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Daily Prompt #6

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What positive emotion do you feel most often?

If I had to choose the positive emotion that shows up most often in my life, it would be gratitude. It may not always be loud or dramatic, but it has a steady presence, like a quiet hum.

Gratitude greets me in the morning when I realize I have another chance to grow, to try, to simply exist. It sits with me while I sip my morning tea. It arrives in a smile from a stranger or in a burst of laughter with someone I love. Even in hard seasons, gratitude manages to slip through the cracks—through a kind word, the comfort of a soft blanket, or the reminder that pain and joy can live side by side.

What makes gratitude so powerful is the way it transforms how I see everything else. It doesn’t mean life is perfect. It doesn’t erase frustration, sadness, or stress, but softens them, reframes them, and reminds me of the bigger picture. Gratitude teaches me that the ordinary moments are often the most beautiful, if I pause long enough to notice them. For me, gratitude is what keeps me grounded, hopeful, and open to joy.

I think of gratitude as a kind of superpower. Not the “fake it till you make it” kind of positivity, but the genuine realization of blessings and the ability to savor them. When I truly take stock of what I’ve been given—relationships, opportunities, the beauty in small things—it makes me thankful. And gratitude itself creates happiness, because the act of appreciating what I have is joy.

That’s the gift of gratitude: it transforms perspective. And in that shift, it brings fulfillment.

Things to Consider When Relocating for a Job

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Relocating for a job can be exciting, intimidating, and full of unexpected lessons. Whether it’s your first move or your third, it’s easy to focus solely on the paycheck and forget how important lifestyle factors are in shaping your overall well-being. As someone who has moved across the country more than once, I’ve learned that salary alone isn’t enough to guarantee happiness or fulfillment. When relocating here are some essential things to consider before packing your bags.

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The Benefits of Going Out Alone

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There’s something uniquely empowering about going out alone. Whether it’s grabbing dinner, attending a party, or showing up to a concert solo, it takes a level of confidence and self-assurance that many people don’t often tap into. But once you do, you’ll likely find that solo outings offer a kind of freedom and personal satisfaction that can’t be matched. As someone who’s attended many events alone— whether comedy clubs or local concerts—I’ve discovered that some of my most memorable experiences happened when I wasn’t worried about coordinating with others. Going out alone removes the invisible weight of having to consider someone else’s feelings or timeline. You arrive when you want, you leave when you’re ready, and there’s no need to negotiate plans. That kind of autonomy is rare—and refreshing.

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A Thought That Once Was

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Entangled in the thought of what could be, a breathtaking connection filled with a sense of familiarity.
Comfort came so easily as time spent brought an overwhelming sense of happiness, laughter, and vulnerability.
Soul connection, is this meant to be?
Confusion in intensions with no sight of peace
Soul connection, is this meant to be?
Comfort in a bond draped in unhealthy attachment fueled in fears of intimacy and past trauma. Push and pull this instability breeds exhaustion within me.
Once plagued by the loss of what could have been, is now free to accept the peace that accompanies what was not meant to be.

Medicine, Profit, and Purpose

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“Reducing health disparities in underserved communities, is the driving force behind my desire in becoming a physician assistant.”

Those were the opening words of my personal statement when I applied to PA school. They captured a passion I had carried for years and were reflected in both my employment and my community service.

Now that I am a practicing provider, I see the complexity of achieving that vision within a healthcare system that is, at its core, profit-driven. Increasing access and delivering quality care are often treated as secondary goals when profit margins are at stake. This reality has forced me to reconcile the difference between the ideals that drew me into medicine and the system I must work within.

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Daily Prompt #5

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What do you enjoy most about writing?

What I enjoy most about writing is the freedom to express myself without interruptions or restrictions. Writing allows me to take my time in formulating my thoughts without feeling rushed. As someone who enjoys learning new things formally or on my own, I feel writing gives me the freedom to explore topics I find interesting. I enjoy informing the public of issues they might otherwise not know about. Additionally, I enjoy the therapeutic benefits that come with writing.

Over the summer while at a coffee shop studying a man approached me inquiring about what I was working on. He took notice of the enthusiasm I had while working. Although I should have been studying, I was writing on a topic I was quite passionate about. This encounter is a perfect example of the excitement I feel when writing. Will I gain a different perspective? Will my readers have a similar or different opinion? If a song could express how I feel when I write it would be Lying Together by FKJ, soul vibrating.

Daily Prompt #4

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Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a child. What became of it?

