One thing I can’t stop looking back on is my relationship with someone from my distant past. We met when we were in high school and our timing was never right. When I was single, he wasn’t; when he was single, I wasn’t. That didn’t stop us from being young and flirtatious when we’d run into earch other but, aside from being his prom date, nothing ever “happened” between us. I have all kinds of happy memories of tiny moments, that lasted only minutes, when we’d run into each other throughout the years. I have memories of seeing him and his friends out at the bars and him asking me to slow dance. I have a memory of us passing each other in a crowded room and him reaching through a sea of fingers to find my hand, and holding on to it until our arms were stretched as far as they could when the moving crowd forced us to let go.

He asked me to be his girlfriend once, not long after I had ended a difficult and mentally straining relationship with someone else, and I just wasn’t ready.

Our lives moved on and we moved in different circles so years would go by before I ever heard from him again. He texted me a few times asking me to come over to help him with this and that but, each time I did, he didn’t answer the door. I remember feeling so angry that he’d treat me like this at our age. This wasn’t high school anymore! In a fit of anger I’d come to regret, I deleted his phone number, and all our text messages from my phone. I’d later find out from others that he struggled with alcohol and that his life really wasn’t in a good place. Maybe he didn’t answer the door because he didn’t want me to see him that way. I don’t know.

I still had hope that we’d find our way back to each other in this life but on the morning of August 18th, 2018 I found out that, that would never happen. His death came as a complete shock to me and I still have a hard time believing he’s gone from this earth. Like gone-gone. I will literally never see him again, ever.

Some songs remind me of him; some songs remind me of us. “Our” song was this one. Anytime it would come on at the bars, if we were both there, he’d ask me to dance.

The thing about looking back is this—it’s where all the people who are gone from your life still reside.

I know I have to keep moving forward—and I have. I know I can’t live in the past—and I don’t. But, I do enjoy visiting Memory Lane because I know he’ll always be there.

Love-ith and miss-ith you-ith, Trevor. Always. ❤️

In a world that often celebrates extroversion, introverts can sometimes feel overshadowed. So, today I want to blog about something close to my heart—being an introvert and how it has actually helped me in my line of work. If you’re an introvert like me, you might find that our natural tendencies can be real superpowers, especially in the fields of copywriting, copyediting, and design.

The Power of Deep Focus

One of the coolest things about being an introvert is our ability to focus deeply. When I’m working on a project, I can dive in and really lose myself in the details. This level of concentration means I produce work that’s not just good but truly resonates with the audience. Whether I’m crafting a brand’s message or designing visuals, that deep focus helps me nail it every time.

Attention to Detail

Introverts often have a knack for noticing the little things that others might miss. This attention to detail is golden in copyediting. Spotting those tiny errors or inconsistencies can make a massive difference in the quality of the final product. It’s like having a built-in quality control radar!

Empathy and Listening

Listening is another strength we introverts bring to the table. Understanding what clients really want and need means we can create content and designs that hit the mark perfectly. I’ve found that my ability to empathize and really tune into clients' visions makes my work more impactful and meaningful.

Creativity in Solitude

Now, let’s talk about creativity. For me, solitude is like rocket fuel for creativity. The quiet time alone lets my mind wander and come up with unique ideas that stand out. Whether I’m brainstorming for a new campaign or coming up with design concepts, that alone time is where the magic happens.

Building Authentic Connections

Networking might seem daunting for introverts, but here’s the thing—I focus on building real, genuine relationships. It’s not about quantity but quality. By being authentic and letting my work speak for itself, I’ve managed to attract opportunities without having to be the loudest person in the room.

Leveraging Introversion

Embracing my introverted nature has allowed me to harness these strengths and apply them effectively in my career. Introverts bring a unique and valuable perspective to the professional world, and by recognizing and leveraging our strengths, we can create exceptional work that resonates deeply and authentically. Whether through deep focus, attention to detail, empathetic listening, or creative solitude, introversion is a powerful asset that enhances my professional capabilities.

My Superpower

So there you have it! Being an introvert isn’t a disadvantage; it’s a unique strength that can lead to amazing work. If you’re an introvert, embrace it and let your true self shine through in your professional life. If you’re in introvert too, how has your introversion influenced your career? I’d love to hear your stories and experiences!

