Through My Lens: God's Timing Is Better Than Mine

                                            The light was there, even when I couldn't see it.

Photography by Andrea Stallworth | Brown Girl From Boston

Last year, I wouldn't have been able to appreciate the light shining in the various areas of my life because I was coexisting with darkness. I was hurting, grieving, searching, and trying to understand what God was doing in my life.

I often refer to that season as my Job season. Yet even in my brokenness, God never abandoned me. He did not shy away from my tears, my questions, or my pain. Instead, He stayed close and continued to shine His light on the places within me that needed healing, restoration, and growth.

As Psalm 34:18 reminds us:

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Day by day, God began repairing the hidden places of my heart. He revealed wounds I needed to confront, lessons I needed to learn, and strengths I didn't know I possessed.

Today, I still don't have everything figured out, and that's okay. I've learned that God's timing will always be better than my own. What I do know is this: I have come to appreciate the many ways His light appears in my life. Sometimes it arrives as peace. Sometimes, as growth. Sometimes, as unexpected opportunities. And sometimes as a quiet reminder that He has been with me all along.

The darkness did not last forever. The light was there, even when I couldn't see it.

 

                                        Peace arrives when we stop rushing God's timing.

Photography by Andrea Stallworth | Brown Girl From Boston

Small Moves, Big Mood: A Realist’s Guide to Feeling Better ft Guest Blogger: Kevin Ogle

You don’t need a life overhaul to feel good—you need rhythm. The kind you can find in ordinary hours, where one clear habit flows into the next. Most people overestimate what it takes to feel well and underestimate what happens when they stop defaulting to chaos. You can change everything by making fewer, more meaningful decisions. Not louder ones. Not bigger ones. Just more rhythmically human ones. If you’re looking to feel better day to day, don’t search for motivation—build something it can land on.

Start with one clear win

You can’t fix mornings with apps you never open. What you can do is carve out a single moment—coffee on the porch, a walk around the block, a phone-free breakfast—that marks the day as yours before anything else claims it. Behavioral researchers argue that wellness doesn’t come from massive reinventions but from how you handle the first thirty minutes of your day. That means ditching “ambitious” routines and instead leaning into simple, sustainable routines that actually stick because they don’t punish you into compliance. It’s about flow, not force. And nothing flows from burnout.

Reset faster when things go sideways

Even a good day can turn chaotic. And it’s in those fractured midday moments that many people lose their footing—spiraling into frustration, distraction, or depletion. Instead of pretending you're fine or waiting for the day to end, try this: stop, sit, and breathe with intention using what experts call the 5‑5‑5‑3 step reset method. It’s not spiritual fluff; it’s a rhythm disruption tool. You inhale for five counts, exhale for five, do this five times, then name three things you can feel or see. It gives your nervous system a pattern to follow—because chaos can't hold its grip on a brain that finds rhythm again.

Build from the tiniest possible wins

The truth about consistency is that it’s rarely dramatic. You don’t need 75-day sprints or public declarations—what you need is one small move repeated without fanfare. Research continues to show that tiny wins become lasting routines when they’re linked to existing behaviors and don’t require motivational miracles. Stack one next to your coffee. Put another just after brushing your teeth. That’s not trivial—it’s architecture. Because you’re not fighting your brain; you’re recruiting it.

Invest in clarity, not just effort

A lot of effort is wasted when your path is foggy. For people exploring a career in healthcare or patient-centered fields, clarity often comes from knowing your options and how they map to real goals—not just aspirational ones. If you’re considering a degree shift or reentering the education space, get more details on how programs are structured, what flexibility looks like, and what credentialing unlocks what role. More choices don’t help if you’re too fogged up to move. Clear paths create confident walkers.

Choose presence before performance

You can’t perform well in a day you’re not even in. That’s why many health professionals recommend grounding rituals—not to add “one more thing” to your list, but to remove the noise that keeps your nervous system scattered. Whether it’s journaling, stillness, breathwork, or even washing your face slowly, try to start your day with mindful presence. The win isn’t the act—it’s the reentry into the moment. And presence, unlike perfection, is renewable.

Play a longer game with your energy

Quick fixes burn bright and disappear. It’s the boring stuff—logging your sleep, moving daily, drinking enough water—that doesn’t wow anyone but changes everything. The problem? Most people ditch the work when the payoff isn’t immediate. But momentum isn’t magic—it’s math. And prioritize consistency over instant payoffs; doing so frees you from the trap of giving up just before it starts working. What you repeat, you become. So be careful who you copy.