Her name was Bunny, and she was my very best friend. I took her everywhere with me. At night, she slept tucked under my arm. During the day, I decorated her ears with clips and scrunchies, whispered secrets to her, and carried her along on adventures.

One memory of Bunny has never left me. My mom had invited a friend over, who brought her two sons along. I sat quietly in the living room with Bunny in my lap when one of the boys suddenly snatched her away. They began tossing her back and forth, laughing, while I chased and cried, desperate to get her back. It was a cruel game of Monkey in the Middle, except the “ball” was my dearest friend.

At last, I caught hold of Bunny’s legs while one of the boys pulled on her ears. We tugged back and forth until, with a terrible rip, one ear tore clean off. I was devastated. To me, it wasn’t just fabric that ripped—it was my friend who had been hurt. Sobbing, I ran to my mother. She scolded the boys, but there I stood with Bunny in one hand and her detached ear in the other. My mom promised she would sew it back on, but she never did. Instead, she stitched the hole closed, leaving Bunny forever changed.

As a child, stuffed animals are more than toys. They’re companions, confidants, sources of comfort when the world feels uncertain. Looking back, I see how holding Bunny soothed my emotions and reminded me I wasn’t alone. Around fourth grade, I stopped playing with her as much. She became bed décor, then sat on a closet shelf, and now rests safely in a container tucked away.

One day, if I have a daughter, I’ll probably pass Bunny on to her. I hope she feels the same sense of comfort and love that I did. After all, Bunny may be missing an ear, but she’s still full of heart.

Hello 2024!

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What a year 2023 has been. As I sit here and reflect on all that has happened over the past year, I give gratitude to the highest for giving me the strength to make it through. 2023 was not an easy year and came with many challenges, but above all I am thankful for the growth. This year has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. It has brought a deep sense of humility. It has reinforced I can not control all aspects of my life because my timing may not align with Gods timing. We are never too old to challenge ourselves and learn from our experiences because growth is constant, and I find that to be a beautiful thing. I am thankful to have made it through 2023 and I am looking forward to the growth in 2024.

This year my top new year resolutions are

Forming community and nurturing my relationships 
Committing to heathy eating and my fitness journey

Remember, it’s never too late start a new goal and stay encouraged as you work toward achieving your goals for 2024.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Stay blessed. Remember, you are loved ❤️

Officially a PA-C

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Hello beautiful peopleeeeee!!! I have been MIA these past couple of months. So much has happened from moving to a new state, starting a new job, quitting that said job five weeks later, failing my board exam, to later passing my board exam. Yes, I said I failed my board exam and talk about a hit to my ego. I was disappointed in myself and had a lot of shame around failing. I questioned my competency as a physician assistant. There are many that still do not know. However, I had to be honest with myself and accept I did not study to the extent that I should have.

Frankly, after graduating PA school I was exhausted and just wanted to socialize spending time with family and friends. Sis was in these STREETS. I’m talking about US and internationally lol. I underestimated the exam and failing was a wakeup call. I since have passed and am now a certified PA-C! Additionally, I will be starting a new job next year which I am excited for. I know this position will be a better fit for my personality and will provide me with the work-life balance I crave.

If I were to offer any advice to those on this PA journey, specifically those in their clinical year gearing up to graduate it would be…

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Daily Prompt #3

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What strategies do you use to maintain your mental health when feeling down?

Lately, I’ve found that what keeps me grounded isn’t doing something huge or life-changing. It’s setting small, manageable goals each day. Things like “text X back” or “clean out the closet.” And when I actually complete those little tasks, I make sure to praise myself. That simple act of acknowledgment boosts my confidence and improves my mood.

I also like to remind myself of the good things happening in my life. Sometimes I’ll write them down, other times I’ll just say them out loud to myself. Either way, it helps me focus on the progress I’m making rather than getting stuck on setbacks.

Of course, not every day is easy. When I get caught in a spiral, I allow myself a day to simply exist in my feelings. For me, that looks like secluding myself, staying in bed, ignoring calls and texts, binge-watching a show, or comfort eating. I just let myself be. By the end of the day, I usually feel a little lighter, the way you sometimes feel better after a long cry.

When the weather is nice, I push myself to get out of the house. I’ll go for a jog, take a hike, read at the park, or spend time with loved ones. Just being outside in the sun and nature always shifts my mood for the better.

For me, it really comes down to this: take it one day at a time. Celebrate small wins, honor the hard moments, and keep finding little ways to move forward.

