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7.16.26 Just A Dad-Dealing with Obstacles

Ever had an obstacle that you thought you would never overcome? Believe it or not, most of us have had obstacles in our way that prevented us from achieving our goals or getting further in life. To overcome this obstacle, you have to get your mindset right. You see, that is where it all begins…your mental state. If your mind isn’t right, your obstacle will become harder and more difficult to handle. If you don’t place your mind in a state of “can do” you will start to see that “you can’t!” So before you tackle any obstacle get your mind right and realize that the problem you were facing will be easier to deal with.

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” — Michael Jordan

7.16.26 Mental Health Tip of the day 🗣️

Start your morning by putting your phone in another room or under your pillow for the first 15 minutes. Use this quiet time to stretch or focus on your breath. Limiting early morning screen time prevents digital overload and sets a grounded, intentional tone for your day. 

Here are a few quick ways to build on this today:

• Embrace a short walk: Take a 15-minute stroll outside. Getting fresh air and a change of scenery helps trigger the release of endorphins to instantly boost your mood. 
• Practice mindful breathing: Whenever you feel overwhelmed, try inhaling slowly for 4 seconds, holding for 4 seconds, and exhaling for 4 seconds. 
• Set digital boundaries: Consider taking a screen-free break later today to give your mind a true chance to reset. 

If you are feeling persistently overwhelmed or just want to explore further, browse mental health tools and professional directories like Mental Health America or the National Institute of Mental Health for a wide variety of daily wellness strategies.

7.16.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I trust in my ability to handle whatever comes my way, and I choose to give myself grace today.”

Say this aloud or jot it down to help reset your mind and cultivate a grounded, positive energy for your afternoon.

If you are looking for something tailored to a different focus, here are a few other options to try:

• For Self-Love: “I am enough, exactly as I am in this moment.”
• For Stress: “I let go of what I cannot control and choose peace.”
• For Motivation: “I have the power to create a life I love.”

7.17.26 Just A Dad that doesn’t give up.

Ever had a time where you felt like you done enough and now you just want to throw in the towel? Don’t! I know you’re looking at this and thinking “I can’t keep going!” I’m here to tell you that you can! You see, giving up is a mental thing. Look at the people who are looking up to you and tell yourself “They’re watching me!” Think about all of that you want to accomplish and tell yourself “I have to keep going, so I can reach my goals!” It’s all about training yourself to become motivated and determined, dedicated and confident, basically…unstoppable! Keep going. You got this!

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas Edison

7.17.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Practice Box Breathing today to quickly reset your nervous system. Inhale deeply for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale slowly for 4 seconds, and hold empty lungs for 4 seconds. Repeat 4 times. This simple exercise decreases stress hormones and brings you back into the present moment.

7.17.26 Affirmation of the Day

I have everything I need to handle whatever comes my way today, and I choose to give myself grace along the journey.”

Repeating this statement helps center your energy, dissolve feelings of self-doubt, and keep you grounded in the present moment. 

How to make the most of it:

• Say it Aloud: Repeat the affirmation 3 to 5 times while looking in the mirror to reinforce the positive message.
• Write it Down: Jot it down in a journal or the Notes app on your phone to keep your mind focused.
• Set a Reminder: Use it as a lock screen wallpaper or a midday push notification to stay grounded.

7.18.26 Just A Dad-Speaking on Peace

Peace is something that you don’t find, it finds you! Imagine yourself in a situation where you’re struggling, stressed out, depressed and you just need to escape but, you can’t. One day you finally stand up and move causing your mind to become free. Soon the struggle..over, the stress..gone, and the depression..silenced. This is that moment where you find peace. The moment when you can actually focus on yourself and start to build on that person you wanted to become but, was afraid. The moment when you no longer see the shadow of negativity but, the illuminating light of hope. That moment is when you find peace. This peace will cover you and shield you from the darkness, casting away all the demons that once held you hostage. This peace will not only be the anchor of your life but, the beginning of your manifestation. Find your peace.

“Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions.”—Pema Chodron

7.18.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Don’t believe every thought you have.

Your mind generates thousands of thoughts every day, but not all of them are facts. When a negative thought shows up, pause and ask yourself:

“Is this true, or is this just how I feel right now?”

That simple question can help separate temporary emotions from reality.

Today’s challenge: Catch one negative thought and replace it with a more balanced one.

Example:

• ❌ “I’ll never figure this out.”
• ✅ “I haven’t figured it out yet, but I can keep learning.”

Small shifts in how you think can lead to big changes in how you feel and act. Keep giving your mind reasons to move forward.

7.18.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I am becoming the person I am meant to be, one choice at a time. I release what I cannot control, embrace what I can, and move forward with confidence, purpose, and peace.”

Take a moment to say it slowly three times today—once in the morning, once at midday, and once before bed. Let it be a reminder that progress doesn’t require perfection; it only requires the next right step.

7.19.26 Just A Dad-Saying “I’m proud of you!”

If no one told you today, allow me to be the first and say “I’m Proud of You!” The fact that you woke up today and decided to keep going, makes me proud. The world threw so much at you and you took every single blow! You could’ve walked away, head down with a look of defeat but instead…you kept your head held high and took on all challenges! I’m proud of you because during your battle, armor started falling off and you became vulnerable. Instead of running away, hiding from your enemies, you took them on swinging with precision! There were times that you had to take three steps back only to keep forcing yourself and move twenty steps forward and for that…I’m proud of you! Once again if no one took the time to see what you were going through, saw the work you put in and couldn’t take three seconds to say I’m proud of you…read this and know that “I’m proud of you!”

“You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” — Louise Hay

7.19.26 Mental Quote of the Day🗣️

Protect your peace by taking short breaks from constant input.

You don’t have to fill every quiet moment with scrolling, notifications, or noise. Even 10 minutes of silence, a walk outside, deep breathing, or simply sitting with your thoughts can help your mind reset and reduce stress.

Remember: Rest isn’t a reward you earn—it’s a habit that helps you stay mentally and emotionally healthy

“I am focused, present, and in control of where I place my energy. I release distractions, trust my process, and give my attention to what truly matters.”

7.19.26 Affirmation of the Day

I am becoming the person I am meant to be. I release self-doubt, embrace my strengths, and trust that every step forward is shaping a brighter future. I choose peace over pressure, growth over fear, and faith over uncertainty.

Today’s reminder:
“I am enough. I am capable. I am worthy of the life I am building.” 🌱💙

7.20.26 Just A Dad-Dealing With a Separation

Ok so this one is going to be a real one. Going through a separation isn’t easy for anyone. There is the living for others to living for yourself. There is the thinking of how do I move forward from this and build my own life. If kids are involved, how do I maintain my bond with my kids? I’m here to tell you…take a step back and breathe. Take it one day at a time and let yourself heal properly. Place yourself around a great support system whether it be family, friends, a therapist, just surround yourself with those who are there for you. When it comes to kids, still try to be there for them. The last thing you want to do is let them down during the whole situation. This is a hard time and I get but there is a light at the end. If you and your spouse do work things out, add couple counseling sessions to help build up the foundation again. If there is no reconciliation in sight, still keep things cordial and don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Remember, take it day by day, get a great support system and keep it cordial.

“We don’t even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward.” 

—Isabel Allende

7.20.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Don’t believe every thought that crosses your mind.

Your mind produces thousands of thoughts each day, and not all of them are true or helpful. When a negative thought appears, ask yourself:

• Is this a fact, or is it just how I feel right now?
• What evidence supports or challenges this thought?
• What would I say to a friend who was thinking this?

Creating a little distance between yourself and your thoughts can help you respond with clarity instead of reacting automatically.

🌱 Remember: Your thoughts influence your emotions, but they don’t define who you are. You have the ability to question them, learn from them, and choose how to move forward.

7.20.26 Affirmation of the Day

Affirmation of the Day

“Today, I choose progress over perfection. I am stronger than yesterday, capable of overcoming challenges, and worthy of peace, joy, and success. I trust that every step I take is leading me toward the life I’m building.”

Take a slow breath, repeat it a few times, and carry it with you throughout the day. Even small steps forward still move you closer to your goals.

7.21.26 Just A Dad-Finding Myself

How do I want to live my life? What goals am I trying to achieve? Where do I see myself in years to come? Who do I want to be? These questions arise when you are trying to find yourself. A challenge that could be easy but also harder than finding a needle in a haystack. Finding yourself can open many doors creating possibilities and opportunities that you never imagined. I myself is a prime example of this. During my separation, I took time to reinvent myself and figure out who I really was. I thought about things that made me who I was in the past, perfected the equation in the present and will carry that formula into my future. Since then, my soul searching has allowed me to do things that not only helped me physically but also mentally.

Opportunities arose that I never imagined and I am now welcoming those opportunities with open arms. The crazy part is, that the most unfortunate situation, will lead you to come about this soul searching. When finding yourself, think about those things that lead you to divert from the person you were. Surround yourself with people, things, and inspiration that will make finding that needle…not so hard. You got this…trust me, I know.

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou

7.21.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day🗣️

Celebrate small wins.

It’s easy to focus on what’s left to do, but your progress deserves attention too. Every small step—getting out of bed, finishing a task, making a healthy choice, or simply trying again—is evidence that you’re moving forward.

Success isn’t built in one giant leap. It’s built through consistent, small actions that add up over time.

Today’s reminder: Small progress is still progress. Keep showing up for yourself.

7.21.26 Affirmation of the Day

I have the power to create a life I love, and I choose to embrace every opportunity today brings.”Repeat this to yourself a few times this morning to start your day with a clear, calm, and grounded mindset.[1, 2, 3]

Here is how you can use this affirmation effectively:

• Say it Aloud: Repeat it while looking in the mirror to reinforce your belief in your own capabilities.
• Write it Down: Jot it down in a notebook or your phone’s Notes app to carry with you.
• Make it Your Focus: Take a few slow, deep breaths and center your attention on the words. [1, 2, 3]

7.22.26 Just A Dad-Speaking on Faith over Fear

When you were a kid and it was time to learn how to ride a bike, you became scared and afraid due to how many times you thought you were going to fall. You would get on and have your parents hold you, giving you that extra boost of confidence but, still fall. Then the day came and after that one big push…you kept going! It was not only practice that helped you but, it was the faith you had in yourself.

Faith over fear can make the weakest and most vulnerable person become invincible. It can make someone who is nervous, ready to take on the world and all that it throws at them. You see, faith is what fear is scared off. Fear creeps into a person’s life and immediately starts to eat away at their confidence. It latches onto their emotions and starts to bring forth doubt. It’s at moment, your Faith steps in and gives you a sense of self confidence and hope. Everything that you thought was impossible…possible! Someone who is weak and feels like giving up now has the strength of 10,000 men and now pushes forward. Faith is that invisible hand guiding you through life not allowing you to fall back into the darkness of fear. Whatever is going on in your life that is bringing forth any doubts or fears, it’s now time to conquer them with that faith that you had inside you.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

7.22.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Practice the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique

When stress, anxiety, or an overwhelming wave of thoughts hits, bring yourself back to the present moment by engaging your five senses. Take a deep breath and look around you to identify:

• 5 things you can see (e.g., a shadow on the wall, a pen, a plant)
• 4 things you can touch or feel (e.g., your feet on the floor, your sweater, a cool breeze)
• 3 things you can hear (e.g., a clock ticking, distant traffic, your own breathing)
• 2 things you can smell (e.g., coffee brewing, fresh air, paper)
• 1 thing you can taste (e.g., lingering toothpaste, a sip of water, or simply noticing your mouth)

Why it works: Anxiety and stress pull your brain into the past (regret) or the future (worry). This simple sensory checklist disrupts racing thoughts by forcing your brain to focus entirely on the physical space you occupy right now.

7.22.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I am allowed to slow down. My worth is not defined by how much I accomplished today.”

You don’t have to earn your right to rest or exist peacefully. Give yourself permission to take a breath, move at your own pace, and be gentle with your expectations today.

7.23.26 Just A Dad-Speaking on controlling emotions

We all know that certain situations and people can bring out the worst in you. So how do you not let your emotions get the best of you? I would say that is easy to do but, it’s not. If a person is the cause of heightened emotions, get away from that person! Once you are away from them, think about maybe sitting down and communicating how you feel. Try speaking about how you feel and allow the other person to see the concern you bring forth. This hits home with me because there are several times that I wished I just sat down and expressed my feelings.

