Creative Revival: Ways to Reignite Your Spark and Thrive (Guest Blogger: Kevin D. Ogle)

When your ideas feel dull and your passion plateaus, it’s easy to assume creativity has left you. But it hasn’t—it’s just hiding behind the clutter of routine and the weight of mental fatigue. Everyone hits that wall, and while the temptation might be to push through, the real solution often lies in stepping back and recalibrating. Creativity isn’t a finite resource; it’s something you can reignite, refine, and rebuild with deliberate, thoughtful action. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or problem-solver, reinvigorating your creative energy is about making small, consistent changes that clear space for bold, new thinking.

Shift Your Surroundings to Reset Your Mind

You don’t have to travel across the world to refresh your mind—just changing your environment can open up new mental pathways. A new location forces your senses to adjust and your brain to engage differently, which naturally encourages novel thoughts. Try working in a park, visiting a new café, or rearranging your home office; even these small shifts can unlock a wave of fresh inspiration. If you always operate in the same space, your brain falls into autopilot, but when you change the backdrop, you disrupt that default and allow innovation to sneak back in.

Reignite Your Passion Through a Career Shift

Sometimes the best way to find your creative energy is to realign your entire path. Changing careers isn’t just about chasing income or titles—it’s about discovering work that lets you think differently, feel more engaged, and solve new problems. Earning a degree through an online program makes it easy to work full-time and keep up with your studies. For example, by earning a degree in psychology, you can study the cognitive and affective processes that drive human behavior so you can support those in need of help. If you're feeling mentally stagnant in your current field, this is worth a look as a way to reinvigorate both your creativity and your sense of purpose.

Make Space for Mindfulness

When your mind is overcrowded with tasks and tension, creativity has nowhere to land. Practicing mindfulness allows you to declutter mentally, making space for original ideas to form and flourish. Whether through meditation, breathwork, or a simple mindful walk, the point is to get present and observe without judgment. When you quiet the internal noise, unexpected insights often rise to the surface—ones that were previously drowned out by mental chatter.

Collaborate for a Creative Jolt

Sometimes the fastest route to new ideas is through someone else's lens. Brainstorming with colleagues or trusted friends can inject your thinking with energy you didn’t even realize you were missing. Conversations, debates, and the simple act of explaining your ideas out loud often spark connections you wouldn’t reach alone. Even if your collaborator isn’t in your industry, their outside perspective might be the twist your ideas need to evolve into something better.

Track Your Sparks in a Journal

Inspiration is fleeting, which is why a creativity journal can be your best ally. Carry it everywhere—or use a digital version if that's your thing—and jot down everything: quotes, observations, sketch ideas, dreams, or even half-formed thoughts. Over time, those snippets form patterns, generate connections, and become a launching pad for bigger projects. This habit also teaches your brain to stay alert to creative stimuli, making you more receptive to flashes of insight when they strike.

Step Into the Unfamiliar Through New Hobbies

Routine is the death of originality. If you want to revive your creative instincts, step into something completely outside your usual rhythm. Join a cooking class, pick up rock climbing, try improv theater—anything that demands a new skill set and engages different parts of your brain. These unfamiliar activities force you to be a beginner again, which can help you rediscover the joy and curiosity you need to think inventively in all areas of life.

Keep Curiosity at the Center

Rebuilding your creative confidence doesn’t have to be some grand, cinematic endeavor. At its core, creativity is fueled by curiosity—the desire to know, feel, and express something new. When you start asking different questions and following strange tangents, you end up discovering ideas that push you past your limits. Don’t worry so much about being original or impressive—focus on staying curious, and originality will follow.

Thriving creatively isn’t about being a genius; it’s about crafting the right conditions to let your ideas grow. That means changing your environment, exploring new inputs, and giving yourself time to reflect and recharge. It’s also about recognizing when you’re stuck and having the courage to try something completely new—even if that means shifting careers or adopting a new lifestyle. When you nurture your creative energy instead of forcing it, it becomes a sustainable part of your life rather than a disappearing act. You don’t need more talent—you just need more room to think, dream, and try again.

Empower your journey with Brown Girl from Boston, where every ‘Dear Sis’ letter is a step towards your personal evolution and mental wellness!

From the Couch to Answering Your Calling: Why You Must Stop Worshipping at the Altar of Laziness

 Dear Sis,

A Word for Today: Stop Bending Down at the Altar of Laziness

Whewwww chile. Dr. Daniel Black said something on The Karen Hunter Show that had me nearly fall off my walking pad:
"Stop bending down at the altar of laziness."
And listen that word took me out.

Why? Because so many of us stay lying prostrate at that altar like it’s holy ground. From how we act, think, dress, and carry ourselves, to the excuses we whisper to ourselves while scrolling instead of sowing into our dreams.

Let me take it even further:
I’ve been on a social media fast, Day 72 and counting.
And let me tell you, sis, that was one of the biggest altar calls of laziness in my life. The amount of wasted time, mess, and unproductive comparison I was entertaining... whew. Social media was feeding me everyone else's highlight reel while starving my purpose. I had to cut it off to tap back in.