Remember, you are loved ❤️

Daily Prompt #2

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What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?

My favorite holiday is New Year’s Eve. People are often surprised when I say this, probably because it’s not considered one of the traditional family-centered holidays. It also isn’t a federally recognized holiday in the United States, though it does fall within the holiday season and is even recognized in some states.

I love New Year’s Eve because some of my fondest childhood memories took place at my grandfather’s house during our big family gatherings. The atmosphere was full of laughter, children running around, and aunts and uncles gathered near the grill. Unlike most other holidays, we barbecued, which I absolutely loved. My grandfather’s house sat on a secluded hill surrounded by ice plants, which made it the perfect place for fireworks. And when it came to fireworks, we went all out—sometimes even traveling to Mexico to buy them.

I also enjoy the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. Some people argue that you shouldn’t wait for the new year to start a goal, but I don’t see it that way. I think people should begin when they feel ready, and for many, the new year brings a natural sense of motivation. To me, it feels like a chance to reinvent yourself. You could have stumbled through the last 360 days, but the start of a new year offers another chance to do better. That sense of renewal is freeing.

Finally, I love the celebratory spirit of New Year’s Eve itself. As someone who enjoys dressing up and making a statement, I appreciate the bold outfits, sparkling decorations, and festive energy. I love the parties, fireworks, noise, and excitement in the air. New Year’s Eve is all about celebration, and I embrace it fully!

Daily Prompt #1

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What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?

My middle name is Ann which means grace. I was named after my maternal grandmother who died before I was born. I am my mother’s second child and according to my mother she initially wanted to name my older sister after my grandmother, but was persuaded otherwise. My sister’s name is unique, and I love that for her, but I am happy I got to be the one named after my grandmother. She had a tragic death and, in some way, having her name makes me feel as though I get to celebrate her in life. She accomplished quite a bit in her 33-years of life, including being the only African-American woman in her graduating nursing class and raising three beautiful children. I don’t know a lot about my grandmother or that side of the family because my mom lost contact after my grandfather remarried, but I cherish the stories that have been shared with me.

RIH grandma 💜

Goals, Goals, Goals

Julia

Hello 2023! What a time to be alive. This year is a big year for me given I will be graduating PA school. I’m still in aww when I think about it because it has been quite the long journey. While cleaning out my wallet I stumbled across this list I made in 2020 of my goals. For the longest I had this list tapped on my refrigerator so I could see it every day and be reminded of the progress I was making. It was a way to hold myself accountable. It’s crazy to think there was a time where I so badly wanted to get into PA school, and I did! Similarly, I remember the financial burden of a monthly car payment and having the goal of quickly paying it off. I am proud of myself for staying consistent in achieving these goals and with the new year it only makes sense to make new goal list. I’m still working on my list, but figure I share them here because this will force me to see them regularly to stay motivated. Some of my goals for the next 5 years include:

  • Paying of my braces by the end of 2023
  • Get straight As Spring Semester 2023
  • Graduate PA school with GPA ≥ 3.5
  • Graduate PA school and pass the PANCE!!!
  • Securing employment 3 months post grad
  • Apply for loan repayment
  • Starting my weight gain journey—My goal is to gain 15lbs
  • Purchase a condo/tiny home by end of 2024
  • Learn how to play an instrument
  • Being more intentional with dating/finding my person
  • Start developing business idea in 2024—Still not sure which idea I would like to explore, but I do want to start tapping into developing residual income
  • Start vlogging by 2024—As much as I love writing, I would also love to tap into vlogging as a different way of expressing myself and sharing my thoughts.

Anyway, I hope all are doing well. What are some of your goals for the new year? I challenge you to write down your goals. Whether they be for 2023, 5-year, 10-year, etc. Write them down so you can stay encouraged!

Stay blessed. Remember, you are loved ❤️

The Sun and Her Flowers

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Rupi Kaur is an Indian-born Canadian poet who captured much attention with her first book titled “Milk and Honey” which was released November 2014. I remember friends mentioning the book to me, but I sadly did not have much time for leisure reading at the time. Anyway, fast forward three years later and lo and behold while frivolously scrolling through kindle on a beautify fall day I stumble across Rupi’s recent release titled “The Sun and Her Flowers”. The book was featured in the free download section, so I decided to give it a read. The Sun and Here Flowers is about Rupi’s journey and growth in finding love within herself. Her journey is divided into 5 chapters titled: wilting, falling, rooting, rising and blooming.

