If you have ever felt a creeping wave of dread settle in somewhere around Sunday afternoon, you are not imagining it. According to a survey cited in a Marie Claire piece, 7 out of 10 people feel overwhelmed with dread at the thought of the week ahead on Sundays. 

The Sunday reset became a popular response to that feeling. You have probably seen the TikTok version: color-coded planners, aesthetic meal prep containers, a spotless apartment, and someone who somehow has time to deep-clean their refrigerator before 10 a.m. That version is not what this is about.

The real Sunday reset is quieter and more personal than that. It is the practice of creating a small buffer between the week that just ended and the one about to begin. 

Why Your Brain Needs A Weekly Reset

Most of us move from Sunday directly into Monday without any real pause. We finish the weekend, maybe stay up later than we should, and wake up already behind. Over time, that pattern accumulates into something heavier than tiredness.

“If you’re going to add new things to your schedule, you may need to subtract others. This might come in the form of setting boundaries and saying no to things that aren’t priorities or don’t support your well-being,” according to author and Doctor of Social Work, Sharon Martin. “It can also mean spending less time on mindless activities that don’t solve a problem or leave you feeling replenished.”

Which is why distinction matters. A reset done out of guilt or pressure to optimize your week will feel like more work. One done as an act of care for yourself will feel different. The goal is not to arrive at Monday exhausted from preparing for it. 

Tips To Do A Sunday Reset

Before you plan next week, take a few minutes to close out the last one. What felt unfinished? What drained you more than expected? What do you want to do differently? That kind of reflection is not journaling for the sake of it. It is information that shapes how you move into the next seven days.

From there, a few practical habits tend to actually make a difference, not because they are revolutionary, but because they remove small friction points that compound throughout the week.

Tidying your space is one of them. As noted by writer Cait Emma Burke in a Bed Threads think piece, “research shows that our brains prefer order and that clutter and mess can have an adverse impact on our cognitive resources.”

Reviewing your week ahead for ten minutes, not to build an overwhelming task list but to avoid being blindsided, is another. Most Sunday anxiety comes from vague dread about everything at once. Naming what is actually on your calendar tends to shrink it back to a manageable size.

The Sunday Reset Habit That Most People Skip

The most underrated element of a Sunday reset is what you choose not to do. Protecting Sunday evening from work emails, stressful conversations, and late-night scrolling is not laziness. It is the reset itself.

If you spent the weekend traveling, dealing with something hard, or simply resting without any intention behind it, that is not a failed reset. That is life. The practice is about returning to yourself when you can, in whatever form that takes.

Not every Sunday will look the same, and it should not. Some weeks, the reset is a long walk and an early bedtime. Others, it is a cleaned kitchen, a reviewed calendar, and thirty minutes of something you actually enjoy. The version that works is the one you can realistically repeat.

What matters is the intention behind it. The Sunday reset works best when it stops being a checklist and starts being a commitment to yourself. Before Monday asks you to show up for everything else, Sunday is your chance to show up for you first.

This article The Sunday Reset: How To Protect Your Peace Before The Monday Hustle was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Balancing personal and professional life is a juggling act that may seem impossible at times. Knowing when to take a break and make time for your partner is key to creating a strong bond. Making time and spending time– but more importantly, being present is what will sustain your relationship.

If you’re goal-oriented and find that a busy career takes up the majority of your time, it can be difficult to create a strong bond with your partner. Defining a level of importance and priority in your life can bring about balance and peace. If you’re not sure where to begin, keep reading!

1. Think As A Unit

A part of prioritizing your partner is understanding that you and your partner are one. Thinking as a unit means everything is plural and says “we.” This means that you are considering your partner when making almost all of your decisions. If they truly matter to you, you’re including them in your daily activities, whether that’s making them aware or inviting them to join. Bonds are created and sustained together; both parties have to be involved and invested.

Ascension Counseling says going from “me vs. you” to “we’re in this together” is the key. The biggest shift in many relationships isn’t dramatic. It’s a quiet decision to act like a team, especially when life gets loud. “We” thinking turns everyday stress into an opportunity to stand side by side instead of across from each other.

2. Listen More Than You Speak

We were given two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listening is imperative, especially when it comes to relationships. Being able to effectively hear your partner out, understand what they are conveying, and respond accordingly can make all the difference. Communication is the foundation of bonding with your partner, especially when you’re balancing a busy career.

According to Verywell Mind, Active listening goes beyond simply hearing words and also involves being present, noticing nonverbal cues, and engaging with the speaker to understand both the meaning and intent.

3. Express Gratitude Often

Just as you express gratitude for grand gestures, do the same for small things as well. It’s also important to let your partner know you’re thankful for non-material things as well. It could be kind gestures, thoughtfulness, or whatever your love language reads. Letting them know they are appreciated goes a long way. Never underestimate the power of a grateful heart.

Montgomery Counseling Group says some key benefits of gratitude include:

• Deepening emotional intimacy – Gratitude can make your partner feel valued. It helps your partner if they are seen, heard, and valued.
• Reducing tension – It is easier to handle disagreements among partners when your relationship is built on the foundation of gratitude and appreciation rather than criticism.
• Increasing relationship satisfaction – Research shows that couples who regularly express gratitude and appreciate each other report higher levels of happiness together.

4. Be Your Partner’s Safe Space

Every relationship thrives on safety and vulnerability. If your partner feels safe enough to be vulnerable, sustaining a bond is possible. No matter how busy you get, making time to be your partner’s safe haven on a bad day, a great day, or just being present is a gift in itself. Also, knowing that you also have that support is a priceless feeling, knowing you have someone in your corner who genuinely cares and wants the best for you.

According to Insight to Action, when we choose to enter into a relationship or a partnership, we are choosing to take on another human being’s concerns and make them our own. We support each other, encourage each other, defend each other, and soothe each other. It’s part of the deal! In a good relationship, both people work to be each others’ sanctuary. Knowing how to help your partner de-stress is an important aspect of being your partner’s safe place.

5. Let Vulnerability Be A Gateway To Understanding

As stated above, vulnerability is what cements a bond; it’s how your partner gets to truly understand you and who you are. Your past experiences don’t make you, but they play a part in your being. Allowing yourself to open up to your partner comes with trust, and with busy careers and lives, trust must be solidified.

Verywell Mind says, no matter what type of relationship we’re talking about—be it friendship, familial, or romantic—vulnerability is key to fostering a closer, deeper, and more authentic bond with another person. It keeps us honest with each other and ourselves, breaks down walls, eliminates the potential for miscommunication and misunderstandings, and allows us to be wholly ourselves.

This article 5 Ways To Build A Stronger Bond With Your Partner While Balancing A Busy Career was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Relaxing and self-care go hand in hand when it comes to off days. Work can be overwhelming, stressful, and consuming. Off days offer an opportunity to reset, relax, and do whatever brings you comfort.

Off days should be relaxing and a reset from the hustle and bustle that work brings. If you have no idea what to do with your day or time, Her Agenda has five relaxing options to consider that could make your day worthwhile

1. Create A Home Spa

If home is where the heart is, creating a home spa will set the tone for ultimate relaxation. How does a warm bubble bath, candles, your favorite beverage, soothing therapeutic music, and dim lights sound? 

Making your home a spa doesn’t have to be expensive. You can purchase all your essentials at a reasonable price, and the best part is you’re practicing self-care while saving money. If baths aren’t your thing, showers can provide the same endorphins, and shower steamers are an aromatherapy that also clears your sinuses. 

2. Unplug From Social Media

Cutting off the world every now and then can be the best form of therapy. Social media can be consuming and overwhelming at times. When was the last time you took a break, put your phone down, and did an activity that you enjoyed? Unplugging from social media has many benefits, such as strengthened connections and relationships, less anxiety and stress, and peace.

Try unplugging after work and spending at least an hour in silence. According to Lone Star Neurology, beyond improving clarity, silence helps regulate mood and reduce emotional stress. People can relax and concentrate on their inner experiences, as it’s important to rest both physically and mentally. Silence significantly affects cognitive functions, and the benefits of silence become apparent through long-term practice. It helps people work more efficiently and process information more effectively

3. Sleep In

Sleeping in is like the reward after training for the Olympics. It’s something that not many are afforded the opportunity to do, so when the chance is presented, take it. Bask in the element of doing absolutely nothing, and being fine with it.

The CDC says:

Getting enough sleep can help you:

• Get sick less often.
• Stay at a healthy weight.
• Reduce stress and improve your mood.
• Improve your heart health and metabolism.
• Lower your risk of chronic conditions like:
  • Type 2 diabetes.
  • Heart disease.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Stroke.

4. Declutter

Decluttering can be a chore, but only if you allow it to be. Think of decluttering as a means of getting rid of the old to make room for the new, at least that’s what my mom would say. Get in that closet and give away anything you haven’t worn in the last six months. Someone else can benefit from those new or gently worn clothes that are collecting dust in your closet.

Make it a party by creating a playlist and let the music distract you from what’s really going on. Think of how happy someone will be to actually wear the clothes you haven’t. Think of the decluttering as a means to purify your space and make room for anew. It can be a therapeutic sense of letting go and moving forward.

5. Enjoy A Nostalgic Hobby

Hobbies are the key to happiness. When you think about it, it’s what makes you happy, distracts you from the worries of the world, and for a split second, makes everything alright. Think about what hobby brings you that kind of nostalgia; now go do it!

According to UCLA Health, Hobbies that are mentally stimulating or involve physical activity may support cognitive health, positively affecting memory and decreasing the risk of dementia. A Japanese study analyzing the leisure activities of 50,000 adults aged 65 and older found that dementia risk decreases as the number of hobbies increases.

This article 5 Relaxing Things To Do On Your Day Off was originally published on HerAgenda.com

I crawled into my mom’s bed, trying not to lie on her oxygen cord or blood pressure monitor — the device helping her breathe and the device letting us know she was still here.

After years of struggling with a rare disease called amyloidosis, my Mom had days, maybe hours, left here on earth with us. As I lay there next to her frail but determined body, it dawned on me — she wouldn’t know my kids. My husband and I didn’t have any yet.

Even though I knew it would take everything in me not to cry, I turned to my Mom joyfully and said, “Mom, did you know that I will be naming my first daughter Lottie?” This was my Mom’s beautiful and unique name. She turned her head towards me as much as she could and just smiled, imagining it. Something in me took over. I lay there with a dry face and a steady voice and talked to her about how amazing her grandchildren would be. I wanted her to know that there would be another “little Lottie” someday, her grandchild.

My mom passed away peacefully in her sleep a few days later. Devastation and grief are words that don’t begin to describe your worst nightmare coming true. As I wailed on the hospital floor next to my mom’s body, her hands still warm to the touch, my mind turned to my future children, who would never know her laugh, wisdom, and unconditional love the way I did.

Two months into my grief journey, I was on the phone with my cousin, who was five months pregnant. I listened to her talk about how she was only considering family names for her daughter-to-be. My stomach sank. I had a feeling before I asked — she wants to name this child Lottie, doesn’t she? I tried to compose myself even though my heart was racing, my mouth was dry and my stomach was on the floor. As we wrapped up the conversation, I decided to go for it. “Can I make a request?” I asked timidly.

Over the next few weeks, we went back and forth on this. I requested that she use Lottie as a middle name instead, leaving me the honor of being “the first” to name my child after my mom. I pleaded with her, tears in my eyes, that this was the only thing I have left of my mom. “Your mother lives in the same city as you,” I said desperately at the end of our last call.

But she persisted. As a soon-to-be single mother, my cousin felt that one of the few benefits she had was that she did not have to answer to anyone regarding name selection. She told me this was her decision and hers alone, and I was not to try to influence the decision. Why were they acting like Lottie was just “any other name” or a name I simply didn’t like, instead of a name that carried enormous significance?

My pain and grief worsened. It felt like that irreplaceable moment with my mom and my special naming rights as her only daughter were being overshadowed at best, stolen at worst. I was shattered that my cousin wasn’t honoring or even considering my heartfelt request. I was devastated that her Lottie would be “first,” and so soon after my Mom’s death. I felt blind-sided.

Even though I knew intellectually that my mom was never coming back, I kept looking for her in the actions and words of others. When I spoke to my cousin, I expected her to just “get it,” the way my mom would have. When I spoke to my cousin’s mother, I expected to find the unconditional love, support, and kindness I always found in my mother. What I got instead felt cold and indifferent to my well-being. When my father called to say he thought I should back off, I was secretly hoping for the deep empathy I associated with my mother. I never found it, because he was not her.

Still, in talking things through, my dad and I eventually came to understand each other. He was afraid of creating rifts in the family. He wanted to maintain peace and unity during a time when we desperately needed extra family support and care. He understood my point of view and supported my position and echoed my request.

My cousin had her baby more than a year ago and gave her the first name Lottie. And while I love that child, my feelings of hurt about this situation have not changed — in fact, they’ve deepened with time. Many logical arguments have been made to me in the hopes I will change my mind and my heart on this issue. What if I only have boys? Why can’t there be more than one Lottie? Isn’t that proof of how loved she was?

These are all valid arguments, but they don’t really matter. Grief is rooted in emotion, and those who haven’t been through something similar often struggle to relate. Yes, my reasons are emotional, but that doesn’t invalidate them. They’re tied to my deep bond with my mom and my experience of grief at this moment.

In some ways, this whole experience with my cousin made me miss my mother on a deeper level than before. I’ve wondered what she would say about my situation, what she would do. Even now,  I sometimes close my eyes and talk to my Mom about this. In my mind, we have a conversation. She’s calm, compassionate, and understanding — she sees my pain.

But she’s practical, too. If there’s no peaceful compromise to be had between the two parties, she tells me, then I will have to learn to live with this and make peace with it in myself. And I realize that this situation is a painful example of the bigger picture. I will have to learn to live with the loss of my mother — and, in a sense, the loss of my cousin and her family, with whom I’d always been close.

But now, in the second act of my life, my job is to focus on keeping my mother with me. My children will be her grandchildren and therefore a part of her. Nothing — not even another child named Lottie — can take that from me.

Katherine Austin-Evelyn is a New York-based philanthropic consultant. She is learning to navigate a world without her mother’s physical presence. She writes about her loss for her own therapeutic purposes and in the hopes that her experiences will help others feel less alone.

This piece originally appeared on Modern Loss. Rebecca Soffer explores these themes weekly—often with reader stories—in her Substack.

This article My Cousin Stole My Chance To Name My Baby After My Mom was originally published on HerAgenda.com

We all know how fast technology is advancing. Long gone are the days of rushing home to watch your favorite show at exactly 7 P.M on TV. Nowadays, it’s all on-demand entertainment, hyper-realistic video games, virtual reality goggles, and kids with iPads seemingly everywhere. More than ever before, parents are feeling that technology is creating a gap between them and their children. 42% of Millennial and Gen Z parents feel disconnected from their children due to technology, as kids spend an average of four hours of screen time every day.

That’s scary because these young years feel so meaningful in terms of bonding with your children. Of course, you want to work to limit your child’s screen time, teach them about the value of other activities such as board games, sports, crafts, and more. And yet, could a step away from seeing screens as the enemy and towards accepting them as a part of life be beneficial to the parent, child, screens, and triangle? 

Screen time is here to stay, so let’s look at ways to actually use it to connect with your kids.

Get Curious

Ask your kids about what they like to watch, listen to, and play on screens. Showing genuine interest is a great way to strengthen the parent-child bond. 

“It’s an important first step for families to have a language about their tech use at home that’s more descriptive,” said Jenny Radesky, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician. “It’s less full of value judgments or morality, and more just about, ‘What do you do online? What did you see that was toxic or wrong? What did you see that was inspirational or really funny?’”

This approach not only creates a connection between you and your child but also helps alleviate some of the fears you have around screen time by being more tapped into what your kids are actually doing online. 

Share Screen Time 

Switch some personal screen time for communal screen time. Watching a movie with your child or playing a virtual game together can be a great time for building common memories. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages families to watch content together rather than separately. Their research shows that “joint media consumption is associated with greater learning.” 

It seems simple, but any shared moment can add to your shared language as a family. That means inside jokes, discussions, and “You remember when’s that extend beyond the screen. Yes, all of this, just from getting cozy on the couch and watching something together. 

Think About Your Own Screen Time

Has your child ever told you, “But you’re always on your phone,” when you limit their screen time? Have you reacted by saying, “Right, but it’s for work?” While this may be true, it actually alienates your child and creates a hierarchy. Consider thinking about your own screen time and how it impacts your relationship to your child, not just the other way around.

“Parental screen time can reduce face-to-face interaction that is vital to children’s emotional and intellectual development,” said Dr. Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician at Children’s Medical Group in Atlanta. 

Additionally, studies show that “nurturing physical touch promotes healthy physiological development,” so consider that you and your child can have parallel screen time as well. Sit next to your child on the couch or anywhere as you do some work and they get some screen time. 

Breathe

When we think about what our kids might be watching, what’s good for their developing brains and what isn’t, what we should be doing as parents to mitigate this, it can get quite stressful. It’s important to take a breath and remember that just like anything in life, screentime is about moderation and ebb and flow. Have you ever felt guilty for letting your child watch a little more TV than they should because you needed a minute, or they had a lot of outdoor time that day? You’re not alone. In fact, 60% of parents report feeling guilty about their children’s screen time. 

It’s time to move away from guilt and towards finding an equilibrium. Getting involved in your child’s screentime, asking them questions, creating intentional common screentime moments, and simply cutting yourself a little slack can help the whole topic feel lighter and more enjoyable for the whole family. 

This article Screen Time Is Here To Stay: How To Use It To Connect With Your Kids was originally published on HerAgenda.com

When it comes to being an ambitious and professional woman, building a big life is possible, but it also comes with sacrifices. Working towards your professional goals will require missing a few birthdays and some holidays. However, having it all—a thriving career you can be proud of, getting married, and having children can all be a part of the big picture, with balance.

Oftentimes, it takes a while to reach career goals, whether you’re an entrepreneur or seeking to become a partner at a law firm. The years of the 30s can creep up quite fast, which can present added pressures to have babies without high risk. Yet again, it is all possible.

Create A Realistic Motherhood Plan

Take some time and write out what getting pregnant looks like for you in one to two years. Having it in black and white may spark a fire to prioritize more family time and the urge to expand your family. Remember, this plan is for you, not from the outside world telling you that you have so many years until you’re premenopausal.