That word hit because I realized something: You can’t be great and be lazy at the same time. You have to divorce laziness, own when you’ve been lazy, and do the work to become the version of you you keep praying for.

See, greatness isn't glamorous. It’s not the viral posts or the applause. It's the mundane, over and over and over. It's consistency, discipline, habits, commitment, and silent dedication. It's doing it when no one is looking. When nobody is double-tapping. When it’s just you, God, and the decision to keep showing up.

So let me ask you:
If you find yourself bowing at the altar of laziness, why?
Aren’t you tired of settling?
Aren’t you tired of shrinking when you were built to soar?

Because here’s the truth:
It takes the same energy to be lazy as it does to be consistent. The same commitment it takes to procrastinate, you can use to rise. To transform. To evolve.

Let me be real with you. Every morning, before I even check a text or email, I:

• Pray and read my Bible devotionals

• Handle my hygiene

• Get on my walking pad for 30+ minutes

• Then start my work day with a clear mind and aligned spirit

In the evening, I:

• Walk with my mom

• Hit the gym for an hour and a half

• Come home, shower, and eat something nourishing

• Pray and meditate for 10 minutes in my prayer closet

• Journal, and lights out by 10pm

That may sound boring to some, but baby, peace and power live in routine. I stopped bending down at the altar of laziness because I got tired of feeling stuck. Tired of my joints hurting. Tired of being inflamed physically and emotionally. I started seeing the impact of stress, passive-aggression, and misalignment on my body. I looked worn down. And that's not part of my calling.

I made a choice: unsubscribe from the Tribe Called Mediocre.
Because sis, I want to live well into my 100s, joyful, healthy, free, and not bound to prescriptions, people, or patterns that don’t serve me.

That means I read my food labels. I track what I eat. I don’t entertain low-vibrational energy or passive-aggressive individuals who disrupt my peace. I’m becoming her even in my 40s because I refuse to accept anything less.

And you can, too.

So, I’m asking you this from a place of love:
When will you stop attending the altar calls of laziness... and start answering the call to greatness?

You're not too old. You're not too far gone. You're not stuck.
You're just one yes away from your glow-up.
And I'm rooting for you.

With love,

Professor Drea

Dear Sis: You Don’t Owe Struggle a Comeback

Dear Sis,

We don't want to continue to struggle with our mental health, our weight, the weight of others, love, complacency, or fill in the blank with that one thing you are currently struggling with. Today, we are breaking up with our struggle story. 

You’ve carried enough. The weight of potential. The silence of being misunderstood. The shame of staying too long. The ache of releasing something you wanted to work so badly.

But what if I told you:

You don’t owe a comeback story.

You don’t have to prove your strength by surviving chaos anymore.

Sis, this new chapter?

It’s not about bouncing back, it’s about breaking free.

This season is about softness without guilt.

Simplicity without shame.

Sovereignty over your time, your peace, your energy.

You’re allowed to heal without performing it. You’re allowed to move in silence, to take walks that no one tracks, to pray in whispers, and to build a life so aligned, it doesn’t need an announcement.

Lately, you've been redefining everything:

• Success is peace.

• Wealth is rest.

• Health is listening to your body, honoring your boundaries, and letting God reorder your steps.

• Love? It’s sacred, not sacrificial.

You're not lazy, Sis. You're liberating yourself.

You're not behind. You're being rebuilt.

You’re not waiting on a breakthrough. You are the breakthrough.

Journal Prompt:

What am I no longer available for—and what am I making sacred space to receive?

Affirmation:

“I release the need to hustle for healing. I choose ease. I choose joy. I choose me.”

Sis, if you needed a sign to stop running back to what hurt, this is it. You are not called to carry what God has asked you to lay down.

Breathe deeper. Walk lighter. Live freer.

You owe no one an explanation for your peace.

With grace and truth,

Drea

Your Brown Girl From Boston

 

Dear Sis, You Are Not Defective: You’re Evolving

Sis, let’s talk. Not the surface-level stuff. I’m talking about the real, raw, sometimes uncomfortable truth.

This week, I had to sit by myself. Not just the polished, got-it-together version — but the soul-stretched, emotionally drained, grieving version. The one who finally said, “Enough is enough.” The one who walked away, not out of bitterness, but out of deep, spiritual clarity.

Because, truth be told, sometimes relationships shift, not because we failed, but because we grew. We outgrew emotional dumping grounds. We outgrew being unseen. We outgrew the fight to be loved correctly.

Let’s be clear: being twice divorced, breaking off engagements, or not having a child by a certain age does not make you defective. You are not broken. You are not hard to love. You are not “too much.”

You are evolving.

You are shedding what no longer fits your soul — and yes, that’s painful. It’s grief. It’s confusing. It’s lying on the couch, wondering how you ended up here again. But it’s also sacred. Because grief is love in disguise. Grieving the fantasy, the expectations, the promises that were made but not honored. And still, you rise.

This week, I made a decision. I am reclaiming my voice, my body, my joy. I’m choosing softness, not weakness. I’m choosing peace, not people-pleasing. I’m choosing to show up for me, not for someone who’s not ready to meet me where I stand.