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Roe vs Wade Overturned

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If you had asked me five years ago if abortion rights would eventually become unconstitutional, I would have answered with a strong “No”. I attended the Woman’s March on Washington six years ago and although the overall premises of the march was to advocate for policies ensuring women’s rights remained, the thought of women losing access to abortion still seemed unimaginable. Yet, six years later here we are.

When I first heard the SCOTUS had overturned Roe vs Wade, I felt a sense of hopelessness. This later turned into sadness and then anger. “How dare someone else feel they have the right to tell ME or any other woman what she must do with HER body” “Who do these WHITE men think they are.”  As I sat on my bed processing my emotions I wondered if my grandmother, and the many women before her, felt similar emotions living during a pre-Roe era. A feeling of being seen, but not heard. A feeling of knowing you do not have autonomy over your body. Deciding whether or not to risk your life and birth a child was not your choice, but the choice of others and this feels me with much sadness, but above all disappointment.

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Done with didactic year and off to clinicals!!!

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Hello beautiful people! I’m semi-back from under the rock I’ve been hiding and it feels good to be back in the world lol. This past week I officially finished my didactic year of PA school!!! As I write this blogpost, I have a huge grin across my face. It feels me with such joy to know I am officially done and will now be off to seeing patients. PA school, by far, has been one of the hardest things I have done in my life. The late nights, deprived sleep, imposter syndrome and constant stress, are a few of the challenges that come with this journey. However, despite the challenge I am thankful to be here because I worked so hard to get here. I remember nights praying for this, praying for an interview, an opportunity, an acceptance, and here I am. Thank you God!!!

For those on this journey do not give up. Keep faith and continue putting in the work, you will be rewarded. Okay enough of my soapbox lol.

Anyway I wanted to share a few of my memories. #survivingandthriving #blessed

Stay blessed. Remember, you are loved ❤️

Ziplining

Julia

This past weekend I went ziplining! It was somewhat spur of the moment. A friend mentioned they were going for their birthday, and I decided to tag along. I’m glad I did because I had a lot of fun and talk about a great way to start my summer vacation. I got to meet some cool people and see the beautiful view of the forest. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I am constantly worrying about the future or stressing over past mishaps. However, I am learning to live in the present moment. This experience reminded me of this. Anyway, I’m glad I got to cross something off my bucket list and can’t wait for my next adventure!

Stay blessed. Remember, you are loved ❤️

Why the Physician Assistant Higher Education Modernization Act of 2021 should pass

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The Physician Assistant Higher Education Modernization Act of 2021 (HR 2274) was introduced to the House of Representatives on March 29, 2021, by California’s 37th district representative, Karen Bass. The bill aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand education opportunities for physician assistant students and physician assistants. Some advantages of HR 2274 include (1.) increasing Subsidized Stafford Loan (SSL) limits and loan forgiveness programs (2.) increasing grants awarded to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic programs (3.) increasing enrollment of minorities and students from rural areas in PA programs and postbaccalaureate PA programs.

Over the years the cost of higher education has increased while salaries have remained stagnant. Millions of Americans have student debt and the number continues to rise with minorities and women being disproportionally affected1. Tuition for PA programs continue to increase with tuitions ranging between $30,000 to over 120,000. Many PA students fund their education with student loans, specifically federal aid. Currently graduate students can apply for the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan (USL) which caps at $65,0002 which is less than what most PA programs cost. If a student needs additional aid, they can apply for the GradPlus Loan which is a federal loan that requires a passed credit check. To my knowledge this is a common route students take, but for students who do not qualify private loans are the next option. Thus, increasing the SSL limits would allow students to receive loans with no or lower interest rates and forgo high interest rates that come with private loans. Furthermore, expansion of loan forgiveness programs will grant more students the ability to take advantage of these programs and minimize their education debt.

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Please Don’t Touch My Hair

Julia

Braids, curls, straight why are you all in my space
All in my space when you haven’t even asked me my name
All in my space, I pull away confusion clouds your face
Curiosity you claim, I see
Given my 3C texture isn’t seen often in mainstream
Objectification of our bodies throughout history
Beginning with the enslavement of my African ancestries
Are what fuels your entitlement mentality
“it’s just hair” you utter disregarding my request
But permission you were not granted
Now I am asking you politely
Next time I might not take your action so lightly
And you can save all that “angry black woman” bullshit perpetuated by society
Please DON’T touch my hair!