Talking to your primary care doctor and OB-GYN can also provide you with a great source of information. Knowing what to expect, what works for you, and how you will have to alter your lifestyle will be proactive and beneficial methods when you decide to start your journey of motherhood.

Consider Freezing Your Eggs

This is a popular option that can “buy you some time” to decide when you’re ready to begin your pregnancy journey. This process can take away the anxiety and stress from reproducing while still sustaining your career and building the life you’ve always wanted.

According to Dr. Saira Jhutty, PhD, of Cofertility, Egg freezing can be emotionally complex. For some women, it brings a sense of relief by creating more perceived time and flexibility. For others, it introduces new layers of decision fatigue, financial stress, or emotional ambiguity. Both responses are valid, and neither says anything definitive about what you want or don’t want long-term.

Enlist A Surrogate 

For a busy professional woman, a surrogate can be a godsend. This isn’t taking the easy road out; it’s making your process align with your lifestyle. Life and work can be stressful, which isn’t good for pregnancy, so hiring someone who’s qualified to help bring a healthy baby along with your help and guidance, and reduce anxiety and demands that age presents.

According to Fertility Preservation, here are the essential areas to consider when choosing a Surrogate:

• Age
• Lifestyle
• Location
• Personality
• Health history
• Willingness to carry multiples
• Pregnancy and delivery history
• Previous experience with surrogacy
• Openness to high or low levels of contact
• Willingness to continue the relationship after delivering the child (if parents desire)

Evaluate If Kids Are Something You Really Want

Everyone doesn’t have to have children. If you are comfortable having a successful career or business and the freedom that comes with not having kids, don’t let society, family, or friends pressure you into something you don’t desire. The reality is, you’ll be up all night with a newborn while they’re sound asleep.

Walden University found that for many adults, a key benefit of not having kids is being able to invest more time and effort into their careers. In a Pew Research Center finding, 44% of child-free adults under 50 said their career success was easier to achieve without the responsibilities of parenting. Adults without children may have more flexibility to travel, work overtime, relocate for a current or new position, or assume additional short- or long-term responsibilities.

This article How To Navigate The Biological Clock While Building A Big Life was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Millennial women are defining their own paths, both professionally and personally. Instead of choosing traditional routes of marriage and motherhood, millennials are choosing careers over carriages. The focus is on success first, and children may be, after.

Her Agenda has gathered some key findings and reasoning behind the decline in the current birth rate. If you’re curious about the effects workplace pressures have on making major life decisions, keep reading.

What Is The ‘Motherhood Penalty’?

Many factors come into play for women when it comes to motherhood, as she is the one sacrificing so much from her body, emotions, work, and more.

According to Jasmine Escalera, Zety’s Career Expert, America’s declining birthrate is more than just a cultural shift; it’s a direct consequence of the “motherhood penalty” and corporate culture.

Zety Data states that 87% of mothers say they have missed out on promotions and growth opportunities due to becoming a parent, and 90% had to alter their career path. This is also known as the motherhood penalty, as women rightfully take maternity leave, their spots are often temporarily filled or replaced by someone else. This leads women to feel as if bearing a child is not a primary factor while they are chasing their goals and dreams. Thus, the decline of childbirth and the rise of millennial entrepreneurs and successful businesswomen.

Millennial Women Are Choosing To Have Fewer Or No Kids At All

The Zety Data also revealed that 84% of mothers felt like their pregnancy was viewed as an inconvenience at work, and 77% actually feared telling their boss or coworkers that they were pregnant. Entering the “Pregnancy Postpone Effect.”

The “pregnancy postone effect” evaluates the mother’s belief that having a child is a setback or disadvantage. As a result, millennial women prefer to postpone having children until they are settled into their careers and solidified. Although job security and negative reactions are still a heightened fear for many women, according to Zeta Data. 

Maternity Leave Expectations Are Shortening

The Zeta Data also highlights that 81% of mothers were asked to return to work early or adjust their maternity leave specifically for their employer’s benefit. The inconsiderate and unjust manner of the workplace can be brutal and selfish, prompting stress and anxiety at the worst time, during postpartum.

Ultimately, there aren’t many positive outcomes to having children if you’re looking to have an elevated career. Companies prioritize themselves and don’t allow mothers proper time to heal or bond with their babies.

According to Bonnie Marcus of Forbes, motherhood penalizes professional women in several ways. Not only does it negatively affect their income and leadership status, but it also influences their ability to get promoted and hired. They are often overlooked when it comes to career-advancing opportunities.

As a result, millennial career women are painting their paths in their 20s and 30s and choosing to have children or not in their late 30s or early 40s. This isn’t a negative note, as life’s essentials require more revenue, and stability comes with age and maturity.

Today’s Parent states that being an over-40 mom was considered unusual and even dangerous in the past, but today it’s more common and has fewer risks, thanks to medical advancements. A lot of parents wait to start a family once their careers are in focus, they’ve attained a certain level of financial stability, they’ve taken the time to find the right partner, or they’ve benefited from advancements in infertility treatments. Parenthood has become a personal choice based on circumstances, and not a deviation from a single “right” timeline.

This article Why More Women Are Delaying Motherhood To Establish Their Careers was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Lately, everything in the world feels heavy. It seems like we’re all consumed with doom scrolling, endless bad news, and nonstop chaos. It’s enough to make you wonder if there’s even room to romanticize life or find joy, even in the struggle.

Sometimes you just have to take a break to escape and recalibrate with a movie night. The following films feel like a breath of fresh air. They’re full of color, charm, and moments that remind you it’s OK to take risks, chase dreams, and fall in love with life again. From self-love marathons and snowed-in romances, to New York media adventures and cult-classic adventures, each story celebrates reinvention, boldness, and savoring life’s magic.

1. Falling for Figaro, Streaming on Apple TV 

Danielle Macdonald plays a woman who leaves a stable finance job to pursue her dreams of opera. The singing and lavish Scottish backdrop alone is enough to captivate, perfectly complementing the film’s charm, humor, and inspiring story of passion, courage, and self-discovery.

2. Finding Joy, Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Joy, the main character, navigates emotional crossroads and relationships and leans heavily into healing, faith, and new love. She does all of this within the stunning landscapes of Colorado. There’s also the almost-cliché yet irresistible allure of two people stuck in a snowed-out cabin, sparking romance and laughter.

3. The Forty-Year-Old Version, Streaming On Netflix

Radha Blank stars as a struggling playwright and educator nearing 40 who reinvents herself through hip-hop. She confronts artistic compromise and the dynamics of age-gap love amidst the vibrance pulse of Brooklyn, N.Y. Shot in black-and-white, the film gives a nod to Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have It” that adds a bit of gritty whimsy and comedy.

4. Brittany Runs A Marathon, Streaming On Amazon Prime Video 

Jillian Bell plays a heavy-partying New Yorker who begins running to improve her health. In the process she finds self-love beyond weight loss, shifts her perspective on what’s living well really looks like and enjoys the benefits of maturity during difficult times. 

5. Unthinkably Good Things, Streaming On Hallmark 

Three friends reunite in Italy, rediscovering love, purpose, and connection. There are elements of warm escapism and a focus on Black women in friendship, personal growth, and romantic renewal over a span of years in the U.S. and abroad.

6. B.A.P.S, Streaming On Starz 

This cult classic stars Halle Berry in a once-risky role, playing a ‘hood-fabulous woman traveling from Atlanta to Los Angeles with her best friend to find financial freedom. Enjoy the spectacular Black culture and style of the ‘90s, and the empowering themes of sisterhood and radical faith.

7. Mahogany, Streaming On Amazon Prime

Diana Ross shines as an aspiring fashion designer who rises to fame, from gritty beginnings in Chicago to glamorous runways in Italy. This classic combines flamboyance, with themes of ambition, love, and self-definition at a time when women’s rights were restricted.

8. Happiness Ever After, Streaming On Amazon Prime

Set in South Africa, where safari meets luxury, this film blends romance, art, and reinvention with its beautiful depictions of the nation, whimsical style of the characters and their homes, and all the themes of love, friendship, and resilience you need for a good watch.

9. The Perfect Find, Streaming On Netflix

Gabrielle Union plays a millennial media professional who risks her career and reputation for a secret romance with her boss’s son. From vivid magazine shoots and a nostalgic R&B soundtrack, to stylish modern-day pop-art offices, vibrant restaurants, and mid-century homes, the film captures the vibrancy, charm, and magnetic allure of life in media.

10. Sylvie’s Love, Streaming On Amazon Prime 

Tessa Thompson plays a young woman who embodies class, style, and privilege in 1960s New York City. A TV producer, she navigates love with a struggling jazz musician amid lush, nostalgic, and emotional historical-fiction storytelling.

This article 10 Women-Centered Films About New Beginnings And Romanticizing Life was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Every spring, many women feel a renewed urge to reset, but there’s also a pressure to figure things out. Research has shown that seasonal transitions can heighten stress around productivity, career direction, and personal goals. The whole concept of “springing forward” can prompt feelings of anxiety and dread, especially when you already feel burdened, burned out, or overwhelmed.

Well, it doesn’t have to be this way. The shift into spring offers a powerful window to realign habits, refocus priorities, and step into a more energized, intentional version of yourself both personally and professionally. Here’s how:

1. Get beyond spring cleaning and gather the girls for a seasonal life audit.

Instead of overwhelming yourself with drastic change, focus on small, aligned shifts that support your long-term vision. Grab a few friends or join a co-working or support group to support one another via your church, MeetUp platform, coffee-shop chitchats, or coworking spaces to evaluate your seasonal financial goals, your next career moves, and even your digital habits. What feels aligned? What feels draining? 

If you already feel stuck or get overwhelmed with strategizing about the future, tap into resources like thought-provoking journal prompts, AI platforms like Claude, or coaches with experience in career advancement, wellness, and financial planning. 

2. Reconnect with child-like joy via outdoor fitness, indoor introspection, and unapologetic fun.

Spring is one of the best times to take your fitness routine outside, and it’s increasingly popular as part of holistic wellness trends. Workouts like walking groups, hiking, and park yoga spike significantly in the spring months. 

The combination of sunlight, fresh air, and movement boosts serotonin levels, helping improve mood and mental clarity. After a more sedentary winter, your body naturally craves movement and renewal. Reunite with activities from your younger days like double-dutch, tennis, swimming, coloring, scrapbooking, or group dancing. Even if for 30 minutes to an hour a week, this can do wonders for your mental and physical health.

3. Plan a spring reset trip focused on wellness. 

Travel is one of the biggest spring trends right now, but not in the way it used to be. While there are major world events that impact travel affordability and perceptions of safety, when many of us do decide to travel, we’re choosing slower, more intentional trips (or “soft travel”) that prioritize mental clarity and restoration. Wellness travel and nature-based escapes are surging in 2026. 

If you’re not into flying out right now, try a nearby digital detox staycation, yoga retreat, or beach visit to disconnect and recalibrate. Spring months (outside of the Spring Break rush) is the perfect time for this because destinations are less crowded, it’s a shoulder season when many hotel and flight rates are cheaper, and the weather is mild.

4. Volunteer for a fun job that you’ve been curious about but hesitant to pursue.

Volunteering in a field you’ve been afraid to pursue is a fun, powerful, low-risk way to explore a new path. You can test drive something without fully committing your time or future income, especially if you’re pivoting into a totally different industry. Job sites often post volunteer opportunities for part-time roles, and there are platforms like Taproot and Idealist where you can find volunteer opportunities with reputable nonprofits and businesses. You can also tap into your network here or local small businesses who might need interns or volunteers to fill operational gaps.

5. Join social fitness apps and gamified challenges.

Apps like Strava and Apple Fitness+ are leaning into social and gamified experiences. Women are participating in spring challenges, sharing progress, and competing with friends. This trend combines community, accountability, and fun, taking your solo workouts up a notch into interactive experiences that feel more like a fun competition than a routine.

6. Add a bit of mystical, scientific, or astrological wonder to your weekend routines.

Look into centuries-old healing practices and tap into a bit of mysticism with modalities like sound baths and astrology. Stargazing will be the preferred way to meditate, and desert landscapes are where you’ll go to find your zen. Cultivating purpose is key to longevity, and you can hone new passions to seek out new ways of understanding yourself and the world at large. Use a stargazing app to learn something new about the planets and stars, or invest in a few fiction or nonfiction books that explore these topics.

7. Plan to attend a spring festival where you can mix business with pleasure.

From business conferences to festivals centered on nature, music, or advocacy, there are major events happening this spring across the nation. If you live in or near a major city, put at least one large- or small-scale event on your calendar between now and June, and commit to attending. It’ll help shake off the winter blues, allow you the chance to network, and awaken a few passions.

Spring isn’t about becoming a completely new person overnight. It’s about creating conditions where your best self can naturally emerge. By aligning your habits with the season’s energy, you can move into this next chapter feeling clearer, lighter, and more in control of your direction.

This article 7 Feel-Good Spring Activities To Transition Into A New Season was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Here at Her Agenda, we celebrate and support the ambitious woman. But our ambitions wouldn’t be possible without the incredible women who have come before us.

This Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting trailblazers who have paved the path forward, allowing us to dream bigger and bolder. 

1. Sojourner Truth

Although she was born enslaved to the name Isabella Bomfree in 1797, Sojourner Truth rose to be a fierce abolitionist and women’s rights activist. After experiencing a tumultuous youth, being enslaved, she eventually escaped in 1826 with her infant daughter, forcing her to leave her other children behind. Truth later sued for her five-year-old son’s freedom and won. Making her the first Black woman in US history to sue a white man and win.  She continued this advocacy, eventually giving her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech in 1851 that spoke about the exclusion of Black women in women’s rights spaces.

2. Ida B. Wells

Ida B. Wells was a pioneering journalist known for her work against lynching. Despite how difficult it was for women in the workplace at the time, she rose through the ranks and became a prominent editor for publications such as Memphis’ “The Evening Star,” “Free Speech,” “Headlight,” and owner of “Conservator.” Wells also started a number of organizations for Black women’s freedom, including the Alpha Suffrage Club, the League of Colored Women, and the National Association of Colored Women. A year before her death, she became the first Black woman in Illinois to run for state senate.

3. Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisolm was born and raised in Barbados, eventually making her way to Brooklyn, which became her home for the duration of her life. She became a nursery school teacher, and this led her to be very involved in the community, even joining the NAACP. In 1964, she was elected to the New York state legislature and served two terms. In 1968, she became the first Black woman ever elected to Congress and served seven terms, pushing for women’s rights, children, and education. In 1972, she also became the first Black woman to run for president and is known for her slogan “Unbought and Unbossed.” 

4. Addie Wyatt

Addie Wyatt was born in Mississippi, but she became a Chicagoan when her family moved during the great depression. She found work at a local factory applying to be a typist, but was denied and offered a position canning food because of segregation. After becoming outspoken at her job, she eventually became president of her local United Packinghouse Workers of America chapter, making her the first woman to do so. She eventually started working for the UPWA and helped to fight for equal pay for workers of all races and genders.  She continued this work by eventually founding the Coalition of Labor Union Women and the National Organization for Women. In 1975, alongside Representative Barbara Jordan, they became the first two Black women to be named Time Magazine’s woman of the year.

5. Kimberlé Crenshaw

Kimberlè Crenshaw began her career as a law professor at UCLA not long after graduating from Harvard Law School. Her work has helped form legal frameworks, including critical race theory. She also created the term “intersectionality,” referring to multiple prejudices happening simultaneously. Both of these ideas have helped shape programs and policies that have helped form more inclusive workplaces for women. She founded the African American Policy Forum, an organization dedicated to efforts that help to eradicate structural inequalities. In 2014, AAPF created #sayhername to lift the stories of black women killed by the police. 

This article 5 Women Who Paved The Way For The Modern Workplace was originally published on HerAgenda.com

World Bipolar Day derives from the mental illness bipolar disorder, which is a chronic mental health condition that involves a series of mood swings consisting of mania or depression. This global day is designed to bring awareness, encourage those living with the mental illness, educate people who aren’t aware or misguided, and shatter stigmas surrounding bipolar disorder.

It is important to shed light on the history of World Bipolar Day, the origins, the purpose, and what the day looks like going forward.

When Is World Bipolar Day?

World Bipolar Day is a day of recognition and awareness, observed annually on March 30th. The goal is to eliminate negative stigmas and discrimination, while educating and informing the masses about what bipolar disorder is and the conditions that are a part of it.

World Bipolar Day is also a day of celebration, victory, and resilience for the brave people who live with this particular mental illness. It’s important to highlight these individuals as they are often hidden in the shadows, made to feel shame, and are often misunderstood due to people’s lack of knowledge.

How Did World Bipolar Day Get Started?

World Bipolar Day began in 2014 through a collaboration between the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD), the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), and the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD). 

According to the IBPF, it was inaugurated on that date to coincide with the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as probably having bipolar disorder.

How Do People Celebrate World Bipolar Day?

World Bipolar Day is an opportunity to spread awareness, appreciation, and liberation. People celebrate in many ways, which makes the day special and meaningful.

A popular way that people celebrate is by utilizing online platforms to share stories and experiences. They also use hashtags like #WorldBipolarDay, #BipolarStrong, and #BipolarBubbles to drive traffic to the cause and highlight the day.

Bipolar Bubbles is a popular initiative that involves videos shared online that represent joy and recovery in the form of blowing bubbles. While others attend events that educate through webinars, art shows, fundraisers, bipolar walks, and so forth.

An imperative way to celebrate, especially for people who live with bipolar disorder, is practicing self-care. A great way to utilize World Bipolar Day is by focusing on yourself and happiness, and doing peaceful activities. Participants also enjoy wellness activities such as massages, meditation, and the creative arts, such as coloring, painting, crafting, and more.

What Can Be Learned From This Day?

Empathy and understanding are major lessons that can be taken away from World Bipolar Day. Oftentimes, it can be hard to connect with someone’s situation because you can’t relate, don’t have prior knowledge, or may have the wrong idea from someone else.

World Bipolar Day brings awareness to educate and inform those who aren’t familiar with bipolar disorder. This mental illness affects many, but many do not speak out.

Although bipolar disorder is a chronic brain disorder that affects the population, if the person is willing to seek help through a psychiatrist, medication, and a therapist, that person can still lead a positive, healthy, and fulfilling life.

Though medication helps, it is not a saving grace; a person has to force themselves 10 times more than the average person, which is why World Bipolar Day is a day of celebration.

The stigma that people with mental illnesses are dangerous, worthless, and incapable of anything is a myth and unfounded. Anyone living with this mental illness can do anything they desire; it will take determination and extreme will to push past the struggles that a mental illness brings, but it is possible.