Once you do put those feelings on the table and both parties are understanding each other, hopefully that person will no longer be a part of your emotional breakdown. Same goes with a situation that is causing you to become angry and frustrated. Take yourself out of the situation and find a release such as writing, drawing or taking a hike. When something causes you to feel uncomfortable to the point that you spazz out, it can really mess with your mental. Another thing that can help with controlling your emotions is getting a therapist. A therapist can not only help but, they can guide you on how to stay focused and express your emotions in such a way that it doesn’t initiate anger. Whatever you do, don’t let your emotions get the best of you because that could lead to problems that you may not be able to solve.

“Emotion can be the enemy, if you give into your emotion, you lose yourself. You must be at one with your emotions, because the body always follows the mind.” — Bruce Lee

7.23.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Give yourself permission to pause.

You don’t have to solve every problem today. Taking 10–15 minutes to unplug from your phone, breathe deeply, stretch, or sit quietly can help calm your mind and reduce stress. Rest isn’t a setback—it’s part of staying mentally healthy.

Remember: You deserve the same patience and kindness that you give to others.

7.23.26 Affirmation of the Day

I release what I can’t control, embrace the strength I already have, and trust that each new day is another opportunity to grow. I am resilient, I am enough, and I will keep moving forward—one step at a time. 💙

7.24.26 Just A Dad-Speaking on Finding the Right Help

Before going through my separation, my wife and I were big on mental health and that meant finding a therapist that would be able to help us workout our issues. When finding a therapist or a psychiatrist, you really have to do some soul searching. I know what you’re thinking…separation…therapy, how can someone who is going through a divorce speak on therapy? Allow me to explain. The couple therapy helped us build a better relationship where we were learning how to love each other and understand our feelings but along the way, we had to stop the sessions. Fast forward, she had established herself with a therapist yet, I was still trying to figure out my life. So, I did some soul searching and found therapist after therapist until I found Bowanna Pharr. She took the time to dissect my life and get me grounded again. Finding someone who gets you and your mental is really important below are a few sites that can help.

https://shinecounseling.org/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/finding-good-therapist

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health-providers/art-20045530

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that everyday. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don’t know something, and to learn something new.” Barack Obama

7.24.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Practice noticing your self-talk. When you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough” or “I always mess things up,” pause and ask, “Would I say this to someone I care about?” If the answer is no, try replacing it with a kinder, more balanced thought.

Small changes in the way you speak to yourself can make a big difference over time. 💙

7.24.26 Affirmation of the Day

Today, I choose to believe in myself, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. I release the weight of yesterday and refuse to let fear or doubt define who I am. I am growing through every challenge, learning from every setback, and becoming stronger with each new day.

I deserve peace, joy, and genuine happiness. My worth is not measured by my mistakes, my past, or the opinions of others. I give myself permission to rest when I need it, to ask for help when I’m struggling, and to celebrate every step forward, no matter how small

7.25.26 Just A Dad-Saying “It’s okay to not be okay.”

You walk around wearing a smile but deep down inside, your world is crumbling. There are days when you feel like staying in bed but, you get up and continue to take on the world. People ask you “How are you doing?” “Are you okay?” You say “yes” or nod your head because, you’re afraid to say you’re not okay for you feel it will make you seem weak. STOP! I’m here to tell you, it’s okay, to not be okay! This doesn’t make you weak or worthless…it makes you human. There is not one person in this world that doesn’t have problems and is perfectly fine. No living soul, is waking up and saying “I have nothing wrong in my life!” So how do we tackle this situation? Number one, ask for help. Keeping this feeling inside will make you sick. It’ll build up to the point that when you want help, it will be too late. Seek attention from a therapist, friends, family any support system that you can sit down with and clear your mind. Number two, write down how you feel. Keeping a journal of how you feel can be a form of therapy or a release until you are ready to speak to someone. This last one is important and I can’t emphasize it enough. Please don’t give up hope. Tell yourself things will get better and train your mind to stay positive and focused. Amp yourself up to say “Today, I’ll reach out to someone!” “Today I will not be defeated!” “Today, I’m letting it all go!” Even after all of this, there will still be problems or feelings that you need to deal with but now, you have the formula to overcome them.

One breath at a time. One day at a time. Wake up, and be shredded. Cry for a while. Then stop crying and go about your day. You’re not okay, but you’re alive, and you will be okay, someday. -Jasinda Wilder

7.25.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day🗣️

Give yourself permission to slow down.

You don’t have to earn rest by exhausting yourself first. If you’ve been carrying a lot mentally or emotionally, take 10–15 minutes today to disconnect from your phone, breathe deeply, stretch, or simply sit in silence. Those small moments of rest can help calm your mind and improve your focus.

Remember: Progress isn’t measured by how busy you are—it’s measured by how consistently you take care of yourself, even in small ways.

7.25.26 Affirmation of the Day

Today, I choose peace over pressure, courage over fear, and progress over perfection. I am stronger than the challenges I face, wiser than the mistakes I’ve made, and worthy of love, growth, and new beginnings. I trust that every step I take is moving me toward the life I’m meant to live. I will give myself grace, celebrate my progress, and keep believing in myself—even on the hard days.

Today, I will remind myself:

“I am enough. I am growing. I am not giving up.” 💙

7.26.26 Just A Dad-Claiming My Season

So during my walk, I decided that I wanted to listen to the Sunday Church Service choir that Kanye created and I instantly became overwhelmed with the love that God has shown me. Once I got to More than Anything, I felt God cover me and tell me “You’re okay!” I wanted to drop down and give him glory but, I felt like he wanted me to continue walking. Soon after the second verse, tears started flowing and I felt every thing that I had gone through…flow with them! I felt like I was finally in that place of peace that was so hard to reach, I felt that guilt and hurt leave my heart and truly saw what God was saying! I am okay! I am over that darkness! I won’t allow it to cross my mind again and again! This year started out terrible and so many questions were unanswered but now, God has answered every single one of them! I now know that this is my season for greatness, this is my season to become better than the person I was before. So now, find your peace, your blessings, your happiness and come into your season!

“Every season is one of becoming, but not always one of blooming.” — B. Oakman

7.26.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Practice self-compassion.

Pay attention to the way you speak to yourself today. If you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough” or “I should have done better,” pause and ask yourself:

“Would I say this to someone I care about?”

If the answer is no, try replacing that thought with something kinder, such as:

“I’m learning, I’m growing, and it’s okay to make mistakes.”

Being compassionate with yourself doesn’t mean lowering your standards—it means giving yourself the same patience and understanding you would offer a friend. Small changes in your self-talk can reduce stress, improve resilience, and make it easier to move forward after setbacks.

7.26.26 Affirmation of the Day

Today, I choose peace over pressure and progress over perfection. I am stronger than my doubts, wiser than my fears, and capable of overcoming every challenge that comes my way. I give myself permission to grow at my own pace, to rest without guilt, and to keep moving forward with faith and confidence. My past does not define me—my choices today shape my future. I am worthy of love, joy, and new opportunities, and I trust that each step I take is leading me toward the life I am meant to live.

Repeat to yourself three times:

“I am enough. I am growing. I am becoming the person I was created to be.” 

7.27.26 Just A Dad-Practicing Self Care

We all need time to ourselves and I understand that a busy life can make this difficult. Self care is important when it comes to your mental health. It can consist of many things that will not hurt your pockets in the long run. A day of meditation at a park or somewhere along a trail would be relaxing and also get you connected with nature. This meditation will also allow your body to recharge and help you maintain focus with balance following close by. If meditation is not your thing, a nice day of shopping at your favorite store, eating at your favorite restaurant, or catching a movie could be your go to for some self care.

For the ladies who visit just a dad(for this is a place for everyone) a nice spa day would be fantastic! Treat yourself to a pedicure or a manicure, you can even throw in a massage! Now during all of these self care…limit your phone time and social media interactions. The object of self care is to disconnect from the real world for a bit. This time is your time to decompress and get yourself back to normal. Self care can be the thing that keeps you from going into a a state of depression or anxiety. Self care can be that boost to the start of the week ahead, allowing you to tackle it head on without stress or without causing a burnout. So today, tomorrow, or this week, make plans to do something for yourself to help yourself.

https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/healtharticle.7-self-care-tips

“When you say ‘yes’ to others make sure you are not saying ‘no’ to yourself.” – Paolo Coehlo

7.27.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Self-care isn’t about escaping your responsibilities—it’s about making sure you have the energy and peace of mind to meet them. Even 10–15 minutes a day can make a difference. Take a walk, drink enough water, put your phone down for a while, pray or meditate, journal your thoughts, or simply give yourself permission to rest without feeling guilty.

Remember: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary so you can continue showing up for the people and goals that matter most.

7.27.26 Affirmation of the Day

“Today, I choose to care for myself with the same kindness and compassion I give to others. My needs matter, my rest is productive, and my peace is worth protecting. I release the guilt of slowing down and embrace the strength that comes from taking care of my mind, body, and spirit. I am worthy of love, balance, and healing—starting with the way I treat myself.” 

7.28.26 Just A Dad-Knowing Your Worth

Before I started writing about this topic, I had to do some research. Now don’t get me wrong, I do know my worth but, I had to get a deeper understanding of what it meant to find the true value of yourself. For that you must find that part of you that deserves your respect and values your opinions. You must uncover that part of yourself who is not afraid to let your voice be heard which will then make expressing your feelings, come out with confidence leading to more validation in the long run.

Realizing your worth also means that you don’t have to settle or force yourself to be content when deep down inside, you must leave. I also noticed during my research on this subject, you have to see that you matter as a person and it should show in your relationship, your job, in everything you do. There is no equation to finding yourself in fact, knowing your worth should be easy to acquire as it has always existed but hidden away from either the hurt you caused to others or hurt that someone else has done to you. A tragedy or conflict could also be one reason a person may need to self analyze themselves, unlocking their own identity and discovering that person they truly are and not what people make them out to be. Do your self a favor…understand that you are valued.

“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.” – Rumi

7.28.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Your self-worth isn’t determined by how productive you are, how many people approve of you, or how few mistakes you make. It comes from recognizing that you have value simply because you exist.

Today, challenge one negative thought you have about yourself. When your inner critic says, “I’m not good enough,” pause and ask, “What evidence do I have that this is true?” Then replace it with a more balanced thought, such as, “I’m still growing, and that doesn’t diminish my worth.”

Remember: Speak to yourself with the same kindness, patience, and respect you would offer someone you deeply care about. Small changes in the way you talk to yourself can make a lasting difference in how you see yourself over time.

7.28.26 Affirmation of the Day

Today, I choose to see myself through the eyes of compassion instead of criticism. I am enough exactly as I am, and I do not need to earn my worth through perfection or the approval of others. My voice matters. My presence matters. My journey matters.

I release the belief that my past defines me. I embrace the truth that I am growing, healing, and becoming stronger every day. I deserve love, respect, peace, and opportunities that align with who I am.

7.29.26 Just A Dad-Letting Go

I bet you think this about letting go of someone you love to move on? Wrong. This post is about letting go of who you were, to make you a better you. Ask yourself, what are some things that I need to let go of that is holding me back from being a better version of me? Maybe it was the fact that you couldn’t express yourself the way you wanted to and it allowed things to become bottled up and now, you have to let go of that pride, crack open that bottle and speak up! Those emotions that you are feeling are now keeping you up at night…let them go! Write them down, call up a trusted friend or family member, someone that is willing to listen to you and give positive feedback. Go for a walk, find a quiet place and just let it all out. You’re no longer motivated and it seems that funk has followed you…let it go!

Get up and get moving, train your mind that this version of you is motivated and will no longer become the victim of discouragement. Trust me, I’m not saying letting go of someone who has done nothing but hurt you and broke you down, should not be let go but, I’m saying it all starts with letting go of those things internally is where it all begins. Removing those toxic traits you carried may help you understand the person or situation better to the point that giving up or letting go is no longer an option. Discovering the things that made you the person whom you did not want to be and letting them go, will allow you to build more onto the person, you wish to be.

“We must be willing to let go of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” -Joseph Campbell

7.29.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Letting go doesn’t mean pretending something never happened or that it didn’t matter. It means choosing not to let past hurt, disappointment, or regret control your present. Healing begins when you stop carrying what no longer serves you.

Ask yourself:

• What am I holding onto that’s keeping me from moving forward?
• Can I control it, or is it time to release it?

Give yourself permission to let go one step at a time. You don’t have to have all the answers today. Every small act of release creates room for peace, growth, and new opportunities.

Remember: Letting go isn’t giving up—it’s making space for a healthier, stronger version of yourself.

7.29.26 Affirmation of the Day

oday, I choose peace over the weight of my past. I release the pain, fear, and burdens that no longer serve me. I accept that I cannot change yesterday, but I have the power to shape today.

