For the past few years, I’ve been in the background—strategizing, building, creating, and quietly reshaping what I want my life and work to look like. It wasn’t accidental. It was a choice.

I’ve always believed in intentionality, in crafting a life that aligns with my values rather than rushing into visibility just for the sake of it. But now, as I step back into the light, I want to do it on my terms—with clarity, purpose, and a little bit of ease.

If there’s one thing I have learned, it’s that stepping away is easy; stepping back in is so much harder.

The fear of being seen again, of getting it wrong, of people wondering, “Where has she been? What’s she even doing now?”—it’s real. But here I am anyway because I’ve spent too much time figuring out my next step to let fear keep me on the sidelines any longer.

This isn’t a return to what I was doing before. This is an evolution.

The Evolution of My Work & Why I’m Here Now

If you’ve known me for a while, you might recognize me from my work in PR, politics, or policy. Maybe you’ve heard me yapping about the need for policymakers—particularly in the Caribbean —to exercise more imagination when shaping the future of our island economies.

Maybe you’ve seen me behind the scenes, crafting narratives, helping political leaders refine their messaging, or structuring big-picture strategies for buy-in. I love that work. I’m really good at it.

But over the past few years, I started asking myself:

• Do I want to do this forever?
• And if not, what am I building toward?

This desire for change isn’t new. It’s been lingering for a decade.

The Breaking Point

Back in 2014, I hit a crossroads with one of my biggest clients. While our work had an impact, I felt we had reached a plateau. I could see so much potential for what we could become, but when I pushed for deeper structural change (some might say too aggressively), they pushed back. The tension grew. Disagreements turned into disappointments. I told myself to “hold tight.” Famous last words.

The following year, my agency delivered a record-breaking campaign. During our biggest speaking engagement in that campaign, I stood at the periphery of the audience—observing.

And then something clicked.

I watched the crowd devour every word of a speech we had crafted together. To this day, it’s one of my favorite speeches I’ve written. It asked a community to imagine themselves in the future. It was the perfect synergy of my love for storytelling and the policy side of my brain.

And it worked.

I learned fairly early on that I can write the most glorious words, plan iconic imagery or create fantastic experiences, but if there aren’t many teeth (policy) to carry that great feeling over into action that affects people’s lives, you can quickly turn into a snake oil sales lady. And I never wanted that for any client and for myself. Plus, in the Caribbean and developing world, if we don’t get it right or as close to right, it’s wasted money, potential and the future of a generation.  

But fast forward two years later, through terminating all clients, shutting the doors of my physical office, three natural disasters, a failed campaign, and sheer exhaustion, and I knew—it was time for something different.

So, like any sane person (lol), I Marie Kondo-ed my house, and my life – and I decided to start a family. Then came the pandemic—a forced pause that made me question everything.

In that stillness, I asked myself: What do I actually want?

And the answer? Ease. Balance. A business that fits my life—not the other way around.

One day, I was looking for a simple linen robe and realized that none of the brands I loved were marketing to Black consumers. That gap—that void—made something click.

Here it is. My next move.

_{WKND Romper, my friends have enjoyed my quiet time, getting a chance to sample and work through WKND pieces with me, like this romper.}

I teamed up with a few exceptional women through Viviane Kaye’s community, and virtually, in the stillness of the early days of the pandemic, we decided to build our “next”—on our own terms.

That’s when WKND became clearer—a space where leisure, mindfulness, and intentional business-building exist together.

I didn’t just want to work. I wanted to build something that aligned with how I actually wanted to live.

I wanted to wear my values—to invest in products that were diverse, inclusive, clean, and sustainable. I wanted to force myself (and others) to slow down. I wanted us all to have leisurely days, every day.

Why I’m Stepping Back into the Light

I’m (re)introducing myself because I’m ready to share more openly—about business, about slow living, about what happens when you choose ease instead of exhaustion.

I’m a retired Girl Boss (yes, I cringe thinking about how deep I was in hustle culture).

I used to think success meant being booked and busy, saying yes to everything, pushing through burnout, and wearing exhaustion like a badge of honor. Now I know better. I know it’s just not for me.

The past few years have been a quiet rebellion against everything I thought I had to be. Some days I get it right, but every other day, it is hard because well – life, bills and responsibilities. But somehow I instinctively know that I am on the right path.

And now, I’m ready to talk about it.

What You Can Expect from Me Moving Forward

• Thought Leadership on Business & Strategy – If you’re an entrepreneur or creative looking for a high-impact approach without burnout, I’ll be sharing what I’ve learned over years of working with leaders.
• Publishing – This year I’ve already started writing more. I have a few thoughts on the varied experiences I’ve had in life, and politics in a developing space and I’d like to find more opportunities to share in this way. I’m aiming to be published more often in a variety of spaces.
• Honest Conversations About Hustle Culture & Success – We need to talk about how women have been sold a lie about success. It’s time for something better.
• Building WKND in Real-Time – This year, I’ll be documenting my transition into WKND in a more substantial way, —the highs, the struggles, and the lessons I learn along the way.
• Opportunities to Work With Me – My consulting work is still active, but I work differently now. I’m committed to helping women tell their stories, and share their expertise. I’m also interested in organizations that want to throw their weight behind new ideas and initiatives that can change the reality of the global majority.  