This article The History And Global Significance Of World Bipolar Day  was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Modern, fast-paced hustle culture can quickly turn a fun hobby into stress. Consequently, a hobby that was once used to decompress and regulate your nervous system is now a burden or chore. Not to mention the constant rise in the cost of living. The pressure to turn a hobby into a side hustle can be stifling for creativity. Unfortunately, it feels like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Hobbies are often used as creative outlets, a way to bond with others, or simply to pass the time. It is often the case that a key element is overlooked, hobbies are necessary for your mental health, and achieving a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle.

According to a paper published in Taylor and Francis Online, a major repository for published, peer-reviewed research and journals, hobbies are a regular, ongoing activity that is undertaken for pleasure, in one’s own time, without professional or financial gain. The paper goes on to say, “There is a growing body of literature that highlights the positive effects of hobbies on health outcomes”. The research is showing that participating in a hobby reduces anxiety, depression, and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

How To Select The Best Hobby For You

Mental Health America, a non-profit focusing on mental health, shares, in a blog post, the top five research-backed hobbies for maintaining mental health:

• creating art
• reading
• writing
• making or listening to music
• gardening

The blog post continues to explain that mental health is deeply personal, so it is important to explore which hobbies best fit your unique needs and circumstances. Hobbies activate the parts of the brain that help us process emotions. Hobbies also create small wins and a sense of progress. Not only that, but hobbies help you bring your attention to the present and create meaning and identity. Hobbies help build connections and support other healthy routines like moving your body and spending time outside.

The Urge To Monetize Your Hobby

Individuals spending more time indulging in their hobbies typically result in increased skill. As skill level increases toward the road of mastery, so does the pressure to turn your hobby into a side hustle. The subtle nudges start off as back-handed compliments, “oh, you should sell these”, or “you should start a business”, and the classic, “who couldn’t use the extra money”.

An article in Vox, a media outlet, discusses how quickly people can and do monetize their hobbies. The article highlights the fact that monetizing your hobby can quickly start to feel like a job, which is counterproductive.

Finding Balance

Setting boundaries should be a high priority to prevent burnout and exhaustion. Participating in a hobby without the pressure to earn money can be the standard. Building an identity outside the societal pressures of always producing is beneficial for both your mental and physical health. An article in Fast Company, a media outlet, highlights that the pressure to earn money and build a personal brand are at every corner. It is now the expectation that everyone has multiple streams of income and taps their new skills on social media.

A Well-Rounded Lifestyle

Overall, there is no need to abandon your side hustles or neglect your passion projects. The goal is to spread awareness. Your quality of life can increase with the simple lifestyle change of adding a hobby to your routine. It is important to remember that it is okay to enjoy activities that don’t involve compensation or a monetary reward. This is permission to find a hobby you enjoy and ditch the pressures of trying to turn every activity into a stream of income.

This article The Importance Of Finding A Hobby That Does Not Make You Money was originally published on HerAgenda.com

There’s a myth that long-distance relationships never work. For this reason, many people don’t give long distances a chance and can miss out on a great opportunity to meet a quality person. What people fail to realize is that long distance doesn’t have to be forever.

Sustaining a long-distance relationship takes work, as do all meaningful relationships. Everyone involved must be dedicated to making time for each other, dedicating time, and reassuring each other that they are fully invested. 

If you’ve ever been curious about trying a long-distance relationship, or know someone in a long-distance relationship, you will enjoy this read. Below, Her Agenda has gathered a few key tips to keep a long-distance relationship in good standing.

1. Communicate Often

Since the luxury of physically being together every day isn’t feasible, communication is vital. Having constant banter is number one when it comes to a long-distance relationship. You all don’t have to talk all day, but checking in throughout the day, simply to let your partner know you’re okay and thinking of them, goes a long way.

P.S. Take advantage of FaceTime by getting creative and spicy with live video phone intimacy. It is important to diversify your communication and talk about connecting on a different level.

2. Frequent Visits Keep The Spark Alive

Physical connection is necessary in all relationships, so driving or flying to see your partner should be a priority for both parties. You both must be willing to make sacrifices, spend money on flights, and take the initiative to visit as much as possible. Talking every day is great, but there’s nothing quite like seeing your person in real life.

According to Bellevue Christian Counseling, physical touch makes a huge difference. We are embodied beings and have the ability to do simple things like squeeze a hand or give a hug. Without the gift of touch, the physical isolation of a long-distance relationship can easily turn into emotional isolation.

3. Mutual Respect Works Both Ways

Mutual respect starts with never doing something you wouldn’t do in front of your partner. This means you always have the best interests of yourself and your partner in your mind as you maneuver separately in life. Feel free to discuss what respect looks like from both perspectives, so there is no grey area.

4. Earned Trust Creates A Solid Bond

A bond is created when someone feels safe, and that starts with trust. However, with a long-distance relationship, everything begins and ends with communication. Establishing a solid foundation, being open and vulnerable, and answering questions are the gateway to earned trust. Once the bond is set, trust is earned, and once there’s trust, nothing can stop the love that’s to come.

According to Verily, when you enter into the trust phase, your partner is someone you accept and depend on, and it was earned through all the hard work you put in during the communication-centered phase. This faith in one another, however, isn’t passive. It’s a daily commitment to fight for each other, for time together, and forgiveness when that time isn’t met. 

A Defined End Date To The Distance

As stated above, a long-distance relationship doesn’t have to be forever; setting an end date can be used as a form of relief as well as a goal to work toward. Making a definite date to be in the same city, and possibly living together, means the relationship is moving in the right direction. Whether both parties are making a sacrifice to move or simply moving from a one-bedroom apartment to another, everyone must be fully invested.

According to Lasting, if you’re in a relationship with the person you want to spend your life with, at some point you’ll need to craft a plan to join your worlds together.

Whether this involves a wedding, an engagement, a job change, or a relocation, be sure your plan considers the right next step at the right time for both people.

Having the hope of being together long term can help you ride out the toughest days of being apart from one another. That little bit of hope can go a long way toward making the one you love seem not quite so far away.

This article How To Maintain A Long Distance Relationship As A Busy Career Woman  was originally published on HerAgenda.com

College decisions are right around the corner and if you have a teenager eagerly awaiting a response from their top choice, you’re probably feeling the pressure. About 60% of teens say it’s extremely or very important for them to graduate from college. That points to them putting a lot of pressure on themselves. 

Waiting for college decisions can make both teens and parents feel anxious. So let’s anchor ourselves in some facts because getting away from the myth of “this decision defines everything” can alleviate some stress. 62.8% of U.S. High School graduates enroll in college after graduating, which means over a third do not go directly to college and about 90% of those who do take a gap year return to college after a year.

College education is incredibly important, no doubt there, and there are other paths, especially today. The modern job market makes space for all types of career pathways, from traditional corporate settings to freelancing to creative endeavors. That’s why today, 60.7% of the U.S. labor force does not hold a four-year college degree. It’s no longer “impossible” to be successful the untraditional way, as 40% of workers without bachelor’s degrees, across 20 industries, earn six figures. 

This limbo time between high school and college is perfect for discussing career life as a whole and empowering your teenagers about their futures. 

The First Path Isn’t The Only Path

First, let’s contextualize. Yes, college is super important, but your first path doesn’t need to be your only path. Life is long, and in today’s world, there are so many ways to become successful. From being a creative to being a freelancer to being an academic. The current work landscape is defined by poly-workers, meaning many of us don’t just have one, but multiple careers, income sources, and more. 

“You have to optimise your career for flexibility, not a single profession,” said Vinod Khosla, venture capitalist and founder, “That’s the most important advice because you don’t know what will be around.”

Sharing Is Empowerment

To help your teenager make sense of the expansive nature of what is possible for them career wise, it can help for you to tell them about your own journey. So share your own career path, your successes, trials, errors, and lessons. Show your kids that career, like anything else in life, isn’t always linear. There is time to figure things out. 

These conversations do more than just inform, they expand what your teen believes is possible. When young people are exposed to real-life experiences, especially the pivots and uncertainties, they begin to understand that there is no single “right” way to build a life.

Support Is Guidance

Let them know that you will always be there to support and guide them. That means helping them find the balance between doing what they want, understanding what they can reasonably do and expect, and how to ensure they are fulfilled while developing financial independence. Dreams are valuable and help foster drive but it’s crucial to maintain a balance rooted in learning how to support oneself financially. 

In order to help your teens be more receptive to advice, make sure you are actively listening to them first. “It’s extremely difficult for most teenagers (or adults, for that matter) to be open to advice until they feel that they’ve been heard out,” said Lisa Damour, adolescent psychologist.  

Encourage Exploration, Not Perfection

Instead of focusing on choosing the “perfect” path, encourage your teen to stay curious. Ask them what excites them, what they enjoy learning about. Go beyond what they see as the perfect job and encourage them to envision the kind of life they want. 

Exploration can take many forms: internships, part-time jobs, creative projects, a gap year spent travelling, the list goes on and on. Teens need to try to learn what attracts them, what is made for me, and what they could take or leave.

Remind them that the goal isn’t to have everything figured out right away, but to stay open, engaged, and willing to grow.

“Becoming is better than being,” said psychologist Carol Dweck, “The fixed mindset does not allow people the luxury of becoming. They have to already be.”

As a parent you want your children to grow into well adjusted adults and that extends beyond simply finding the “right” or the “perfect” career path. You want to support them in mapping out a future that feels like theirs rather than a cookie-cutter one. Remember to always lead with openness, honesty, and support. 

This article How To Empower Your Teen To Choose Their Own Path After High School was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Black Marriage Day, celebrated this year on March 22, honors the beauty, commitment, and resilience of Black love. Nisa Muhammad, a scholar and associate dean of Religious Life at Howard University, initiated the commemoration in 2003 to highlight the importance of healthy marriages within the Black community and encourage couples to celebrate unity, legacy, and partnership together. 

“I’ve met thousands of wonderful couples around the country that defy the stereotype of marriage being weak or unstable in the Black community,” Muhammad told Essence in a 2020 interview. “I see marriage evolving to be stronger, healthier, and having more support for couples that want a lasting marriage.”

If you’re looking to connect with your partner for this special day, here are five unique date-night ideas rooted in community, centering Black culture, and celebrating the power of partnership.

A Luxury Stay At A Black-Owned Hotel

For couples wanting to celebrate Black love with elegance, book a night at a Black-owned boutique hotel or luxury bed-and-breakfast. Start with a chef-prepared dinner, a champagne toast, and a private suite designed for relaxation and romance. There are several to choose from across the country, including Salamander Resort & Spa in Virginia, The Ivy Hotel in Maryland, and the Akwaaba Mansion Bed & Breakfast in New York, or The Good House Hotel & Spa in California. If you live in Florida, California, Texas, or Arizona, book a quick trip to the Romarley Beach House in Mexico, Couples Swept Away in Jamaica, or the Osprey in the Bahamas. 

Movie Night Under The Stars

A cultural movie night can be simple but deeply meaningful. Create a backyard or rooftop cinema with a projector and wall or screen, or stop into a drive-thru or other outdoor cinema dining experience. Stream a rom-com from your first date, a Black love classic like “Love Jones,” “Claudine,” or “Mahogany,” or a newer film that you’ve been meaning to see but hadn’t had the time.

Pair the movie with snacks, mocktails, or wine from a Black-owned brand. This kind of date night celebrates culture through storytelling while creating space to laugh, reflect, and appreciate the stories that mirror real-life relationships.

A Black Art Gallery Date And Late-Night Dessert

Spend the evening exploring a gallery that highlights Black artists, photographers, or sculptors, whether at a museum or gallery. Many cities host evening art walks or gallery nights, which provide the perfect atmosphere for conversation and inspiration.

If inclined, invest in a piece that both of you are inspired by and can enjoy displayed in your home. Afterward, head to a Black-owned dessert café or bakery for late-night sweets. Over slices of pound cake or gourmet cupcakes, talk about the pieces that moved you the most.

Art-centered dates are powerful because creativity often reflects identity, history, and emotion—all elements that shape a healthy marriage over time.

A Love Letter And Legacy Night

Not every memorable date requires spending money. One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate your union is through intentional reflection. Set the mood with candles, soft music by your favorite artists, and handwritten love letters. Each partner can write a letter about what they appreciate most in the other and their hopes for the future. If the words don’t come easily, try a few journal prompts or a couples game to get the expressive juices flowing.

You can also create a “legacy jar” and fill it with shared dreams, goals, and affirmations for the next year of marriage. It’s an intimate moment that strengthens emotional connection while honoring the tradition of Black families building strong foundations for generations.

A Sensual Private Experience For Connection

For couples wanting to tap into physical connection, try learning Konpa, an intimate dance rooted in Haitian culture that infuses sultry moves to the pulsing rhythms of the Caribbean nation. If dancing is not quite your thing, set up a body painting experience at home a la Tyler Perry’s “Mea Culpa,” and let the night flow the way it may. Other options: Book a Tantric couple’s massage or yoga session at a practice or spa near you, or schedule a couple’s boudoir photo shoot.

Black Marriage Day is a reminder that Black love deserves celebration, visibility, and care. It’s also a reminder to continue celebrating love on any day and to make the effort to continue connecting through transitions, shifts, pivots, valleys, and elevations. 

This article Date Night, But Make It Cultural: How Black Couples Are Celebrating Black Marriage Day was originally published on HerAgenda.com

It’s been said that a shift in energy can change the atmosphere, and this rings true to many things and spaces. Feng Shui is a 3,000-year-old philosophy that’s primary intent is to balance the flow of energy through furniture and positioning, to establish positive mental and emotional health, as well as good fortune.

When designing a home office, it should be a place of inspiration, motivation, and excitement.  An office you love to go to will certainly heighten your creativity and bring out your best work. However, if you’re not sure where to start, Her Agenda has gathered a starter pack to get your creative wheels turning.

Pick The Room With The Best Lighting

Finding the best room is the most essential element of all when it comes to designing your ideal home office. If you’re in a dark, cold basement, your creativity may not be as grand as it could be. Try finding a space that allows room to welcome the sun and offer creative freedom. Not to mention that natural lighting is healthier lighting.

According to PacLights, the correlation between lighting and productivity has been the subject of considerable research. Natural light, for instance, has been shown to boost alertness and improve mood, thereby enhancing cognitive functions. Many studies indicate that exposure to natural light helps in the regulation of circadian rhythms, which in turn can lead to better sleep and improved focus.

Let The Colors Do The Talking

Sometimes colors invite you in before a person does; Understanding the psychology of color means you know how colors create reactions.  If you’re looking for a zen vibe, try blues and greens. But if you’re looking to boost those creative juices, go for more vibrant colors like reds and oranges that are energy boosters and are known to inspire and motivate.

Since this is your home office, you have free rein to experiment with furniture styles, create accent walls, find statement pieces that speak to you, and add comforting whatnots like candles, plaques, art, and endless options.

Incorporate Who You Love

What’s a workspace without the ones you love? Every artist has a muse. Do your friends and family bring out the best in you? You can make a collage, frame pictures, or get a digital photo frame of your friends and family to sit on your desk. Sometimes, having that reminder that you are loved is all you need to power on your creativity.

Although you’re already home, making a small section/space for your loved ones can spark a memory and encourage you to write a chapter for your book, create a new painting, find a new creative approach to market your product, or promote a new business venture.

Make An Affirmation Wall

Affirmations are a great way to spark creativity and boost confident and low or slow days. Every day won’t be filled with inspiration and ideas, so creating an affirmation wall will work as a reminder that you are capable when you don’t feel or believe that you are, and that you can accomplish your goals. When creating this wall, you have creative freedom to pull quotes, pictures, poems, notes, letters from friends and family supporting you, and anything positive that drives you to operate as your best self.

According to HealthyPlace, what better way to create positive images in the brain than to fill your home with positive words and images? Positivity walls are particularly effective because they help you visualize goals that are deeply personal. Over time, you will learn what words and images build you up and make you feel that you’re ready to take on the world.

This article How To Design A Home Office That Fuels Your Creativity was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Balancing work and home life can feel like a juggling act that may not always flow. Many career women find themselves missing out on family birthdays, holidays, and important life events due to their drive, ambitions, and will to accomplish their goals. However, experiencing loss is inevitable, and when it happens, it puts a lot of things into perspective.

If you’re a millennial woman looking to find ways to navigate the loss of a loved one while still pursuing your dreams, Her Agenda has gathered some insight that may help.

Allow Yourself Time To Grieve

Although work can be a great distraction, it won’t take away the loss of a loved one, and the pain you may feel. By allowing yourself to be still and sit in the realization that you’ll no longer see that family member, you’re allowing yourself to let go of that person and what they meant to you. This doesn’t mean you forget about them, but you continue life and learn to live without them.

According to NBC News, for our own health, we shouldn’t stop or delay grieving. We have to go through it, and while we can’t control it all, we can take measures to make it manageable while we’re maintaining other obligations.

Don’t Feel Guilty For Being Career Driven

Guilt can be overwhelming when death is involved. Don’t allow guilt to rear its ugly head and make you feel worse because you weren’t around as much as you would like. No one ever said chasing dreams would be easy. As a career woman, you have to sacrifice time often, and most times your family suffers, but that doesn’t make you a bad person for going after your goals.

Help Guide says, don’t judge yourself, think that you should be behaving in a different way, or try to impose a timetable on your grief. Grieving someone’s death takes time. For some people, that time is measured in weeks or months, for others it’s in years.

Lean On Your Village

According to Help Guide, when you lose someone you love, it’s normal to want to cut yourself off from others and retreat into your shell. But this is no time to be alone. Even when you don’t feel able to talk about your loss, simply being around other people who care about you can provide comfort and help ease the burden of bereavement.

Call on your “true blues” since diapers, your high school and college friends, co-workers that have become friends, and your peers that understand completely how you feel. Career woman to career woman is unmatched when it comes to the fast-paced lifestyle, always on the go, never enough hours in a day, getting home late just to come back to the office three to four hours later. Enlist people who know and love you to help you through this trying time.

Prioritize Time For Family Every Week

Death will force you to change your perspective on life. Losing a loved one simply makes you aware that you have to cherish the short time we have here. No matter how busy you may be, arrange time in your schedule to make a brief call to your parents, elderly family members, nieces and nephews, and so forth during the week. That short call could change the entire trajectory of someone’s day– even yours.