I let go of resentment and make room for healing. I let go of self-doubt and embrace my worth. I let go of what I cannot control and trust that better days are ahead.

With every breath, I become lighter. With every step, I move closer to the life I deserve. I am healing, I am growing, and I am free to move forward with courage, hope, and confidence.

I release what was, embrace what is, and welcome what is yet to come.

7.30.26 Just A Dad-Unlocking Motivation

Motivation. One of the greatest words in the English dictionary. It’s something that can make a person who is weak and unable to continue, have the willpower to overcome and achieve anything that seems impossible. Motivation can pick up that person who has fallen, lifting them up to greater heights than ever before. How do you find this motivation? Easy, just look around you better yet, look inside of you. That rhythm coming from your chest, you know the one that pumps blood through your body…also pumps motivation. That child who comes to their mom or dad after a long day and gives you a hug…provides a recharge of motivation. Those eyes watching over you guiding you through spirit with a connection to your soul…motivation. I’m sure we all have fell victim to saying “I’m just not motivated” I get it, I’ve said it a million times and as soon as I see that doubt start to take over, I think about my daughter who even though is miles away, motivates me to keep going. I think about my grandmother, the one who helped mold me into the person I am today, and instantly gain motivation to walk with my head high! Now it’s your turn. Lacking that motivation? Feeling that doubt? Get up and get motivated!

“For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.” —Michelle Obama

7.30.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Pay attention to your inner voice today. If you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough,” or “I always mess things up,” pause and ask yourself:

“Would I say this to someone I love?”

If the answer is no, try replacing that thought with one that is honest and encouraging, such as:

• “I’m still learning.”
• “One mistake doesn’t define me.”
• “I’m doing the best I can with what I have today.”

The way you speak to yourself shapes how you see yourself. Practicing self-compassion doesn’t mean ignoring your flaws—it means giving yourself the same patience and understanding you would offer a friend. Small changes in your self-talk can have a lasting impact on your confidence and emotional well-being.

7.30.26 Affirmation of the Day

Today, I choose progress over perfection. I am capable, resilient, and stronger than every challenge I face. My goals are worth pursuing, and I have everything I need to take the next step. Every small action I take moves me closer to the life I’m building. I refuse to let fear, doubt, or yesterday’s setbacks define today. I will stay focused, trust the process, and keep moving forward with confidence. My motivation comes from the person I am becoming, and I am proud of my growth.

7.31.26 Just A Dad-Love Language: Receiving Gifts

There are 5 love languages that can help a couple understand each other and also create a stronger relationship. Each love language has an action, communication, and what to avoid. In this series, I will breakdown each love language and hopefully help you find your love language…I mean languages! Yes, a person can have more than one Love Language. I will be posting a link below that will allow you to take a quiz to find out your love language. The first of the five Love Languages that I will be speaking on, is Receiving Gifts. Putting thought and time into buying something for your spouse that he or she truly loves, shows that you paid attention to them.

When it comes to communicating this love language, make this gift as simple as a cup of coffee or make it personal by making it by hand. Let it be a souvenir from a special day or special place. This gift will show that you value them and allow them to see how much you appreciate them. When it comes to this gift, don’t let the price tag dictate your purpose. Things to avoid when it comes to this language, try not to forget special occasions or dates. This goes back to being present and paying attention to what your partner loves the most. When it comes to being the person that is receiving the gift, be thoughtful and avoid being unenthusiastic or unappreciative. Express gratitude and love for the person who provided the gift or gesture, acknowledging the importance and kindness giving the both people that strong connection. If this is your love language, communicate it with your partner and allow them to see how this would not only affect your relationship but, grow a stronger bond.

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” — Mother Teresa

https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language

7.31.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Giving a thoughtful gift doesn’t have to be expensive to make an impact. A handwritten note, a favorite snack, a meaningful book, or a small act of kindness can remind someone they’re seen and valued.

At the same time, remember that healthy gift giving comes from generosity—not obligation. You don’t have to overspend or neglect your own needs to show someone you care. The most meaningful gifts often come from the heart, not the price tag.

7.31.26 Affirmation of the Day

Today, I choose to lead with kindness while honoring my own worth. I give from a place of love, not pressure, and I know that my presence, compassion, and authenticity are gifts that cannot be measured. I release the need to prove my value through what I give, because I am already enough. I welcome peace, gratitude, and joy into my heart, and I trust that every act of genuine love—whether big or small—creates a positive impact. Today, I will give freely, receive graciously, and remember that I deserve the same care and kindness I offer to others.

8.1.26 Just A Dad-Love Language: Quality Time

The second Love Language I will be speaking on is Quality Time. This is where you make time to spend for that special someone in your life. It could be as simple as making a new recipe together or planning a distraction free date where phones are pushed to the side and focus is diverted to each other. Spending time with your partner shows them that you value their appearance in your life more than anything. During this time, practice active listening, paying attention to every word and every detail. Even go as far as taking what was said and asking questions example, “You said that during the meeting, an idea came up and you were excited about it, what made you excited?” Giving undivided attention shows the other person that you truly want to know more. Another way you can show quality time is to take about 15-30 minutes before going to bed, and talk about your day. What was good about your day? What was the worse part about your day? What motivated you today? Using this quality time to express your feelings to one another is key in a relationship.

Quality time allows you that moment of reconnection, that moment to reflect and recharge. This love language in my eyes, focuses on communication. If this is your love language, you’re all about communicating and sharing your feelings. You want to take this moment and express yourself with validation coming from the other person. Things to avoid if your partners love language is quality time…easy. Try not to multitask or become easily distracted maintain undivided attention at all times. Stay off of social media! If your partner is asking for this time, the world goes away for a few minutes or two. If your partner does plan something, try your hardest not to cancel. This date, special time, was set up for a reason and breaking this promise is the last thing you want to do. If Quality Time is something you or your partner has as a love language, cherish every moment of it and watch your relationship grow.

“Quality time is not what happens when you are together, but the moments that matter.” -Jane Parker

8.1.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Quality time isn’t about how much time you spend with someone—it’s about being present when you’re together. Put the phone down, listen without distractions, share a meal, take a walk, or simply sit and talk.

Meaningful connection can remind you that you’re seen, heard, and valued. Make time for the people who bring peace to your life—and make time for yourself, too. 

8.1.26 Affirmation of the day

“I choose to be present for the people I love. I make time for meaningful conversations, shared moments, laughter, and connection. I understand that my presence is a gift, and I deserve meaningful quality time too. I will slow down, put distractions aside, and cherish the moments that truly matter.”

8.2.26 Just A Dad-Love Language: Act of Service

The third Love Language that I will be speaking on is Acts of Service. This love language requires you to really pay attention to your partner. If you see them doing something that frustrates them or annoys them, step in and start doing this task for them. This will show that you care about them enough to remove this stress from their day. Acts of service could also be as fixing coffee in the morning or cleaning the car without being told to. Doing these acts could bring harmony and balance to your relationship. Keeping this balance helps the structure of a relationship stay strong, allowing to become more stable. Things to avoid, forgetting to do a promised task. Saying that “Hey, let me wash the dishes today” but turn around and let the dishes pile up. Creating a mess while doing said act of service and not cleaning it up. Refusing to assist when something is asked of you will definitely set the other person off. If there is no possible way to assist, I get it but try your hardest to help in anyway you can. “All acts of service are meaningless unless they are given with love.” —Sai Baba

8.2.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Acts of service can be a powerful way to show love and support, but remember—you don’t have to do everything for everyone.

Helping others can bring purpose and connection, but healthy service also includes knowing your limits. Give from a place of willingness, not guilt or exhaustion.

Today’s reminder: It’s okay to help others while still taking care of yourself. You can be there for someone without forgetting to be there for you.

8.2.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I give from a place of love, not obligation. I am proud of the kindness I offer others, while remembering that my needs matter too. I can support the people I love without losing myself in the process. My acts of service are meaningful, and I deserve to receive the same care, love, and support that I freely give.”

8.3.24 Just A Dad-Love Language: Words of Affirmation

The fourth love language I’ll be talking about is Words of Affirmation. This is one of my love languages and by far the best. Words are so powerful and important that how they are spoken, can change a person’s day within seconds. When it comes to this love language, how you present your words, set the tone for the person who hears them. These affirmations will give them inspiration and encouragement along with motivation and confidence to take on whatever they are going through. There are three types of affirmations:

Compliments: looking at your partner and noticing a specific detail about them. Saying something positive about how they look or praising them for something they did

Encouragement: Giving motivation during a hard time. Saying something the needed to hear after having a rough day. This smallest act of kindness, this validation could be just what needed.

Appreciation: This one should be self explanatory. Telling someone how much you appreciate them and are honored to have them in your life could brighten up their day.

Things to avoid when it comes to words of affirmation should be common sense. Try not to use harsh words or insults. Words do carry power whether they are written or spoken. Non constructive criticism should also be avoided at all times for how is that going to bring someone closer to you. Trust, I know a thing or two when it comes to words. They can carry power and if used properly, they will mold a relationship into strong foundation. So let words…lead you.

“Words have magical power. They can either bring the greatest happiness or the deepest despair.” Sigmund Freud

8.3.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

The way you speak to yourself matters just as much as the way others speak to you. Your inner voice can either build resilience or reinforce self-doubt.

Today, pay attention to your self-talk. When you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough,” pause and replace it with something truthful and encouraging, like “I’m learning, growing, and doing my best.”

Small, positive words repeated consistently can help strengthen confidence, reduce negative thinking, and support better emotional well-being.

Today’s challenge: Look in the mirror and say three kind things to yourself—and offer one genuine word of encouragement to someone else. Sometimes the right words can make all the difference. 

8.3.26 Affirmation of the Day

Today, I choose to speak life over myself. My words have power, and I use them to build confidence, hope, and peace. I am worthy of love, respect, and kindness. I release self-doubt and embrace the truth that I am growing, capable, and enough. I will encourage myself with the same compassion I freely give to others, and my words will reflect the strength, purpose, and value that already exist within me. Today, I choose to speak with love—to myself and to everyone I meet. 

8.4.26 Just A Dad-Love Language: Physical Touch

The fifth Love Language I will be speaking on is Physical Touch. This language is acts of non verbal communication that is a way of expressing and receiving affection. If your love language is physical touch, you love the embrace from your partner and cherish every hand held moment. You long for their touch to either start your day off with peace or their touch provides warmth when you are wrapping up a long day. A back rub, cuddles on the couch are some more common examples. Going on a long trip? Share your connection by holding your partner’s hand giving them that security as you reach your destination. If you read these examples, you would notice that this love language is not about sex but, small gestures that will help you build a deeper connection. What to avoid when it comes to this love language, long gaps of intimacy.

You don’t want to give one day and then decide one month later, maybe I can hold their hand. Increasing that gap of intimacy…could decrease the connection. Avoid pulling away from your partner if they are coming in for a hug or a kiss. This will show that not only do you reject their touch, you reject them. Also, do not stop holding hands or hugging, even when you’re upset. That physical activity could be the difference between staying mad or calming down which would then help to possibly reconnect, building that bond making it strong again. So there you have it! The five love languages

Receiving Gifts

Acts of Service

Quality Time

Words of Affirmation

Physical Touch

All have strengths and weaknesses, ups and downs but, each one has meaning and purpose. Each one can be a factor when it comes to building the structure of a relationship. As stated before, a person can have more than one love language. I myself has taken the test and discovered that words of affirmation and acts of service are the two that most aligns with me. Find your love language, embrace your partner’s love language, and enjoying building a relationship that will withstand the darkest of days.

“The human touch is that little snippet of physical affection that brings a bit of comfort, support, and kindness.”–Mya Roberts

8.4.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day🗣️

Physical touch can be a powerful way to communicate comfort, safety, and connection. A hug, holding hands, a reassuring touch on the shoulder, or simply sitting close to someone you trust can help you feel less alone.

Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of safe, consensual physical connection. If you’re comfortable with it, reach out to someone you trust and give or receive a meaningful hug today

8.4.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I am worthy of love, comfort, and connection. I allow myself to give and receive safe, meaningful affection. I respect my boundaries while embracing the warmth of genuine connection. I am not alone, and I deserve to feel loved, supported, and cared for.” 

8.5.26 Just A Dad-Speaking on Relationships

So you found your love language and is now ready to start a relationship with someone. I’m going to start this with the cliche statement…take it slow! We live in a world where we forgot how important it is to not only find the right person but, how important it is to take time and allow love to become present. We often rush into the moment of being around that person that we don’t slow down and allow the heart to catch up with the mind.

