Positioned to Win
Each Halloween, I am intrigued by the creativity of the costumes worn by children and adults alike. For one day only, our favorite characters from television, film, and literature come to life and our favorite celebrities come within reach as…
Closer Than They Appear
I know better than to laugh at people in the gym. Understanding that I look a complete mess for 90% of a workout and every moment thereafter, I see no reason to giggle when other people experience gym misfortune. With…
No Coincidence: Connecting the Dots between the Past and Future
One month after a major life change and one week before my biggest poetry performance to date, I had one of those rare life moments in which you are able to connect the dots between your past, present, and future.…
A Magical Moment
Throughout these Olympics games, I have not been able to watch a single gymnastics competition without crying. Without fail, Simone would go tumbling through the air on the floor exercise or Laurie Hernandez would take a daredevil leap from the…
Beauty Shop Lessons in Faith: Vision
The thing about transitioning to natural hair – texture tug-of-war, thirsty tresses, and failed hairstyles notwithstanding – is the uncertainty of it all. It is the torment of not knowing. It is the present suffering on behalf of an unknown future. It is…
Beauty Shop Lessons in Faith: Transitions
As of Saturday, I am six months relaxer-free. Though I said I would never do it for fear of the upkeep of whatever curl pattern might lie beneath my permed hair, I am transitioning to natural. How did I go…
A Letter to My 80-Year-Old Self
At a time when everyone seems to be writing letters of reflection to their younger selves, I am instead focused on you. Young Sheryl may be near and dear to my heart, but she had her chance. This is yours. Before, you were…