If You’re Here, Let’s Connect

I know I’m not the only one rethinking how I show up in my work and life.

Maybe you’re at a crossroads, too. Maybe you’ve been questioning the grind, the expectations, the constant push to be on all the time.

Maybe you’re feeling like I did—knowing there’s something more, something better, but unsure how to step into it.

So let’s talk.

What’s something you’re shifting this year? Drop a comment, send me a message, or just say hi—DMs are always open.

Here’s to stepping off the shelf, into something better, on our own terms.

TL;DR

• Learn proven strategies for managing political anxiety and uncertainty
• Discover a three-step ritual for finding inner peace
• Access research-backed techniques for stress reduction
• Join a community of women seeking balance and intentional living

In times of global upheaval and political uncertainty, many of us find ourselves carrying the weight of collective grief and disappointment. As someone who witnessed firsthand how political shifts can impact community progress, I understand the deep emotional toll these moments can take.

Many of us are processing big emotions after this week’s events – America’s rejection of an opportunity for modern democracy with a well-qualified woman at the helm, while we continue to witness several genocides around the world. When the world feels this heavy with change and uncertainty, it becomes vital to create space for grounding and self-care.

Today, I want to share a personal story and provide practical strategies for finding your center when everything feels off-balance.

The Weight of Political Disappointment: A Personal Journey

Post election morning, I woke up feeling the weight of it all and like this was Deja Vu for me all over again. See, almost 20 years ago and fresh out of college, I raced back to my island home to make my contribution to the region that I love, in the public service of the Virgin Islands.

I arrived at a time of incredible change for the Virgin Islands. A new government was elected with the brightest minds we had. They quickly started working and as a Communications Officer at the time, I will tell you – I was exhausted. Every week, something was being opened, new policies were being signed and we were being challenged to explore new ways to communicate to the public.

Significantly, they had managed to negotiate the most forward-thinking constitutional review since the early nineties. Needless to say, the territory felt like it was finally on mission and as a young person, I was excited to be part of that.

Then in 2007, we had an election and much to my surprise the people voted overwhelmingly for the other guys. The guys who “most of us” thought had no vision, who didn’t know how to manage an economy and frankly, void of ideas to match the times we were living in. It was a shock. It took some time to process, and many of us negated our responsibilities as citizens. Feeling dejected, we wanted to watch them fail.

Looking back, I recognize our mistake. In our disappointment, many of us stepped back from civic engagement, hoping to watch the new administration fail. By doing so, we failed our community. This lesson resonates deeply today as we witness similar patterns of political upheaval and democratic challenges worldwide. Within three minutes of scrolling Tik-Tok, how many, “I’m checking out, let them figure it out” videos can you count?

Research shows that political uncertainty can significantly impact mental health and well-being. In a recent article published by the American Psychological Association found that exposure to political uncertainty correlates with increased anxiety, depression, and stress levels. However, the same research indicates that establishing structured routines and maintaining personal agency can help mitigate these effects.

The WKND Ritual: A Practice for Grounding in Uncertain Times

Each Thursday, I send out my newsletter, WKND Rituals, that provides a simple ritual you can do to turn your weekend into space and time to slow things down, and return home to yourself. With the events of this week, in this blog post, I wanted to share our ritual for this week. Drawing from both research and personal experience, I’m sharing a three-step ritual designed to help busy women reclaim their sense of peace and purpose. This practice is especially crucial for those juggling demanding careers while yearning for a more balanced, leisurely life. Here’s the ritual:

1. Create Your Sanctuary

The first step involves intentionally disconnecting from the chaos. Even a 10-minute break from news and social media can reduce cortisol levels by up to 30%. Here’s how to create your sanctuary:

• Choose a quiet space in your home
• Turn off news alerts and silence your phone
• Set a timer for 10-15 minutes of uninterrupted peace
• Consider using soft lighting or natural sunlight
• Add comfort elements like a cozy blanket or calming scent

2. Ground in Gratitude

Neuroscience research published in NeuroImage reveals that practicing gratitude activates areas in the brain associated with stress relief and emotional regulation. Practice gratitude by:

• Writing down three immediate blessings
• Focusing on small, tangible details in your present moment
• Acknowledging simple pleasures like morning coffee or comfortable clothing
• Recording these observations in a dedicated gratitude journal

3. Choose Your Light

This final step transforms internal work into meaningful action, creating a bridge between personal peace and community impact. Ways to choose your light:

• Identify one small, achievable action that makes you feel empowered
• Connect with local community organizations
• Practice radical self-care without guilt
• Share your journey with others who might need similar support

The Power of Community in Personal Growth

When I reflect on my own experience, I now know that individual healing and community progress are deeply interconnected. Today’s challenges – from political disappointments to global conflicts – require us to be both grounded and engaged, and that in itself can be exhausting.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pace of life and the weight of world events, you’re not alone. My WKND Rituals newsletter provides weekly guidance as we are all on this journey to transform the never ending noise and chaos, to a more practical means for intentional living.

I invite you to sign up for WKND Rituals and receive weekly guidance for creating moments of peace in your busy life.