Another thing important to know about relationships, they can be tested to the point where both parties will feel like giving up. I wish I could say that overcoming the problems and dismissing them as if they never happened will be easy but, it’s not! You’ll have people who will look at your relationship, praising your connection and appreciating the union but, there are those who are watching and waiting for you to fail. This leads me to the next point…keep your relationship to you and the person you are with. I am witness to this and I must say, social media and expressing everything for the whole world to see is dangerous. Speak with the person you’re with and discuss if you guys are going to put your life for everyone to see. If you do decide to post on social media, lookout for those ones who want the worst for you and if they do enter themselves in your life, erase them quick. I have so much to say about relationships, that it may be a part two!

“In the flush of love’s light, we dare be brave. And suddenly we see that love costs all we are, and will ever be. Yet it is only love which sets us free.” -Maya Angelou

8.5.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Healthy relationships should add to your peace, not constantly take away from it.

Make space for honest communication, healthy boundaries, and mutual respect. Remember, you don’t have to lose yourself to keep someone else in your life.

Protect your peace. Communicate your needs. Choose relationships where you can be yourself.

8.5.25 Affirmation of the Day

“I deserve relationships that are built on honesty, respect, understanding, and love. I communicate my needs without fear, set healthy boundaries without guilt, and give myself permission to walk away from what no longer brings peace into my life. I will not lose myself trying to keep someone else. I am worthy of relationships where I can grow, be heard, and be completely myself.”

8.6.26 Just A Dad-Speaking on How to Build Your Circle

We’ve all heard the saying “Keep your friends close but, keep your enemies closer.” Nowadays you have to decide which one is which. This should lead you to build a circle of people that you know won’t become enemies. People that have your best interests at heart and you know will not turn into a wolf in sheep’s clothing. When it comes to picking these people, you have to think about people you can really trust. People that when you are at your lowest point, they are on standby who are willing to drop everything just to listen to you feelings. This circle you make should be small, a tight knit group of individuals who are looking to be a character in your success story instead of a villain acting in your movie. These individuals must understand that they are putting your trust in their hands. These individuals should signs of the enemy approaching from miles away, and be prepared to fight to protect your peace. Here are who you should include in your inner circle:

LEARNING ENABLER. The friend who asks “Hey, you want to do this visioning workshop together?” is the friend who is saying she wants you to grow. It’s hard to set new aspirations for ourselves, to clarify our purpose, to live our dreams. Having people in our lives who want you to keep growing and learning are the people who help you set sail for your own blue waters. A relatively new friend once showed up to an event with a set of books discreetly packaged about a topic she knew I was struggling with. These books have helped me, she said, and so maybe they’ll help you. I’ve never forgotten how this relative stranger (at the time) wanted to help me work through my challenge.  Of course, you will ultimately be the one deciding if and where you want to learn and grow, not them.

CHEERLEADER or ROOTER. This is the person who celebrates the progress, not just the outcome; the person who knows how hard you worked on something and says, “Hey there, congratulations on showing up to the game of life.” A friend dropped off a gift package the other night on my porch. One of the things she was celebrating was that ‘Onlyness’ got trademarked. It was something very few people know (and no one really cares about) but it’s something I care about in developing this idea. And her seeing me make progress made the progress all that much more relevant.  Of course, you don’t want the sycophant who cheerleads everyone and just about everything; that’s ingratiating behavior by someone who wants something in return.

COACH, ADVISOR or TEACHER. We all need people to challenge our thinking but also create solutions. For example, they may say, “That idea is weak, read this, and then let me introduce you to this leader I know who is an expert.” They could be the person who says “Have you thought about it this way?” or  a person who has a skill you need to develop and offers to work with you for a bit as you ramp up your experience.  Please note, I’m not talking about paid work, where the relationship can feel like you’re “friends” but where every interaction is a for-fee model. I’m all for hiring people who are great in their field and you are lucky to know each other, but that’s not what I mean by coach here.

SPOTTER. Having someone who sees your Invisibles is more important than it looks. We’re unable to see for ourselves who we are. Not in full, anyways. It would be like asking a puzzle piece to self-describe. Or a diamond to see all of its own facets. So having a friend (or friends) say, “This seems to be what you care about,” or “This feels like it’s building on x and y of the past,” gives you perspective on your own passions and through lines. 

CONFIDANT. Deep support is being with those who can see beyond whatever role, job, or project you have at any moment. Not what you’ve done and are doing, but who you are, and even who you are becoming. It is that person who offfers that safe space to explore emerging ideas, who can really say, “I believe in you,” even as circumstances change. This deep support is what lets you take risks, which is the precondition for any time of growth — both personal and business. I have a friend whom I regularly text with things as they are happening to process how to think about things. Sometimes it’s to share the thing that just worked, or sometimes it’s to process a challenge, to ask, “how can I think about this”. 

Take this information to heed and build your inner circle of friends and family allowing them to be a long lasting cast in this movie called Life.

“Surround yourself with people whose definition of you is not based on your history but, your destiny.”—- T. D. Jakes

8.6.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Be intentional about who you allow into your inner circle. Surround yourself with people who respect you, encourage your growth, listen without judgment, and genuinely want to see you succeed.

Protecting your peace isn’t selfish. Sometimes creating distance from negative people is an important part of protecting your mental health.

8.6.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I choose people who bring peace, honesty, encouragement, and positivity into my life. I am not afraid to set boundaries with those who drain me. I deserve relationships that support my growth, respect my heart, and allow me to be my authentic self. I protect my peace, value my worth, and surround myself with people who genuinely want to see me thrive.” 

8.7.26 Just A Dad-Being Positive

Now this post should be the shortest one ever! Having a positive attitude should be second nature to anyone but believing that you can remain positive is the issue. So, let’s dive deeper into the topic and discuss what is needed to remain positive. We all have had instances where life took so many jabs at us, that being positive about anything is impossible. You get into a state of why be positive when you know something negative is going to come and ruin the moment? When you make this assumption, of course you’re setting yourself up for failure. You’re already training your mind to erase any hope of being happy for the rest of the day.

Trust me, I get it, being positive is tough when the world is on your shoulders but, here’s how you keep your head up. One thing you can do to stay positive, is to keep yourself active. Do something that allows you to move around like going for a walk or run to clear your head, taking your mind off of things that caused you to feel negative in the first place. Another thing you could do, is reach out to someone for support. This person can be a friend or a family member who is willing to drop everything just to be an extra pair of ears. Social media now have groups of people who tackle certain topics and joining that group could be beneficial to helping you cope with whatever situation or circumstances you’re facing. If you’ve established yourself with a therapist, contact them to see if they’re available for a quick session or, write down your thoughts and have them prepared for your next session. Doing these things will make it easier to force your mind to think positive thoughts, making it less likely to have negative thoughts takeover.

Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can. —Vince Lombardi

8.7.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Positivity doesn’t mean pretending everything is perfect. It means choosing to focus on what you can control, finding lessons in difficult moments, and reminding yourself that a bad day doesn’t mean a bad life.

When a negative thought comes up, pause and ask yourself, “What’s one positive thing I can focus on right now?”

Small shifts in perspective can make a big difference. 

8.7.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I choose to focus on the good, even when life feels difficult. I trust that every challenge has something to teach me, and I give myself permission to grow through every experience. I will not let negativity control my mindset. I choose hope, gratitude, peace, and positivity. I believe better days are ahead, and I am doing my best to create them.” 

8.8.26 Just A Dad-Practicing Self Validation

Self-validation means learning to recognize your own feelings, acknowledge your accomplishments, and remind yourself that your worth isn’t determined by someone else’s opinion. Nowadays, we seek validation from others more than anything. We don’t take the time to sit down and look within ourselves and acknowledge our own daily wins. Self validation is telling yourself “It’s okay to say no” or “I really could’ve done better but, doing my best is still better than nothing!” Motivating yourself can definitely boost your confidence and self esteem to the point where you will no longer seek validation from others. Allowing yourself to stop and analyze your emotions, will help you to understand that your emotions are genuine and valid. People spend their whole lives trying to seek validation from that one person only to find out, that validation may never come. Below our steps to practice self validation:

• Acknowledge the feeling: Notice and name your exact emotion using simple words, such as “I notice that I am feeling anxious or sad”. 
• Accept reality: Remind yourself that it is completely okay to feel the way you do and that your emotions do not need to be ‘right’ or ‘justified’ to exist. 
• Look at the cause: Connect your current reaction to your past history, your body’s state, or what is happening right now to see why this response makes sense. 
• Treat yourself like a friend: Speak to yourself with the same kindness, gentleness, and lack of harsh judgment that you would offer to someone you care about. 

So starting today, take a mental break for yourself and celebrate those wins. Understand your emotions and acknowledge that they are there. You don’t need to seek anyone for validation when you are the only person that knows their worth.

“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.”-Martin Luther King Jr

8.8.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Stop waiting for others to confirm what you already know about yourself. Your feelings, experiences, and accomplishments are valid—even when nobody else acknowledges them.

Take a moment today to say: “I know what I’ve been through. I know how hard I’ve worked. I don’t need everyone else to validate me to know my worth.”

Remember: Validation from others feels good, but self-validation builds confidence from within. 

8.8.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I trust myself and honor my feelings. I do not need constant approval from others to know that I am worthy, capable, and enough. I recognize my own growth, celebrate my accomplishments, and give myself permission to be proud of who I am becoming. My feelings matter. My voice matters. My journey matters. I choose to believe in myself, even when others don’t see what I see in me.”

8.9.26 Just A Dad-Silencing Your Doubters

As you continue to work on yourself and become a better person, you will have people that will constantly put you down, making you feel like what you’re doing is all for nothing. In order to move forward and continue your momentum, you have to silence those who doubt you. You have to keep moving even when you are tired. However when you move, move in silence by staying off of social media. Never give them the satisfaction of every step, every positive movement because yes, this will show them that you’re doing better but at the same time, it will allow them to find another way to make you feel doubt. They will try to say things like “remember when you tried that last time?” Or “here we go again with this!” I use to post my progress, wanting to show my accomplishments but soon after, here comes the doubters.

The ones who watched but would then look at your posts and initiate a way to tear you down and make you feel like a failure. After all of the hard work and dedication has paid off, that is when you rise and show those steps you took to get where you are! This is the moment that you soak it all in and acknowledge your accomplishments and show those who doubted you that it could be done. Post after post, video after video, now is the time to give yourself that boost of confidence that shines and speaks through you. But wait. Do you hear that? Those who were ready to count you out…aren’t talking now.

“The road to success is paved with doubters and haters.” — Matshona Dhliwayo 

8.9.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

People may doubt you because they can’t see your vision—but their doubts don’t define your potential.

Don’t waste your energy trying to convince everyone that you’re capable. Use that energy to keep growing, keep learning, and keep moving forward. Let your consistency become the proof.

Remember: You don’t need everyone to believe in you. You just need to keep believing in yourself.

8.9.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I will not allow the doubts of others to become the doubts I have about myself. I believe in my abilities, my journey, and my purpose. I know that I am capable of achieving the things I work for. I will keep moving forward, even when others don’t see my vision. Their doubt does not define me—my determination, growth, and faith in myself do.”

8.10.26 Just A Dad-How to express your feelings

Communicating how you feel is important when it comes to relationships. Expressing your feelings and thoughts shows there is something in your mind and you need to let it go. So how do we express our feelings in such a way that your message comes across without conviction? First, you have to name the feeling. Use exact words when it comes to expressing your feelings. Instead of using “sad” or “fine” use “disappointed” or “overwhelmed” these precise words will convey the words, without judgement. Another way to express your feelings, is to use “I” statements. I feel this because of how this was done. Statements starting with “I” should show the other person that something is really concerning them and is important. Before you even start expressing your feelings, stop and breathe. Give yourself a chance to breathe and give yourself time to focus before you say how you feel and react. Check your body and pay attention to what it is telling you. If your chest starts to tighten up, you feel a rapid heartbeat, or your stomach starts feeling upset…stop! If your body is telling you something, listen to it. Not ready to talk it out?

Try writing it down on paper is a great way to do so! Most of my poetry…feelings that I wanted to say or express but, I allowed words to be my release that I needed. This was probably due to the fact that I could never express my feelings without judgement coming from another person. You can also go for a walk to help release any physical tension forming. If walking or hiking is not your thing, Find that person from your circle and sit. Let them know how you’re feeling but, you’re unsure of how to approach the situation. This person can help you decipher your feelings better, they can point you in the right direction on how to let these feelings be expressed. As you can tell, your feelings are valid, they are worth expressing and understand that even if the outcome is not what you wanted…you did it. You allowed your mind to process those feelings, think of how to release those feelings and express them.

