An Afrocentric digital illustration featuring a Black toddler standing proudly near an open sewer grate at a soccer game, while Black teen soccer players attempt to retrieve a smartphone. A shocked mom with locs looks on in disbelief, while her daughter calmly explains what happened. The scene is vibrant and playful, capturing the chaos and humor of parenting in public.
"This is not a drill—my toddler really threw my phone in a sewer. And yes, the varsity team fished it out."
Posted inPersonal Growth & Reflections

10 Things I Learned During My Two-Week Break (Plus One Wild Bonus Story)

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It’s been an interesting two weeks, y’all.

I haven’t been posting much on here, which is out of the ordinary because blogging is something I genuinely enjoy.

But the truth is, I’ve been pouring a lot of energy into writing longer stories lately—and I mean a lot.

My creativity’s been flowing in a different direction, and while I haven’t been blogging per se, trust me when I say it’s been a very productive couple of weeks.

I needed that little break more than I realized.

I had started putting so much pressure on myself to build momentum, get the blog out to friends and family, and grow the email list (side note: if you haven’t already—Please subscribe! (It means the world!).

But this morning, I started reflecting as I sat down for my usual 5 AM meditation.

What have the past two weeks taught me?

So here’s a list of lessons, realizations, and one slightly chaotic parenting moment that reminded me we’re all just figuring it out as we go:

1. Keep going.

If you’ve made it this far, why turn back now?

Progress may feel slow, but quitting guarantees no results.

Stay in it.

Keep pushing forward toward whatever it is you’re building.

2. It’s okay to not be okay.

Some days won’t feel like a win.

You’ll doubt yourself, feel like you’re failing as a mom, a partner, a dreamer, or all three.

But it’s okay.

Not every day is going to feel amazing—what matters is how you move through the rough ones.

3. Success is not linear.

The journey has curves, dips, U-turns, and sometimes pit stops that feel like setbacks. But it’s all part of the growth.

4. People are watching—some with love, some with doubt.

When you make a big shift, whether it’s quitting your job, starting a business, or chasing a dream, people notice.

Some are silently cheering, some are silently judging.

And then some are just curious, watching to see if they could do it too. Either way, don’t let it get to you.

5. Do NOT let your toddler hold your phone at a soccer game.

This one is personal.

Two weeks ago, we were at a game for my daughter, and I let my son use my phone to watch something while we waited.

One minute he was watching peacefully, the next minute he was off in the grass doing toddler things.

A few minutes later, my daughter walks up calmly and says, “He threw your phone in the sewer.”

Y’all.

It was a brand-new phone.

I had it for a week.
Long story short: it took the entire varsity boys soccer team to fish it out.
(Shoutout to those boys—they’re the real MVPs.)

6. You are resilient.

Even when you’re tired, stretched thin, or questioning yourself, remember this: You’ve survived every hard day you’ve ever had. You’re stronger than you think.

7. Motherhood is both brutal and beautiful.

It’s exhausting, messy, and often thankless.

But it’s also magical.

The love, the growth, the little moments—they matter.

8. Your brain believes what you tell it.

Speak kindly to yourself.

If you’re constantly feeding your mind fear and doubt, it will believe it.

If you feed it strength and possibility, it will rise to the occasion.

9. Forgive your parents.

They were just trying their best with what they knew.

We’re all doing that, in a different time, with different tools.

One day, we’ll want grace from our kids, too.

10. Rest. Seriously, rest.

You are not a robot.

You’re not lazy for needing sleep or silence or solitude.

The world glorifies hustle, but rest is revolutionary—especially for those of us holding up households, dreams, and emotional loads.

Bonus Lesson: Sometimes, life is just funny.

You’ll be at a soccer game thinking you’re handling things, and boom—your phone’s gone to sewer heaven.

You’ll laugh later. Maybe not right away, but eventually.

So here I am, back on the blog, feeling refreshed, a little wiser, and still full of stories to tell.

Thanks for being here.


If you’ve taken a break lately, I hope you know that rest is not a setback—it’s part of the climb.

Let me know—what have you learned recently? Drop a comment, share your thoughts, or shoot me a message. Let’s talk about it.

And again, if you haven’t yet, please subscribe to the email list so you don’t miss a post. Your support means the world as I build this space into something magical.

Unapologetically, Dorothy! 😘

Journal Prompts: Reflections From the Pause

  • What have I learned about myself in the past two weeks?
  • What’s one thing I’m proud of, even if it felt small?
  • Where am I placing unnecessary pressure on myself right now?
  • What belief about success do I need to challenge or rewrite?
  • What part of motherhood (or my current season of life) do I need to give myself more grace in?
  • What would it look like if I truly allowed myself to rest?
  • Who am I secretly watching for “permission” to make a big move—and why?
  • How can I speak more kindly to myself this week?

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Get In, Bestie. We’re Growing & Glowing! 💌

Join the unapologetic squad for juicy blogs, mindset shifts, and a sprinkle of sass!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

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