A Few Resources

In case you are looking for a few good resouces to add to your toolbox for taking care of yourself in this season, here are a few books I recommend:

• Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey
• The Art of Rest by Claudia Hammond
• How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell
• Wintering by Katherine May
  

I want you to know that it’s okay to feel all your feelings while still creating pockets of peace. There’s enough on the internet encouraging us to be delusional about our circumstances, this is not what I am saying. I’m encouraging you to find your center so you can move forward with clarity and purpose; something I wish I had known to do, so many years ago.

I’d love to know how you’re finding your ground right now. Please hit comment and share your thoughts – this space is meant for real talk and gentle support. Your stories help us all feel less alone in these challenging times.

Here’s to holding space for both grace and growth.

Don’t forget to sign up for WKND Rituals for more.

Summer is here, and it promises to be a busier summer than last. Despite this, I am plotting and planning, carving out the time to physically pick up books and read. Just one of the ways I’ve decided to commit to slow living this year. My choices reflect where I am presently in life. They also accurately represent the varied interests I am working through. Here’s my Summer 2021 reading list.

Sista Sister, by Candice Brathwaite 

Sista Sister is a compilation of essays about all the things the author wishes someone had talked to her about when she was a young Black girl growing up in London. From family and money to Black hair and fashion, relationships between people of different races and colorism, this book gives us another dose of Candice’s straight talk and loving care. The book is scheduled for release on July 8.

I discovered Canadice through an interview she did with Julie Adenuga, and hands down, it perhaps is one of the best interviews (from both ends) I have seen in a long time. I fell in love with Candice and her perspective. I’ve been a fan of hers and Adenuga ever since. 

I’ve been trying to understand several issues surrounding colonialism and, essentially, the root of some of our perspectives in the British Virgin Islands. The following two books were recommended by my husband and partner – Mr C. He’s a source I often take advantage of when trying to delve into systemic issues to help shape my perspective and unlearn several things. He’s been a great partner in doing this hard work, and for that, I’m forever grateful. On that note, here are his recommendations, added to on my Summer 2021 reading list:

No Longer at Ease, by Chinua Achebe

This novel is the story of Obi Okonkwo, who leaves his village for education in Britain and then a job in Nigeria’s colonial civil service. The book takes us along Obi’s journey as he is becomes conflicted with his African culture and the Western lifestyle and then takes a bribe.  

The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born, by Ayi Kwei Armah

Readers are invited along with the story of a young civil servant working at a railway station who refuses a bribe, much to his wife’s displeasure. He manages his feelings of guilt for not taking the bribe, despite his innocence. 

The last two books, I’m told, are fantastic reads for those of us living in British colonies or colonies in general. Many work in the civil service. The question of who do you have a duty to is a constant—all the while managing the microaggressions of the United Kingdom and their fantasies of corruption in the colonies. 

Montessori’s Own Handbook: A Short Guide to Her Ideas and Materials, by Maria Montessori 

Before having children Mr C and I had long conversations about education and our shared appreciation for it. It’s part of our core values as individuals and now part of our family values. When we say education, we don’t necessarily mean formal education or university degrees, but rather the act of learning something new and engaging with the world. This means encouraging curiosity and exploration in all areas of our lives.  

We initially decided on using the Montessori Method at home to guide our son’s development. Ultimately, we also decided to go the Montessori way for his formal education now and throughout. It’s what feels most natural to us and also provides the flexibility to create an environment that inspires lifelong learning and holds true for our other family values, independence, kindness, and community. 

Finnish Lessons 2.0, by Pasi Sahlberg

I spent seven years as the Communications Advisor for one of the most popular and disruptive Ministers of Education for the Virgin Islands. Trying to reimagine our education system, we often looked to Finnland for ideas. I’m interested in public policy in general, and I’m looking forward to peeking further into the Finnish system. I believe that there are cornerstone lessons we can all learn from them.  

And that’s my list. I hope my eclectic list provides you with some inspiration to take some time out and create a summer reading list that reflects your present journey and desire to know more. Happy reading.

Are you ready for a serious confession? I’ve spent the entirety of my career as a communications strategist creating insightful, cutting edge, and in-demand content for clients, and I’m shit scared to do the same for myself.  That’s why I’ve decided that it’s finally time to develop a creative practice.

I’ve spent extensive time over the years in mental gymnastics trying to work through this. My best friends have also been tired of me not pulling the plug on various creative ideas and projects. That is why they were all so excited for the launch of WKND Mood. It was my personality, it had nothing to do with the heavier work I was most identified with, and it was me releasing something I created for me, and not for a client, into the world.

While I know exactly where that fear of outing myself doing something personally creative comes from, I also mastered delaying what I actually want – to develop content and ideas that motivate and inspire me and those like me. I thank my masterful procrastination and trying to make some ideas as perfect as possible for this. 

We are in June, and it’s a month that I’m always excited to see. It’s my birth month, and it also ushers in all of the magic of summer. A few weeks ago, as I reflected on what year 39 would mean for me, I feel incredibly grateful for the life I’ve been navigating and also content. In that contentment, I realized that I already have the tools that I need and the skills to get more tools to achieve the things I want in life. I also felt, if not now, to do some of the things I want to do; when?