8.10.26 Mental Health Tips of the day🗣️

Don’t be afraid to put your feelings into words. Bottling up emotions may feel easier in the moment, but expressing them in a healthy way can help reduce stress and create understanding.

You don’t have to explain everything perfectly. Start with, “I feel…” and be honest about what’s going on inside.

Remember: Your feelings are valid, and you deserve a safe space to express them. 

8.10.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I give myself permission to express my feelings honestly and without shame. My emotions matter, my voice matters, and I deserve to be heard. I can communicate what I feel with courage, patience, and respect. I no longer feel the need to hide what’s happening inside me. I choose healthy expression, honest communication, and the freedom to be true to myself.”

8.11.26 Just A Dad-Speaking on Love

Here it is!!! The topic that needed no research!!! That four letter word that can cause grown men to break down to their knees…Love! Love is a word that should be taken seriously and not just used to gain control over others. Some people throw this word around because they want something or need something but, there are some of us who understands this word and the real power it possesses. There are those of us who will speak this word and truly mean it. Love is something that most people take for granted, they say it but, abuse at the same time. They practice the theory of being in love but, don’t put the work in to stay in love. This feeling of being in love is amazing and an experience that this world needs to be a part of again. Falling in love…that feeling…chef’s kiss! The first time I fell in love was wonderful yet, it made me nervous. I felt those butterflies in my stomach flying as if they were trying to escape but soon they settled. Now, I was on the roller coaster of love.

She called me and we talked for hours…one hill

She broke up with me…Another hill

Wait, she wants to get back together…yes!!!

She’s moving and I’m single again. Is this ride over yet?

Love does take you on a ride but, it’s worth the journey. I will say this, if you’re really in love with someone…you’ll know. I’ll do a series on love, breaking down the feelings and emotions that come along with it, how to love yourself before anything else and even the darkness that love can place over you. For now, let’s embrace the word love, acknowledge its existence and enjoy the moments it will bring.

“Don’t ever think I fell for you, or fell over you. I didn’t fall in love, I rose in it.” – Toni Morrison, Jazz

8.11.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Love should bring support, respect, understanding, and peace into your life. Remember that loving others is important, but so is loving yourself. Set healthy boundaries, communicate your feelings, and never lose yourself trying to keep someone else happy. Healthy love doesn’t require you to abandon yourself.

8.11.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I am worthy of a love that is genuine, healthy, and respectful. I choose to love myself, honor my boundaries, and give love without losing who I am. I deserve relationships that bring peace, growth, and happiness into my life.”

8.12.26 Just A Dad-How to bounce back from failure

Something happened in your life, causing you to breakdown. During this breakdown, you started feeling like a failure doubting yourself every chance you get. I’m here to tell you that I have failed several times yet, I picked up myself and kept going. In order to get out of this funk, you first have to face the feeling of hurt and pain dead on…crazy right? You just did something that hurt others and now you’re saying I have to deal with the emotions? Correct! Understanding your emotions and analyzing each of them, will help you to block them. Once feelings are blocked, separating yourself from the situation will help you find that balance.

This balance will play a key part in the bounce back. Okay, so you tackled the feeling, found your balance and now it’s time to move forward. Moving forward and away from the situation helps your mind by clearing all things negative. Once your mind is clear, you must think about what could have been done differently to prevent you from calling yourself a failure. Go back and ask yourself, how could I have handled things differently? These answers may not come quickly but they will show themselves. Stop blaming yourself for what you’ve done and try to remain happy. Be kind to yourself and have that gentle care you would offer to a best friend or about a family member. Follow these tips and you’ll see your bounce back coming in no time.

“Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” – Denis Waitley

8.12.26 Mental Health Tips of the day🗣️

Failure doesn’t mean you’re finished—it means there’s something to learn. Instead of allowing one setback to define you, take a moment to understand what happened, learn from it, and give yourself permission to try again.

You may have fallen short of your goal, but you haven’t lost your ability to grow.

Today’s reminder: A setback is a chapter, not the whole story. Get back up, learn from it, and keep moving forward. 

8.12.26 Affirmation on bouncing back from failure

“I refuse to let failure define me. I give myself permission to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow stronger. Every setback is teaching me something valuable. I am resilient, capable, and determined. I may fall, but I will always find the strength to rise again. My failures do not determine my future—my courage to keep going does.”

8.13.26 Just A Dad-Speaking on How Therapy Can Help

Going through something on your own can be difficult and sometimes, you need that extra source of assistance to help you get through whatever it is that you’re going through. This is where therapy comes into play. Having a therapist in your corner makes a difference when you’re struggling with life and need some direction on which way to go. Therapy for me, has been helpful due to the fact that it’s allowing me to discover who I am as a person and how this discovery, can help me continue to improve and grow myself. I learned through my therapy sessions, that you don’t need to be diagnosed with a mental illness, to get help.

I myself had problems expressing my feelings with my ex wife and after speaking with a therapist, I learned that my feelings are valid and should be heard. I learned that taking a deep look into myself would help me find those missing pieces that I thought was lost forever. Looking for a therapist was also important to me because, I wanted someone that I would have that connection with, someone who would take the time to actually listen to my thoughts and feelings, my concerns and thoughts, I wanted someone who would invest their time into pulling out the best of me. There were a few that had me really questioning if they were a therapist or not.

One therapist would be making a whole meal while I was taking to them. Another told me to follow an ant as a form of self care…yea. Luckily I did find a therapist who actually helped me recover from my past life and is now helping me maintain the life that I’m living today. Without therapy, I really don’t know where I would be right now. Like, how would the outcome of my life at this very moment be if I did not seek professional help? How would I know which direction to take if I didn’t have someone who could say “Hey, let’s talk about this.” If you are afraid that a therapist would judge you or, if you feel like seeking therapy is going to put a label on you…stop thinking that way. Seeking therapy is the best thing for anyone who is thinking about giving up or quitting. If that is you and you’re reading this…reach out to a therapist, it’ll change your life.

“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” — Dan Millman

8.13.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Therapy isn’t a sign that you’re weak—it’s a sign that you’re willing to work on yourself. A therapist can give you a safe, judgment-free space to talk about your feelings, understand your experiences, and develop healthier ways to cope.

You don’t have to wait until everything falls apart to ask for help. Taking care of your mind is part of taking care of yourself. 

8.13.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I give myself permission to ask for help, be honest about my feelings, and work through what I’ve been carrying. I am not weak for seeking support. I am growing, healing, and becoming a stronger version of myself every day.”

8.14.26 Just A Dad-Affirmations and why you should say them

You just woke up and now, you’re ready to start your day. You shower, brush your teeth and grab your coffee but, you still need something to boost your mood. Allow me to help you by suggesting something I do every morning. Add an affirmation to your morning routine. A affirmation is a saying or phrase that you repeat to yourself or out loud, a positive confirmation that helps you to take on whatever challenges may come your way. I believe that affirmations are key to our mental health. They fill in those blanks that we sometimes can’t fill out. You can find them on the internet or check out most book stores. They can be daily affirmations or affirmations for a specific subject.

When you’re looking for an affirmation or encouragement, find one that is helpful and will really speak to your soul, something that you know will help ease worries in your mind, something that will spark a sense of belonging…something that will make you feel like a better you. Just to let you know, an affirmation doesn’t always come from a book but, it can come from people who have their best interests in you. I have someone in my life who speaks affirmations over me and I definitely do the same for them also. So, if you feel like your mental is in of a IV, seek affirmations…trust me, they help.

“I am in charge of how I feel, and today I am choosing happiness,”-Maya Angelou

8.14.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Give yourself permission to slow down.

You don’t have to solve everything today. When life feels overwhelming, take a step back, breathe, and focus on one thing at a time. Rest is not weakness—it’s part of taking care of yourself.

Remember: You are allowed to pause without giving up. 

8.14.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I give myself permission to slow down, breathe, and take things one step at a time. I don’t have to have everything figured out today. I trust myself, I honor my peace, and I believe I am capable of getting through whatever comes my way.” 

8.15.26 Just A Dad-On how Communication is Key

The title of this topic probably just made you say “always” or “I already knew that” but I’m here to put more emphasis on how it is important and how it can become a key factor in your relationship. When it comes to communication, both partners have to be willing to hear each other and not be judgmental but, supportive. I was in several relationships where I would hear “I hear you but…” and thinking to myself, do you really hear me? No one in a relationship should be afraid to express their feelings or concerns, no one should have to feel like they are walking on eggshells before a single word leaves their mouth. Communication is one of the most essential things a relationship needs to survive, it’s almost like needing air to breathe. When done correctly, communication can create a stronger connection between two people, bringing them closer than ever.

The relationship that I am in now, is a prime example of what I believe to be how communication should be in a relationship. We always start our conversations with “Are you okay?” If something is going on or we are having a terrible day, we communicate and express ourselves, listening to each other preparing our thoughts. This is the kind of communication everyone should have. If you are the one that feels afraid to communicate, sit down with your partner and really drive home the fact that you have something to say and you want no judgment. Express yourself in a way that you’re confident and comfortable yet strong and steadfast. Communicate and pray that the person you’re speaking to values your feelings as much as they value you.

“The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t being said.” – Shannon L. Alder

8.15.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Healthy communication isn’t just about speaking—it’s about listening, understanding, and expressing yourself honestly.

Don’t assume people know how you feel. If something is bothering you, find a calm moment to talk about it instead of holding everything inside. Use “I feel…” statements, listen without immediately becoming defensive, and give the other person space to share their perspective.

Remember, good communication doesn’t mean you’ll always agree. It means you’re willing to understand each other. ❤️

Today’s reminder: “My feelings matter, and I can express them with honesty, patience, and respect.”

8.15.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I communicate my thoughts and feelings with honesty, patience, and confidence. I listen to understand, not just to respond. I allow myself to speak my truth while respecting the feelings of others. I am worthy of being heard, understood, and respected. I choose healthy communication over assumptions, silence, and unnecessary conflict.”

8.16.26 Just A Dad-Staying Focused

Definitely needing this blog today I try my hardest to not allow things to get to me but, sometimes life happens and it’s hard to remain positive and focused. This post is going to be a little more real, more on the deep in my thoughts side. You see, staying focused means staying locked in to something and keeping locked in but, how does one remain focused when life continuously tries to knock you down? Easy. Surrounding yourself around something or someone uplifting is a start. Allow yourself to share space with someone or something that can keep your mind at peace, being at peace is the foundation for being focused.

That peace and balancing your mind and body can create the perfect zen for enhanced focus. Now I haven’t tried it myself but, doing yoga is another way to keep focused and healthy. Focus is key to your mental health. It allows you to be more productive and less distracted by negative emotions. Being focused allows you to be more present in life, giving you a chance to take advantage of making memories and experiencing life one second at a time. Do this is your sign to be focused and stay focused.

“The way to overcome negative thoughts and destructive emotions is to develop opposing, positive emotions that are stronger and more powerful.” — Dalai Lama

8.16.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Focus isn’t about doing everything at once—it’s about giving your attention to what matters most right now.

Try this today:

• Choose one priority.
• Remove distractions when possible.
• Take short breaks to reset your mind.
• When your thoughts wander, gently bring them back to the present.

Remember: You don’t have to finish everything today. Just focus on the next step.

8.16.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I am focused, present, and in control of where I place my energy. I release distractions, trust my process, and give my attention to what truly matters.”

Stay focused. Stay consistent. Keep moving forward.

8.17.26 Just A Dad-What Makes Up You

So, what makes up you? The components that make up who you are, is important. Think of this as if it is a dating profile. You have to create the perfect profile to land your future soulmate and now you’re at the part where they ask, describe what kind of person you are. You have to let these feelings and traits put their best foot forward so that others can see who you are and if you match their expectations. Back to the question…what makes up you? When it comes to finding out who you are, you have to think more of who you are now and not your past. If in the past, you were shy but now, you have the confidence to be more outgoing…go with that. Analyze what helped you grow as a person and use that basis to see who you are on the inside. If love helped you grow as a person, you now are loving and caring. You learned how not let things get to you, you are now more resilient and unbothered meaning you try not become stressed.

Maybe this year, you learned to be more patient and not rush into situations without thinking. Understanding these components and making them shine when it comes to meeting new people, will set the tone of the relationship between you and them forever. Something may arise and when a person needs that someone who they know that will help them. If you’re a person who is trustworthy, don’t be surprised if someone comes to you with something that only you can know. Look inside yourself today and find out what are the key components that make up who you are. Allow yourself to discover this person who has these traits and share them with someone who may need you in their lives.