Indeed states, establishing your core values means identifying what’s important in your life. When you understand what you want and enjoy the most, you might find it easier to balance your work and family life. Consider reviewing each aspect of your life and seeing if it contributes to your mission.

This article How To Navigate The Loss Of A Loved One As A Career Woman was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Stubborn. That is the trait that bobsled Olympian Elana Meyers Taylor attributes to her first gold medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy.

“If you’re stubborn and do something for twenty years, it will work out,” the Atlanta native told 11Alive in an interview at the Games recapping her placements at the monobob and two-woman bobsled races at the Games.

“It definitely was stubbornness at times. It was definitely determination,” Meyers Taylor told CBS News.

The win was not only personal for the five-time Olympian, but it was historic. Meyers Taylor is the oldest gold medal winner in the Winter Olympic record. She won by 400th of a second, which some believe to be the narrowest win in the sport. At the two-woman bobsled event, Meyers Taylor and teammate Jadin O’Brien placed 7th.

Motherhood As An Athlete

For viewers, however, the heart-tugging moments in Meyers Taylor’s success at the Olympic Bobsled competition were when she hugged her nanny immediately following her victory, and signed “Mommy won” in American Sign Language to her deaf sons: Nico, 5, and Noah, 3.

The joyful, tear-filled cameo spurred a wave of reaction from fans and parents of children who have Down Syndrome, a condition Nico was diagnosed with. They expressed how meaningful it was to watch her tell her kids in ASL that she won and detailed how they related to the subtle moment of Nico not wearing shoes, a trait some parents of kids with Down Syndrome navigate themselves, she said in the CBS interview.

Balancing motherhood and her athletic career, however, required a support system for Meyers Taylor.

Nannies, her spouse, family members, and friends have encouraged her, supported her, and made the win possible.

Meyers Taylor married fellow bobsled Olympian Nic Taylor in 2014. Following the birth of their children, Meyers Taylor began advocacy work for the disabled and deaf communities. Her areas of focus in her advocacy include accessibility, inclusion, and access to resources for families with kids belonging to either community.

She has worked with organizations such as the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, according to press releases from the respective organizations.

Where It All Started

In 2010, Meyers Taylor made her Olympic Games debut in Vancouver, where she won bronze, according to the Team USA website.

She would go on to compete in every Winter Olympic Games since then, which occur every four years. Each time, taking home at least one medal. At the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing, she earned two medals: Silver for monobob and Bronze for the main event in her sport, according to Team USA. Here, she set the record for most medals by any black athlete in Winter Olympic history, a title she still holds.

In 2007, she began her competition journey as a bobsledder and made the Team USA national team as a rookie. Her athleticism and tether to the Olympic Games, however, started early. Before excelling as an athlete in college, she held the torch as a child in the 1996 Olympics.

Meyers Taylor’s bobsledding success transcends the quadrennial Games. She has won several monobob and multi-competitor bobsledding competitions at the IBSF World Cup, IBSF World Championships, Pan American Championships, and mixed-gender competitions in the off-season Olympic cameos. This gold medal win, however, leaves room for Meyers Taylor to defend her success through more competition and retiring her bobsled.

“Now that I actually have a gold medal, I don’t feel the need to go get it anymore,” Meyers Taylor told CBS News. “Now if I wanna keep going, it’s truly because I wanna keep going.”

This article Elana Meyers Taylor Wins Gold: A Look At Her 2026 Winter Olympics Win was originally published on HerAgenda.com

As American activist and humanitarian Rosalynn Carter famously said, “There are only four kinds of people… those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”

However, due to the caregiving cliff, caregivers face some of the most significant barriers that have become invisible in the economy and culture. These challenges are intensified by the impact that the lack of funding and federal support has on those who serve as caregivers.

Caregivers have become the silent backbone of today’s society, supporting children, aging parents, and chronically ill loved ones. Most people do not plan to be a caregiver; it chooses them.

According to AARP, caregiving is a full-time job: Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers report providing 40+ hours of care per week. One-third have been caregiving for five years or more. Nearly half of caregivers experienced at least one major financial impact, such as taking on debt, stopping savings, or being unable to afford food. 

The Financial Strain On Caregivers

One of the significant barriers caregivers face is the financial strain. Many caregivers reduce work hours, take unpaid leave, or leave the workforce entirely to meet caregiving demands. This loss of income is often paired with increased out-of-pocket costs for medical care, transportation, accommodation, equipment, and basic living expenses, which is a major cause behind a workplace exodus. 

A workplace exodus is when a large number of employees leave the workforce within a relatively short period of time, not because of layoffs, but due to systemic pressures that make staying unacceptable. 42% of women are leaving the workforce due to a lack of caregiver support.

For many caregivers, continuing to work becomes economically strained or physically impossible, so people stop working, not by choice, but by necessity.

With the uncertainty of the economy, caregivers are being pushed into financial strain. Not to mention the effects of long-term caregiving can also reduce lifetime earnings, retirement savings, and Social Security benefits, creating lifelong economic consequences.

There are still employers that lack adequate paid family leave, flexible scheduling, or remote work options. Federal protections such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) are limited: leave is unpaid, and eligibility requirements exclude many workers.

In a tight employment market, employers that offer less flexibility risk losing working caregivers, according to a Catalyst report from HR BREW.

Also, of the women who voluntarily left their jobs over the past year, 37% said that their employers did not offer flexible work schedules.

The Mental and Physical Strain on Caregivers

Caregivers also face emotional, physical, and mental health challenges. The constant responsibility of caregiving, especially for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia, severe disabilities, or complex medical needs, can lead to chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Social isolation is common, as caregivers may have little time or energy to maintain relationships or engage in self-care. 

Data from AARP cites that nearly half of caregivers experienced at least one major financial impact, such as taking on debt, stopping savings, or being unable to afford food. 

The lack of sufficient federal funding and support systems significantly worsens these barriers. Public programs such as Medicaid-funded home and community-based services are underfunded and can vary by state, leading to long waitlists and inconsistent access to care. Many caregivers step in because formal services are unavailable, not affordable, or inadequate. Without federal investment in caregiving resources such as paid family leave, caregiver tax credits, respite care funding, and standardized training, caregivers are left to absorb the costs that society avoids.

Additionally, caregivers are struggling with navigation and policies. Managing benefits, insurance, medical systems, and legal requirements can feel like a full-time job in itself. The lack of a centralized, caregiver-focused support system means individuals must advocate constantly, often without guidance or expertise, while already overwhelmed.

Not only is the current workplace exodus a warning sign. It is proving to us that people aren’t opting out of work; they’re being pushed out by systems that no longer support the realities of today’s society.

This article The Caregiving Cliff: How The 2026 Lack of Federal Support Is Forcing A Workforce Exodus was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Most holidays can be stressful, the prep, the anticipation, and the people. Valentine’s Day is no different, but the imposed altitude of having a ‘person’ is especially magnified on this day. This could make this holiday extremely sorrowful for singles, but it doesn’t have to be.

In life, taking back your power is one of the most liberating and fulfilling things you can do. Instead of being sad that you’re single, Her Agenda has gathered a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing to ensure that you feel loved, even after Valentine’s Day. No date? No problem, show yourself love, that’s the foundation afterall.

Date Yourself

Valentine’s Day may be busy, but planning a date for one can make it easier to make reservations at your favorite restaurant, or if you’d rather stray away from crowds, finding a nice, low-key cafe or speakeasy can be most satisfying. The goal is to discover yourself, what you do and don’t like, how you want to be treated, and so forth.

Dating yourself means you’re treating yourself well, doing things you enjoy, and forgetting about the world. Focus on loving who you are at this moment, and celebrate it. Love will come, but if you love yourself, it will reciprocate properly in time.

Have A Spa Day

Who doesn’t love a spa day? Take the day to pamper yourself and enjoy just being still. Get a massage, facial, and partake in the sauna, jacuzzi, and whatever else is available. Today is about you, splurge a little, you deserve it.

You can find discounted spas on Groupon to save money. A good time doesn’t have to break the bank. Today is about you showing love to yourself; don’t place a limit on that expression.

Reacclimate With An Old Hobby

Doing hobbies is so nostalgic; it reminds you of the last time you did it and the endorphins that ensued afterward. When’s the last time you enjoyed a pastime that brought you complete joy? Tap into your happiness this Valentine’s Day and feel your heart swell with gratitude.

Whether it’s as simple as reading a book, cleaning, going to a sip-n-paint, bowling, people watching, or going to the movies, do it! Whatever you want, whatever makes you happy, is what today’s focus is on.

Sleep In

What a gift it is to be able to sleep in. Crazy that we fought so hard against naps as toddlers. If you’re busy and always on the go, being able to sleep in feels like a luxury; So take this time to fully enjoy it, because when will you get this opportunity again?

Plan ahead to get an ample amount of sleep. Take a nice, long bath, incorporating lavender, eucalyptus, and relaxing scents that will calm your nervous system and help prepare your body for a night of rest. And even if you awake at your normal early hour, lie back down; it’s your day to rest.

Valentine’s Day is truly what you make and is highly based on interpretation. Singles should rejoice that they aren’t in relationships, wishing they were single, in domestically abusive relationships, and worse. You can take this day as a means of reflection to look at the positives in your life and enjoy your solitude. You are free to be. You are able to do what you want and live as you please; tap into that power.

If you’re a millennial career woman, write a pros and cons list over your life, and celebrate that list of accomplishments and the love you have from family, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances. You are full of life, you are healthy, you are here. Enjoy this day of love and love yourself properly.

This article 4 Ways To Show Yourself Love After Valentine’s Day was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Long gone are the days of traditional concepts of relationships; millennial women are defining their standards on their own terms in both the professional and personal realms. Instead of feeding into societal norms that present unrealistic expectations, millennial women are reshaping what it means to live by their means.

Marriage, a house, and a baby carriage, in that order, is no longer the standard that millennial women subscribe to. Unlike their predecessors, the idea of marriage isn’t a priority or ultimate goal. In many ways, buying a home with a partner presents a commitment equivalent to marriage, as the arrangement is on paper.

The Major Reasons Millennial Women Opt For Buying A House With A Partner

With the economy and inflation living together with a partner makes perfect sense; from the likes of rent, groceries, gas, and pretty much everything else you need to survive being spiked in price, having someone to lessen the load could be considered a godsend. Buying a home takes away the stress of increased rent every year and moving; additionally, purchasing a home is a big move, and having something you own, with a partner, is a commitment and a symbol of intention for longevity.

According to Fortune, in October 2023, mortgage rates peaked at 8%, a two-decade high, and have since dropped to 6.34%. Elevated home prices across the U.S., along with consumer challenges associated with an inflationary period, have made homeownership the least accessible it’s been in decades, particularly for younger generations. Home prices are up about 50% in the past five years, according to the Case-Shiller Home Price Index.

The Risk Of Buying A House Before Spouse

Though buying a home with a partner before marriage for millennial women doesn’t seem like a big deal, legally, it can be a risk. According to Business Insider, if the relationship ends, there could be mortgage and legal fees involved with taking a person off the mortgage or home deed. And ultimately, if the home is sold, the pair would split the loss.

As an alternative, Spokane Journal suggests is to create a legal entity, such as an LLC, to hold the property and in which both individuals are members. But don’t forget to draft an operating agreement, too, which would head off issues in case of a breakup.

Why Millennial Women Aren’t Rushing Towards Marriage

According to Thought Catalog, millennials, generally speaking, are turned off by the idea of divorce. Some Generation Y individuals grew up in single-parent homes or juggled the balance of living between divorced parents. The economic, emotional, and relational implications of divorce are enough to make millennials want to find that sense of certainty before walking down the aisle. If that means taking 10 more years to find it, then so be it.

Another factor that millennial women have is education. Higher education brings enlightenment, empowerment, and engagement. These essentials allow for a wider perspective and opportunities professionally that can shape one’s thoughts on marriage. So instead of getting married and being a stay-at-home wife building a family (which is perfectly fine), driven millennial women would rather build an empire.

Ultimately, millennial women are paving their own way, despite the baby boomer footsteps that came before. By creating a new path, they are adapting to circumstances that generations before didn’t have to. Though some millennials do still hang onto traditional values, they are reshaping what their lives could be and look like. This is a testament to millennials as a generation, as professionally, millennial women have created their own lanes as entrepreneurs, proving that they can be bosses and live the lives they desire.

This article House Before Spouse: How Millennial Women Are Reshaping Traditional Values was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Keanna Sanders has always had a passion for childcare. Inspired by her grandmother, Keanna has begun to build an empire that caters to working mothers, giving them the support that they need. A pillar of the Maryland community, Keanna’s Sanbridge Early Learning Centers offer unorthodox hours, with one center being open 24 hours, while her other locations are open until midnight. The mother of two is dedicated to breaking barriers within childcare and has recently opened complementary slots at her center for toddlers aged three to four. The spots are for income-based families and are available from now through June 30, 2026, with enrollment resuming in September 2026. This opportunity will allow working mothers to have reliable, quality care while they strive towards bettering their careers or pursuing higher education. Keanna spoke with Her Agenda on her passion for childcare, plans to expand, and Sanbridge’s impact on the community.

Her Agenda: What led you to start the Sanbridge Early Learning Center? 

Keanna Sanders: I was led to start the Sanbridge Early Center because I was brought up in child care. My grandmother was an in-home provider, and I was always around children. She inspired me to start a childcare facility. I have been working with children since I was in high school, and then also during my college breaks as well. So, just the love of being around children and helping children inspired me to start my childcare facility. 

Her Agenda: What continues to drive your passion for childcare?

Keanna Sanders:  What drives me is being able to see the children learning daily and being able to help families in the community. My centers do a lot of community engagement festivals and activities. I love being able to offer the services that children need and see their growth in cognitive development and social-emotional development as well. I also love being able to be a pillar of the community. Helping families have the assistance they need with children, and if the children have any type of issues, such as behavior issues or speech impediments, and being able to offer different services that refer children who are struggling with any type of educational delays. That actually inspires me and helps me as well.

Her Agenda: What services does Sanbridge offer to children?

Keanna Sanders: One of my centers is open 24 hours. The other centers are open from 6 a.m. to midnight. We’re able to offer non-traditional childcare services, meaning that families that don’t work a traditional 9 to 5 schedule will be able to have childcare services after doing extended hours. We also offer educational services where the children can learn the curriculum that we teach, which is Frog Street Curriculum, and be able to help our pre-K program and three and four-year-olds get readily available for elementary school throughout Maryland State Department of Education grant.

Her Agenda: You’ve opened up complimentary slots at Sanbridge for this year. What made you make that decision, and how will this help support working mothers?

Keanna Sanders: We opened up complimentary slots because, as I stated, we get the pre-K expansion grant and also the Blueprint grant, which is a grant from the Maryland State Department of Education. and it allows three and four-year-olds to come to my facility tuition-free. The money is paid through the state of Maryland, and it allows for three and four-year-olds to be readily available for tuition for elementary school. We hire public school teachers to actually come into the facility and teach children based on the curriculum that we use, which is Frog Street, or a curriculum that would match the public school systems.

Her Agenda: When did you see a need to create the Sanbridge Early Learning Center in your community?

Keanna Sanders: Well, we had a lot of single parents actually just growing up, the need has always been there, even for me, working in the child care industry for over 20 years, and also being under my grandmother. She was a family provider. She was always watching a lot of children over in the evenings, after five o’clock, which inspired me to open up a non-traditional childcare facility. So many moms work second jobs, or work late, and it’s a lot of single-family households. Being able to have a provider like me to provide those services has always been a blessing. Some people don’t have the resources they need; they might not have a grandmother or a family member to watch their children, so with me being able to offer those services, it has definitely been a help in the community. It has helped single moms economically because they’re able to pick up extra shifts or they’re able to work additional hours and bring more money into their household to be able to take care of their families.

Her Agenda: What are the eligibility guidelines for these families to qualify for the slots?

Keanna Sanders:  Well, for the size, I do know the child has to be three years old, before September 1st of 2022, in order to be eligible. You have to meet a certain income requirement. You have to have a copy of your child’s birth certificate, and you have to submit pay stubs stating that you meet the income requirement. Now, if you have a child or a family that’s going through some type of economic challenges and is homeless, you automatically qualify to be able to receive deferred services. If you might be unemployed at the time, you automatically receive the services as well.

Her Agenda: How important would you say expanding child care through June 2026 is? 

Keanna Sanders: It’s very important, especially with the things that we are facing today. You have a lot of single moms who need it. We also went through the furlough situation with the government, and people needed the services then. I would say that it’s definitely needed in order for our children to be able to receive the education that they need and be ready to go into elementary school. Starting at that early age is definitely needed in a community because we’re able to give them the resources that they need. It’s similar to the Head Start programs that get children ready to go into elementary school. I do know that this is something that the community has been grateful for and has really thanked my center for. It’s great seeing a difference in the children’s learning curve and where they once were to where they are now. From an educational perspective, it’s needed. Then, from a parenting perspective, for people who have busy work schedules or just need to extend their hours, it has been a help.

Her Agenda: What testimonials have you been given from either a single mother or a student who has come to your center?

Keanna Sanders: Well, we’ve gotten wonderful testimonies. We’ve had children whose parents say that they didn’t know their ABCs or couldn’t pronounce words. Parents had seen a difference and came to the center and thanked us for our services. Children can recognize their colors and are able to have the social skills, which are very important with other children. I always believe that when you put children in an environment that is similar to their own, they excel a lot faster and better because they’re around their peers. They’re able to communicate with other children. They’re able to learn through play and can adjust to the environment. It’s not just three and four-year-olds; we even start with our infants, being able to put our infants on the floor and engage them in tummy time. Learning activities and being able to have those developmental skills is also good at birth because by the time they’re toddlers, they’re able to be mobile. They’re able to play with their peers and their friends and just learn different things in different environments. It’s always good to have them around their little peers. 

Her Agenda: How would you say Sanbridge has impacted your community?

Keanna Sanders: I would say we’ve impacted our community because we’ve been able to partner with several other vendors to be able to provide additional resources. Resources such as being able to help families that might be in need of food through social services, and being able to connect them to get public assistance. We’ve been able to help families with different services when it comes to their children. If their children, as I mentioned before, have any type of behavioral or educational delays We’ve been able to link them to infants and toddlers or link them to speech therapists. We’ve also been able to, at the time, help families that were furloughed and be able to put them on payment plans or connect them with any type of assistance.  I would say we’ve made a very positive impact on the community. Anything that my families might have needed, they’ve always been able to come to my district director or come to the directors themselves. I’ve been able to make certain phone calls or just connect them with different partnerships, depending on what those needs are.

