Author Archives: Tannika Nikeya

04.18.25
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Living Life To The Fullest

Living life to the fullest isn’t always living out loud!!!! Sometimes, it is quiet yet full of hope, profound richness in simplicity and gratitude, and an abundance of joy — joy, even in the midst of a storm.

Living life to the fullest doesn’t always have to be about loud moments or big displays. Sometimes, it’s the quiet moment, full of inner peace, hope, and contentment, that brings the deepest joy and fulfillment. It’s about finding richness in the simple things, appreciating life in all its subtle beauty.

04.04.25
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I Feel You, Sam (Captain America)

Recently, I went to see Captain America: Brave New World with my family. I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend you go see it too. But that’s not the only reason I’m writing this post.


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In Captain America: Brave New World, Sam Wilson, a.k.a. the new Captain America, visits Joaquin Torres (the Falcon) in the hospital after Joaquin is severely injured during one of their recent missions. During their conversation, Joaquin shares how Sam’s work as the Falcon inspired him when he was younger, showing the profound impact Sam has had on others. In response, Sam expresses the weight of his new role, saying, “If I’m not on point, I feel like I’m letting down every single person that’s not at that table. That pressure, it weighs on you, makes you wonder if you’ll ever be enough.”

I felt that.

And I am sure many of our leaders, like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., have felt like Sam also. The responsibility of being Captain America is immense. Sam’s words capture the burden of leadership, and the sense of inadequacy that often accompanies such a heavy responsibility. As someone who has worn many hats in life—oldest child, eldest daughter, educator, caregiver, encourager—I have often found myself feeling overwhelmed by the weight of my own responsibilities. The busy schedule, the expectations of others, and my own high standards have sometimes left me questioning whether I’m enough. I don’t want to disappoint anyone, and the pressure of being the first to “bust through the doors,” carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, can be exhausting.

Leadership isn’t easy. Being a caregiver isn’t easy. Being the “go-to” person or the one who “fixes” things isn’t easy. But like Sam, I’ve learned that, despite the weight, you can still make an impact.

Through all of this, I’m learning that God doesn’t want me to rely solely on my own strength. He calls me to seek His wisdom and grace in leading, in being, and in doing. He reminds me to love others as I love myself—and not to forget the second part: to love myself. I am enough, imperfections and all. I don’t have to be perfect, and I’m not called to be God for others. My role is to help others within the capacity He gives me, trusting that He will continue to send others to support me along the way.

Lastly, I am learning to bring my weariness and burdens to the Lord.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." — Matthew 11:28-30
03.28.25
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Happy Women’s History Month: Dr. Margaret Taylor Burroughs Spotlight

March is Women’s History Month, and to celebrate our resilience, grace, strength, and stories, I thought I would do a feature on one of our Chicagoan sheroes.

Her name is Dr. Margaret Taylor Burroughs. Dr. Margaret Taylor Burroughs was a prominent African American artist, educator, and cultural historian, best known for her contributions to the Chicago arts scene and her advocacy for African American history and culture.

To learn about Dr. Burroughs, check out the feature on my YouTube channel.

And let me know what you think about Dr. Burroughs’ legacy?

Happy Women’s History Month to all the ladies!

03.14.25
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Food Is Our Love Language

Hey loves,

Although late, here is a food appreciation post.

Food is definitely our love language over here. I love cooking, sometimes trying new foods, and visiting our favorite restaurants with family and friends. 

Moreover, cooking and baking is another way to be creative, have fun, and also relieve stress.

Here are pictures of some meals I’ve cooked and some foods from our fave restaurants or new restaurants we have visited. I have even tried my hand at meal prepping. Now, my presentation isn’t my best when it comes to meal preparation and display, but the food is good.

I always like the waffle makers at hotels, and so I bought myself a waffle maker. Here is a breakfast I made before.
I made a Jerk chicken meal. Lol, I always remember to take pictures after I bite into my roll.
I made Shrimp and Grits. Simple meal to cook and delicious. I love smooth and creamy grits so heavy cream is a good addition to this.
Salmon, green beans, and smashed potatoes. We love salmon. And lol, I forgot to take the pic before I bit into the roll. 
When I learned how to make a cheesecake, it was game over!!!! So, delicious!!!!
Same with Baked Macaroni and Cheese. This has become one of my signature dishes to make to add to the sides for the holidays.
My aunt taught me how to make this Peach Dump Cake. It is so delicious, and I rather have this than Peach Cobbler, although somewhat similar.
I am known for my alfredo! It is also one of my favorite foods. Once someone taught me how to make the alfredo sauce, I never went back to using the jar.
I made Birria tacos recently for the first time, and my family loved them. I loved them too!!!!
Fruits and desserts! I love fruit. I love smoothies and banana pudding. I love making banana pudding for our family functions.