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” — George Bernard Shaw

8.17.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

You are made up of more than your mistakes, your struggles, or other people’s opinions of you. Your experiences, values, dreams, emotions, strengths, weaknesses, relationships, and choices all play a part in shaping who you are.

Take time to understand what makes you, YOU. ❤️

Ask yourself:

• What do I value?
• What brings me peace?
• What are my strengths?
• What lessons have shaped me?
• What kind of person do I want to become?

Remember: You don’t have to change who you are to be worthy. Keep growing, but never forget your value along the way.

8.17.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I embrace every part of myself—the lessons, the strengths, the flaws, the dreams, and the experiences that have shaped me. I am becoming more confident in who I am, and I am proud of the person I am becoming.”

You are more than what happened to you. You are who you choose to become.

8.18.26 Just A Dad-Speaking on Social Media and Relationships

This topic really needs to be discussed! I’m a firm believer of posting stuff on social media but, after this year…I’m keeping everything private when it comes to my relationship. I may post the sweet things I do or a picture here and there but, I’m not putting any of our business out there for everyone to see. I realized that as soon as you get a relationship and post it on social media, your haters pop out of the grass like snakes. They are waiting to say “Oh, does she know what he did in his last relationship?” They are ready to throw ideas in the head of the other person to make them think they made the wrong decision. There are people who see you in a relationship and will become so jealous that they will literally post something about you for everyone to see.

There are those who are like “Congratulations” or “I’m happy for you!” Honestly, I love those posts because they overshadow all of the negative comments. Those are the ones that admire your relationship and applaud your happiness. So what do you do if you post something on social media and someone starts posting negative things? Ignore it, delete it, don’t engage or entertain it. That is what people want you to do. They want to somehow test your relationship and if it’s really true. They want to see how far they can go to end the relationship. It’s up to you to not allow them to win. In closing, when it comes to relationships and social media, I’m all for the pictures and nice comments but proceed with caution and keep relationship…your relationship and not for others.

“I want that relationship where people know of us, but know nothing about us.”-Unknown

8.18.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Social media can influence how we see our relationships. Don’t compare your real life to someone else’s highlight reel. What you see online is only a small part of someone’s story.

Set healthy boundaries with social media, communicate openly with your partner, and remember: your relationship deserves attention in real life—not just likes and comments.

Tip: Put the phone down sometimes and give the person you love your full attention.

8.18.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I will not compare my relationship to what I see on social media. I choose real connection, honest communication, trust, and quality time. I am present, grateful, and committed to nurturing the relationships that truly matter.”

8.19.26 Just A Dad-The Perfect Date

So you got the girl or guy that you have been talking to and now it’s time to go on a date but, you don’t know what to do or where to go. This is where your memory shines. If you did your research, you hopefully found out what the other person likes and what they dislike. A date is where you not only make the first impression but, also where you get to know each other better. With that being said, pick a place where there won’t be a crowd or distractions. A place where you can really enjoy being in the company of each other but also learn more about each other’s personalities. A nice quiet restaurant or maybe a day in the park basically, something personal. If they are into music, look for a concert or somewhere that is showcasing live music. Fancy a good rom com? A movie is a great date just do something afterwards where you can talk about the movie, what was the best and worst part. Whatever you do on a date, make sure that it’s something that is going to create a connection between the two of you…that’s what really matters.

“I love you the most when I’m with you, I need you the most when I’m away from you, and I miss you the most when I haven’t seen you in a while.”-not a quote but something to set up a date night😉

8.19.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Date night isn’t just about romance—it’s about connection. Put the phones down, slow down, and give each other your full attention. Talk, laugh, listen, and enjoy being present together.

Remember: A healthy relationship needs quality time, communication, and intentional connection. ❤️

Tip: It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. A walk, cooking together, or simply talking can strengthen your bond.

8.19.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I make time to connect, communicate, and enjoy the person I love. I deserve relationships filled with laughter, peace, quality time, and genuine connection.”

8.20.26 Just A Dad-Poetry: How to Flow

Going to try something different and introduce you to the world of poetry! Sit back, grab a pencil, a sheet of paper and throw on some jazz. Poetry to me is by far, one of the best forms of therapy. In poetry, you can escape from the world and find yourself in a different place. Poetry can help you find peace and comfort, strength and encouragement. It can heal your soul after losing a loved one or connect you with a person that you have a crush on. So, Jasmon, how do I start this journey of words and wonders? First, find a topic that you truly care about, one that is so close to your heart, that you can write for days about. Now choose the style or type of poetry that best suits you. I myself love free verse poetry, no punctuation, no rhyme, just words flowing. If you want to challenge yourself and see what you can rhyme with “Orange,” go with the old school style of rhyming and become your own Maya Angelou or Langston Hughes. This time that we will spend with poetry, will be time worth spent. To see some of my work, visit my posts.

Poetry is a deal of joy and pain and wonder, with a dash of the dictionary.-Khalil Gibran

8.20.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Poetry can be more than words on a page—it can be a safe way to express emotions you may not know how to say out loud. Writing your thoughts, pain, hopes, or experiences can help you process what you’re feeling and gain a clearer understanding of yourself.

Tip: Don’t worry about making your poetry perfect. Write honestly. Sometimes healing begins with simply putting your feelings into words. 

8.20.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I give myself permission to express my feelings through my words. My story matters, my voice matters, and my poetry is a reflection of my strength, growth, and healing.”✍🏾

8.21.26 Just A Dad on Working Together in a Relationship

I can not stress enough how much I want to speak on this topic!!! You may see a part 2! Working together in a relationship should be something that you practice from day one. When me and my girlfriend started dating, I received the below message:

Babe, hearing you say that touches a part of my heart I don’t always know how to put into words. I don’t just want your attention or your affection. I want the kind of connection where we both feel safe, valued, and completely supported.

I want us to be a team in every sense of the word. When you win, I want to celebrate you. When life gets hard, I want to stand beside you. I want us to build something where we both pour into each other, not because we have to, but because we genuinely want to.

You don’t owe me anything except honesty, love, and the effort to keep choosing us. If we’re going to do this together, I want it to be because our hearts are both invested and we see a future worth building. ❤️

This message deserves more recognition than just a post on my blog. When she sent me this, I felt so much better about our relationship. Being a team and working together sets the tone for any relationship. If there is something wrong or a problem arises, you both must know how to work together. Whenever something happens that requires some much needed attention, both of you should be prepared to tackle the issue immediately. If communication is key, working together is what is needed to open the door. By working together, no one person feels alone in a relationship. I’m sorry, I’m not sure where I’m going with this so I’m going to be honest and real. I was in a relationship where I felt like we were not together on anything. I moved in with my stepdad and I saw what working together in a relationship…really looks like. Before any major situation, they sat down and talked about things and came to a decision. I admit, there were some instances where me and my ex would come together and talk about things but, not every time. There were times when I wanted us both to be on the same page but, we weren’t. I say all of this for one reason, start working together, celebrating together, and most of all, healing together. Become a team and pour into each other what you both need.

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” — Edward Everett Hale

8.21.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

A healthy relationship isn’t about one person doing all the work. It’s about two people communicating, compromising, supporting each other, and facing challenges as a team.

Remember: It’s not you vs. me—it’s us vs. the problem. ❤️

When both partners feel heard, valued, and supported, the relationship has a stronger foundation to grow.

8.21.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I am committed to building a relationship where we communicate, support each other, compromise, and grow together. We are a team, and together we can overcome challenges with love, patience, and understanding.” 

8.22.26 Just A Dad-A little something different today

Usually, I stick to schedule however, I’m mentally exhausted. Before I go any further, please understand I am human and I have feelings that need to be expressed. In life we all know stuff happens that is out of our control. We try so hard to keep moving forward but sometimes, something takes us three steps backwards. Now the old me would have followed those steps backwards and refused to step forward again. I would have felt defeated and confused, lost and frustrated, basically I would have felt like a failure. Not this time! I refuse to be defeated and discouraged this time. I refuse to feel like a failure or anything less anymore. I originally was going to do a post titled “Resisting Old Ways” but today…I woke up just wanting to share my feelings.

When you find something good, you hold on to it tight and never let it go. You cherish every moment with them and as if it was going to be your last. However, there are times where you have to let stuff go for the better of yourself or the other person. Believe it or not…I am the person who thinks about the other person and what would make them happy. What would honestly be something that would make their life easier? If that means walking away I understand.

So, don’t be selfish and only think about yourself and your feelings. Look at it from the other persons perspective. It may be hard but, would make it easier for them.

I’ll continue with the schedule tomorrow. Just wanted to do what I do best, express myself through words.

8.23.26 Just A Dad asking…How are You?

Seriously, how are you doing today? this week? this month? Take a look at everything that has happened and ask yourself, how am I doing? Sometimes we need to step back and analyze what emotions we are experiencing or what challenges took us for a ride. You have to sit down and have that conversation with yourself and go over the things that made you happy or the things that made you so mad that you wanted to punch a wall. Taking this downtime to reflect is important when it comes to your mental health. To be honest, sometimes the best person you can talk to…is yourself.

8.24.26 Just A Dad-Learning To Love Again

Finding love and keeping it, is one thing but learning how to truly love again is the issue. Any time we go through something traumatic where love or trust was broken, it’s sometimes hard to love again. We become afraid that our heart will get broken again or maybe a repeat of what happened before, will happen again. I’m here to tell you, there is a way to learn how to love again and it starts with communication. While dating, both of you should have an understanding of what you’re looking for in a relationship. Now if you’re looking for a one night stand or a fling…this post isn’t for you. This post is for the person that wants something more serious, something that they can hold on to for a long time.

Speak with your partner and see where their mind is. If you guys are not in the same wavelength…keep it moving. However, if the two of you are more than compatible, proceed with getting to know each other. When it comes to that four letter L word, you really have to be sure that you mean it. Nowadays that word can cause problems and confusion, issues and conflicts, so use it wisely. You met the person, the vibes are mutual and a connection is formed. At this point, you are a few months in and your relationship is blossoming. You’re sitting across from them and then you say it.

How will they respond?

What are you feeling?

Was it the right time?

Am I really ready to love again?

If you have any doubts at this point, maybe you’re not ready to love again and it’s just an infatuation. On the other hand, you found the one and knew that your heart felt…what it felt. You finally have a sense of peace and purpose giving you that extra boost of confidence to love again. Take that confidence and move forward, open your heart and don’t be afraid to let love in.

“Never think that what you have to offer is
insignificant. There will always be someone out there who needs what you have to give.”-Unknown

8.24.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day🗣️

Learning to love again starts with learning to trust yourself again. Past heartbreak can make you build walls to protect your heart, but those walls can also keep healthy love out.

Give yourself permission to heal at your own pace. You don’t have to forget what happened—you just have to stop letting what happened decide what happens next.

Love again, but this time, don’t lose yourself trying to love someone else. ❤️

Reminder: You deserve a love that feels safe, honest, mutual, and peaceful.

8.24.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I release the pain of my past and give myself permission to love again. I trust my heart, honor my boundaries, and believe that healthy, genuine love is still possible for me.”

8.25.26 Just A Dad-Poetry: What to Write About

Continuing with the poetry series, today we’re going to talk about what to write about. When people think of poetry, the first thing that probably comes to mind is love. Well, yes love is a strong topic for poetry but, anything that you experienced in this world can be poetry. When picking something to write about, make sure it’s something that you’re passionate about. It has to be something that you can explain in such a way, that the reader gets lost in your words and emotions. This topic can be about how clouds rain emotions on your soul or it could be a trip to a new destination. Your poetry can be serious, deep or profound, it can be funny, happy or interesting just keep in mind that topic you chose to write about needs to coexist with the mood. Another thing when it comes to deciding what to write about, you don’t have to worry about pleasing everyone. You don’t have to worry about the people who will be ready to criticize your work, for as long as it came from your heart and soul, nothing even matters. I will say this, picking a topic to me, is the best part about poetry. So here’s what I do when it comes to picking a topic

1. Think about the title. The title of your poem has to be the foundation that will help you build your poem. When it comes to a title, be clever with it. Use word play like “Shot Clock” and play on how love is a game and you have 24 seconds to figure it out.
2. Think about what you want to convey to the audience. Understand the meaning and message that you the reader to get out of the poem and allow the topic to help them understand.
3. Last but not least, are you able to set the tone? Once I get my topic and my title, I think about how I want the flow of my poem to match the topic. For example, if my poem is about dark clouds forming pain, I want my poem to start off slow and calm but gradually grow intense with each stanza.