Use gratitude like a tool, not a mood

Gratitude isn't a vibe—it’s a practice. One of the most neurologically beneficial ones, in fact. Journaling just three things you’re grateful for daily can rewire perception, reduce negative bias, and help you feel emotionally steadier over time. Don’t wait until you're "in the mood" to feel thankful. Write it when you don’t mean it, and your brain will catch up later. Most people aren’t born optimistic—they’re built that way. So if you’re trying to shift your daily tone, gratitude journaling shifts mindsets in ways that compound quietly.

You won’t build well-being by fixing everything. You’ll build it by noticing what already works and repeating it on purpose. Big swings are tempting, but they rarely hold. What holds is rhythm—days that bend, not break; choices that feel like home, not punishment. Your energy doesn’t need intensity—it needs flow. And your joy doesn’t need fireworks—it needs space. Feeling good every day isn’t about the days being good. It’s about how you move through them when they’re not.

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

 

Guest Blog Post: Unraveling the Tangled Web of Stress: A Guide to Identification and Management by Kevin D. Ogle

 

You're not alone in feeling the weight of stress on your shoulders. In today's fast-paced world, stress has become a constant companion for many. Recognizing the sources of your stress is the first step toward managing it effectively.

This journey requires introspection and a commitment to change. As you embark on this path, remember that small, consistent efforts can significantly transform how you experience and handle stress. Brown Girl From Boston shares more:

Pinpointing the Root Causes

The journey to stress management begins with a deep dive into the causes that trigger your stress. It could be the mountain of work awaiting you every morning, the intricate dynamics of your personal relationships, the anxiety of financial constraints, or concerns about your health. Acknowledging these stressors is not a sign of weakness but a brave first step toward gaining control over them.

Financial Health: More Than Just Numbers

Financial stress can be overwhelming, but taking proactive steps to manage it can bring immense relief. Start by focusing on improving your credit score. A good credit score above 740 is essential for favorable loan terms and reflects your financial stability. Essentially, it represents to lenders how likely you are to repay your loans. Managing your finances well is a crucial step towards peace of mind.

Breathing and Mindfulness: The Twin Pillars of Serenity

Integrating deep breathing and meditation into your daily life can be a game-changer. These practices are not just for those with hours to spare; even a few minutes daily can profoundly impact your stress levels. The calmness you'll experience is not just a temporary reprieve but a building block for long-term peace.

A New Chapter: Career Change for Mental Wellness

Sometimes, the stress of a stagnant or overly demanding job calls for a bold move. Consider a career shift as a pathway to mental rejuvenation. The realm of online education has made it easier than ever to acquire new skills without sacrificing your current commitments.

Imagine exploring the complexities of the human mind through a degree in psychology. Learning about cognitive and affective processes can equip you to aid others while enriching your mental health.

The Elixir of Physical Activity

Never underestimate the power of a good workout. Exercise isn't just about physical fitness; it's a potent antidote to stress. The endorphins released during physical activity are nature's stress-busters. Find a form of exercise that sparks joy in you and make it a staple of your routine.

Cultivating a Garden of Positivity

Your mindset is pivotal in how you perceive and react to stress. By focusing on gratitude and mindfulness, you shift from a problem-centric view to a solution-oriented perspective. This positive approach doesn't just alleviate stress; it transforms your entire outlook on life.

Nourishment for the Body and Mind

What you eat significantly impacts how you feel. A diet high in processed foods and sugars can exacerbate stress, while a nutrient-rich diet can enhance overall well-being. Embrace whole foods and experience a healthier body and a more balanced state of mind.

Finding Harmony Between Work and Life

The balance between your professional and personal life is crucial for long-term stress management. Dedicating time to self-care and leisure activities is not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining mental health. This balance is the key to sustained productivity and happiness.

Final Thoughts

Your journey through the maze of stress is unique, but the steps to manage it are universally effective. From understanding the root causes to implementing practical strategies for relief, every step you take is a move toward a more peaceful, fulfilling life.

Managing stress is not a destination but a continuous journey of self-care and mindfulness. Embrace these practices, and watch your life transform into a calmer, more balanced existence.

Blog Post Author

Kevin D. Ogle

Anxious.biz 

Guest Post: Empower Your Introverted Self: A Comprehensive Self-Care Guide by Kevin D. Ogle

 

Navigating the maze of daily life can be overwhelming for many, but it's particularly taxing for introverts who find solace in solitude. A well-structured self-care strategy is not just a luxury but a necessity for introverts to maintain a balanced emotional, physical, and mental state. In this article from Brown Girl from Boston, we outline a thoughtful and sustainable self-care regimen designed explicitly for introverted individuals.