As cliche as that may sound, it is the truth. So at the end of May, I decided to commit to developing a creative practice that would allow me to share and engage with the world using the tools I already have. To be clear, this isn’t something new, but the things that I really care about I want to show up for them, sharing information on slow living, sustainability, building a whole new business, and how life is impacting me. 

For some people, creative freedom and a creative practice might mean movement, poetry, theatre, crafting, or painting. For me, it’s a mixture of creating visually as well as in writing. It goes back to why I got into communications in the first place. I wanted to tell stories. I wanted to share the lives and the experiences of people. My creative practice will be about sharing my life and my very own experiences. Simple, but at the same time, nerve-wracking for me.

If you have been experiencing anything that resembles what I’ve shared, here are five ways I plan to develop a creative practice over the month.

Committing  

It’s so much easier to say something than actually to do it. Here’s the thing for me right now, though: I have been saying that I want to spend more time being creative for three years. I want to spend more time writing. I want to create this and create that. By even writing this blog post and sharing it, I’m publicly committing to showing expressions of my creative freedom all this month. I’ve written my commitment down and making a public declaration. 

Setting Small Goals

I have broken down my big goal of developing a creative practice into smaller goals. So, for example, I want to share more of my work and the process of building a company. That will look like showing up on my platforms of choice – Instagram and this very blog. That means planning and actually developing said content. To help me out with this, I’m using Kat Gaskin’s Content Planner. I love the simple spread, and Kat provides excellent guidance on her Instagram on using the Content Planner and developing content ideas. 

Practicing  

Practicing isn’t easy. It’s the hard part of doing something. During the practice, you will find that you are not good at a particular thing and have to lean in to get over mini hurdle after mini hurdle to be a savant of anything. But practicing is also where the magic happens. It’s a chance for us to explore different ways of reaching a mini goal and stretching ourselves to find something new and grow. 

For the month, I plan to practice creative freedom by actually creating content that I want to see by scheduling time to write, create and share. A book that has helped me get out of my head when it comes to developing a practice of any sort is – get this – The Practice by Seth Godin.

Creating Space

In our home, I have a small office downstairs. Since the pandemic started, that space has gotten smaller because it has become a catch-all space for things. I’ve managed to clean it out and will be using that space for its actual purpose – a quiet room where I can create. 

I have also scheduled time in my calendar to do the work I say I want to do.

Being Accountable 

There are a few persons with whom I share similar goals. We have made reasonable intentions and even set up virtual meet-ups to discuss our progress. I have also started sharing a lot more on Instagram of different things I am working on, particularly building WKND Mood. I always appreciate people’s comments and checking in on the progress of building that brand. Feel free to connect with me over there and ask if I’m working on my creative practice!

If you are thinking about starting a creative practice, I hope this gave you some insight as to how I am developing my own, and feel free to share what you have been working on. If you are not, I welcome you to stick around all June for this journey with me. 

I would love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below and until next time, live well. 

Who else had high hopes for 2021, and then the first week of the year had other plans? While we are all thinking about our plans for this year and bettering the last, I want to share my 5 tips for slow living in 2021. 

Let me admit; I was one of those persons that didn’t mind 2020. The year sat me down, and I needed that. In 2017 I made attempts at slow living. In September a hurricane decided to come through and blow my entire island to pieces, literally. 

I picked myself up and attempted again in 2018. I did reasonably well. At the end of the year, I went back to political PR, which torpedoed slow living in 2019. 

Then 2020 came, and I and the rest of the world had no choice but to take it slow. Amid lockdowns, washing our hands, and learning to be socially distant, I’m thankful for the quiet time we’re forced to have. Last year made all of us realize what was essential in life. 

With the lessons of my previous attempts of slow living behind me, I wanted to have a game plan for a2021. I began planning early for carving out time, shedding a few things, and creating a plan of action to take is slow. 

Then the first week of the year happened. In case you live under a rock and only come out to read my blog, the Cliff Note is – delusional Trump supporters and white terrorists decided to try their hand at an insurrection and siege of the US Capitol Building. Much to the world’s surprise, it did happen and lasted for a few bizarre hours. 

While I know my love for news and politics is enduring, I’ve made a conscious decision not to engage in the downward spiral and mental anxiety that a 24-hour news cycle brings. For me, the entire episode knocked me off my game plan for 2021.

While your vice might not be news and politics, whatever it might be, embracing slow living is a great way to manage anxiety and choose a more balanced way of living. Slow living means being intentional with your time and how you engage with the world daily. It does take some planning to help you successfully navigate the day. Here are five areas of daily living that I believe are important to ensure that your slow living journey is manageable and achievable. 

1: Declutter Your Home 

I am passionate about decluttering, and my family is probably sick of me, encouraging them to get rid of more of their things. But as I’ve experienced, less clutter means more space for energy to flow, your creativity to be activated, and a clear canvas to design the life you want. 

Last summer CNBC reported that in the US, there are more storage facilities than – get this – Starbucks, HomeDepots, Walmarts, Dunkin Donuts, Dominoes, Costcos, McDonalds, COMBINED. That’s a lot of things being stored that, honestly, some people don’t even come back to! Let’s also remember money spent on those items and the cost of storage. 