Her Agenda: How far do you plan to expand Sanbridge and what are some of your goals to accomplish, you hope to accomplish for the future of the company?

Keanna Sanders: I plan to expand Sandbridge worldwide and then also create a franchise that I’m working on that hopefully I’ll have completed in the next few years. I’d love to see Sanbridges everywhere in different states. I like to promote within, so I like to be able to take my directors to executive positions, and then if they are ever willing and wanting to open their own center, I’m an advocate for that. I would love for them to have their own Sanbridge and be able to teach them how to open their center and run their own center. My vision is for Sanbridge to be the leading child care provider in the nation and to be able to offer those franchise opportunities to minorities, especially women who look like me, single moms. I mean, really, to anybody, but I’m definitely an advocate of opportunities for minorities and women entrepreneurs. If I’m able to provide them with any type of leadership roles and ownership, that would be the vision for my company, and being able to expand.

Her Agenda: Other than childcare, do you have any other ventures you’re interested in?

Keanna Sanders: Well, I have a substance abuse facility in Baltimore City. I’ve been running that business since 2021. I also have a nonprofit organization called Baltimore’s Dynamic Women. We help empower women to be entrepreneurs or be able to get an executive position, whatever it is that your heart desires, as far as growth. What we do is extend those types of services. Then we also mentor young teenagers or young women who are inspired to have their own.

This article Keanna Sanders Turns Her Lifelong Dream Into Sanbridge Early Learning Center, A Childcare Empire For Working Moms was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Before I could get a passport, I always had books to take me on adventures to places I’d only dreamed of one day visiting. Whether fiction or nonfiction, I’ve enjoyed reading books set in exotic destinations or places where cultures, tastes, and sounds are very different from my current existence. They allow me to escape without breaking the bank, dealing with crazy customs lines, or having to map out an itinerary and hope for the best.

Many have also allowed me to get to know a country’s history, why communities operate the way that they do, and how I can gain an understanding beyond the narrow lens of tourism. The stories are harsh, saddening, enlightening, and invigorating. Some have prepared me to meet people where they are and enjoy travel experiences in a way that prioritizes empowerment, increases connection, and embraces empathy.

If you find yourself with a wanderlust that can’t be tamed but you’re not quite ready to book that plane ticket yet, these seven books will take you to your dream destinations—in the comfort of your home—one character, narrative, and plot at a time:

South Africa: Kaffir Boy By Mark Mathabane

As a child, I stumbled upon this book among the many on my mother’s library shelves. You’ll definitely need to say a few prayers, take a few breaks, and really sit with this book, but trust me, it’s worth it. It’s an autobiography that unapologetically covers the effects of growing up in apartheid while paying homage to one’s coming of age. I read this before seeing “Sarafina,” the award-winning film (adapted from a play), starring Whoopi Goldberg. Despite the sadness and anger I felt at the time, this book sparked an obsession with learning more about South Africa and vowing to one day visit. I was blessed to do just that, more than 20 years later, on a whirlwind 10-day trip across several cities, including Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Egypt: The Heart Of A Woman By Maya Angelou

One of my favorite parts in my favorite books from Angelou’s autobiographical series is when she details her time living and working in Cairo. It’s my first introduction to the possibility that a Black woman can not only travel solo, but build a whole new life, land a gig, and build community on her own in a country she’d never been to before. We were often taught about the pyramids, hieroglyphics, mummies, and royalty in school, but this made things that much more relatable in terms of actually seeing myself among those relics and boldly embarking on solo travels of my own.

Nigeria: The Lagos Wife By Vanessa Walters

While this is a fictional murder mystery, it includes vivid depictions of life on Victoria Island, within the ritzy world of Lagos, Nigeria. I’ve known many people from all over Nigeria, including Lagos, and even met two former presidents of the country (one of whom I interviewed for a publication), so I am often intrigued and inspired by the wealth, proud legacies, and complicated history of the country. This book is no exception, as it includes vivid imagery of a woman’s life there, the food, sights, and sounds of a divided city, and more intriguing reasons to actually go there for yourself.

Botswana: The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency By Alexander McCall Smith

When I first saw the TV series, starring Jill Scott, I knew I had to read the books. And while initially I thought they were set in South Africa, it was refreshing to know and research more about Botswana, a destination that was oftentimes connected with imagery of war, suffering, and sorrow. As is always the case, there’s a vibrant heritage, amazing food, magnificent safaris, and beautiful people who are far more than what the traditional news often portrays. This definitely led me to want to see more of southern Africa, where I can also visit another neighboring favorite, South Africa.

Mexico: Like Water For Chocolate By Laura Esquivel

A mixture of recipes, folklore, and love saga, this book spans generations and is set during the Mexican Revolution. You get to experience Mexico through lyrical storytelling, amazingly enticing food, and mystical affairs through the lens of Tita. She’s forbidden to marry the love of her life (who ends up wedded to her sister!) and finds ways to communicate through food. There’s one family meal where everyone is consumed with passionate sorrow because she literally incorporates her repressed emotions, in the form of tears, as a vital ingredient. You can imagine the backdrop of northern Mexico, get into the rich culture, and hopefully, like me, follow an immediate urge to journey beyond the usual tourist hotspots of Cabo and Puerto Vallarta.

Haiti: Libertie By Kaitlyn Greenidge

Historical fiction always has a special place in my heart, and this book about the daughter of the first Black woman to become a doctor in New York State is a top favorite. The main character, born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., marries a smart Haitian man and travels there to start a new life, against the wishes of her very accomplished mother. The book offers a beautiful glimpse into what’s not often promoted when it comes to Haiti, especially the lush landscapes, the proud family lineages, and the allure of spirituality within a legacy marked by profound achievement but enduring conflict as the first independent Black republic in the world.

Italy: From Scratch: A Memoir Of Love, Sicily, And Finding Home By Tembi Locke

This is another book adapted into a film (starring Zoe Saldana), and it’s a beautiful saga of love, self-discovery, food, and family bonds. There are themes of empowerment, Joy, heartbreak, and culture in Thembi’s summers spent in Sicily, and you get a sense of the adventure and wonder of going to Italy throughout each page. It’s a great way to enjoy the perspective of someone who finds love and ultimately loses the love of her life, all while enjoying the beauty that is Italy in the process.

This article Can’t Travel To Your Dream Destinations Yet? These 7 Books Will Take You There was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Decision fatigue can be crippling and pose as a major roadblock in day-to-day activities. In an article by Health Line, the statement, “Regardless of how strong you are, your ability to make the best choices can eventually run out due to decision fatigue,” summarizes the importance of reducing your mental load. Here are three ways a person can manage the mental load of making multiple decisions. Simply implementing automation, task prioritization, and elimination of choice can lighten mental load and reduce decision fatigue.

1. Automation

Putting repetitive tasks on autopilot can free up mental load by reducing the need to spend valuable brain power on several little tasks that don’t require a big lift and typically drain your mental battery. Simple but impactful methods of automation in the home can be simple. A quick and easy task could look like using apps such as Instacart for scheduling a weekly delivery for essentials.

Other tasks that can be placed on a routine and dropped into a schedule include weekly cleaners, laundry services, and health appointments. Using digital calendars and setting alarms can keep you on track.

Utilizing online banking and other payment dashboards to place monthly bills on autopay or schedule payments ahead of time. This will free up the mental load and reduce decision fatigue.

2. Task Prioritization

It may be tempting to tackle the low-hanging fruit of the day. Alternatively, knocking out difficult high-energy action items is best while you are fresh and early in the day. Stanford health psychologist Kelly McGonigal explains, “your willpower weakens as the day progresses, as your energy gets ‘spent’ on stress and self-control.”

It may be tempting to do small, quick, and easy tasks, but those times should be left for the end of the day. Save the mental power for a high-output task, such as doing all the laundry or running errands.

Weekly schedules that consist of checklist-style tasks can help increase productivity. Be sure to place tasks in order of priority. This simple hack ensures the mental work has been done in advance. The only thing left to do is to execute the task.

3. Elimination Of Choice

Narrowing down a selection of choices is an easy way to aid with decision fatigue. A few common but unconventional methods of doing so would include curating a uniform and meal prepping. CNBC, a news platform, reported that Matilda Kahl, Creative Manager at Sony Music, wears a uniform to reduce decisions and decrease the chances of decision fatigue. “I did it because I realized how much time and energy I could save during my work days by just taking out the clothing aspect,” Kahl told CNBC.

Curating a uniform for work and home is an effective strategy for reducing one of the first decisions a person makes in the day. An impactful uniform would consist of five to seven of the same ensemble, outfit, or dress. Having a uniform at arm’s length makes it easy. The end result is not having to stress about what to wear. This simple course of action frees up time, reduces stress, and deciding what to wear is one less thing you have to make a decision about. 

Meal Prepping is a great way to cut down on the number of choices made within a day. Coming home and enjoying dinner is quick and easy when meals are cooked and prepped ahead of time. Meal prepping can be done once a week or delivered to your doorstep using services such as Hello Fresh.

The Big Idea

Overall, day-to-day activities can be hard to manage and, at times, feel overwhelming. A good hack for reducing mental load and managing decision fatigue is implementing systems to lighten the load. Reducing mental load reduces the chances of burnout. You may be surprised how automation, prioritization, and elimination will lighten the load and increase mental capacity. Resulting in an overall better quality of life.

This article How Women Can Reduce Their Mental Load And Decision Fatigue In Everyday Life was originally published on HerAgenda.com

In recent years, brain health has become a popular topic of conversation. In wellness spaces in particular, keeping the brain sharp and firing on all cylinders has joined the ranks of heart health, physical fitness, and overall longevity. Given the statistics surrounding cognitive decline, it’s no surprise that brain health has become an increasingly pressing priority.

More than 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, and by 2050, that number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. About 1 in 9 people ages 65 and older has Alzheimer’s. And if you’ve ever witnessed a parent, grandparent, or other close loved one face dementia, you know firsthand just how devastating and scary it can be.

“The brain is the entire control center for every function of the body, including movement, sensory perception, decision making, memory, emotion, digestion, blood flow, hormone regulation, and more,” says Michael Drzewiecki, DC, MS, Director of Clinical Neuroscience and partner at the Neurologic Wellness Institute. “Good brain health doesn’t just determine life quantity, but also life quality. The better your brain works, the better the rest of your health is.”

Poor brain health, on the other hand, is closely linked to loss of independence, increased risk of chronic disease, and higher overall mortality. Maintaining good brain health can help lower the risk of cognitive decline and neurological disorders while enhancing quality of life. Read on for doctor-backed strategies on keeping your brain healthy.

Habits To Reduce Cognitive Decline

1. Exercise

Exercise is one of the most powerful forms of medicine for the brain, offering improvements in overall cognition, memory, and executive function. Even if you’re starting from a sedentary lifestyle, focus on adding movement gradually through daily walks or another form of exercise you genuinely enjoy and will stick to.

Research shows that people who regularly exercise from midlife onward are 41-46% less likely to develop dementia compared to inactive adults. Additionally, just 12 weeks of consistent physical activity has been shown to improve cognition and memory across all age groups and exercise types.

2. Sleep

Getting enough sleep is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support brain health. Sleep plays a critical housekeeping role, helping clear toxins that build up in the brain while you’re awake. Studies have consistently shown a link between sleep disturbances and a higher risk of neurological disease.

Plus, think about how groggy and unfocused you feel after a poor night’s sleep. Quality sleep enhances cognitive abilities, memory consolidation, and overall mental performance.

3. Nutrition

Nourishing your body with healthy, whole foods isn’t always glamorous, but nutrition plays a foundational role in brain health. Diets high in saturated fats and added sugars have been shown to trigger brain inflammation and may negatively impact cognition.

“The brain needs the right fuel,” Drzewiecki says. “Proper hydration, reduction of inflammatory foods such as seed oils and refined sugar, proper omega-3 fatty acid intake, and proper micronutrients all aid in brain function.”

4. Cognitive Challenges

For many adults, graduating from school also means stopping learning, which is a huge error. When the brain isn’t challenged, it seemingly begins to atrophy over time. Regularly stimulating the brain through cognitive challenges like reading, word games, puzzles, learning new skills, or even picking up a new hobby keeps it healthy.

5. Social Interactions

“Humans are very social beings with brains that are hardwired for social and emotional connection. Isolation can be a major factor in brain health and mental health decline,” Drzewiecki says.

As people age and responsibilities like careers, children, and caregiving take precedence, friendships often fall to the back burner. Making time for social connection, whether that’s a standing walk with a friend, a weekly FaceTime, or a quick coffee meetup, can have meaningful benefits for brain health.

6. Early Screening

Often, people aren’t aware of cognitive or neurological risk factors until symptoms are already advanced. Early screening and assessment for neurological conditions, as well as managing chronic health issues like hypertension, diabetes, and sleep disorders, can play a crucial role in protecting long-term brain health and catching potential issues before they progress.

This article Why Brain Health Is The Top Wellness Priority This Year was originally published on HerAgenda.com

When families plan their spring and summer vacations in the winter, considering hidden gem destinations might not be the norm. However, going down a rabbit hole of annoying logistics and cookie-cutter amenities can lead to immediately closing your browser tabs in frustration.

For parents especially, common concerns when booking experiences and lodging at family vacation favorites include crowded and chaotic attractions, long wait times, and experiences that feel more geared toward adults than truly kid-friendly. It’s great to stick to the popular go-tos, but these hidden gem destinations can offer experiences that feel special instead of overdone. These are the places where kids can explore without constant chaos, parents can relax a little more, and you can expose the family to something different.

Whether you’re planning a road trip, a long weekend, or your next big family adventure, these destinations prove you don’t have to follow the masses to have an amazing family vacation:

1. Nature And Wildlife Adventure: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Where To Stay: Caribe Hilton
What To Do: Rainforest tour, botanical gardens, historical sightseeing, water park

Just a short flight from the U.S., this destination blends outdoor learning, fun, and food the whole family will love. Kids can enjoy an El Yunque rainforest tour via a day trip, stroll the San Juan Botanical Garden, and roam forts and plazas in Old San Juan. Caribe Hilton adds appeal with its own private, secluded beaches, the on-site Manatee Conservation Experience, ocean-view pools, a kiddie splash zone, and family-friendly suites perfect for stroller-friendly and multigenerational stays.

2. Grown Folks Family Fun: Brewster, Mass.

Where To Stay: Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
What To Do: Golfing, swimming, bar crawls, fine dining

If you’re looking to plan an adult cousins’ retreat or reconnect with your children who are 21 or older, this quaint Cape Cod town is a good fit. Brewster is known for its scenic beaches like Crosby Landing, its thriving brewery scene, the Cape Cod Rail Trail, and the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club offers cozy villas with multiple-room options and a variety of activities available across 429 acres, including five indoor and outdoor pools, pickleball and tennis courts, oyster bed tours, five restaurants, and the esteemed Nicklaus Design golf course.

3. Luxury Africa Experience: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Where To Stay: Protea Hotel Stellenbosch and Conference Center
What To Do: Waterfront dining, safari, outdoor games
Known for its wineries, fine dining, and grand resort properties with mountain views, this historic town is great for families with its mix of adventure and relaxation. Protea Hotel Stellenbosch has a kids’ pool, on-site dining, vineyard and winery views, and offers curated children’s activities. You’ll enjoy tranquility but be in good proximity to Cape Town, where the family can explore Table Mountain cable rides, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, and enjoy the scenic beaches along Clifton and Camps Bay. The V&A Waterfront is great for shopping, a visit to The Cape Wheel, and waterside dining with diverse options for all tastes. And of course, you can’t miss catching a nearby safari tour and wildlife-centered experiences with the many companies that offer them.

4. Water Lover’s Paradise: Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Where To Stay: W Punta de Mita
What to do: Cultural experiences, water sports, animal explorations

In Riviera Nayarit, just north of vacation hotspot Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find the beautiful Marietas Islands. The family can enjoy guided boat tours to explore wildlife, snorkel in clear waters, and discover the famous secluded beach, ideal for older kids with supervision. El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary gives children an educational and exciting experience, allowing them to safely observe crocodiles, learn about conservation, and explore scenic nature trails.

Enjoy family-bonding activities like surfing classes or immersive cultural experiences like cacao ceremonies at W Punta de Mita. Along with its lush, quaint, colorful decor and suite options, you and your loved ones can enjoy oceanview pools and family-style dining at Spice Market, to name a few amenities.

5. Game & Science Geek Wanderland: Yokohama, Japan

Where To Stay: Intercontinental Yokohama Grand
What To Do: Museums, gaming, science exhibits, district-hopping
Japan is a great family destination with something for all science, tech, and creative geeks. To get away from the hustle and bustle of hotspot Tokyo, but remain close enough for a quick trip into the city, stay in Yokohama, where you’ll find Cosmo World amusement park, CupNoodles Museum, and waterfront promenades. The Intercontinental Yokohama Grand has five on-site restaurants, bay views, babysitting services, and kid-specific activities.

You can always shift gears for a day trip to Tokyo’s Odaiba region, a convenient family-friendly hub for exploration of gaming and science attractions. Venture to Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation) to explore interactive science exhibits and future tech discoveries, or visit nearby Akihabara Electric Town together, where video games, electronics shops, and anime stores make browsing fun for all ages.

This article Add These Hidden Gem Destinations To Your Must-Visit List For Family Vacation was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Dr. Janell Green Smith may have been known to many as a certified midwife at Prisma Health Greenville Midwifery Care in South Carolina; however, her title didn’t end there. According to Dr. Janell’s Instagram, she was a Believer, a wife, a photographer, a Loc’d midwife, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, and a Black maternal health advocate. Impressively, Dr. Janell accomplished these titles by her early 30s.

Tragically, Dr.Janell passed away at age 31 on January 2nd, 2026, shortly after delivering her first child/daughter, Eden. The complications of childbirth delivery specifics have not been publicized. According to People, Dr. Janell Green Smith, a South Carolina-based midwife, dedicated her life to advocating for Black maternal health and safe childbirth.

As you scroll down her timeline, pictures and videos reflect love and light as she gives you a glimpse into her life. Countless smiles and laughs show Janell celebrating New Year’s, Birthdays, and ‘Nurseaversarys’. All of which are now memories her friends and family can look back on to cherish times when she was here.

