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Encouragement For The Discouraged

One of the hardest things about navigating a challenging season is feeling as if you’re moving through it alone. Even if you have a solid partner, great friends and family, cool neighbors, others you can lean on, and of course God, there can still be moments that are filled with loneliness and discouragement while trying to figure things out. Sometimes, life is hard, and if you find yourself moving through a difficult time right now, I want to encourage you to be encouraged. You’re not alone. God sees you and knows. Even when things are hard, you can still move through them and get to the other side. Sometimes things can and will happen that we don’t particularly like or understand, and won’t feel fair, but pass the tests and learn the lessons. Let the hard things strengthen and develop the foundation for what’s in store for you. Recently, during my devotional time, I came across a scripture in Psalm 18:32 that says, “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” This r...
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Recent posts

A Taste At VLOVE Coffee House

I love coffee – especially when it’s served at a great local business in the Hampton Roads area. This oceanfront location serves delicious coffee and bites that will certainly make you want to return for another visit. It’s within walking distance of the beach, has chill vibes, and great customer service. If you’re in the Hampton Roads area and looking for a great coffee spot, check out VLOVE Coffee House and enjoy!
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How Are You Doing Right Now?

The current state of this world often feels uneasy . The political climate, hatred, violence, constant tension, natural disasters, and uncertainty have been the source of much anxiety, stress, and sadness in ways many of us didn’t anticipate while approaching this year. I’m not someone who typically struggles with anxiety, but at different points this year, I’ve found myself more triggered than usual by some decisions being made at different leadership levels, devastating changes, and unexpected hiccups and losses that have caused more disruption and discord than ever before. If I’ve been feeling this way, I wonder how others are navigating things too. How are you doing right now? Are you okay? If not, it’s okay. A lot is going on that’s prompted more questions than answers, and I would encourage you to sit with how you’re feeling and do regular check-ins with yourself. There’s no harm in confiding in a trusted family member or friend, seeking professional help, picking up some self-he...
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Thoughts From a Black Educator: Don’t Link With Educators Who Can’t Be Trusted

Working in education is a rewarding experience.  I get to teach my favorite content area (English), invest in the lives of young people, and work in a space where I feel free to be me. It’s also been great working with wonderful educators, some of whom I’ve developed trusted friendships with, who’ve approached the workplace with professionalism, positivity, and a great work ethic and attitude. But the same can’t be said of all educators. There have been some I’ve met and immediately knew to stay far away from. Negative energy, mean girl vibes, pettiness, messiness, and drama can easily be detected when you pay close attention. People are always communicating messages to us about who they truly are. In education, the students aren’t always the biggest challenge. Often, it’s the educators who behave like some of the students we teach. It’s disturbing witnessing educators, often grown women, forming alliances and friendships with other educators who shouldn’t be trusted. They create...
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A Taste At Milk & Honey

I can always appreciate a delicious brunch outing. And Milk & Honey is a brunch spot that surpassed my expectations. I’d originally heard about this location via TikTok, and when I spotted their chicken and waffles, I just knew I had to visit. When I walked into the restaurant, I immediately noticed the lovely ambiance – the music and art were everything. I was also greeted by the lovely hostess and smell of incredible food. I already knew I’d be moving forward with the chicken and waffles, but I had no idea how refreshing the lavender lemonade would be. It may be one of the best drinks I’ve ever had. If you’re in the Hampton Roads area and seeking a nice brunch spot, check out Milk & Honey.
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Ditching Dating And Decentering Men

Today’s current dating climate is bizarre. It’s grown so bizarre, that men barely, if ever in some cases, will approach a woman in person and ask her out on a date. Instead, the new normal has become DM sliding, creeping on social media accounts, and liking photos to build romantic connections, which honestly doesn’t sound too romantic or appealing to me at all. As a child of the 90s and a teenager of the early 2000s, I miss and prefer the time when men interacted with women without hiding behind technology. There was something special about handwritten cards and notes, thoughtful dates, serendipity, and intentionality. After having some unpleasant encounters, embarrassing moments, and failed set ups (from well meaning people who believe I need to be partnered), I’ve decided, that now, at 36, to choose me. I’m ditching dating and decentering men. I’m no longer interested in meeting anyone, dating, or creating space to prioritize a relationship. I’ve never been a male-centered woman any...
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Simone Speaks Sports

If someone had told me I’d be dabbling with creating and producing sports content, I probably would have laughed and dismissed the idea completely. I love sports and have always enjoyed viewing sports coverage and observing sideline reporters at sporting events since I was a little girl. However, I never saw myself in a similar role until the idea to start my own platform called “Simone Speaks Sports” emerged. I’d overseen my middle school’s Girls’ Sports Broadcasting Club for two years and supported my scholars as they interviewed different coaches and athletes during our fall sports season. Our school’s student activities coordinator had been asking me for years about getting a broadcasting platform in place. I didn’t think I’d have the time to commit to it, but the opportunity turned out to be a fun one. I’ve enjoyed working with my girls, mentoring them, and watching them step outside of their comfort zones while following sports and conducting interviews. One evening during one of...
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