I will be the first to admit, decluttering is hard work. The payoff, however, is worth it. I like to do a good two rounds of decluttering each year. With a little one, I find myself doing so every quarter as he moves from stage to stage, outgrowing clothing, and other items. This ensures that his space and our home isn’t filled to the brim or becomes storage for unused items. 

For me decluttering is also essential for good mental health and to support my journey of a slow and sustainable lifestyle. It’s very easy to accumulate things, and before you know it, you are busy cleaning, putting away, moving, and taking care of those things instead of actually living the life you’ve envisioned for yourself. 

Two helpful resources that started me on my journey are the documentary, The Minimalist, and Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. The two helped me find my slow living style, which is a cross between minimalism and Kondo’s organizational method.

After my big declutter a few years ago, I started to be more intentional about my purchases. I’m embracing slow fashion and investing in multi-use pieces. To maintain a decluttered space, I evaluated home items such as the furniture (choosing function over ornamental) and even how I go about grocery shopping. Is it easy? No. But it is worth it to do the work towards creating a space that inspires my life. It’s still a journey for me, and some weeks and better than others. 

2: Organize How You Work 

A wise man at a beach bar once told me, “don’t confuse being disorganized with being busy.” And isn’t he right? Whenever I encountered this gentleman, he had a quiet unrushed disposition. I suppose owning a beach bar would do this to you, but he also had a pretty hectic business consulting in a high profile arena. 

What was his big secret? According to him, it was merely organizing his allotted hours of work with integrity. The word integrity is key – being honest about what you can do with the time you have. 

Many of us consider a busy schedule as a fact of our lives, and that’s just the way things will be. But how much of that is genuinely a packed schedule versus thinking through our commitments and coming up with a realistic schedule that honors our obligations, honors our time, honors our capacity to be productive, and importantly, honors the life we want to live?

One of the reasons I love entrepreneurship is freedom and flexibility. While it is not always as dreamy as it’s portrayed on social media, being an entrepreneur does provide the opportunity to organize your work around your lifestyle, for the most part.  

With that freedom and flexibility, for me, it looks a bit like scheduling days in the week where as much as I can, I’m locked in trying to complete a few major tasks. On the other days, it is planning intentional time away from work to avoid that perpetual cycle of always working, working, and working.

If you’re not an entrepreneur and don’t have the freedom and flexibility to work on your terms, my best recommendation is to show up for the hours that require you to be there with your A-game. Go all in. Get to work with the energy and enthusiasm to get the job done well and protect your time and space outside of those working hours. Use your personal time to take care of yourself and recharge your energy. 

3: Make Time to Read

Competence is a central part of my value system. Central. I like to be informed, and I have a healthy dose of nosiness about people in general. I love learning about who they are, how they see themselves, how they came to be, and about the instances and people that shaped their perspectives. It helps me in my life to learn from their experiences, but it also allows me to slow down and appreciate the views of others. 

I also like to be informed on the issues and topics important to me and my perspective, whether politics, culture, or sustainability. I have my own experiences, but the work of others who have researched complex issues, sharing their findings and opinions adds to my knowledge and the quality of the information I share. 

How can reading help you embrace slow living in 2021? Well, it’s about being intentional about how you spend your time and choosing something that will add value to your life. Reading provides an opportunity for a hard stop to unplug and intentionally focus on one thing.

This year on my reading list, I have my usual mix of biographies, reference pieces, topical reads, and some fiction. Previously I depended heavily on Audible to help me keep up on the go. I still use Audible and love it. 

But I also very much want to get back to turning more pages and my book rituals – reading the last paragraph first, marking my pages, and the final closure once I’m done. For heavier books that I want to get into, take notes, and keep for my library, I get hard copies. 

Reading can also provide a few minutes, hours, or even an afternoon of escape, get lost in a different world, and even recharge your energy to tackle your world. It is a chance to slow down and be present with the words and perspective you’re reading.

These are my top 5 books I’m tackling this quarter:

• A Promised Land by President Barack Obama
• The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin, Joe Dominguez, and Mr. Money Mustache
• Edge of Chaos by Dr. Dambisa Moyo

4: Spend Time Outside

I live in the Caribbean, and while it’s summer all year round, you would think that most of us spend all of our time outside. I must confess, I am one of those persons that have been spoiled by this year-round beauty. 

During our two lockdowns last year, my husband and I started clearing a portion of our property to do some backyard gardening. My slow living journey will find me spending some more time outside and learning more about gardening. Helpful for the obvious benefit of growing your own food, but also for some exercise and getting doses of Vitamin D. So far, I managed to grow okra, sorrel, celery, and my kale and collards have been struggling. 

Whether you choose to garden, run, walk or hike, being in nature reminds us of our connection to the earth. It reminds us of the part we play in our ecosystem and exposes us to the wonder of the earth. Throughout it all, it also moves us to respect the delicate life of nature and hopefully encourages us to live life a bit more sustainably. 

We are still very much amid a global pandemic, and I believe there are many benefits of safely spending time outside. Our stress levels are high managing work and life during this COVID age. Spending some time outdoors is great for your mental and physical health.

