Hello Goddess Warrior!
Oh my gosh, yesterday I celebrated my 32nd birthday with my family and friends. I had the time of my life! I know we’ve talked about this cycle of my life blowing up around my birthday. Ya’ll this year wasn’t any different, but I have to tell you despite the circumstances I stand before you more optimistic and certain than ever before.
In the midst of laughing, joking, and dancing my friend, whom you all know as Coach Lori B, asked “Who do you want to be in this year of your life?” Now I had been asked how it felt to be 32 all day long, but in the middle of this beautiful chaos a glowing soul exchanged an energy that went far beyond the present moment. I laughed and responded, “a fucking goddess warrior!” In the moment I didn’t really know where that came from as I certainly hadn’t been feeling like a warrior.
As I reflected, I realized that all day long I had felt renewed and rejuvenated. I felt such an awakening. When Lori challenged me to think about who I wanted to be in my 32nd rotation I knew that I wanted to be the true fighter that I am! I knew that I wasn’t going to fall victim to circumstances. In my 32nd year I kicked ass! It is written!
Now back to that awakening. Y’all the paradigm shift was so real! I had been living in a pretty darn constant state of stress, disappointment, and helplessness. I’ve felt physically and mentally defeated throughout this challenge. I truly experienced a shift in perspective as my loved ones filled my home and spirit with encouragement and love yesterday.
There’s so much power in your tribe ladies! Let me share with you how in a single night my girlfriends dispelled every single lie that I allowed to abuse me over the last year.
You’ve become such a horrible homemaker.
My new girlfriend, Tasha, came over for the first time. She immediately shared with me how proud she was of me for the life that I’ve made and the home that we’ve created for our family. It hadn’t felt like home to me for a long time, but in that moment I was able to experience a sense of pride for the space, warmth, and energy that I created.
You’re such a coward!
Now I was indeed bowing down in surrender to the many active situations in my life. I did not want to be strong anymore! I thought that somewhere amongst marriage and creating a family that I wouldn’t have to exude such strength. Well, that whole concept is a lie! There is a battle for every level, just know that! Nonetheless, my friend Shan reassured me that I’m more than equipped for this battle and I will reign victorious!
You’re so weak!
Girl, none of my experience is for the weak of heart. Period. The end! My friends cued an icebreaker and everyone shared how we met and one word that describes me based on our individual relationships. Talk about a crybaby on your birthday! Y’all I held it together though! My flourishing, paparazzi pushing, debt-free bae, Danyale spoke to just how strong and kind-hearted I am. Sometimes we need those external reminders from those within our circles. It was right on time!
You’re a bad friend!
Listen, I am really on a mission to enrich the lives of women. I feel like I’m doing a pretty good job of it. If I’m honest though I have no idea what the hell I’m doing. I’m just moving when God says move and it’s working the way HE intended. It feels amazing to know that in one way or another I’m helping someone, but if I’m honest I don’t always feel like I’m showing up as a good friend. All of my friends spoke to our friendship last night and the value that it brings to their lives. One that really stood out to me was how my good, good girlfriend Nisha described my loyalty as a friend.
You’re a bad wife.
Oh my gosh y’all! In full transparency I’ve been telling myself this lie on a daily basis. I can’t even begin to describe how shocking yet reassuring it was to hear my husband say “Talisha’s so many things that I can’t even begin to describe her in a single word, but if I had to choose just one it’s wife.” I am a badass wife y’all! I had just forgotten to include the ass when telling myself so. 🤣
Marriage is one of the hardest things I’ve faced and this year I’ve truly found myself questioning if I was doing the right thing. After a couple rounds of spades with one of our favorite couples I realized that we had been leaving out a crucial part of a successful marriage. There is one combination of three cards, assuming you don’t play with jokers, in which if you possess all three cannot be stopped. They are the ace, king, and queen of spades. You see the king without the ace is a gamble just as the queen would be without the king. In playing with our friends I realized that in marriage my husband and I had been gambling and operating without our Ace. We hadn’t been including God yet we expected for His promise to manifest through our lives. This disalignment made it so easy to feel like a failure in marriage. I’m so grateful for that revelation and look forward to kingdom marriage under God.You’re a bad mom.
As my friend Quitta was concluding our icebreaker my eldest daughter interrupted, “Mom!” To which I responded, “Oh sorry, Sanaia wants a turn as well.” She then says, “No, I was simply calling you Mom.” In that moment I realized that I’m a pretty bomb mother too! I’m celebrating the little things y’all!
You suck at business!
Hearing my friends speak so highly of my creativity and entrepreneurial spirit brought me so much joy! Their stories and snippets of our relationships gave me the fuel I needed to handle it this year. Whatever it may be!
How does it feel to be thirty-two, you ask? Just bring it on! I’m ready for all that it has in store!
Girlfriend, can I share a secret with you? You’re pretty bossy yourself, girl! I hope that you’re already well aware of that. If you aren’t feeling as amazing as you are then tell us what lies we can help you dispel. We’d love to encourage you with truths in response to your comments! As always, let’s cultivate a community that prunes us for our destinies!