Four days ago, the American College of Nurse-Midwives released a statement on Facebook extending condolences and, in part, saying, “We grieve Dr. Smith’s loss and recognize it as a profound failure of the systems meant to protect birthing people. In her honor, ACNM commits not only to reaffirming our values, but to intensifying our actions to dismantle racial inequities in maternal health, strengthen accountability in care systems, and work alongside Black midwives, clinicians, and communities to prevent future tragedies.”

According to the CDC, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. Multiple factors contribute to these disparities, such as variation in the quality of healthcare and underlying chronic conditions. Social determinants of health prevent many women from racial and ethnic minority groups from having fair opportunities for economic, physical, and emotional health.

These statistics align with the American College of Nurse-Midwives’ description of Janell’s death as “a profound failure of the systems meant to protect birthing people.”

Dr. Janell’s untimely death has impacted many lives, including people she’s never met. A GoFundMe account has been started to support her untimely death and funeral expenses, newborn essentials such as diapers, clothes, and medical needs, and living expenses to give her husband adequate time to grieve without financial pressure.

The money will also go towards ongoing support and stability for Daiquan and the baby in the months ahead as they adjust to this new reality; any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability, relief, and care during a time when the family needs it most.

This article Memorializing More Than A Midwife: Dr. Janell Green Smith, Gone Too Soon After Childbirth Complications was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Every now and then, taking a break and unplugging from social media can be beneficial in many ways. You never know how much real life you miss due to the countless distractions that social media provides.

If you’ve been thinking of taking a break but aren’t convinced of when, why, or how to unplug for a while, here are some benefits that may entice you.

More Productivity

Social media is a distraction; it can make it difficult to get work done, which decreases productivity. And when you’re not working efficiently, it can become overwhelming, especially if there are deadlines and quotas involved. With more productivity, you’ll feel accomplished and proud of yourself. This will allow for better work and possible promotions.

Mental Clarity

When your mind is clear of the clutter and chaos that social media provides, it’s free to welcome in the good. You can read a book, garden, or be fully engaged in the moment. Have you ever gone out to a restaurant and seen an entire family on their cellphones? There are no conversations being had, no bonding, no real connections; yet everyone is connected. Clarity puts things into perspective and helps you see things as they truly are.

Better Connections/Focus

While social media is great for reconnecting with people, it’s not great for making real connections. Essentially, the digital age creates social media relationships, and you never see those people in real life. When you’re unplugged, you develop better connections with real people in real time because you’re able to focus, have conversations, and listen without distractions.

No Comparisons

The 26th U.S. President, Theodore Roosevelt, once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” and that couldn’t have rang truer when it comes to social media. Everyone wants what the other has and portrays a ‘perfect’ life. Comparison can also be debilitating. By unplugging, there is nothing to compare but yourself. This can form a competition for you to challenge yourself to become great, stronger, and smarter.

This article 4 Benefits Of Unplugging From Social Media In The New Year was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Instead of putting all of the pressure of the year on your resolutions, make it a weekly task of betterment. This way, you can focus on your goals for the week and take it one day at a time. You still get to focus on your goals for the year, but by breaking them down into weekly tasks. This will also help you avoid quitting, which, according to Better Help, is a common occurrence, with only 36% of people making it past the first month of January, compared to 9% who successfully keep their resolutions throughout the year.

A ‘New Week’ Resolution is more realistic, because each week will be different, as well as each day. When you try to maintain goals for the entire year, there’s bound to be obstacles that distract, deter, and disintegrate your plan. However, all is not lost. Try out this suggestion of weekly resolutions, and see if your results are greater.

1. Make A Weekly Schedule

A weekly schedule allows you to see exactly what’s ahead, without overwhelming you. You can prepare for each day and boost your productivity. When things are organized, life seems to flow better. Although you can’t plan everything, this at least gives you a path to start from. A proactive approach reduces stress, offers more flexibility, and makes life a little easier.

2. Physically Utilize A Calendar

A physical calendar allows you to prioritize tasks and prepare you for what’s to come. You can also exercise time management, and something about physically writing things down and seeing it makes it real. The calendar is a clear roadmap providing you with everything you need to manage the week. You can get creative and color coat appointments, meetings, lunch, and break (which are essential).

3. Prepare Mentally

Preparing for Monday weekly should have its own personal day, but then you incorporate family, friends, cooking, cleaning, trying to rest, hopefully resetting, and if you’re lucky, some time alone, and it’s as if the weekend never existed. A weekly resolution allows you to mentally digest all that is to come. And life throws tomatoes in your plans sometimes, but at least it’s not all at once.

Realistically Execute Each Task

The downside of New Year’s Resolutions is the insane amount of pressure we put on ourselves because of the unrealistic goals we set forth. The most popular resolution is exercising or going to the gym more, but going from zero to seven days a week is an unrealistic approach. With a weekly resolution, you can start with twice a week and gradually add days. There’s no pressure with starting small, because when you don’t live up to huge expectations, disappointment settles in, and who wants to start the year off disappointed? No one!

This article Why You Should Make A ‘New Week’ Resolution was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Managing your mental health can only be determined by what you want the outcome to be. Entering the new year can either be a repeat of last year or a changed attitude. You can only get ahead by leaving past mistakes behind. It’s okay to make mistakes, but only if you learn from them.

There is no cheat code, blueprint, or playback that tells you how to maintain your mental health. There are coping skills and triggers that you know to stay away from, but ultimately, everything begins and ends with you.

Here are some suggestions that can get your wheels turning, but you are the driver who determines how you will sustain your mental health and stay in a healthy space entering the new year.

Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive; in fact, you don’t even have to leave the house. Self-care simply means you are taking care of yourself and putting yourself first. This could look like taking a hot bath or shower, staying hydrated, getting enough rest, or taking an exercise class. When you focus on yourself and pour love back into yourself, it reflects in everything you do.

Utilize Your Support System

People need people, but those people must be good for you. Your support system is a representation of everything you are. They are essentially your village, and should be the people you turn to when in need of support, advice, a pick-me-up, a simple laugh, and most of all love. If you truly love yourself, the people in your support system should represent what love means to you.

Honor Yourself

Honoring yourself means you won’t stand for anything or anyone that makes you feel less than what you are. If you’re in a situation that doesn’t feel good, leave. If you’re around people who don’t have good intentions for you, don’t keep them around. Your core morals and values revolve around how you treat yourself, because they are the foundation of how you will allow others to treat you. 

Learn To Say ‘No’

Say no without an explanation or guilt behind it. Practice saying it in the mirror– NO! And mean it. Your mental health will depend on your decisions, your well-being, your peace, and your spirit. Saying yes when you want to say no will disrupt your mood, your feelings, and your life. There is power in saying no, knowing what you want, what you will deal with, and how you choose to be handled.

This article How To Maintain Your Mental Health Entering The New Year was originally published on HerAgenda.com

The best way to walk into 2026 is with a game plan. With today’s technology, there are so many avenues that you can generate extra money, even if you have a full-time job. You don’t have to be the most creative, tentative, or internet savvy. All you need is work ethic, consistency, and drive.

It has been said that multiple streams of money is the key to becoming a millionaire; however, if you’re looking to make some extra funds, here are a few side hustles that you can do online.

1. Sell Print-On-Demand Products

You can make just about anything from the likes of T-Shirts, mugs, socks, etc. Print-on-demand, according to Shopify, is a way to sell customized, made-to-order products featuring your own designs or logo. It’s a form of dropshipping, which is a fulfillment method where the supplier or manufacturer ships the product directly to customers. You design the print-on-demand product, a customer orders it, and a third-party printing service produces and ships the order.

2. Monetize A Blog

If you like writing and/or making content, then creating a blog may be the perfect avenue for you. According to Wix, there’s no one way to make money online. Bloggers can earn money in many ways, including affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, digital products and courses, ads, paid subscriptions, consulting or freelancing, physical products, and guest blogging. By consistently creating valuable content and growing your audience, blogging can become a steady source of income and even a full-time business over time.

3. Write And Sell A Book/Ebook

According to Shopify, if you have a story to tell and are eager to start writing, you can earn money online by selling your work directly to readers. For example, you can self-publish books directly through a site like Amazon and make a commission based on each book sold.

4. Become An Online Tutor

Tutoring is a great option if you’re a teacher in need of extra bucks, but even if you’re not, this is a convenient means to get extra cash. According to Shopify, another low-investment way for teachers to make money outside of their standard teaching positions is to offer private tutoring services to paying clients. Pay varies widely for tutors based on what they’re teaching and where, but tutoring rates typically range from $25 to $80 an hour, with specialist subjects or exam-prep services often landing at the higher end.

This article How To Make Extra Money In 2026 With An Online Side Hustle was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Health and holidays don’t necessarily go together; between endless entrees and desserts, it’s hard to break away from the monotone and stay on track with your health goals. Luckily, you’ve survived the holidays, and you can now redirect your focus to hitting your health goals; but this isn’t a New Year’s resolution, you can start today.

Here are some realistic tips to get you back on track so that you’re feeling and looking better. After all, the outside is only projecting what the inside looks like.

1. Cut Back On What You Consume

Cutting back on your food intake rather than attempting to stop cold turkey has proven to have better results. Stopping so suddenly triggers your brain and makes you want what you’ve stopped even more. Letting go of your favorite unhealthy foods and snacks can be hard, so eating half instead of all is a better option than stopping at once. You’ll begin to see your cravings change and become minimum and so will your clothing size, eventually.

2. Take A Walk After Dinner Everyday

If going to the gym isn’t your thing, a post-dinner walk can be a calming and serene alternative. You’re allowing your food to digest, and still exercising. Try walking daily for about 10 minutes and create a routine you can do with your family. Incorporating weights for your arms and legs can be a great idea as well.

3. Regularly See A Primary Care Doctor

You should have a primary doctor whom you see regularly. Getting your labs and physicals done is highly important for even millennials. You are never too busy to check on your health. If you don’t have a primary care doctor, make it a priority for the top of 2026.

4. Drink More Water

Water will always be essential. You need water for everything, and according to Mayo Clinic Health System, it does the following:

• Regulates body temperature
• Moistens tissues in the eyes, nose, and mouth
• Protects body organs and tissues
• Carries nutrients and oxygen to cells
• Lubricates joints
• Lessens burden on the kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products
• Dissolves minerals and nutrients to make them accessible to your body

5. Get Sufficient Rest Every Night 

Your body thrives when it has a reset. Getting enough rest means your brain is allowed to shut down, your body is calm, and your organs can relax. Here are some benefits of getting sufficient rest, according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion:

• Get sick less often
• Stay at a healthy weight
• Lower your risk for serious health problems, like diabetes and heart disease 
• Reduce stress, improve your mood, and get along better with people
• Think more clearly, form long-term memories, and do better in school and at work
• Make good decisions and avoid injuries — for example, drowsy drivers cause thousands of car accidents every year

This article How To Reach Your Health Goals In 2026 was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Celebrities seem to always be on the go! A different city today, a new deal tonight. Despite their busy schedules, one thing is true: they’re still humans like everyone else. We’ve watched these ladies in the entertainment business work relentlessly while pregnant, so it’s no surprise that they got right back to it after delivering their babies.

We’ve gathered four celeb moms who had babies this year and got right back to business in no time, while looking fab doing it.

1. Rihanna

Mother of three now, after giving birth to her third, and first daughter, Rocki Irish Mayers, Rihanna returned to run her empire of a company: Fenty Beauty, Savage X Fenty, Fenty Skin, and Fenty Hair, which could not run without her. So after Rocki was born on September 13, 2025, Mama Rih got back to business, which is thriving, especially due to holiday sales.

2. Cardi B

Cardi B dropped her new album, “Am I The Drama?” on September 19, 2025, while pregnant with her fourth child, and second son. Shortly after, “Baby Brim” made his arrival on November 4, 2025, yet Cardi B hasn’t slowed down. She is still promoting her album and multitasking as a keen businesswoman and mom, juggling it all.

She also has a tour lined up, called the “Little Miss Drama Tour,” set to kick off February 11, 2026, in Palm Desert, CA (Acrisure Arena).

3. Coi Leray

First-time mom Coi Leray documented her pregnancy on social media and hinted at cheating being the demise of her and Trippie Redd’s relationship. However, Miyoco was born in June 2025. It is of Japanese origin, where “miyo” translates to “beautiful” and “ko” means “child” or “generation,” giving the name the meaning “beautiful child.” Coi has recently signed with Epic Records after leaving UMG. She has an EP out entitled: What Happened To Forever? She is also launching a beauty line and a baby hair brush line. You can also find Miyoco’s cameo in Coi’s video Act Like You Know.

4. Flo Milli

First-time mom, Flo Milli, had her son Sixx on April 25, 2025. She announced his arrival by posting a picture of him on Instagram, telling her fans to protect their “internet nephew.” Since his birth, Flo has signed with Wasserman Music for representation; she’s also released “Perfect Person” via RCA Records. Flo has also headlined Magic City Music Fest 2025 and Atlanta Pride.

This article 4 Celeb Moms That Had Babies This Year And Got Back To Business was originally published on HerAgenda.com

In this economy, being a professional woman in business can seem as if this year flew by. Working non-stop to stay at the top of your game can also be daunting and exhausting, making balancing life and everything that comes with it hectic.

However, ending the year strong is possible. You can secure your business whether you’re an entrepreneur or not, and prepare for the new year with new goals ready to go.

Finalize All 2025 Business Endeavors

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or not, be sure to finalize all business before the end of the year. We are closing in on the last days, so contacting clients, reviewing performance, filing tax returns, responding to emails, sending invoices, and updating systems should be a priority.

Now is the time to wrap things up and set new goals. It’s okay if you didn’t accomplish all that you set out for this year. 

Ensure All Quotas Are Met

Setting and hitting quotas is a skill that many people can’t do. It’s challenging, time-consuming, but also a science if you want to be great at it. If you have a quota to be met at your job, set realistic targets that won’t overwhelm you; alternatively, be ambitious and challenge yourself to work outside of your comfort zone for elevation.

Close All Personal Gaps That Aren’t Beneficial

Personal gaps/relationships can be stifling in your life. They hinder your growth and can sometimes act as a tumor. If you have people in your life who feel like one-sided friendships and don’t support, encourage, motivate, or bring any substance to your life, you should leave them in 2025. Closing these gaps will leave room for people who add value to your life.

Set Aside Time To Pour Into Yourself

When was the last time you celebrated yourself? This is the most important tip of all: setting aside time to pour into yourself means taking care of yourself. Make sure you’re nourishing your body with vitamins and nutrients, staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and loving on yourself with self-care days. Sometimes focusing on your goals as a professional woman can get in the way of taking time for a relaxing massage, a hair and nail day, or something as simple as ordering your favorite tea at a local coffee shop. Everyone needs downtime, so if you rarely get it, make time for it more in the new year.

This article How To End The Year Strong As A Professional Woman was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Before the new year enters, there are certain traditions that many cultures practice. These rituals are intended to set the tone for the new year. They all encourage prosperity, good luck, capital, and all-around good energy.

Essentially, the rituals are ushering out the old and welcoming the new. But do these rituals actually work? Her Agenda takes a deep dive into the theories of the cultural backgrounds of New Year’s rituals.

African American Culture

In the Black community, the annual New Year’s tradition is to make black-eyed peas and collard greens. This is a representation of money, i.e., black-eyed peas for coins and collard greens for green dollar bills. You are essentially speaking wealth and financial stability into your home on the first day of the New Year. We can all remember celebrating this day, as it was also the birthday of my favorite person in the world, my late but amazing grandmother.

According to Southern Living, writer John Egerton in Southern Food: At Home, On the Road, In History, black-eyed peas are associated with a “mystical and mythical power to bring good luck” and have been a Southern staple for more than three centuries. 

Filipino Culture

In the Philippines, the people wear red for love, and polka dots for prosperity. According to Next Shark, the round shapes symbolize money and fortune. Filipinos may wear dresses, shirts, pants, shoes, or any accessories with the polka dot pattern to welcome the New Year’s blessings. 

Spaniard Culture

In Spain, the Spaniards eat 12 grapes at midnight, and in Latin America, for good luck in each month.

According to All Recipes, it’s known as “Las doce uvas de la suerte,” or “The twelve grapes of luck,” and each of the 12 grapes represents a month of the new year.

The custom began back in the late 1800s but was popularized in the early 1900s when farmers in the Alicante area produced an overabundant harvest and needed a way to increase grape sales. 

European (Denmark) Culture

A European tradition is smashing dishes against doors, which shows affection and wards off spirits.

According to Great Value Holidays, a popular practice in Denmark is to smash plates against the front door of your friends and neighbors. More broken plates signify more luck in the New Year (and more affection from your friends), so if you’re really popular, you may want to leave the house with closed-toed shoes and a broom in hand. A less messy Danish tradition is to leap off a chair at midnight to signify jumping into the New Year.

Overall, cultural rituals are performed for comfort, positivity, and tradition. It is a matter of passing on values to generation as opposed to questioning if they work. Each culture ensures that they instill core beliefs into its family to promote a fresh start each year. So ultimately, do they work? Yes, because positivity always wins.

This article New Year’s Rituals And How They Bring Luck In The New Year was originally published on HerAgenda.com

The new year is only days away, which means it’s time to say goodbye to 2025. If you haven’t begun to wrap things up, now would be a great time to start finalizing all of your endeavors to end the year properly. You don’t want to bring any of 2025 into 2026; it’s time to start fresh.

However, if you have no clue what you want to do to bring in the new year, Her Agenda has gathered a list of four options that may be of interest below!

1. Go To Church

According to Church Plaza, this tradition dates back to the early 18th century. It was originally a contemplative vigil. But this event evolved into more of a joyous celebration in 1862, when African Americans stayed up all night in anticipation of Abraham Lincoln signing the Emancipation Proclamation the next day.

Bringing in the new year at church is an option if you’re religious and believe in a higher power. Many churches have a night service or “watch night” where there is a sermon, musician selection/celebration, prayer, and a countdown to midnight. This is a great safe option for those who want to celebrate their faith. This is also something sacred to do as a family, especially if you have children.

2. Attend/Host A Party

Who doesn’t like a good party? Whether it’s a company party, a friend, or one you host yourself, celebrating the beginning of the new year can be exciting and special with people you love. You get to dress up nicely, dance, enjoy the food (if it’s available), and pop champagne. Let’s not forget the fun New Year’s Eve trinkets, such as New Year’s hats, glasses, and fun glow lights.