5: Get A Hobby 

Getting a hobby may sound simple, but having a hobby means that you are, intentionally putting aside time for something that brings you joy.

Many moons ago, I was a letterpress printer. I stumbled upon this art form when I was planning my wedding in 2008. I loved and still love the art of putting words on paper, in writing and printing. So when I learned about letterpress and had the opportunity to see and feel those impressions, I was instantly in love. 

Months after the big day, I scoured the internet to learn more about the printing process. I read and watched every video I found and still wanted more.

I eventually found an Adana press that was in the UK. Somehow I worked out the details to purchase and ship my new gadget to me in the Virgin Islands and began a small, short-lived press. 

I loved the art of printing. Somehow I always found the repetitive nature of printing stacks of stationery therapeutic. I would spend whole afternoons lost in getting the right impression, mixing colors just right, hanging pieces to dry, and the simple joy of cleaning down my press after a satisfying run. It was a feeling of making something with your very hand.

That’s why this year, I’ve decided to unpack my press and do a few runs just for the fun of it. No pressure, no stress of sales. I still send handwritten notes and letters, and it’s going to be great writing again on cotton paper with simple personalized impressions. 

Whatever that thing might be that you enjoy doing for the fun of it, exercising, gardening, dancing, cooking, sewing, painting, carve out some time to do it. Hobbies are great stress relievers and are another way you can be intentional about spending your time.

I hope these five tips for slow living in 2021 gives you a few practical suggestions on how you can break away from a busy life and begin to embrace a slower pace. It is a continuous journey, but I trust that you will find, being intentional with your time will bring more balance and peace to your life. I would love to know; what other ways you are slowing down for 2021? 

Wherever you are in the world, I’m quite sure it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Whether you are young or not so young, Christian or not, who can deny that the Christmas holiday truly is a special time of year?

Thanks to COVID, Christmas 2020 has been long-awaited for many. In my community, the Christmas decorations in stores started going up in early October. Needless to say, most people are over 2020 and are looking forward to the holidays unlike any year before with hopes of ushering in a brighter, less socially distant 2021.

But here’s the thing. For me, Christmas is a tricky time of the year, COVID or no COVID …for a lot of reasons.

I’ve fluctuated between a love-hate relationship with this season. I love it because I love people gathering and making memories. I have fond memories of Christmases during my childhood. As an entrepreneur – planning client parties and gift bags were highlights of the year. In my downtime, I had a good run of Caribbean Christmas festivals and even a few years, when I had a quiet solo Christmas holiday. It is indeed the most magical time of year.

When I had tons of time and endless energy, once the Halloween celebrations were over, it was fair game to put on the Christmas holiday music. And while my older sister switched on Maria Carey as her voice of choice for the season, I’m a sucker for Michael Jackson at any age. For us, this meant the season was on.

What I’m doing different this year Christmas Holiday

Age brings a bit of responsibility and wisdom. And even Christmas is affected by this. I now struggle with the Christmas holidays because my lifestyle has changed significantly, and this holiday, in particular, can be one of excess, which is contrary to my current season in life.

I’m not going to add my voice to the chorus singing about Christmas’s commercialization, but I will simply say I cherish time with family and friends over items I may or may not like. Over the past two years, I have downsized and decluttered in all areas of my life. With this, the opportunity to make more conscious decisions on how I’m spending and what I’m spending money on continues to be a learning process.

As I’m actively trying to curate the things in my space and how I show up for the people in my life, it’s been a bit stressful, getting people on board over the years with how I choose to celebrate this holiday. And now, with a child, the struggle is very real! But I’m determined.

This year I worked on being mindful ahead of the rush. I selected the things and occasions important to me – family photos, being intentional about our traditions, decluttering and prepping home, and work for a new year.

So far, so good, family photos this weekend, started decluttering in October, and we will be bringing out our kinara for Kwanzaa. It has been wonderful reimagining this Christmas holiday; COVID affected and all.

This year has also been my first year as a product-based business owner with my October launch of WKND Mood. I’ll be honest and the first to say that I’m learning something new each day, and it’s a steady mind game to try not to do all the things.

One of those things I opted out of this year was Black Friday and Cyber Monday events. Most consumers have no idea the share wizardry and the NASA-like strategy required for a successful and not stressful Black Friday and Cyber Monday. I did enjoy preparing for 2021 by purchasing a few items on Small Business Saturday.

WKND Mood sales, of course, would be fabulous, but like many things in my life right now, I chose to go a bit slower, simplify what I was doing and find more sustainable solutions. Next year, when the brand is officially a year old, I will be in the mix, but for right now, I have no deals or significant discount, just as an ask to support other small brands and me this holiday season.

However you are choosing to celebrate the season and use your time, I’d love to hear. Leave a comment and let me know.

How have you been holding up these past weeks?

I’m engaging in lots of conversations about race and systemic racism, and let me tell you…. it is exhausting. I’m #TYAD.

I live in a British Overseas Territory, and it’s been fascinating to hear the views and reactions to what’s going on around the world. Growing up in a space where we (Black people) are the majority, unlike African Americans or persons of African descent living in European countries, we do not encounter daily overt racism. Ours is much more covert.