This next section is foods and baked goods from others or restaurants we visited, one of which was recently for my mom’s birthday. 

Happy Lamb Hot Pot offers a great experience and great food!
Pierre’s Bakery have awesome cakes. I usually buy the store featured cakes and then have them customized.
Went to my job’s holiday event, and I definitely won’t forget these Pineapple Habanero wings. They were delicious!
This awesome and delicious Men In Black Cake was right on theme for the youngin’s birthday party years ago. Made by my fabulous friend, Keyron’s Custom Cakes!

If you liked this post, please give a like! Also, tell me what your favorite food or favorite restaurant is.

02.20.25
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Benefits of A Planner


It’s okay if you don’t like to plan out your day, your goals, or your next move. And you don’t have to meticulously plan every detail of your life.

But here me out. Do take time to add planning and organizing to a part of your life’s journey.

“For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned” – Benjamin Franklin

According to Cornerstone Dynamics, in the last 20 years, working time has increased by 15 percent, and leisure time has decreased by 33 percent (Karina Keith, Time Management Stats That May Surprise You).

According to Forbes.com, fifty-two percent of planners reported having time for social life, and 44 percent had enough time for themselves (Bryan Robinson, Ph.D., New Study Shows Career Benefits In Planning Versus Procrastinating To Reduce Stress).

So, if work time has increased, and life gets much more complex as we get older, why not set aside a few minutes a day or several minutes a week to plan your time, your goals and tasks to prioritize and organize.

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT

I have always been a planner, a to-do lister. It helps me to declutter mentally, maintain productivity, and stay goal-oriented.

Whether you are using a paper/physical planner or a digital planner, there are many benefits to using one as it is one of many tools to aid you through this journey of life.

Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.
Habakkuk 2:2 NLT

Benefits of Using  A Planner:

  • Using a planner can help you get organized.
  • Using one can increase productivity.
  • Can build your motivation in accomplishing your goals.
  • Planning and organizing can help decrease stress.
  • Strengthen your self-discipline.
  • Help you manage your time.
  • Improves your focus.
  • Reduces anxiety and prioritizes well-being.
  • Sort through the chaos of a busy schedule.
  • Makes it easier to remember tasks.

What other benefits does using a planner bring?

Although I highly recommend using a planner, I must remind you a few things. Using a planner is not a quest for being perfect. Don’t forget to also allow spontaneity in your life. We should not idolize planning or plan without action or without seeking the Lord’s wisdom, will, and heart. With that said, remember the scripture below:

Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.  Proverbs 16:3 NLT

Without God, we can do nothing. Without God involved, our planning is futile. Commit your actions to the Lord. Submit to God, and depend on Him, and allow Him to lead you to success.

Lastly, planners can help you manage your time, prioritize tasks, and organize your short-term and long-term goals. In doing so, you increase your productivity as well as your personal time to relax, refuel, and reengage with loved ones.

The new edition of the CPR Planner is available!!!

The CPR planner helps you to continue your healing journey by exploring where in your life you need CPR (Calm, Peace, and a Refreshing). This planner has been updated with a new look and some new additions to help you continue staying on top of your daily, weekly, and monthly planning.

Available currently at Amazon. See link below.

https://a.co/d/hvqsxLm
01.18.25
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A Meeting

My new poem for a new year! Encouraging you and I to make the most of this year and to face one fear at a time.

Check out my new poem:

A Meeting

I stood here waiting for you
I moved not one bit
I endured cold nights
Winter covered me with its blanket
I sat here quiet amongst my kind
Awaiting our meeting
Awaiting our time

Through the valleys
Amidst the fog
Times of uncertainty
And a land full of smog
What hindered you from getting here?
Your heart full of clog?
What or who got in your way?
Was it the years of heartbreak and disappointments
Or you yesterday?

How about fear?
I hear
it can cause a delay
Year after year
But I waited for you patiently to arrive
To thrive and not just strive
You prayed and prayed
There are times you fought
And remained
Steadfast,
Stood on business even when in despair and drained
You persevered and yearned
Applied wisdom and learned
But made it to me and now you froze
Is it because you have to again believe
And be reminded of past victories

Have you ever seen a mountain of such stature.
Am I intimidating?
Are you afraid of heights or the unknown?
I welcome you here
And I know someone who is not visible
But has been ever present and will not leave you alone

To the mountaintop and to the other side
I welcome you to recover all that has been lost
Birth that which almost died
Hold on to your faith no matter the cost
Uncover blessings you have not seen
Reach your full potential and fulfill your heart’s dream

And if you tell me to move with all of your heart
And with His word
Dont be surprised if I do what I heard
Face me.
You will overcome
Don’t give up and retreat
You have already overcome
I will surrender to defeat
As you stand victoriously.