This week, Kimberly shares her journey of embracing joy and self-healing. Highlights include a heartfelt book about life’s lessons, a dance-inspired wellness practice, and the peaceful beauty of Louisiana’s sugarcane fields. From a dried flower bouquet capturing sunset hues to a nourishing cucumber salad recipe, these picks inspire creativity and comfort. She also reflects on patience, drawing wisdom from her niece’s thoughtful words, and celebrates the groundbreaking achievements of Dr. Ala Stanford. This collection is a gentle reminder to nurture joy and self-discovery.
Current Book:
What book are you currently savoring?
The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children And Yours by Marian Wright Edelman
One Lesson:
Can you share a lesson from the book that’s left an impression on you?
Lesson 21: "Listen for the sound of the genuine within yourself and others"
Current Wellness Practice:
What’s a wellness practice that’s been grounding you lately?
I've been having a lot of fun dancing this week! Song on repeat? "Vivir Mi Vida" by Marc Anthony. He sings: "Voy a reir, Voy a gozar. Vivir me vida", which translates to "I'm going to laugh, I'm going to enjoy, I'm going to live my life".
The music, the message of the lyrics, have brought me a lot of joy and the pursuit of joy is a wellness practice.
Favorite Place to Unwind:
Where’s your favorite place to unwind right now?
I spent some time recently in Louisiana and driving past miles of sugar cane fields was really relaxing.
Late every fall they burn what remains at the end of the harvest and it was peaceful to watch small bonfires in the evenings started by farmers who were replaying a long tradition of burning in preparation for the next season.
Feel Good Buy of the Week:
What’s your feel-good buy of the week?
This week I picked up a dried flower bouquet composed by Bloom Bold, Co., a Black-owned floral design company. The palette was shades of pink and lavender. It reminded me of the colors that sometimes appear at sunset.
Recipe of the Week:
Any recipes you’re loving lately?
This week my daughter and I got in on the cucumber salad trend! We combined sour cream, an entire cucumber, capers, white onions (we didn't have purple) and some smoked salmon with everything bagel seasoning. It was good! Light, flavorful, and pretty nutritionally balanced.
Favorite Scent:
Is there a scent that’s elevating your space this week?
I've been playing with the scents from Dilo, a fragrance company based in Philadelphia. They have an essentials kit with four of their primary scents and I've become a big fan of their "Desert Kush" perfume. It's earthy and because the combination is well balanced, it's calming.
Go-To Outfit or Fashion Accessory:
What’s a go-to outfit or accessory making you feel confident?
This winter I'm getting into layering by pulling out all of my cozy sweaters. I've been draping one around my shoulders over a button up. It's a look inspired by the winter fashion of women in Copenhagen.
Aesthetic Inspiration:
What’s inspiring your aesthetic this season?
Shades of cream are inspiring my current style. I love how it looks in every garment style and even in my nail polish this winter. Cream also pairs really , really nicely with gold accessories.
Daring Woman of the Week:
Who is your daring woman of the week, and what about her inspires you?
This week I'm really inspired by Dr. Ala Stanford.
I got the chance to spend some time talking with her about her new book, "Take Care of Them Like My Own", which chronicles her childhood, her training as a pediatric surgeon, and the personal mountains she had to climb. I am so moved by her dedication to address healthy inequities in Philadelphia. She's an incredible woman.
Reflection Word of the Week:
What’s your reflection word of the week?
I find that the word "patience" is used often, but one which few of us have mastered. I'm certainly no exception. Which is why I was so surprised this week when my 8 year old niece wrote the following on a piece of paper she had autographed for me:
"Patience is the key to success"- said by someone wise.
She's such a bright girl and I was grateful that she felt inspired for whatever reason to share that particular message with me. Patience is defined as "the ability to endure delays, difficulties, or discomfort without becoming irritated or upset. It's a quality that reflects trust and self-control in challenging situations".
I'm learning that it can take a lifetime to fully develop one's own sense of patience and that it often takes many painful lessons to develop it. Her note to me was a perfectly timed, beautiful reminder.