I learned about Malcolm X because I had reasonably young and apparently liberal parents. At the time, Spike Lee came out with a biopic of his life that my parents allowed us to see.

To this day, I have to get Denzil Washington out of my head when I think on Malcolm X. I was probably around 10 when that movie came out, and I didn’t know what Malcolm X meant, but I instinctively knew I wanted more.

I later attended a Historically Black College/University – Norfolk State University, (go SPARTANS), and a whole world was opened to me. Though I thought I was going to be in A Different World and find my Dwayne Wayne there, I never actually did, I did make life long friends. 

I discovered the power and beauty of James Baldwin’s words. Learning about the Civil Rights Movement and personalities in the movement, had a profound influence on me. I was able to identify how the movement impacted my life and opportunities in the Caribbean.

Most significant was how I began delighting in all things black and beautiful in a safe space, where a young woman was encouraged to explore and prepare for a world that wouldn’t be as forgiving. Though I will admit, I somehow managed to graduate from an HBCU, and still can’t play spades, but that’s a different story.  

I say all of that to say that as white people around the world are “seeing” and “hearing” Black people, many of us in the diaspora are also looking within and understanding just how deep systemic racism touches our everyday lives and also how uniquely linked we are to our cousins in the United States who stand on the frontlines of racial injustice for all of us.

A few weeks ago in a community conversation, I realized that for many of us that do not live on the frontline and experience daily overt racism, there are a lot of ways we internalize our response to racist actions.  To me it was evident how much we feel the need to simultaneously protect the feelings of our white friends and community members while trying to also confront issues of racisms.

I am learning that despite the continued failure of respectability politics, it’s what many would prefer. But here is the thing – I cannot be responsible for other people’s experiences, history, privilege, fragility or even guilt.

Right now, for me, in this season of my life, I am actively choosing to engage and unburden myself from the discomfort others might feel, and what I also feel! I’m choosing to live my whole and full existence. My wish for myself as a woman, as a Black woman, is to be my present, whole self, every minute of every day.

So I’m choosing to show up in person and online, and I am choosing to unburden myself of other people’s feelings of what is polite language when discussing racism and its effects on Black people. I’m choosing to do what’s necessary for me to be able to start anew and present to the world, my full self.  

Whatever it might be that you feel burdened by, choose to lighten your load in this season of your life.  I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment or send me a message. What are you choosing to unburden yourself with?

Until next time, be well.

Regardless of which business you’re in, if you’re behind a new business or just getting started as an entrepreneur you definitely have an uphill climb ahead of you. Of course, all of that work, all of the hardships and difficulties, all of the fear and anxieties are totally worth it (I promise). But, no matter what, you’re going to have to go through them if you want to come out on the other side successful. 

Because there’s so much going on when creating a new business and getting it off the ground, it’s easy to get sucked into the weeds. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up spending your days doing one menial task after another and, while your business might operate, it will be incredibly difficult for it to grow like this. And, let’s face it, is being tied to your desk doing task after task really why you wanted to go into business for yourself?

When it comes to success for any new business, the key is to be able to pick your head up from the work from time to time so that you can really check in on the bigger picture. Yes, doing this isn’t always easy, sometimes it’s downright terrifying, but it’s essential to know where you’re going, how you’re doing, and to recognize as quickly as possible what you need to keep going. Not doing this definitely won’t get you the success you want – and it definitely won’t be beneficial for your lifestyle either. 

Here’s why community is the answer:
As an entrepreneur and business owner, you’re at the top from the very beginning. And, like the saying goes, sometimes being at the top gets lonely. One of the biggest drawbacks of entrepreneurship can be the fact that it is so isolating. Many women who consider starting a business for themselves actually back out simply because they like having somewhere to go and people to see each day.

That’s why those who have decided to take the plunge into entrepreneurship need to be intelligent when it comes to building a community of like-minded people. While it will feel like you couldn’t possibly have time for people at the very beginning, you have to recognize that not making time makes it nearly impossible to get past the beginning.

Without a community there to support you every step of the way, you’re not going to get very far. (And it for sure won’t be any fun.)

Not convinced?
When you look at the most successful entrepreneurs and business owners in the world, one of the things every single one of them has in common is an incredible group of people that they surround themselves with regularly (sometimes even virtually when necessary). They do this because it’s true that who you spend the most time with is who you become.

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn

As an entrepreneur, you need to be surrounding yourself with great people. If you look around a room and find yourself as the smartest, most successful, most driven, most passionate person in the room – then you have to get out of that room! The environment you place yourself in will determine how successful you’ll become. If the trajectory of the lives of your closest community isn’t going the direction you want yours to go, then you need to take action – and fast.

So, how do you find your people?
The first thing you need to do is to decide who you need in your community. Most success experts and coaches tell you to look for these three people, specifically: a mentor, a protege, and a peer. 

The mentor is someone who can teach you, someone that will offer advice and guidance when you need it the most. The mentor is, most importantly, someone who is achieving what you would like to achieve. When you look at their life, you are fascinated with knowing how to get there. 