Unleash Your Artistic Talents

Initiating a self-care journey can often start with the simplest yet most profound activities. For introverts, creative outlets like painting, sketching, or digital art offer a sanctuary for self-expression and emotional renewal. Tapping into your artistic abilities helps you introspect and understand your innermost thoughts and primes you for future self-care actions. Creativity aligns your emotional and intellectual faculties, making focusing on other aspects of your well-being and lifestyle easier.

Commit to Health through Movement

As your emotional well-being starts to find its footing through creative pursuits, extending this balance to your physical self is crucial. Physical activity has an undeniable impact on your health, be it jogging, practicing yoga, or even dancing to your favorite tunes at home. Beyond the endorphin rush that naturally lifts your mood, regular exercise lays the foundation for better sleep and mental clarity, critical components of self-care.

Seek Services for Rehab or Refresh

With your body in a healthier routine and your mind at ease, take a moment to examine your lifestyle and relationships. Most of us enter adulthood with baggage of some sort. Determine whether yours is getting in the way of your happiness, and connect with services that help.

Another option is connecting with your insurance provider to determine your coverage for talk therapy. Many plans offer free options, like Teledoc or some such. Talk about things if you are irritable, sad, anxious, or complacent about things that shouldn’t be triggering you. A therapist can provide you with tools to move forward and live a more fulfilling life.

Escape Through Literary Journeys

Now that your mind is less cluttered and more focused, it's the perfect time to indulge in the quiet joy of reading. Books serve as gateways to different worlds, offering a break from reality that many introverts cherish. You might even want to dedicate a space in your home as a reading room or book nook. A window seat with a built-in bench or even a full-blown library can provide hours on end of enjoyment. If you need further justification, it could even be an asset to your home’s market value when executed aesthetically pleasingly.

Engaging with diverse narratives and perspectives can be as refreshing as enlightening, and this mental escapade further solidifies your emotional grounding.

Harmonize Solitude and Social Engagement

While the joy of solitude is irreplaceable for introverts, balancing this need for isolation with measured social interactions is vital. Prioritize quality conversations and meaningful experiences over empty social obligations. A cup of coffee and a good friend can be the perfect combination. Bear in mind that if you tend to feel anxious about connecting, you might monitor how much caffeine you take in. High-powered coffee drinks can contribute to jitters.

This harmonious balance enriches your emotional palette and equips you to derive greater pleasure from your solitary pursuits.

Maintain a Journal of Thankfulness

Gratitude is a powerful force for emotional well-being. To help keep the positives at the forefront of your mind, consider jotting down aspects of your life you are grateful for. A thankfulness journal not only boosts your mood but also serves as a reflective tool. You can revisit your entries during challenging times as a reminder of your personal growth and successful strategies.

Curate a Haven for Personal Renewal

It's crucial to have a physical space that reflects your need for solitude and emotional replenishment. A dedicated corner furnished with calming elements—soft cushions, gentle lighting, or even a small library—can be your sanctuary. This intimate space enables you to recharge efficiently, ensuring you have the energy to continue your self-care routine over the long term.

Master Calming Techniques

To weave together the different aspects of your self-care routine, delve into calming practices like mindfulness, meditation, or even progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques not only reduce stress but also improve your mental stamina. A holistic approach to relaxation complements the other facets of your self-care plan, resulting in a well-rounded regimen for sustained well-being.

 

For introverts, mastering the art of self-care is a complex yet rewarding endeavor that necessitates attention to emotional, physical, and mental facets. By embracing the various strategies outlined here, you lay down a strong foundation for a resilient and fulfilling life, tailored to meet the unique demands of your introverted nature.

Blog Post Author

Kevin D. Ogle

Anxious.biz 

The 39 and FLY Challenge

I thank God for giving me the greatest blessing of turning 39! I'm a trailblazer, focused, determined, purposeful, holistically, and FLY Black Woman on a mission!

I was just nine, posing in front of my mom's Jetta on Hollingsworth St in Mattapan!

I don't take life or my purpose for granted because I have endured challenges. Living without my eldest brother is one of the most significant challenges I navigate daily. His life got taken away instantly at 19. So when you see me go hard, live life purposefully, smile, stay sucker-free, accomplish goals, tap into my inner G, moving with urgency, now you know why! I don't play about my life and purpose! God doesn't play about me, either! I don't have room for anyone to rock with me half-heartedly. I got trails to blaze and moves to make!