If you’re choosing to attend a party, one tip Evanston Roundtable suggests is, don’t be the guest who never leaves. Read the room! Is your host yawning? Are you the last one left with a drink in your hand as they wash the dishes? Have they turned out the lights and headed to bed? It’s (past) time to go.

3. See Fireworks Or Ball Drops

Hopefully, your city isn’t too cold out to experience the fireworks downtown. But if it is, bundle up and join your fellow locals for an exciting night of lights in the sky. This is a family fun activity that’s also free. You can’t beat that!

According to Chorlton Fireworks, arriving early at the event has several benefits. Firstly, it allows you to secure a good viewing spot. Firework displays attract large crowds, and prime viewing spots can fill up quickly. Secondly, arriving early can help you familiarize yourself with the venue, locate amenities, and settle in before the event starts.

4. Stay Home/Sleep Through It

If you’re a millennial or older, this is the best-sounding option. All of the festivities of the holidays can truly be a wipeout of energy. Staying home affords you the comfort of pajamas, a warm, cozy night on the couch, a toast at midnight, and bed shortly after. Or, you may opt to go to bed before midnight and sleep through the gunshots, fireworks, and parties being thrown in your neighborhood.

This article 4 Special Ways To Bring In the New Year was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Now that you’ve conquered the holidays, you can get things back in order at home. With all of the ripping and running, having family and friends over, you can finally get your home back to a protected and sacred space.

If you’re intending to reclaim your sacred space again or are looking for new options, Her Agenda has gathered some tips to do just that!

Deep Clean Your Home

With normal life being so busy, this time off can allot for product time. This means you can clean your home from top to bottom. All of the walls, ceilings, and small crevices you regularly miss can receive some attention. A clean home produces a clear mind.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, to avoid becoming overwhelmed when deep cleaning a house, it’s helpful to break the process down into smaller, more manageable tasks.

Create A New Feng Shui

Changing furniture around can do wonders for a home. It can create an entirely new vibe, aesthetic, and zen. By creating a new feng shui, you can take your home from drab to fab, simply by rearranging the furniture you already have. But if you’re feeling optimistic, you can always buy additional pieces to add to what you have.

According to The Spruce, creating good feng shui in your home involves arranging spaces to enhance energy flow and life balance.

Sage The Place

Sage is often used in the home for restorative purposes. Mostly to clear negative energies and restore purified atmospheres. With that comes a sense of peace, safety, positivity, and ultimately a reset. After all the stress and anxiety that the holidays bring, this may be a great option for you.

According to Extra Space Storage, cleansing a home with sage refers to the process of lighting sage (or other herbs) on fire, extinguishing it, and wafting the smoke around a space in an effort to reduce or purify negative energy.

Renew Your Home

Bringing in the new year, you may want to revamp your entire space. This means new furniture, wall art, decor, and more. Let your eye wander and create a new safe haven in your home. After all, you’re the one who has to live there and see it daily. Might as well be comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

According to Decorilla, it might not be obvious, but the bedroom is a good place to start your home refresh. Rethink what feels static: artwork, bedding, and lighting, and replace it with pieces that sharpen or soften the room’s mood.

This article How To Make Your Home Sacred Again After The Holidays was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Things can be hectic as the year comes to a close in December. Making it through the holidays is a feat in itself. However, December doesn’t have to be a frantic end-of-the-year sprint. Instead, try thinking of it as a means to reset your mind and open it for a clear path for what the new year has in store.

Focusing on taking time to rest, being intentional with self-care days, planning proactively, and settling into your space are all great forms of mindset “detox” before the new year.

Knowing When To Begin A Mindset Detox

According to Primal Trust, when your mind is constantly racing, and you can’t seem to find peace, it’s a sign that you might need a mental reset. Here are some more additional symptoms to look out for that could point to you needing a brain detox: 

• Constant Overwhelm: Feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks or easily stressed by small issues can be a sign that your mind is overloaded. This ongoing stress can lead to burnout, affecting your daily life.
• Lack of Focus and Clarity: Struggling to concentrate, forgetting details, or making decisions can indicate mental clutter. If your mind feels foggy, it might be time for a reset.
• Emotional Instability: Frequent mood swings or sudden sadness can suggest that your mental health needs attention. If your emotions are unstable, a mental reset can help restore calm.
• Physical Symptoms of Stress: Headaches, muscle tension, and digestive issues often signal that your brain is stressed. These physical signs suggest it’s time for a mental break.
• Loss of Enjoyment: If activities that once brought joy now seem like chores, it may indicate mental fatigue. Losing interest in hobbies or daily pleasures can be a sign of needing a mental reset.
• Sleep Problems: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrested, can point to an overactive mind. A mental reset can help restore better sleep patterns.
• Feeling Disconnected: A sense of detachment from people or your surroundings often signals that your mind needs a reset. Taking time to reconnect can help you feel more engaged and less isolated. 

As you learn to pay attention to your body, you’ll find that it speaks to you in many ways. Understanding things like when you’ve overworked yourself, when you need more rest, when you’re dehydrated, or mentally in a slump are all signs that it’s time to slow down, settle into yourself and take time for yourself.

Triggers That May Provoke A Mindset Detox

Sometimes life comes at you fast and unexpectedly. Knowing your triggers and coping skills can assist in situations, although it won’t fix what life inevitably throws your way.

Primal Trust labels major life changes, prolonged stress levels, grief and loss, and burnout from school and work, relationship conflict, overcommitment, and information overload as key triggers for mental fatigue. Understanding when things are simply too much for you is an essential element for your mental health.

The Benefits Of A Mindset Detox

Once you begin to detox your mindset, the world may look different to you. Things like burnout, feeling overwhelmed, and anxiety are all a part of the hectic concentration of being on-the-go without taking time to care for yourself properly.

According to Sha Wellness, here are benefits to a mindset detox:

• Mental and emotional stability, allowing you to be more centred and balanced.
• Ability to live in the present and enjoy the moment.
• Reduce stress, therefore, improving both your mental and physical health. Did you know that stress could cause weight-gain and weaken your immune system?
• Achieve a better work-life balance.

If any of this resonated with you, it’s time for you to put yourself first and take time for a mental detox. You’re essentially giving your mind time to rest and recuperate. You’ll feel and see the difference in your mood, work, and physical being.

This article How To Use December As A Time For Mindset ‘Detox’ Before The New Year was originally published on HerAgenda.com

First, congratulations on surviving Christmas! Second, it’s okay if you received gifts you didn’t actually like or want. The old adage says, “It’s the thought that counts,” but why keep something that will hold absolutely no value to you?

If you’re looking for a way to rid yourself of gifts you won’t use, don’t fret. Her Agenda has four ways to repurpose gifts you didn’t want for Christmas.

1. Donate

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is an old saying, but it still resonates. Donating to local stores like Goodwill, thrift stores, and centers isn’t prohibited from Christmas gifts. As long as it’s still new and usable, donation centers would love to receive your free offering. Whoever receives your unwanted gift will be grateful, and you’ll have done a good deed.

2. Regift

If you have someone in mind that you think would love and appreciate the gift, regifting is the perfect alternative. Make sure you take your name off the wrapping or gift bag, and your work is done. The new person receiving the gift doesn’t have to know you were the original owner.

According to City Lifestyle, when you give a gift to someone, do it with forethought and goodwill and make it special to them. Let them know the gift may not have been your taste, but you thought of the other person right away and knew it was the right gift for them. When you explain that you were thinking of that person, and that person only, you just made them feel special.

3. Sell It Online

Thanks to technology, there are many avenues to sell your unwanted gift. You can utilize Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, eBay, Amazon, OfferUp, or Craigslist. And you use that money to purchase something you like. 

According to CNBC, nearly half of Americans received a holiday gift this year that they did not really want or will not use, according to a recent eBay survey.

Altogether, consumers spend more than $9.5 billion on unwanted gifts every year, according to a separate report by finder.com. But recouping at least some of those losses is possible for those who know how.

4. Upcycle

According to Upcycle That, Upcycling is a creative process where waste is looked at as a resource. Materials are reused in a clever new way, giving them a second life and function. Think of a pallet coffee table. Upcycling transforms the pallet into a lovely piece of furniture.

Let your creativity shine by utilizing what you can from the gift. If you can take it apart and use pieces of it, go for it. If there is fabric, you can get creative and use it for another project, like arts and crafts. The possibilities are limitless.

This article 4 Ways To Repurpose Gifts You Didn’t Want For Christmas was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Last-minute shopping doesn’t have to look like you wait until the last minute. You may even catch a great deal. Sometimes the perfect Christmas gift is right under your nose. Thanks to these four celebrity-owned products, you don’t have to look far to get your loved ones or friends something special.

Here are some products we think you may like and want to give below. Let us know how it turns out!

Fenty Beauty By Rihanna: Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream with Tropical Oils + Shea Butter

One of Rihanna’s latest additions to the Fenty Body line is this amazing product. Beyond any body butter you’ve ever experienced, this whipped body oil is rich in texture, smells divine, and nurtures the skin. The key fragrances are vanilla, coconut, and pink sugar. There are other scents available, like Fenty Fresh Shimmer, Salted Caramel, and Guava Getaway.

SKIMS Kim Kardashian: HALF ZIP PULLOVER

Skims is a one-stop shop to fit your mood or personality. Whether you’re looking for comfort, sexy, cozy, or stretchy, Skims has it. The new fleece half zip pullovers are not only fashionable, but comfy. They come in four colors and range from size XXS to 4X. There are even matching separate fleece pants available to purchase.

Fabletics Kate Hudson: Activewear

Who doesn’t want to look great while working out? The outfit is the motivation, right? Fabletics offers leggings for 2 for $24, onesies, jackets, shapewear, and bras. It’s hard to choose from the available pieces because they are soft and conform to your body type! Even the puffer jackets are stylish and comfortable.

You can take a quick quiz to get a general idea of what you’re looking for in regard to style, color, and size. You’re guaranteed to find something in the collection you love.

OAM Ciara: Skincare

On a Mission is true to its name, and you can be too if you’re looking for skincare products. There are sets and bundles available for your particular skincare needs. There are no fillers, recyclable packaging, fragrance, and dye-free, cruelty-free, paraben and sulfate-free, and gentle. Try out a bundle to get started on your journey to healthy, radiant, and hydrated skin.

This article 4 Celebrity-Owned Products That Make Perfect Christmas Gifts  was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Working during the holiday has its perks and downsides. On one hand, you’re getting holiday pay, and on the other, you’re missing out on prime family time. However, if you know how to juggle, you’ll find that you can do both, and one doesn’t have to overshadow the other. 

Time management and prioritizing are key to working on the holiday and spending time with family. Therefore, Her Agenda has gathered five ways to enjoy the holiday while still working.

1. Decorate Your Workspace

Full-time workers are usually at their jobs more than at home, so decorating your workspace can be fun and comforting. It doesn’t take much either, you can go to your local dollar store and get lights, a mini tree, and a bowl, and place candy canes and goodies inside. Your coworkers will be drawn to your area, not by the merry cheer, but by the sweets!

2. Make Sure That You Prioritize Rest

Rest is not something that is often available during the holidays. There is a lot of busy on-the-go activity from buying and wrapping gifts, preparing food, and hosting. However, if you’re working for the holiday, you have to make time to give your body a reset. The bare minimum you need is seven to eight hours a night to function efficiently.

3. Set Boundaries

According to Love Heal Grow, when you begin to accept that your boundaries are important and reasonable, it is easier to establish them. As you prepare to set boundaries with family, keep in mind or repeat to yourself these key principles: 

1. Being honest is not being unkind: It is not mean to set a boundary or advocate for your own needs. 
2. You are responsible for your boundaries, but not others’ emotions: Your loved ones are prone to react to boundary setting, this is not because you are being hurtful or mean, but likely because they have benefited from your lack of boundaries in the past. 
3. This is an ongoing learning process: Your loved ones may need ongoing reminders of your boundaries. It is your responsibility to uphold, edit, and communicate your boundaries. Everyone is learning here.
4. Setting boundaries IS an act of love: While boundaries may feel harsh and hurtful, they ultimately allow you to be more present, less resentful, build healthier relationships, and enjoy the time you choose to spend with loved ones. 

4. Create Quality Time For Your Family

Make the time with your family meaningful and special. Play games together, eat, sing, and create new traditions. Life can get hectic, time flies, and you may not see them as often as you would like. By spending quality time during the holidays, you’re making new memories and prioritizing what matters: family.

5. Celebrate With Your Coworkers Too

Coworkers can feel like family at times; after all, you may see them more than you see the people you live with. Don’t feel ashamed to celebrate with your coworkers by having a potluck or a secret Santa exchange. The holidays are about being merry and bright. Spread the cheer!

This article 5 Ways To Enjoy The Holiday While Still Working was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Balancing work and home life is a struggle at times. Hobbies are great distractions and break up the monotony of the day and the week. Doing hobbies outside of work creates an equal balance between personal and professional.

Hobbies can be consuming when we genuinely enjoy doing them. But what if you could get paid to do what you love? Some hobbies can really pay off if you put some time and dedication behind them. Her Agenda has gathered five hobbies that will easily generate revenue and take you directly to the bank. Get your pen and pad out for this one!

1. Gaming

Are you a person who enjoys playing video games? Whether you play in your leisure time to relax, use it as a distraction, or because you love connecting with friends, gaming has serious monetary potential. Since gaming developers are in high demand, this hobby can pay off big time.

According to SimpliLearn, entry-level console game developers can expect to earn $60,000 to $80,000 per year, while mid-level developers earn $80,000 to $120,000 per year. Senior game developers with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn upwards of $120,000 or more annually.

2. Crafting

If you’re creative and enjoy making jewelry, candles, journals, photo frames, diary’s, scrapbooks, and other custom pieces, there is a place for you on sites such as Etsy or Shopify. You’ll be able to display your beautiful art and sell it at your price.

3. Photography

This is the digital age of non-stop pictures. Everyone thinks they’re a skilled photographer. Photography is a common hobby for many, but not everyone has the same eye as you. If you have a passion for capturing life’s moments, you should try making it your side hustle.

To build your portfolio, offer deals to customers as you learn to master your craft. Make sure that you are on all social media platforms, especially LinkedIn. And utilize Groupon to reel potential customers in. Everybody loves a good deal, and once they see your work, they’ll return and pay full price!

4. Baking And Cooking

For many, baking and cooking are a therapeutic process. Mixing ingredients, inhaling the scent of baked goods, and simply preparing a meal for loved ones can be euphoric. If you relate to that statement, you can give that same love that prepared that meal to others.

You don’t have to open a catering business, a restaurant, or a food truck to sell your food. You can create a website, use social media (TikTok shop or Instagram) to sell plates, as well as Etsy and Shopify. So if cooking or baking is your hobby, start selling those cookies or chicken plates for some extra money.

5. The Arts

If you like the freedom that painting, drawing, or sculpting brings, then this hobby is sure to bring in some dollars. As stated earlier, you don’t have to look far to sell your passions. Simply utilize Etsy, your own website, Squarespace, TikTok shop, Facebook Marketplace, and, when it comes to art, research local galleries, cafes, and art fairs.

This article 5 Hobbies That Will Make You Money In 2026 was originally published on HerAgenda.com

With only a few weeks left until the end of the year, closing out on a positive note is usually on everyone’s agenda. By incorporating gratitude and reflection into your daily routine, you’ll grow to appreciate what you have, and whatever you receive after will be extra. If you aren’t sure where to begin on your journey of incorporating these practices into your daily life, Her Agenda has gathered 4 tips below.

1. Pinpoint Life-Changing Moments

Think back to moments that challenged you, opened your mind, and made you elevate. These are the moments that not only matter, but also back self-reflection and gratitude are pivotal. 

“Write down three specific moments that stretched you,” said Madeline Rose, Spiritual Life Coach, RYT-500 yoga and meditation instructor, breathwork facilitator, and co-host of the applied neuroscience podcast Rewired Woman. “Not in a general way like ‘it was stressful’, but the actual situations; Naming them helps calm the amygdala, which is the part of the brain that scans for emotional threats and keeps you on high alert. When you identify your challenges directly, you reduce the intensity your body holds around them.”

2. Give Out Flowers On A Random Day

The saying “Give people their flowers while they can still smell them” resonates here. Don’t wait for a birthday, holiday, or special occasion to show your gratitude. Daily practices of gratitude mean going to visit family on a random Tuesday, an impromptu lunch date with an old friend, or an appreciative email to a mentor.

“Make gratitude active,” said Chanel Dokun, co-founder of Healthy Minds NYC, and author of Life Starts Now: How to Create the Life You’ve Been Waiting For. “While we tend to think of gratitude as an internally focused tool for reflection, we give it greater power when gratitude is given legs.”

Chanel says, instead of journaling at the end of the day about a few things you’re grateful for, keep a small set of stationery by your bedside and write a short thank-you note you can mail to someone in your life. Or wind down by sending a text message to a loved one with an expression of appreciation for them or something lovely that happened in your day. “When we pass our gratitude along, we make kindness and hope contagious,” says Chanel.

3. Slow Down The Inner Race

Whether we like to admit it or not, there is an inner race in all of us. We are on the go, trying to reach a goal from the start of the year to the end, and falling short of those goals, resting, or taking a break often produces guilt. However, taking a breather, resetting, and being grateful for the day are all key practices to get to your purpose. Reflection also comes into play when you slow down and realize all that you’ve accomplished. Gratitude means clapping for yourself.

“Daily gratitude starts with slowing ourselves down,” said Christine Samuel, Founder at Inner Work Matters. “So much of life is lived in a rush, and when we’re rushing, there’s very little space to reflect. Building a habit of gratitude really comes down to two things: learning to pause, and gently shifting our attention away from what feels wrong or not working toward what is actually supporting us.”

4. Understand That Loss Is Apart Of Gain

“Take time to look at what you may want to let go as you move into next year, whether it is a habit or expectation that didn’t serve you,” said Nancy Ryan, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Gottman Certified Therapist, and CEO at Relationship Therapy Center. “Try to look at what lessons you learned in this current year, even though they might have been hard lessons. What is something that you might want to keep moving into next year that worked well or that you appreciated? As you do this reflection, it is so important to just notice and not put a negative or self-critical slant on this.”

Gratitude and reflection won’t always be pretty. Sometimes you have to leave things and people behind to grow. Understanding that what you lose will be replaced is a part of gratitude. Reflect on what once was, but don’t get stuck there. A major part of growth is moving on and embracing what is at the moment.