A protege is someone who is on the same path as you but who is still a few steps behind you. This person is someone you can teach and advise – someone you can inspire. Having a protege in your community is a great way to add value. And, by giving back, it’s a great way to make you feel good and keep you encouraged. 

And then there’s a peer. This person is someone who is running neck-and-neck with you. While most likely not your direct competition, this is someone who understands exactly what you are going through. This is the person you can sit down with and really get real. They are also essential for brainstorming and problem-solving!

I believe in community so much, and to be honest, was feeling the isolation of being alone in a small industry in my physical community that in 2013, I started a whole week-long conference for entrepreneurs in the Virgin Islands to tag along to the Global Entrepreneurship Week movement. The week brings together entrepreneurs at various levels for learning experiences, networking, and a marketplace.

Attending these types of events provides you with energy to continue to fuel your entrepreneurship dream, but it also provides you with a curated group of individuals who are often burning the midnight oil, just as you are doing to bring their ideas successfully to market. Who else could immediately be better to bounce ideas off of and to learn from?

Because I know how important community is for new businesses, I’ve started an incredible online group for women entrepreneurs called the Boss Bar. It’s the place to go when you’re looking for all three of those key community members – and the best part is that you don’t have to even leave your house. Come check it out now!

It’s summertime and it can be challenging to maintain some summer productivity because – well, it’s hot. In fact, it’s so hot that it can literally feel like the only options you have to keep from melting are:

• jump in some sort of body of water, 
• find a fan and lie down (preferably a cold drink in hand), or 
• forego all responsibilities so that you can kick back with friends and let the hours drift away. 

Unfortunately, business didn’t get the summer break memo, which means that entrepreneurs everywhere need to find a way to main some summer productivity without feeling like they’re missing out on an ounce of fun.

The good news is that as an entrepreneur you get to make your own rules. So, while there’s no way to get around getting work done, there are some creative ways to do it in the summertime.  Here are a few of my favourite suggestions…

Work Remotely

Having an office space is great, but that doesn’t mean you need to be tied to it. In the summer especially, it’s a nice reprieve from the same-old-same-old to get outside of your 9 to 5 view and try something new. While the weather might be too hot to actually work outside (although, if you can find shade or a nice umbrella, by all means, go ahead!), there are plenty of creative places you can go in your local area if you just start looking. From co-working options to cute new cafes, let the warm weather encourage you to spread your wings – and maybe up your inspiration levels at the same time.

Work with Friends

While not all of us have the luxury of having a great group of female entrepreneurs we can work next to, all of us can find other entrepreneurs in our area that are happy to share some room at their proverbial desk. Working around friends not only makes work more fun, but it can also up your productivity levels (so long as your work friends are good role models). Some areas of meet-up groups of sorts where you can find people looking to add a social aspect to their solitary work. Take advantage! Not only will working alongside people give you motivation and something to look forward to, but if you work from home as I do now, it will also give you an excuse to get out of yoga pants!

My favourite option right now is swinging by a friend who also works from home that has a quiet office space with views overlooking the sea. We often catch up on personal things, but also bounce ideas off of each other and get feedback on items we are both working on.

Schedule Social Time

One of the hardest parts about being an entrepreneur is that you do have flexibility. No one will tell you when to go home or when to stop working. Of course, the flip side is that no one will hold you accountable for the work you do either. During the summer, it’s more tempting than ever to take time to do things with your friends – from vacations to barbecues and pool parties. 

We all know better than to blow off several days of work just so you can play. But, it’s also important to not force yourself to work constantly either. Try scheduling your social time this summer, setting aside specific days or blocks of time where you can be with your friends and family. This will help you stay focused (and know when you need to say no) all through the summer months. 

There is so much value in planning your fun. It gives you something to look forward to and helps you to set hard deadlines and boundaries for your work. Recently, I’ve been planning themed pot luck lunches with my circle of friends where we meet on Saturdays with the only item on the agenda is to lounge around with food readily available!

Stay Inspired

Long summer days can feel tedious if all you do is work. Because the general mood is light and fun, you can take advantage of the vibe by finding ways to get inspired for your work. Whether it’s taking trips to museums, people watching in the park, or just doing whatever you love to help you stay creatively on point, summer is a great time to give yourself an inspiration boost. But, remember, getting inspired is different from social time, although depending on what you do professionally those lines might feel blurred. 

Social time is specifically a chance for you to unwind, relax, and not think about work; inspiration time, on the other hand, is an opportunity for you to get recharged and excited while thinking about work. Whatever your source of inspiration might be, do yourself (and your business) a favour this summer by making sure you get plenty of it.

Hydrate

Cliche? Maybe. Important enough to mention (again)? Absolutely. Don’t ever underestimate the power of hydration. Drinking enough water and fluids (no, not chardonnay or mojitos) during the summer is key to feeling your best. And, you guessed it, feeling your best is key to your business and personal success too. So, whether you’re getting inspired, chilling with your friends, working remotely, or finding new friends to connect with, make sure you have a bottle of H2O in hand. 

I recently got myself a BUILT tumbler that literally keeps drinks nice and cool for a whole 24 hours.

Whatever your plans are this summer, use a few or all of these tips to keep you motivated in your business and personal life.