I know Rakim said, "It ain't where you from; it's where you at." So I like to say where I am from (Mattapan, to be exact) prepared me to be where I am at..

With that being said, I have to thank my family, my ancestors (great-grandparents, grandparents, and Great Aunts and Uncles) for genuinely being my village. I'm an old soul because, as the youngest and only girl, I had to sit with my elders, listen to their wisdom, run errands with them, help them out, and honestly care for them!

Hence, why I am a social worker and educator! The wisdom I heard and applied is a combination of my elders in my family, ancestors, life experiences, school, reading, and researching!

Giving thanks to the past, present, and future sacrifices my parents made from leaving Alabama in 1970 relocating to Boston (Mattapan) to create a dope, challenging, and cultured life for my brothers and me.

My entire ancestral lineage investment is paying off, and I'm genuinely breaking generational curses daily! It's not easy, but I've gracefully accepted the challenge!

Giving thanks for being healthy (mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually)! I work hard towards my internal and eternal healing daily while helping others do the same!

Much love, light, gratitude, and endless blessings,

Drea

 

#MoneyMakingMonday: Never Underestimate A Small Beginning and Following

Be a Doer, Not a Talker

When I first relocated back to the New England area, I complained, whined and cried. Why you ask? I left Boston at 18 years young, ready to conquer the world at Tuskegee University in Alabama. I grew sick and tired of the hustle and bustle of a major city and decided to start my adulthood in rural Alabama. When my husband proposed to me, I knew in order for my marriage to work, thrive and evolve, I had to make the decision to return back to New England. However, I didn't return back to Boston, Mass, I relocated to "No-Man's land" Providence, Rhode Island. S/O to all the Rhody residents lol.

Fast forward three years later, I realized that my complaining, whining and crying grew old very quickly. I had to change my mindset, assess and recognize the reason why my journey here in Rhode Island was important not only to myself and my family but for the people. I decided to get off the sideline and make my mark within the state of Rhode Island and New England area. I decided that complaining wasn't solving any issues but it was making me, my husband and my environment worst.

Whenever, I witness a "bystander" complaining about a specific issue, their lifestyle, friends, and environment, I challenge them to either change their attitude and mindset or stop complaining because whining and crying isn't going to change the situation. No one doesn't like surround themselves with a don'ter because it just dampens moods. If you are reading this and complaining about a situation, change your mindset, attitude and show gratitude because things can be a lot worst.

Five Way To Become A Doer

1. Use your gifts and strengths: Many times, we spend endless times sitting in our empty and negative emotions and feelings rather than tuning in to our intuition. Once we look inward, we will be able to use our gifts and strengths for the greater good to assist those who are in need of your gifts and strengths. For example, if you are an amazing therapeutic painter, why not use your gifts to assist at risk children and adults to gain positive coping mechanisms.  It's not always about you.
2. Stop Being Hard On Yourself: Stop waiting until everything is perfect to be a doer. Guess what, you are imperfect. When we are hard on ourselves and going through an internal struggle, we often become enslaved to our negative thoughts and complaints. Instead of suppressing our negative and empty emotions, rediscover the goodness and imperfections and embrace them fully.
3. Find Your Tribe/Village: "It take a village to raise a child." -African Proverbs; I am a truly believer that it take a village help someone who is in need, help someone to reach their success and help someone to cope and grow. Find like-minded individuals, family members, community leaders, mentor or professional organization to support your life's purpose, vision and mission. You also need someone to help you stay accountability and on the path of being a doer. 
4. Volunteer/Serve Others: Whenever I serve others especially girls and women who are in need and experiencing life transitions, I take the focus off myself and serve those who are in imminent need.  When you serve others, you should feel inspired, stimulated, fulfilled, and recharged. Making a difference in one's life is special because you sprinkle your goodness into the atmosphere and person which you are building a positive and lasting legacy.
5. Just Do It! Just like Nike said. Stop procrastinating, stop complaining and be a doer. You don't want to waste time nor energy complaining about something you can change. Stop pointing the finger, stop letting your words dictate your life and circumstances. 

Remember, complaining isn't going to solve anything! Stop sitting on the sideline waiting for things to get done.

Are you a doer or a don'ter? Let's talk about it.

Thank you for reading Brown Girl From Boston! We truly appreciate your support.

XOXO,
Drea