Whatever the topic may be, know that this is YOUR work, your feelings, your emotions that you are releasing. Brainstorm your topic, how you want to convey the topic and then, set the tone. This is your time to show the world how words…changed you!

8.25.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I will allow my words to not only express how I feel but also show them that writing about anything and everything can be a healing experience for the soul.”

8.26.26 Just A Dad-Resisting Old Ways

You’re life is going well and things are looking up. All of a sudden out of nowhere, something comes up and tempts you to take three steps back, back to a person that you left behind. Here are few ways you can stop yourself from going back to those old ways. Remove yourself from the situation that could be triggering those old ways. Taking yourself away from what it is that is causing you to become that person you don’t want to be, could stop the urge. Think about the things that happened previously when you made this decision before and ask yourself “Do you really want to do this?” Understanding the consequences and the impact that were affected by your decision. Having willpower is one thing, but reliving the past experience could help you stay focused and away from that person you once was. Here is more information on how to resist old habits and ways:

To stop falling back into old habits, stop relying on willpower alone. Instead, identify your personal triggers, change your physical surroundings to add friction to bad choices, replace the old routine with a healthier action that gives you the same reward, and forgive yourself quickly when you slip. 

Understand and Interrupt the Cycle

• Find the trigger: Notice what time of day, emotion, or place makes you want to do the old habit.
• Swap the middle: Keep the same trigger and the same end reward, but change the action you take in between.
• Add friction: Make the bad habit hard to do by hiding junk food, deleting apps, or moving items out of sight. 

Manage Setbacks Without Quitting

• Skip the guilt: A single mistake does not mean you failed. Do not let a small slip turn into a total quit.
• Start right away: Do not wait until next week or tomorrow to get back on track. Do the right thing right now.
• Remember your why: Keep a written note of why you want to change so you can read it when you feel weak.

The 3–3–3 rule for habits is a motivational framework that breaks habit formation down into three distinct time milestones: the first 3 days feel the hardest, reaching 3 weeks builds momentum and makes the routine feel manageable, and hitting 3 months cements the behavior as a natural part of your daily life. 

Key Phases of the 3–3–3 Rule

• 3 Days: The hardest part where you fight heavy resistance and high friction.
• 3 Weeks: The turning point where the routine feels familiar and easier to maintain.
• 3 Months: The milestone where the behavior integrates into your lifestyle and identity. 

“Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future.” — Deepak Chopra

8.26.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day🗣️

Growth means recognizing that some old habits, reactions, and mindsets no longer serve the person you’re becoming. When you feel tempted to fall back into old patterns, pause before you react. Ask yourself, “Will this choice move me forward or take me backward?”

You don’t have to respond the way you used to. Breaking old cycles takes patience, awareness, and practice. Every time you choose differently, you’re creating a new path for yourself.

Reminder: Your past may explain your old ways, but it does not have to control your future.

8.26.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I am not who I used to be. I release old habits, old reactions, and old patterns that no longer serve me. I choose growth, peace, and better decisions. I have the strength to respond differently, even when going back feels easier. I am creating a new version of myself, one choice at a time.”

8.27.26 Just A Dad-discussing Goals: What Do You Want to Accomplish?

We all have goals that we want to accomplish. Long term and short term but, most of us don’t know where to start. This will be a part of a series that I will be posting on here so first, let’s start with the “What.” What goals are you looking to accomplish? When it comes to a goal, it has to be something that you really really want to achieve. This can’t be something that you just thought about for like 5 seconds and then you decided later why bother, this has to be something that you’ve actually put thought into.

For example, my therapist told me to buy a notebook and fill it with goals that I want to achieve and guess what one of my goals was…create a blog site! I’ve always told myself that I wanted to start one just for dads(yea…it was envisioned!) to show that as a father, we go through things as well. Soon after creating the title, I started thinking…maybe it shouldn’t be just for dads but, for anyone. I then changed the title, had ChatGPT create a logo and here we are today! So take time to actually pick a goal, write it down or make a vision board, and then do the research(these will be discussed later!). I’m going to pause and break for a minute. I created this blog as a purpose, an outlet, an opportunity per say to release my thoughts. It wasn’t for views or popularity, not for fame or success, it was to help and encourage people that like you, I’m human and I go through things that I feel like people don’t talk about so…thank you!

“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible”—Tony Robins

8.27.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Set goals that move you forward, not goals that make you feel pressured. Break big goals into small, manageable steps and celebrate your progress along the way. You don’t have to accomplish everything at once—consistent progress is still progress.

Remember: Your goals should inspire you, not overwhelm you. Keep going, one step at a time. 💪🏾

8.27.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I believe in my ability to reach my goals. I will stay focused, trust the process, and take one step at a time. I don’t have to rush—I just have to keep moving forward.” 💪🏾✨

My goals. My focus. My future.

8.28.26 Just A Dad-telling you to Keep Going!!

It’s Friday

The week is coming to an end

But..Not you!

Keep going!!!

I’m not gonna lie but my week has been filled with ups and downs, highs and lows but, I’m still going! Keep your foot on the gas and keep moving. Someone out there is waiting for you to lose momentum. Whatever you do, don’t give them that satisfaction. Allow yourself to be so focused and positive, that stopping is not in your vocabulary. Keep going! Even if it seems like you’re not going anywhere or making any progress…keep going! You see, we have become so stuck in our ways that we forget when life gets tough, we stop moving, we feel like, what’s the point of going on when we may not get the results we want. It’s time to stop thinking like that! It’s time to pull up your pants, grab your shoes, and keep moving.

If your mind is not focused and determined to move, then of course you’re not going anywhere. You have to get that mindset of failure out of your head so that you can continue to move forward, you have to break those chains and erase those doubts that hinders you from moving. Also, stop making excuses! That is another thing that prevents you from making ANY progress. We move two steps forward then out of nowhere, I can’t do this because of that! No YOU chose to stop moving forward, YOU chose to say I’m done, YOU chose to stay where you are! YOU

Keep Going

Because the world doesn’t stop moving so…why should you?

“If you can’t fly, run; if you can’t run, walk; if you can’t walk, crawl; but by all means keep moving.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

8.28.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Some days, keeping going doesn’t mean doing everything—it means taking one more step. Give yourself permission to slow down, rest, and regroup without feeling like you’ve failed.

You don’t have to see the whole road ahead. Just focus on the next step. Your progress may be slower than you want, but slow progress is still progress.

Keep going. Your story isn’t finished yet. 💙

8.28.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I may not have everything figured out, but I trust myself to keep moving forward. I am stronger than my setbacks, and I refuse to give up on myself. One step at a time, I am getting closer to where I’m meant to be.” 💙

Keep going. You’re closer than you think. 🙏🏽

8.29.26 Just A Dad-Building A Connection

Besides communication, building a connection is important as well. Connections need to be built and established. If communicating is the key, a good connection is the door that it unlocks. When you connect with someone, you take a look into their lives and understand why they are who they are. You see what makes them special and try to find a way to add to their life. Connections should not be forced but natural and true, it should be an instant spark that two people get sometimes without even noticing. Once that connection is established, everything else will fall into place like pieces of a puzzle.

The connection will make the communication more intimate which will then build up the trust between the two of you and soon, love will make its way into the relationship. Below are some things that can help you build a connection, and keep your relationship stronger than ever.

Daily Communication and Check-Ins

• Put away distractions: Turn off your phone and make eye contact when they speaks to show they are a priority.
• Listen to understand: Listen to their day without immediately trying to fix their problems or give advice.
• Use validating phrases: Say things like “Tell me more about that” or “That makes so much sense” to help them feel safe and heard.
• Share daily check-ins: Set aside ten minutes each day for a de-stressing conversation about highs, lows, and daily experiences. 

Shared Activities and Playfulness

• Be her cheerleader: Honor their thought processes and strengths instead of criticizing or debating their choices.
• Inject humor: Send funny memes, tease playfully, or share lighthearted moments to relax the mood.
• Spend intentional time: Do regular activities together, whether it is cooking dinner, taking a walk, or trying a new hobby.
• Keep physical affection alive: Increase the frequency of non-sexual touch, like holding hands, hugging, or kissing hello and goodbye. 

Emotional Safety and Vulnerability

• Respond instead of reacting: Pause and approach tough moments with compassion rather than frustration or defensiveness.
• Express appreciation: Find specific things to thank them for every day, shifting the focus to gratitude and trust.
• Build mutual trust: Share your own inner thoughts and feelings beyond basic facts to foster a deeper sense of partnership. 

“To have someone understand your mind is a different kind of intimacy altogether.”— Farraz Kazi

8.29.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Connection is more than spending time together—it’s about feeling seen, heard, valued, and understood.

Make time to put the phones away, have meaningful conversations, check in with each other, and listen without immediately trying to fix everything. Small moments of genuine connection can strengthen trust and emotional intimacy.

Remember: A healthy relationship isn’t just about being together—it’s about staying connected while you’re together. ❤️

8.29.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I deserve a relationship where I feel heard, valued, understood, and emotionally connected. I will communicate openly, listen with love, and make space for genuine connection.”

Today’s reminder: Connection grows when both people make the effort. ❤️

8.30.26 Just A Dad-Goals: Long Term vs Short Term

Goal setting provides clear direction, boosts motivation, sharpens focus, improves organization, and builds self-confidence

When picking a goal, you have to think about whether it will be a short term or long term goal. When it comes to this, you have to think about the timing in which you want things to happen and the flexibility. Allow me to break down the two.

Short Term Goal: When it comes to timing, your short term goals, these are goals that happen within a few days to a year. These goals are reachable and may seem easy to achieve but, they have strict and rigid deadlines. Short term goals don’t require much planning but, you do have to be focused and disciplined to make them happen. Examples of a short term goal are:

Saving $500 for a weekend vacation

Reading two books a month

Doing a 15 minute walk every day

Finishing a weekly work project

Short term goals may take a short time to achieve but after knocking them out one by one, you’ll be confident to tackle anything that you felt you could never accomplish.

Long Term Goals: These goals, as you can tell by the name, take a little longer to accomplish. A long term goal usually takes 5+ years and usually takes more planning. When it comes to long term goals, you have to learn to adjust and adapt when things happen, understanding that when things are out of your control, how can you maintain your stride and keep going to achieve them. Long term goals also require more research and dedication. Examples of long term goals:

Buying A house

Saving for retirement

Owning a business

Write a book

Benefits of both Short and Long Term Goals:

Clear direction: They show you the final destination so you can plan your next steps.

Better focus: They help you say no to daily distractions.

Higher energy: Working for a big dream makes small daily tasks feel meaningful.

Steady progress: Breaking big dreams into tiny steps helps you build good momentum.

Whether it’s a short or long term goal, they both have risks and rewards but, it’s the rewards that matter. These rewards that you receive from accomplishing goal will show you that anything you put your mind to can be achieved. It shows that you took the initiative and not allow yourself to let life get in the way of your dreams and visions.

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” — Maya Angelou 

8.30.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Set goals that support your life, not goals that pressure you. 🎯

Break big goals into small, realistic steps. Every step forward matters, even when it feels small. Give yourself permission to adjust your goals as life changes, and don’t compare your progress to someone else’s timeline.

Remember: Progress is still progress, even when it happens one small step at a time. 

8.30.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I am capable of setting meaningful goals and taking consistent steps toward achieving them. I trust my journey, believe in my abilities, and give myself permission to grow at my own pace.” 💙

🎯 Set the goal.
👣 Take the step.
💪 Trust the process.

8.31.26 Just A Dad-Goals: Where To Start

Now it’s time to decide what goal you want to accomplish and how to get started. My therapist told me one Thursday during therapy, that Steve Harvey wrote 300 goals in a notebook. Whenever he needed any motivation or inspiration, he would go to that notebook and read them. She also told me that each time he achieved one, he would cross it off his list. In this post, I will explain a few ways on how you can get started with a goal.

Write It Down: As stated above, writing down your in something that you can refer to when things start to get hard, is one of the most effective and efficient methods of keeping track of your goals. You’ll be able to see your progress, every time you complete one and cross it off. Writing it down also allows you to see your dreams and aspirations on paper giving you the ability to make each goal possible.

Vision Board: A vision board is when you take quotes or pictures that remind you of your goals. Vision boards can be for anyone. That teenager who wants to save money for their first car, a mom who wants to open her own bakery, even the father who wants to buy a house may have a vision board with pictures of their new home.

Focus on A System: Creating a routine, a system per se . Making a routine and sticking to it will give you that willpower to keep going and not give up, making the stride to your goal a lot more easier. Just like working out at the gym or trying something new, having a system helps you to remain focused and motivated.