February was a bit of a blur, even though it was a leap year, and I’m still a bit shocked that we’re headed into the second week of March! So it’s time for an update.

In February I started a WhatsApp group called “The Wednesday Waffle” with a handful of female friends I want to make sure I’m keeping in touch with, no matter how busy life can get. It all started with a TikTok video I saw of a guy talking about how, every Wednesday, he sends off a little 3-5 minute video to all his guy pals so as to stay in touch and I just thought that was a brilliant idea so I stole it haha! 🧇

I basically just waffle on about what’s been going on in my life the past week. We’ve all got lives—we’re all busy and we’re all tired—but I’m guilty of letting months and weeks and even years go by without really keeping in touch because I can feel incredibly comfortable in my solitude. So, this is just my way of ensuring I take a few minutes every week to let friends know they’re on my mind and I care about them.

In other news, I started paying for Blue Cross in February so now I’ve got medical coverage. Thankfully, I don’t take any prescription medicine so it’s mainly coverage for everything else that needed. That means I’ve been able to also get a little bit of coverage for my therapy appointments lately, which is great. I started seeing a new therapist and she seems nice. I’ve only seen her twice now but, so far so good. It’s great being able to get back into therapy again. I was saying in my latest Wednesday Waffle that I’m not depressed and I feel like I’m in a good place overall but it’s nice to be able to dedicate an hour every couple of weeks to just talk with someone about anything and everything.

Since I’ve been hibernating a bit the last couple of months, I’ve watched a good amount of movies and TV shows lately:

• Saltburn (absolutely loved it)

• You Hurt my Feelings (loved it)

• The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (loved it)

• The Woman King (absolutely loved it)

• The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (absolutely loved it)

• The Marvels (meh…)

• Juliet, Naked (loved it)

• Dune (loved it)

• Argylle (absolutely loved it)

• This is Me…Now (in my opinion, this was one of the dumbest things I’ve ever seen)

• Priscilla (absolutely loved it)

• For the Love of the Game (this is a re-watch for me; seen it countless times, still love it)

• Masters of the Air (am loving it)

• Lost in Austen (this is a re-watch for me and I still love it)

• Lover, Stalker, Killer (had this solved within the first 10 minutes but it was a good story)

• The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping (WHOAAAA!!! These poor kids!)

Admittedly, I’ve not done much reading lately but I did just pick up a copy of The Alchemist which I’ve been meaning to read for like 20 years haha! My therapist also recommended an author named Haruki Murakami so I’m going to do some research on him and figure out what might be a good one to start with. The last piece of fiction I truly loved was The Midnight Library.

I’ve been really into sandwiches and homemade pizza lately thanks to this guy who showed up on my FYP on TikTok. OMG…the food I’ve been making thanks to him is just *insert chef’s kiss here.

Work-wise, I’ve applied for a couple of full-time positions but, overall, my freelance work has been actually so great. I love the variety of things I’m being asked to do and the main contract I’m working now is so much fun. The people are great and I’ve been getting good feedback, which is always nice. Having time to do what I want to do, work the hours that I want to work and, at the same time, make other people happy with the work I produce for them has really been freeing. I don’t feel stress at all, when it comes to my work, anymore.

In other news, I’ve contacted The Union Club because I’d like to become a member. I’d love to join so I can meet other professionals and make new friends (which is so hard when you’re in your late 40s). Hopefully I’ll have an update on that next post.

Until then, take care of yourselves!

January started off with a real bang.

We're just halfway through, and I gotta say, I'm loving the freelance life already. Things are a bit different from when I last freelanced in 2015, but it's still that same thrilling world where anything can happen. You never know who you'll work with next or what project will come up. Sure, I'm open to a regular job too if something exciting comes along, but being my own boss forever would be awesome.

Stepping into freelancing can be scary, though. You've always got to hustle and get your name out there. Gigs definitely don't just come knocking at first – you've got to chase them down!

On a different note, I've made some big changes with my style. I went back to my natural brown/auburn hair color, and it's been a bit of a shock, to be honest. I also went for a layered haircut, which I haven’t had in years. At first, I was all about it because it felt fresh and fun, but now I’m just trying to get used to it. All my usual colors in clothes and makeup look different now. Let me tell you, orange is not my thing anymore!

