Today on the blog I am welcoming Brittany Muddamalle from The Almost Indian Wife. She's sharing her story about identity. I’ve always wanted to be a parent, but in all my daydreaming I never could have expected what my life would look like after I had kids. Motherhood isn’t what I thought it would be. In my head, it was all about monumental firsts, cute little babies, and life changing moments. In reality, motherhood is all the good moments and the … [Read more...]
Does Loving my Family Mean that I No Longer Love Myself?
Being a mother is a tricky position to play. It often means late nights, no sick days, and giving more of yourself to your family than you ever imagined. One of the hardest parts about motherhood is answering the question that we are afraid to answer: Does loving my family mean that I no longer love myself? Here are a few ways mothers sacrifice themselves for their families: … [Read more...]
Cross-Cultural Marriage: 6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Jumping In
Since I began my blogging journey, I’ve had people ask me what tips I would suggest for marrying someone outside of their race and/or culture. To that question, I would usually respond by telling them that they should have the same concerns with someone outside of their culture/race as the ones they would have with someone who looked similar to them. But the more I think about it, there are some things that should be considered. Here’s a comprehensive list for you: … [Read more...]
You Know You’re in a Multiracial Family When…
Have you ever heard of Loving Day? I didn't until recently. It's an annual celebration held on June 12, the anniversary of the 1967 Supreme Court decision of Loving v. Virginia, which struck down all laws forbidding marriage between people non-white and white. For a multiracial family like mine, this day is super meaningful! People often remark that when you love who you love, it doesn't matter, and the world shouldn't either. I believe that is the case, but being … [Read more...]
Evolving Friendships: Letting Go, Holding On, and Finding Peace in the Shift
As a school counselor, the one thing I find myself repeating to people (co-workers and parents) is that the only constant in education is change. The same can be said of relationships too. Over the years, several friendships have ended and I've found myself very disappointed. Disappointed because I thought these friendships would last a lifetime. This is the last post in my February relationship series. I've focused on marriage and kids, and now I'm moving into … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Evolve Gracefully with your Spouse
I've heard so many people say that their marriage ended because they "just grew apart." But the truth is—we all grow. We all evolve. Life shifts us. Parenthood, career changes, grief, and joy—they all mold us into slightly different versions of who we used to be. The key to staying connected in marriage isn’t avoiding change—it’s choosing to grow together through it. My husband and I have been married for over six years. In that time, he’s been a travel agent, a … [Read more...]
5 Tips For Communicating Effectively With Your Spouse
Do You Ever Struggle to Communicate with Your Spouse? Here’s How to Improve Your Conversations Does anyone else ever struggle with communicating with their spouse? If so, trust me—you’ve come to the right place. This month, I’m excited to talk about all things love and relationships. One of the key foundations of a strong and lasting marriage is good communication. But what does that mean? We hear it all the time—at work, at home, even in therapy—but how do we apply … [Read more...]
How Growing Up In a Jamaican Family Influenced My Marriage
Blending cultures in a marriage can be a complicated feat whether both families are open or accepting or not. The key is to respect each other, and compromise with your spouse on the important issues. My mom always told me that she always knew she wanted to marry another Jamaican, that was a non-negotiable. She didn't want to have to explain her culture to someone else. The moment I married into a family and moved to South Georgia, I understood her sentiments … [Read more...]
How to Keep the Love Alive (After Kids)
Having kids totally changes the dynamic of marriage. Between the dirty diapers, late night feedings & tantrums, it can be difficult to keep the love alive with your spouse. When you can barely keep your eyes open after an exhausting day with the kids, the last thing you feel like is making time for your spouse. However, love is more than a feeling, it's an action. Making your spouse a priority, even when your time together is limited, is vital for a healthy … [Read more...]