Today, I decided to take off from work to rest and allow myself to grieve. I recently lost my furbaby and cousin. And this season has seemed, if not the most difficult, the most straining.
However, when I saw today’s prompt, the answer immediately came and I had to respond.
“What’s the oldest thing I am wearing today?”
my skin
and my scars
In my body dwells my spirit, and my body is covered with my skin. I wear my skin daily. It has been with me since I was in my mother’s womb. Unfortunately, some parts of my skin have scars, and so does my soul.
My skin and my scars have plenty of testimonies from trials, tests, and time. So, I try to care for my skin with not just cleaning and lotion, but with God’s Word and promises.
I have a lot of scars: some are visible, and some are not. But they will not be despised. Some have healed. Others will heal and become less visible over time. And, some will remain visible but remind me that I am human. These scars will also remind me that I overcame and persevered with God’s grace and love.
God sent my sweet furbaby to me during a time when everything in the world was about to shut down due to Covid, and my anxiety was through the roof. She was truly a Godsend during these past five years.
My sweet Sam had been abandoned and left out in the cold—but not forgotten. God saw her, and He brought her into our lives so we could love and care for her. I thought I was rescuing her, but in so many ways, she rescued me. My little princess and brave soldier.
She faced illness with such grace and strength. It breaks my heart that I won’t get to see her tapping at the door with excitement when I come home. I won’t see her follow me around, sit beside me, or give me those signature side-eyes or loving, watchful gazes. I won’t get to watch her sleep like a little toddler—so cute and peaceful. We won’t get to play anymore, and I won’t get to wrap her in one more hug.
Making the decision to let her go was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Watching her pass away was even harder.
Sam, you will always be in my heart. Thank you for loving me, for being my comfort, and for walking with me through some of the hardest days of my life.
Fight anxiety with love and intention, resilience, and patience.
Sometimes, being anxious is normal. Maybe you are anxious about an exam, and that is okay. But when you are constantly worrying, experiencing chronic stress, and in constant fear and it is interrupting your ability to enjoy life, maintain your emotions, and get out of your head, you may need support to overcome a possible anxiety disorder. An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition where anxiety goes beyond normal levels of worry or fear and starts interfering with daily life. It involves intense, excessive, and persistent worry or fear about everyday situations—even when there’s no clear danger.
Anxiety can be inconvenient, crippling, embarrassing, and overwhelming. But we can fight anxiety, and it doesn’t have to feel like a life sentence.
Here are positive ways to care for your mind and spirit:
Check out the new video! Then, if you too struggle with anxiety, list some other coping mechanisms or things that help you deal with anxiety and overcome anxiety attacks.
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.
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
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?
As I am walking my dog, I notice the frosted morning dew and am reminded of the scripture that God will renew my strength. In this season, I need strength and this reminder daily.
Psalms 110:3b NLT … and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew.
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.
Tannika Nikeya 