Recently, I also splurged on a new mattress and bed frame. I figured that, since I’m an adult (sometimes…), it was time to upgrade from a Double to a Queen. My new bed is one of those adjustable ones and, oh my gosh, I’ve been sleeping like a baby. Best sleep in years! I keep joking that all I need now is The Clapper™ and I’ll be living my best senior-citizen life. Haha!

More to come at the end of the month!

Well, Christmas 2023 is now over. Can you believe it?

Truthfully, this one was one of the best for us.

It’s been years since my family actually celebrated with presents. Sure we decorated the house and trimmed the tree but it’s been a long time since we bought gifts for each other. ‘We don’t need anything’. is what we’d tell each other. So Christmas would come and go and it would just feel like another day in December.

When I was younger, Christmas was a huge event. There would be visits from friends and family, parties, laughs, booze for the adults, and eggnog for the kids. Everyone who would come to our house during the holidays would get a pipe-cleaner and they’d have to fashion their name out of it for our Christmas tree. It was a vibrant, fun, and exciting time.

But we’re all older now and it’s just the 3 of us—my father and my mother who are both retired pensioners, and me—a woman approaching 50. So, with every passing year, Christmas brought fewer drop-ins from friends and family, fewer parties, and since we’re all adults—anything we needed we’d just buy ourselves.

My dad mentioned last year that he missed having a real Christmas so, this year, we thought why not and went all out! We didn’t set any dollar-limits, and the last time I saw so many gifts under the tree like that was when I was a kid!

Now, I know that Christmas isn’t about what’s under the tree at all but, as we gathered around our (fake 😉) tree this year, I couldn't help but feel the magic we thought we had outgrown was right there—not at all in the gifts themselves, but in the very act of giving, in the laughter shared, and in the warmth that filled our home. It was a poignant reminder that sometimes, bringing back a bit of the past can brighten our present. We may be older but the spirit of Christmas – the joy, the love, the togetherness – remains ageless.

As mom sipped on her wine, and dad and I on our eggnog (his with Jamaican Rum of course), it was clear: Christmas isn’t just another day in December, it’s a timeless tradition that continues to evolve with us, forever capturing the heart of what it means to be a family.

I hope you all had a happy Christmas this year. 🎄

Now that we’ve moved into December, I can take a look back at November and reflect on, what can only be described as, a month of transformation. Where the vivid colors of fall slowly give way to the stark beauty of winter. This year, it's not just the seasons that are changing – my life is too. As I sit here, sipping on a warm cup of Chai tea and watching the last of the leaves fall from the trees in the backyard, I can't help but reflect on the significant shifts that have taken place in my life recently.

One of the most profound changes this November has been my dedication to therapy. Mental health, often overlooked, is as crucial as physical well-being. Therapy is definitely a journey. It's like peeling back layers, each session revealing more about myself, my fears, and my dreams. Without a doubt, the hardest battles are the ones we fight within ourselves.

As I've been focusing on my mental health, it’s always in the back of my mind that, without a doubt, my physical health needs attention too. The colder weather and shorter days make it so easy for me to neglect physical activity. It’s easy to just want to be warm, lazy, and cozy this time of year but I'm determined to try and find a better balance. I usually suffer from S.A.D. each year and I know one sure-fired way to get out of my head this time of year is to grab my camera and head outside to find the beauty of winter. So, as difficult as this time of year can be for me, I'm committed to taking care of my body as much as my mind. After all, they are deeply interconnected.

The biggest change this past November, however, is my career. After much contemplation, I've decided to leave the security of a full-time job and embark on a new adventure as an independent contractor. This decision wasn't easy. It's a leap of faith, stepping out of the comfort zone of a regular paycheck into the unpredictable world of freelance writing and digital content creation, but it's a step towards fulfilling my passions and doing what I love. At 48 years old, I don’t have much time left to do a major career change so going out on my own at my age is both terrifying and exhilarating, but I'm ready for it.

As we move into December now, I'm trying hard to learn how to embrace change—to see it not as something to fear, but as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Each step, whether it's a therapy session, a walk in the cold, or a new professional venture, is a step towards a better, more fulfilled me. This December, I choose to embrace it all – with hope, courage, and an open heart.