It’s okay if you’re in survival mode. It’s okay if you don’t feel strong right now. Just don’t forget: there’s another chapter after this one. Rest if you must. Cry if you need to. But trust, sis — you are rebuilding, not retreating.

God’s timing is divine. When it’s your turn, nothing-no detour, delay, or doubt-can block it. And when peace feels foreign, lean into this truth:

“So God created [Andrea] in His own image.” (Genesis 1:27 personalized — feel free to replace with your own name.)

You were created with purpose. Your softness, your fire, your intuition, your grace — it’s all by divine design.

So, here’s your reminder:

Take the nap.

Cut the cord.

Save your joy.

Reclaim your time.

Choose what aligns, not what drains.

And if no one told you today, sis — I see you. I love you. You are not alone.

Affirmation:

“I am not behind. I am becoming. And everything I’ve walked away from is making space for everything aligned to walk in.”

 

Dear Sis, Your Voice Matters

Dear Sis,

Your voice carries power. It’s the power to advocate for change, to challenge the status quo, and to inspire others to take action. But here’s the truth: showing up matters just as much as speaking out. It’s not only about standing up for yourself but also about lifting others up along the way.

We live in a time where division is amplified, arguments become the norm, and energy is often misplaced. It’s easy to organize and execute a debate or point fingers, but what about turning that energy into supporting one another? What about using that passion to plan and build instead of tear down? Sis, that diabolical work of separation has no place here.

This is the season to advocate, organize, plan, and execute—not for chaos, but for progress. Imagine the power of unity when we direct our focus toward solutions instead of contributing to the division. Think about the impact we can make when we channel our voices into movements that create lasting change for ourselves and our communities.

Let’s call it what it is: diabolical work when we let division stand in the way of collaboration. But Sis, we are better than that. We are built to be connectors, advocates, and changemakers. When we show up, we show out—not just for ourselves but for others who need to see that strength, that fire, that relentless hope for something better.

So, what will you do today to show up? How will you use your voice to inspire, heal, and uplift? Start small if you need to, but start. Together, we can turn things around.

Call to Action:

Dear Sis, let’s not just talk about change—let’s organize, plan, and execute it. The world needs us, and we need each other.

 

Dear Sis, You Can Find Love After a Divorce!

“Black love is a reminder of our resilience, our beauty, and the joy that grows when two hearts unite in purpose and passion.” – Unknown

Sis, I need you to know something: love after heartbreak is possible. It’s real. And it can happen at any age, including what I like to call “the big age.” At 41 years old, I recently got engaged—a beautiful surprise that has filled my heart with joy. But let me take you back a little because the journey wasn’t easy.

The Aftermath of Divorce

I never spoke much about my divorce. It was messy, traumatic, and painful. For two years, I went to therapy on and off, working to heal the hurt, unpack my emotions, and rebuild myself. I kept things private, avoiding the drama of "who did what", smear campaigns, and other gossip. I didn’t want to live in bitterness, so I focused on moving forward with grace and peace.

During my divorce, I didn’t date. I didn’t want to add another layer of pain by connecting with someone who might take advantage of my vulnerabilities. Instead, I focused on me. I cried, prayed, journaled, and rebuilt my life from the inside out. I even took solo trips, became my own best friend, and started to truly love myself.

A New Chapter Begins

After my divorce was finalized, I started dreaming again. I sat down and wrote a list of qualities I wanted in a partner, focusing on values and character rather than just surface-level desires. I surrendered it all to God and trusted Him to lead the way.

Fast forward to October 2022. I was at the Morehouse-Tuskegee football classic, looking and feeling my best, just minding my business. Out of nowhere, I heard someone call my name—"Miss Stallworth." I turned around, and there he was—an old friend from undergrad. What started as a chance encounter turned into something beautiful.

Our first “catch-up” outing turned into an unforgettable night. That friend I met in World History class at Tuskegee became my fiancé. And now, we’re planning the rest of our lives together.

Lessons and Love

For my sisters navigating life post-divorce, here’s my heart to yours:

• Heal Before You Love Again. Take the time to focus on yourself. Cry, journal, pray, and seek therapy if needed. Rebuild from within.
• Don’t Rush the Process. Dating during a vulnerable time can lead to soul ties you don’t want. Be intentional about your healing before putting yourself back out there.
• Be Open but Discern. Consult God about your relationships. Stop choosing your “type” if your type has consistently brought you pain.
• Glow Up and Evolve. Hit the gym, take solo trips, write love letters to yourself, and rediscover your passions.
• Explore New Spaces. Love may not be in your usual places. Try new events, hobbies, and locations.

Sis, bitterness will age you, but love—starting with self-love—will rejuvenate you. Don’t believe the myth that the dating pool is spoiled. Step into new spaces with confidence, trust God’s timing, and love yourself so fiercely that the right man recognizes your worth immediately.

Your future love is out there, Sis. But first, make sure you love and honor yourself fully. The journey may not be easy, but it’s worth it. Trust me, I’ve lived it. 💕

 

Food Deserts and a Solution