it down. Acknowledge it without judgment. Clarity is the first step to freedom. 💔 Step 2: Release the Negativity Letting g...

"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...

The Healing Journey: Finding Freedom Through Family Forgiveness When Those We Love Fail Us Family—they're the people who shape us, challenge us, and stand by us through life's ups and downs. At least, that's what we expect. But what happens when the very people meant to be our safety net let us fall? After my mother passed away, grief wrapped around me like a heavy blanket. I was overwhelmed, unstable, and desperately needed support. Turning to family seemed natural—after all, isn't that what family is for? With nowhere else to go, I asked my sibling if I could temporarily stay in their three-bedroom home while I regained my footing. Their response left me speechless: "No. You should try a shelter." The words cut deeper than they could know. In my moment of greatest vulnerability, I faced rejection from the person who should have understood my pain most. The empty rooms in their house echoed the emptiness I felt in my heart. Divine Intervention in Unexpected P...

Facing Challenges with Faith and Confidence Life rarely follows a smooth, predictable path. Each of us encounters obstacles, disappointments, and seemingly insurmountable challenges that test our resolve and shake our foundations. During these difficult seasons, the twin pillars of faith and confidence can provide the stability and strength needed to persevere. The Power of Faith During Adversity Faith serves as an anchor during life's storms. Whether expressed through religious belief or a deep trust in something greater than ourselves, faith provides a perspective that extends beyond our immediate circumstances. When we face challenges with faith, we acknowledge that our current struggles are part of a larger journey—one with purpose and meaning, even when that purpose isn't immediately clear. Faith reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. It connects us to communities of support, ancestral wisdom, and spiritual resources that have sustained countless others through...

  In moments of both triumph and tribulation, an ancient wisdom resonates across cultures and generations: "This too shall pass." These four simple words carry a profound meaning for anyone navigating life's ever-changing landscape.   The Universal Truth of Impermanence Life operates in cycles. Just as seasons change, so do our circumstances. The challenging times that feel overwhelming today will eventually give way to better days. Similarly, the moments of joy and success we experience are precious precisely because they don't last forever.  Finding Comfort in Discomfort When we're in the midst of difficulty – whether it's: - A demanding job situation - Personal loss or grief - Health challenges - Financial struggles - Relationship difficulties Remembering "this too shall pass" isn't about dismissing our pain. Instead, it's about acknowledging that our current situation is temporary, no matter how permanent it may feel.  The Double-Edged Na...

 Four Seasons of Love *By Patricia A. Saunders* Love, like nature itself, moves through distinct seasons – each bringing its own beauty, challenges, and opportunities for growth. As we journey through relationships, we experience these seasons in ways that shape our understanding of love's ever-changing landscape.  Spring: The Awakening Spring brings the first flutter of romance when everything feels fresh and new. It's the season of possibilities when love buds like cherry blossoms in the warm breeze. Your heart skips a beat at their text message. Their smile becomes the sunshine that brightens even the rainiest day. In this season, we find ourselves: - Dancing in unexpected April showers of joy - Planting seeds of trust and understanding - Watching hope bloom like the first flowers of May - Learning each other's stories like gardeners learning their craft The air is filled with promise, and everything seems possible. We're eager to grow together, to see what beautiful...

February is American Heart Health Month; for me, it's deeply personal. In 2004, my mother's experience changed how I view heart health forever. It started subtly – my mother had been having mini-strokes that went unnoticed. The severity of her condition only became clear during a hospital stay when she needed a shunt placement in her head. Though the procedure seemed successful, what happened next is forever etched in my memory. The steady beep of hospital monitors suddenly turned into chaos as my mother went into cardiac arrest. "Code Blue" echoed through the hallways. I watched helplessly as medical staff rushed into her room, and I was quickly ushered out. Those moments of waiting, watching doctors and nurses sprint to save her life, felt eternal. She was transferred to ICU, where her journey to recovery began.   Protecting Your Heart: Essential Steps My mother's experience taught me the importance of heart health awareness. Here are crucial steps everyone shou...

