Create a reflection image, with a black girl with black afro back to the camera.jpg

Lessons from My 20s

As I navigate the winding road of my twenties—messy, magical, and everything in between—I’ve found myself craving a space to pause, reflect, and simply *be*. Lessons from My 20s is a journal-style series capturing the unfiltered truths, tender moments, and tiny awakenings that come with growing up and growing into yourself.

These entries are for anyone who’s ever felt stuck between who they’ve been and who they’re becoming. For the overthinkers, the late bloomers, the quiet dreamers, and the loud feelers. Through storytelling, reflection, and honesty, I hope this space becomes a soft landing—for me and for you.

Black girl facing a wall of labels on who people think she is

Entry # 4: Introversion Is Not Less Than

Let’s get right to it, I’m evolving from the idea that if you’re introverted, you’re somewhat less than. Less than what, I’m not quite sure. Maybe less valuable? Less intellectual? Less worthy? Less lovable. Thinking back to movies and stories I’ve seen — you know the ones — introverts are the wallflowers, the ones forgotten or ignored, and who never get to see their day in the spotlight because it wasn’t made for people like us. People — it feels mostly intentional— shame in

4 days ago4 min read

Picture of a black girl with though bubbles

Entry #3: Loving What’s Real

The costs of associating love with performance makes it transactional — I perform my best and cater to your needs, and you, the audience, applaud, throwing flowers in the air and shouting encore, with desires to have more and see more on the grand stage. The thought alone is tiring.

5 days ago3 min read

Entry #1: Discovery

Looking back at the photos, I’m proud of my 20-year-old self for baking cookies and donuts, and Whipping up soups, stews, and my favorite—chicken pot pie—was all new but certainly brought me joy.

Apr 152 min read

Girl sitting on the ground next to window sill thinking and reflecting

Entry #2: What I Thought I Needed vs. What I Actually Needed

Okay, so I’ll raise my hand and admit I’ve done therapy wanting to know why I think the way I do or do the things I do — beyond what my own understandings are or were. And honestly, no regrets. I hate the stigma around therapy and just the narrative that something must be— had to be — wrong with you to seek mental health help. Maybe there is, but isn’t there something wrong with all of us? Anyway, a pivotal moment or session, I should say, was...

Apr 154 min read