This article How To Incorporate Gratitude And Reflection Practices To End 2025 was originally published on HerAgenda.com

The old adage: “clear out the old to prepare for the new” always seems to resonate at this time of the year. As December finalizes all that the year has contained, it’s time to let go of what was and get ready for what the new year has to offer.

In these times when it feels like there’s not enough time in the day to get anything done, now is the perfect time to eliminate things that no longer serve you and make decisions that will prove to benefit you in the future. As a professional woman, taking these tips below into consideration may change your life.

Decluttering In All Aspects Of Life

If you find that you have a lot of clutter or excessive things in your home, now may be the time to let it go. You can utilize donation centers if you have gently used clothes and shoes (sometimes furniture); and if it’s old you can simply throw it away.

According to The Simplicity Habit, here are a few things to declutter to get you started:

• Your wardrobe
• The kitchen pantry
• The medicine cabinet
• Makeup and toiletries
• Subscriptions
• Email inbox
• Your desk drawer
• Kitchen counter

Deleting To Set Healthy Boundaries

Social media plays an important role at the end of the year for many people. Unfriending, unfollowing, blocking, and deleting numbers can be both liberating and freeing. Letting go of things or people that once hindered your growth can make the new year a fresh start.

By setting healthy boundaries, you are not only protecting your peace, but you are also being assertive and standing for what you know you deserve. In any relationship (family, partner, or friend) there should be mutual respect, and if someone can’t appreciate and understand your standards, don’t feel bad if you have to let them go.

Deciding What’s Best For You

The ability to decide is powerful. You get to decide who goes and stays in your life. Deciding how you want to change and elevate in the new year starts with you. Planning at the end of the year how you want to begin can determine the trajectory of your year.

According to Verywell Mind, achieving even one small goal can boost your belief in yourself. For larger goals, consider breaking them apart into manageable chunks to work on one at a time. The American Psychological Association (APA) also suggests focusing on just one behavior at a time is more likely to lead to long-term success.

This article A Guide To Decluttering, Deleting, Deciding Before The New Year was originally published on HerAgenda.com

The holidays are full of excitement, but also a great chance to teach kids money skills. Incorporating financial lessons into holiday traditions allows children to learn about budgeting, saving, and smart spending in a fun and interactive way. These hands-on experiences help form lasting money habits for the future.

1. Practice The Art Of Comparison Shopping

Taking children on shopping trips is a simple, effective way to teach financial lessons. They learn transactions, compare prices, make choices, and see bargaining in action. You can have kids help make a shopping list to learn purchasing priorities while modeling budgeting and spending choices. 

Early talks about money, allowances, and saving build strong financial habits. This Christmas, take your child shopping to give them a hands-on opportunity to practice these skills in real life.

2. Make Saving Fun And Purposeful

The feeling of saving enough money for a large, planned purchase is extremely rewarding. If there is a new toy that your child wants, explain that saving is just a planned countdown to getting something they really want. You can use simple math to make it feel real by helping them calculate how many weeks of saving it will take to finally bring that specific toy home. Saving is a valuable habit, and a brand new piggy bank could be a fun holiday gift to get your child started. 

3. Teach Kids The Value Of Money 

Parents are essential in helping children understand money. One way to teach this concept is by explaining where money comes from: through work, ideas, existing money, people, or luck. This helps kids understand that money isn’t unlimited and encourages them to think about how they could earn it themselves. 

Allowing them to make small financial mistakes and guiding them to correct these mistakes teaches responsibility and decision-making without judgment.

“What saves us is…allowing the kids to make mistakes, but also not judging them when they do,” says Bobbi Rebell in a podcast interview. She is a Certified Financial Planner and author of “Launching Financial Grown-Ups.” Instead of giving money as a handout to young family members this holiday, ask if they would like to earn some extra cash through chores, like picking up the wrapping paper on the ground or washing the dishes after baking cookies. 

4. Turn Holiday Lists Into Fun Games

Game-based learning in early childhood education has evolved over the years due to advances in technology, educational research, and the development of new teaching methods. In the U.S., teachers often use play money, toy credit cards, learning centers, and games to teach financial literacy to children. Globally, programs such as Children’s Savings Accounts or national strategies for youth financial literacy have proven effective in building early money skills. You can adapt these principles at home, using gift-giving as a practical teaching tool.

In early childhood, kids develop the ability to think symbolically and understand that words and pictures can represent real-world objects and concepts. Board games like Monopoly allow children to practice buying and selling, managing money, and making spending decisions using play money. 

5. Encourage Smart Spending With Gift Cards Or Cash

Some parents worry that giving gift cards or cash feels impersonal, but kids often enjoy the independence it offers. You can give gift cards for favorite restaurants or specific items they’ve been saving for.

This approach helps them practice making big-shot decisions and teaches them to prioritize what they really want, instead of just grabbing the first shiny object that screams their name. Homemade coupons or guided brainstorming sessions can make this even more engaging and intentional.

6. Model The Joy Of Generosity

By modeling generosity, you teach children that they can use money thoughtfully to help others, like donating money, sharing resources, or supporting charitable causes. Engaging kids in money-related acts of giving helps them develop empathy, responsibility, and intentional spending habits.

These experiences show kids that money can have a seriously positive impact that goes beyond just buying things. The holidays are the perfect chance to connect those dots, encouraging children to mix their new financial skills with the simple, good feeling that comes from an act of kindness.

Wrapping Up Money Lessons With Holiday Cheer

The holidays are an ideal time to teach children about money. Hands-on activities make lessons fun and memorable, covering topics such as budgeting, saving, spending, and generosity. Parents model responsible habits, and small, consistent lessons now build lifelong financial skills. Incorporating money education into holiday traditions helps children grow into confident, thoughtful consumers.

This article How To Teach Kids Financial Literacy Through Holiday Gift-Giving was originally published on HerAgenda.com

With each generation comes change and enlightenment. Holidays have become a manner of expression as the world has offered many new options and ideas. For many millennial women entrepreneurs and professionals finding non-traditional means to celebrate has become the new wave. Long gone are the same turkey and dressing dinners for Thanksgiving and Christmas, as women are finding ways to redefine the holidays.

Why Are Women Ditching Traditional Christmas Dinners?

According to AOL, over half of Millennials and Gen Z (54%) think classic holiday dishes need a modern twist, while 78% of Gen Z are ready to trade tired traditions for global-inspired feasts.

Life is fast paced, and many millennial women don’t have time to be in a kitchen all day cooking. With the help of technology, things are made a lot simpler. You can Instacart your groceries, Doordash takeout, or hire a private chef from TikTok.

What Are Women Replacing Traditional Dinners With?

Millennials love a more aesthetically pleasing dish for their social media, which often means more expensive food. Instead of turkey, women are opting for seafood boils, taco bars, catered meals, and potlucks.

According to Yahoo!life, by scaling back on dishes or going for a more laid-back meal that everyone can assist with, your guests will appreciate it, and you’ll be able to converse and enjoy the holiday as opposed to being tethered in the kitchen the entire time.

Exploring The Benefits Of Nontraditional Christmas Dinners

NY Post reports that 71% said they’ve been following the same holiday traditions for most of their lives, though 74% are open to creating new traditions. Social media is changing the landscape of holiday traditions, as 59% admit they find new traditions through the social apps they use daily.

Ultimately the nontraditional route has its benefits. Embracing a new tradition means more time with your loved ones. More bonding time in the kitchen and outside of it enjoying one another is what the holidays are all about.

If you’re skeptical about abandoning the traditions you’ve always had, you can take baby steps by slowly incorporating new items into the menu. Christmas dinners can also mean changing the view. Your family may travel to another state, go to the cabins, or decide to give back/volunteer at a local shelter for the holiday. You can make the holiday as meaningful as you want. 

Creating your own traditions with your family for Christmas should be more about spending time together. If everyone joins together in the kitchen to help, the meal will be prepared quicker. If you’re looking for quick Christmas dinner alternatives, you can find them here.

This article Why More Women Are Ditching Traditional Christmas Dinners And Creating Their Own Holiday Traditions was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Last-minute shopping is no longer a hassle thanks to technology. Working women that have to balance work, family, and inevitable end-of-year demands can confidently rest easy thanks to modern day assistance.

If you still have some Christmas gifts to check off of your list, Her Agenda has some helpful tools to free you of stress, and purchase everything you need, and possibly pick it up the same day.

Tech Tools That Are Saving Time And Christmas

Thanks to buy-online-pick-up-in-store, curbside pickup, and same-day delivery, and gift guides apps you can conveniently order your last minute Christmas gifts from the comfort of your bed or your desk at work. Many women professionals can work without worrying about getting off to shop in crowded stores with barely anything left, and the dreadful long lines.

Stores like Walmart, Target, Macy’s, Kohl’s and a host of grocery stores offer curbside services for your convenience. And FiveBelow and Old Navy offer buy-online-pick-up-in-store.

AI Recommendations Assist With Purchases

Most retail websites offer AI assistance and can be of help if you’re unsure of what you’re looking for. AI can offer recommendations, and substitutes if what you’re looking for isn’t available. 

Amazon led the way by rolling out its Rufus chatbot in 2024. Walmart’s Sparky chatbot is available on app and can synthesize reviews or offer product recommendations based on occasions, such as Christmas. Target recently unveiled a gift finder chatbot on its app, but it’s only available for the holiday season. Ralph Lauren partnered with Microsoft on the “Ask Ralph” chatbot to provide style recommendations.

Land Last-Minute Christmas Deals

Chain Store Age reports that in-store shopping will remain key for last-minute shoppers, with 88% planning to spend in physical stores. Shopping centers will also be an important destination, with nearly eight-in-10 (79%) shoppers planning to visit a retail property, led by Gen Z (89%) and millennials (86%).

Some millennial women may have to trek through the aisles of stores last-minute, however going into the stores with a budget and an idea of what you’re looking for will save time and effort.

However, sometimes being last-minute has its perks. The closer it gets to Christmas, the cheaper items become, as retailers are preparing to transition to the next holiday. In these cases you could find markdowns, clearance items, and good sales. Amazon currently has an online sale with something for everyone in your family. Amazon works best if you have a subscription, as it allows for shorter delivery times.

This article How Women Are Using Tech to Win Last-Minute Holiday Shopping  was originally published on HerAgenda.com

If you’re looking for Christmas gift inspiration you’ve come to the right place. There are so many avenues to look at when it comes to finding the right gift, and exploring trending gifts can sometimes make your search a bit easier.

Whether you’re looking for comfort, luxury, music essentials, or something simpler, Her Agenda has gathered four of your Christmas must-haves due to popular demand.

Apple Airpods Pro 3

These Airpods are perfect if you’re looking for a music upgrade. The battery is said to have a longer hold, there’s a more quality sound from previous Airpods, and they’re water and sweat resistant.

Many millennial women wear Airpods on the go, as they are compact and convenient. You can wear them in the office, while working out, during meetings, or while relaxing.

Amazon and Walmart have them on sale for $199.

Oversized Blanket Hoodie

The winter months make coziness a priority. Whether you like blankets, robes, or throws it’s always nice to be snuggled into something that makes you feel warm.

This oversize blanket hoodie offers everything you want in one piece. Having a blanket that’s both soft and big is a dream to lay in and watch TV, stay warm while you work from home, or get comfy and sleep in. The sherpa material has huge pockets, with the option of zippers.

For the millennial woman this piece would serve as a great gift for the long days at the office, or as a means to relax after a hard day. And as women, when our cycles can disturb our lives once a month, an oversized hoodie can bring extra comfort.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

This bag is selling out in stores and online due to its versatility. You can wear it as a fanny pack, waist or shoulder bag. It can store keys, wallets, cell phones, and essentials.

This is the perfect on-the-go bag for millennial working women that need a nice sized bag that’s cute and sustainable. The everywhere bag also has water repellent fabric, and is available in eight assorted colors.

You can find this bag on the Lululemon site for $38.

Grill Baskets

Keeping health in mind as Q4 ends, these grill baskets are flying off the shelves. If you know a grill master, this gift is for them. These stainless steel grill baskets can create the perfectly charred seafood and vegetables. Actually, anything you grill with the baskets will be delicious, as they are evenly grilled due to its rotation capabilities.

Dinner is made simple for the working woman as all you have to do is toss in your favorite protein and vegetables and let the basket do the rest.

You can find the grill baskets on Amazon for $25.99.

This article The Most Popular Christmas Gifts Women Are Actually Buying This Year was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Motherhood has a way of revealing strength you didn’t know you’d need, or already had. For Katrina George, that truth first took shape in the delivery room, during the birth of her son, Rouvin. A midwife by training, Katrina had spent years helping other women trust their bodies, advocate for themselves, and move through birth with confidence and agency. When she became a mother herself, she experienced that same power firsthand: a moment she later captured in her poem, “A Mother Was Born,” included at the end of this piece.

That sense of embodied strength would soon be tested in new and unexpected ways. When Rouvin was diagnosed with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects growth and development, Katrina found herself navigating a healthcare and education system that too often centers providers over patients and systems over families. Drawing on both her professional expertise and her lived experience as a mother, Katrina stepped into advocacy in its most personal form: fighting for her son to be seen, supported, and treated with dignity.

Putting Her Patients First

Katrina first developed her advocacy skills in her profession as a midwife, and she chose this path so she could empower her patients to advocate for themselves and trust their own bodies.

 “To me, the best midwife is the midwife who actually knows when to do nothing, knows when not to intervene,” Katrina said. “Only after I’ve truly understood my patient’s values, motivating factors, and barriers, could I then use my medical expertise to provide them with options that meet their needs.”

One obstacle she sees in the healthcare system is the focus on what she describes as “provider-centered care” rather than “patient-centered” care. She is mindful about the type of language she uses with fellow providers and in patient documentation. 

“Everything has to be intentional,” she said. “We can’t use words like high risk. We can’t say patient declines or patient refuses, like everything that we do needs to be intentional.”

When Rouvin was born and started exhibiting developmental delays that eventually led to the Rubenstein Tavy diagnosis, Katrina became an advocate for not only her patients but also herself and her family.

More About Rubenstein-Taybi and Rouvin’s Journey

According to the National Organization of Rare Disorders, Rubenstein-Taybi  is characterized by growth delays, distinctive facial features, developmental delays and intellectual disability (with an average IQ of 25-79). Management of the condition involves regular medical evaluations including kidney, heart, vision and hearing as well as speech and behavioral therapy.

Katrina said Rouvin is on a higher functioning end of the Rubenstein-Taybi spectrum and can walk and eat independently and is relatively healthy. However, he still has delays in speech and fine motor skills

“He’s doing really well,” she said. “He doesn’t have any other problems beyond that. And so we feel very fortunate.”

Rouvin still sees doctors, speech therapists and occupational therapists for his challenges, and Katrina and her husband have often had to educate them on Rubenstein-Taybi.

“Most providers and doctors that you speak to will never have heard of it or taken care of that condition, and so most of the time, we end up having to be the ones to educate providers on it,” Katrina said. 

However, Katrina’s advocacy would be truly put to the test when it came to Rouvin’s education. 

Overcoming Prejudices And Obstacles

When Katrina and her husband initially shared the diagnosis with Rouvin’s school, the head of the school was initially sympathetic. 

“[The Academy Director] gave me her deepest sympathies and then told me everything was going to be okay,” Katrina said.

A few days later, however, the school notified Katrina and her husband that Rouvin would be expelled because they “didn’t have the resources” to handle Rouvin’s needs. 

“Nothing in his care was going to change due to receiving a name for his differences. Without a doubt, he was discriminated against because of his diagnosis,” Katrina said.

While she and her husband were furious and  it took them a long time to find a new school, Katrina worked tirelessly with Rouvin on all of this therapy at home. The progress he made in this period was a silver lining in this tough situation. 

“He made such amazing progress during this timeframe that made us feel like he was right where he needed to be,” Katrina said.

Now, Katrina said Rouvin is happy and thriving in a new school geared towards special needs children with teachers who have embraced him. 

From Advocating For Her Patients To Fighting For Her Son

Katrina said she feels that her emphasis on patient-centered care and her belief that individuals are experts in themselves helped her confidently advocate for Rouvin because she actively sought out providers who would follow those values.

“My belief in this idealistic patient-provider relationship helped me seek providers who would listen humbly, partner with us in the decision making process, and would most importantly, respect when we chose to do something differently than what they might have chosen to do for their family,” Katrina said. 

Her advice to other parents:

“You don’t need a medical degree, you just need a provider who engages in patient-centered communication,” Katrina said.

A Mother Was Born – A Poem By Katrina George

I wasn’t hoping to be induced, but pregnancy is a humbling experience.
I look in the mirror and take a deep cleansing breath after my last contraction.
I look a hot mess, but I’m proud of myself and at peace with whatever happens next.
I’m so tired, and feel intense rectal and sacral discomfort.
I am not innately bearing down, but I yearn for the opportunity.
I laid back in bed and said, “please call the midwife, I’m not sure how much longer I can do this.”
And in that moment I thought of the many clients who asked for me to come to the bedside at
this very crossroad.
And so she did.
And to my delight, by son was ready for his sunrise.
Stretch marks across my upper thighs once met with scorn,
Would be the guardrails from which I would place my hands as I birthed him into existence
Each stripe was war paint etched into my skin to remind me that I was a tigress and a warrior.
Each line would fade but remain a symbol of my perseverance as I navigated uncharted
territory.
For I would learn that this was just the beginning of when my strength would be tested
And every sound made on that momentous day, was not one of agony, but of power.
Like the roar of a lioness as she announced her presence, telling all that a young king would be
born.
So that all would gather around to meet him and support her.
The river that flowed from my eyes at the sight of him would wash me clean of all that I had
endured while forming him in my womb.
My breasts enlarged and would be the fruit from which he was nourished
My hair grew long and plentiful, illustrating how he nourished me.
And when it began to fall out months later, I was reminded that everything has a season.
New rolls like dough illustrated that I too was being reshaped with the malleability of 24k gold
And so I’ve worn Motherhood around my neck like Slick Rick’s chain
Because…I am…so…fucking…fabulous
He did not “wreck” me, he made me whole
I am not yet where I want to be, but I am the best version of me.
Truth is, I don’t know what I’m doing
After all, today was the birth of a mother
And yet…he doesn’t seem to notice
So I will look at myself through the loving unadulterated eyes of my son,
and know that I am enough

…more than enough
And I will never be the same
But I will continue to be better
In all the ways that matter
Happy Birthday to Me.

This article A Mother Was Born: Katrina George’s Advocacy Journey As A Midwife And A Mother was originally published on HerAgenda.com