We've all heard the saying "there's sunshine after the rain," but what does it truly mean to weather life's storms and emerge stronger? Life has an uncanny way of testing our resolve, throwing unexpected challenges our way when we least expect them. Yet, it's precisely these moments of difficulty that often lead to our most significant personal growth.  The Nature of Life's Storms Just like the weather, life operates in cycles. Dark clouds gather, rain pours down, and sometimes it feels like the storm will never end. These storms come in various forms – career setbacks, relationship struggles, health challenges, or personal losses. Each droplet of rain represents a moment of doubt, fear, or uncertainty.  Understanding the Purpose of Rain Rain, despite its gloomy appearance, serves a vital purpose in nature. It nourishes the soil, helps plants grow, and cleanses the environment. Similarly, our personal storms often serve as catalysts for growth. They test o...

We've all heard the saying "when the going gets tough, the tough get going." But what does that really mean when you're in the thick of challenges? Let's dive into real strategies for pushing through difficult times and emerging stronger. ## The Reality of Tough Times Let's be honest – sometimes life hits hard. Whether it's work stress, personal challenges, or unexpected setbacks, tough times can feel overwhelming. The key isn't about being unbreakable; it's about being resilient enough to bend without breaking. ## Understanding Your Breaking Point Isn't Breaking Down Before we discuss strategies, remember this: acknowledging struggle isn't weakness—it's wisdom. Your breaking point isn't where you shatter; you discover how strong you really are. ## Practical Strategies for Pushing Through ### 1. The Power of Small Wins When everything feels overwhelming: * Break down challenges into tiny, manageable tasks * Celebrate completing even...

Grief and Healing: A Journey to Finding Peace Grief is one of the most profound emotions we experience. It arises from loss, whether the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a cherished chapter of life. It’s an emotion that touches us all, yet the journey through grief is deeply personal and unique. In the aftermath of loss, it’s common to feel like the ground beneath you has shifted. Days may blur together, emotions ebb and flow unpredictably, and even the smallest tasks can feel monumental. But within the storm of grief lies the possibility of healing—a journey that transforms pain into a testament of love and resilience. Understanding Grief Grief isn’t linear. It doesn’t follow a predictable path or timeline. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross introduced the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—but these stages don’t always occur in order, nor do they encompass everyone’s experience. Some may revisit certain stages, while others might experience grief in ...

Navigate Change Successfully: Your Comprehensive Guide to Preparation Change is life's only constant, yet it often catches us off guard. Whether you're facing a career shift, moving to a new city, or embarking on a personal transformation, proper preparation can make the difference between thriving and merely surviving. Let's explore how to ready yourself for life's transitions. Understanding Your Relationship with Change Before diving into practical steps, take a moment to reflect on your history with change. Are you someone who naturally embraces new situations, or do you tend to resist them? Recognizing your patterns helps you prepare more effectively. The Emotional Landscape of Change Change triggers various emotions, all of which are valid: Excitement about new possibilities Anxiety about the unknown Grief for what we're leaving behind Hope for what lies ahead Acknowledging these feelings is crucial for emotional preparation. Creating Your Change Strategy ...

The first week of January holds a special kind of magic. As the holiday decorations come down and the last traces of confetti are swept away, we find ourselves in that unique space between the familiar and the unknown. It's a week of transitions, fresh notebooks, and possibilities that stretch out before us like a blank canvas. The Gentle Art of Beginning Again There's something profound about the way January whispers "start again" to our souls. But here's the truth many miss: you don't need to transform your entire life in seven days. The first week of January isn't about dramatic overhauls – it's about thoughtful beginnings and mindful steps forward. Finding Your Rhythm After the Holidays The transition from holiday mode to regular routines can feel jarring. Instead of fighting this adjustment, embrace it as part of your fresh start. Some ways to ease back in: Keep your morning routine simple but structured Tackle your inbox in small, manageable ch...