Make it Smart:

The SMART Acronym Explained

• Specific: State clearly what you want to achieve. Answer the questions of who, what, where, and why.
• Measurable: Include exact numbers, percentages, or metrics to track your progress.
• Achievable: Ensure the goal is realistic and possible with your current skills and effort.
• Relevant: Make sure the objective matters to your broader life or business aims.
• Time-bound: Set a firm deadline or target date to create urgency. 

Anticipate Obstacles: You also have to understand that obstacles are going to come and try to disrupt your progress. Visualize potential roadblocks and plan how to handle them ahead of time.

Selecting the right tool depends entirely on your planning style. The most effective systems fall into distinct categories: task-driven apps, tactile handwritten planners, or highly customizable layouts. 

Here are the top-rated goal planning tools categorized by how you work best:

📱 Top Digital & App-Based Trackers

Best for task automation, automated reminders, and tracking daily habit streaks.

• Gripply: Best for a dedicated roadmap. It explicitly links long-term goals (e.g., career milestones) directly to supporting daily habits and task success metrics. 
• Todoist: Best for task-first thinkers. It specializes in breaking large, overwhelming milestones down into granular daily/weekly to-do check-lists with built-in “Karma” gamification points. [1, 2]
• TickTick: Best all-in-one organizer. It cleanly blends comprehensive project tasks, a daily habit streak tracker, and an integrated calendar system. [1]
• Habitica: Best for gamified motivation. It turns your real-life tasks and goals into an RPG-style game where you earn rewards and level up a character. 

✍️ Top Digital PDF Planners (for Tablets)

Best for getting the pen-to-paper handwritten feel on an iPad or tablet while retaining digital flexibility. [1]

• Passion Planner Digital: Features a robust “Passion Roadmap” process designed to map out big-picture visions and cleanly drag action blocks into monthly/weekly layouts. [1]
• GoodNotes: The ultimate blank-canvas app for importing hyperlinked PDF templates, supporting Apple Pencil handwriting, and making goal sketch-boards.

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”-Frederick Douglass

8.31.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Stop rushing through life trying to get to the next chapter.

Life isn’t meant to be perfect or figured out all at once. Some seasons will challenge you, some will teach you, and others will remind you how far you’ve come.

Take life one day at a time. Appreciate the small victories, learn from the hard moments, and give yourself grace along the way.

You don’t have to have everything figured out to be moving in the right direction. 🌱

Today’s reminder: I will embrace where I am while continuing to grow.

8.31.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I trust the journey of my life. I may not have everything figured out, but I am growing, learning, and becoming a better version of myself every day.”

Today, I choose patience, peace, and progress.

9.1.26 Just A Dad-Goals: Who Can Help You

When it comes to who can help reach your goals, who can assist you when it comes to achieving your goals, I would refer back to my blog on “How to Build Your Circle.” You’re going to need people who can see your vision and help put your goals into action. These people are the ones that will be beside you throughout the process. You will have to have people that will pick you up, when you feel like giving up on your goals. When it comes to personal goals that you have, you may want to tackle them yourself but to be honest, I would still at least have family and friends help boost your confidence and self esteem so that taking on that goal by yourself, won’t seem too impossible.

Key Support Roles

• Life Coaches: A Life Coach offers professional clarity, structured tools, and objective feedback to help you map out your personal or career path. 
• Accountability Partners: Friends, colleagues, or peers act as “accountability buddies” to track daily progress, celebrate small wins, and keep you moving forward during tough moments. 
• Mentors and Role Models: Experienced professionals or inspirational figures provide roadmap advice, share valuable lessons from their own failures, and model successful habits. 
• Peers and Support Groups: Communities or group settings offer shared encouragement, social commitment, and collective energy to sustain long-term efforts.

So whether it’s short term or long term, having the people in your corner that not only want to see you succeed and achieve your goals but, also want to support you if your goals become too difficult, will be essential in your life.

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”
— Phil Jackson

9.1.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Having a strong support system matters. You don’t have to carry every problem, emotion, or struggle by yourself.

Reach out to someone you trust. Talking about what you’re going through isn’t weakness—it’s a form of strength.

Today, check on someone you care about—and allow someone to check on you, too. 🖤🤝🏾

Remember: You deserve support, not just when you’re struggling, but every day.

9.1.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I am worthy of support, encouragement, and genuine connections. I don’t have to face everything alone. I allow myself to receive help, give love, and surround myself with people who want to see me grow.” 🖤🤝🏾

Today, remember: You are supported. You are valued. You are not alone.

9.2.26 Just A Dad-Goals: Accepting Failure

Doing a little pivot today and going off schedule. Decided to speak on accepting failure when it comes to your goals today so that I can do a little switch up! You had a goal, did the research and tried everything to achieve it but out of nowhere, life had other plans and you were unable to accomplish your goal. You start feeling down and depressed thinking to yourself that you’ll never accomplish anything. This is where failure comes in, sits at your feet, and keeps you company. However, without failure, some of the things that we have today…wouldn’t be possible. The Wright Brothers failed several times until they finally succeeded and built the right design for an airplane. Lonnie Johnson failed in trying to create a high pressure heat pump but one day he was tinkering with his equipment and discovered a powerful stream of water which led to the Super Soaker being invented.

Sometimes all you need is failure…to become successful. You see, failure is only part of your journey in this thing called life. In fact, if you are reading this and never failed at anything…I need your contact information ASAP! I’ve failed at so many things but, it only encouraged me to try harder the next time and the next time after that, even after those failures, I’m not giving up instead I am going even harder. So I’m here to tell you, don’t let failure be your greatest enemy and the downfall of your dreams…let it be your encouragement to push yourself.

“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.”—Confucius

9.2.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Failure doesn’t mean you’re incapable—it means you’re learning. Instead of letting a setback define you, ask yourself: “What can I learn from this, and what can I do differently next time?”

Give yourself permission to be disappointed, but don’t stay stuck there. Learn from it, adjust your approach, and keep moving forward. Your failure is an experience—not your identity.

Remember: You didn’t fail at life. You experienced a moment that can help you grow.

9.2.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I refuse to let failure define me. I learn from every setback, grow through every challenge, and trust myself to keep moving forward. I am capable, resilient, and stronger than my mistakes.” 💪🏾🌱

9.3.26 Just A Dad-Goals: Don’t Just Stop at One!

Once you achieved one goal, your mind will let you know that this is only the beginning! Open that notebook with those goals and ideas, look at that vision board. Talk to that friend who wanted to collaborate on something. This is your time to take this momentum and achieve things that you never thought you could achieve before. You see, that’s the things about goals, they are meant to be achieved and accomplished, they are meant to make you proud and keep you positive. Goals can raise your confidence from zero to a hundred real. It can help you understand the meaning of a challenge and how that challenge you took on, head on, can make you stronger.

With that being said, don’t stop at one goal, tackle a long term goal and get the confidence up. Let that long term goal push you to the limit, opening that side of you that no longer procrastinates.

9.4.24 Just A Dad-5 Things You Need in a Relationship

Now, for those who don’t know me, my past was not my the greatest! Surprised? A guy comes on here speaks about love and relationships yet he himself should have practiced what he preaches.

He should have built up trust, instead of cheating.

He should have communicated more, instead of being silent.

He should have given love to others instead of showing it to many.

Yes, my past experience with relationships was horrible. In fact, Jordan Peele should make a movie called “Flowe” because I’m sure people would be scared of how bad I treated people. However, I have moved on from my past and discovered myself again. I wish I could go back in time with the mindset and resources I have now…to make stuff better but, that’s the thing about life. Sometimes you need that one situation, to get your ass back on track(excuse my language). So before I continue please understand that I am not perfect but, I am a work in progress. I have owned up to my mistakes and since then, found God and purpose once again. I have looked that person in my past, in the eye, and said “I WILL NEVER BE YOU AGAIN!” I have continued to acknowledge that my past is not my present and I will be damned if it pours into my future. This blog site was created to share hope and inspiration for those who are struggling with their inner demons and is searching for some kind of light. This was created for that person who felt like they have fucked up so bad, that they no longer want to be a burden on anyone they come in contact with. Sorry but, this needs to be addressed! We live in a world where people will bypass you, and make a V line to that closet…which holds your skeletons.

People will create an educated list of every single wrong thing you done, and not see that person who is bettering themselves today. They will point out every flaw that you longer inherit and place it on a pedestal without taking a look at the art that is you…in front of them! We need to stop being like this! Some people forget that they themselves made mistakes and have flaws yet no one calls them out! They forgot that person in the mirror staring back at them…no where near perfect. They use their wannabe self image as paint to cover up their own shortcomings. JUST STOP! Before you come at someone, attacking and criticizing them while constantly pointing out who they WERE and not who they ARE NOW…take a look at yourself only there will you see the truth.

5 things you need in a relationship…sorry just had to get that off my chest!

Communication: Open and honest talks help partners share feelings and prevent small misunderstandings from turning into big fights.

Trust: Knowing that your partner is reliable and honest creates a safe space where both people feel secure.

Respect: Listening to your partner and valuing their opinions—even during a disagreement—shows that you care about their feelings.

Boundaries: Clear personal limits let both people keep their independence, identity, and a healthy sense of self.

Support: Being there for each other through hard times and cheering on personal goals makes you a strong team.

Sorry again for making this post go off track but, it needed to be said. Continue working on that BETTER you by getting rid of the WORST you.-Jasmon

9.4.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

A healthy relationship should bring communication, trust, respect, support, and peace into your life. Remember, you shouldn’t have to lose yourself to keep someone else.

❤️ Love should add to your life—not take away from who you are.

9.4.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I deserve a relationship built on love, trust, communication, respect, honesty, and support. I will never settle for less than the healthy love I deserve.”

9.5.26 Just A Dad-What is a Support System?

Feeling lost? Overwhelmed? As if no one else is there to help? This is where you need a support system. A support system is a network of people who can provide practical, emotional support, or mental help when you need it. Below are some examples of who can make up your support system:

Family and friends: People who listen without judgment.

Coworkers or neighbors: People who help with daily tasks or advice.

Professionals: Therapists, counselors, or mentors.

When it comes to a support system, family and friends should always be at the top of the list. Since they are the ones that know you better, why not have them as support? Family members can provide the best support as they can see what’s going on in the inside without having to look from the outside.

How Neighbors Provide Support

• Practical help: Neighbors can watch your home, pick up mail, or accept packages when you are away.
• Emergency assistance: They offer immediate local help during storms, power outages, or medical issues.
• Family aid: Nearby residents can assist with sudden childcare needs, pet feeding, or rides.
• Community belonging: Exchanging friendly greetings and small talk reduces isolation and builds neighborhood trust. [1]

How Coworkers Provide Support

• Task guidance: Colleagues share professional advice, technical tips, and help manage heavy workloads.
• Empathy: They understand specific job stressors and office dynamics that friends outside work might miss.
• Daily routine: Work friendships make the workday more engaging and provide a reliable sounding board for challenges.
• Mutual backup: Teammates can cover responsibilities or step in during personal absences or emergencies

Building These Connections

• Start small: Exchange brief greetings, wave hello, or ask a simple, friendly question to break the ice.
• Check in: Offer a quick note of encouragement or ask how someone is doing after a tough week.
• Be reciprocal: Help a neighbor with yard work or assist a coworker with a project so the relationship is two-sided.

How Therapists Support You

• Safe and Confidential Space: Therapists offer a private environment where you can share deep feelings without fear of judgment.
• Coping Strategies: They teach specific, evidence-based tools to handle anxiety, depression, and stress.
• Objective Reflection: Therapists help you spot negative behavior patterns and offer constructive feedback.
• Building External Networks: They guide you in strengthening relationships with friends, family, and community groups.
• Consistent Accountability: Regular sessions provide steady touchpoints to review your goals and track healing progress.

No matter who you get to be in your support system, make sure they are there for YOU. You don’t want to add someone who is going to hurt you more than help you. Sometimes the best support system can come from the person that you never thought expected you to be. So make sure that your support system really does the job of supporting you mentally, physically. and emotionally.support systems can be really beneficial when there’s a time that they’re struggling and you know you can’t do it alone, they are there for you when you feel like giving up, or losing hope. They are there for you when you feel like your back is against the wall and you have no way to fight yourself out.

A support system can be the greatest weapon. Someone has in their arsenal and not even know it. Trust me, I know about support system. My support system is my family and my therapist. Yes, sometimes my coworkers can lift me up during the bad day, but when it really comes down to it, those who I know very well like my family and my therapist really are the backbone of my support system.

9.5.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

You don’t have to face everything alone. A strong support system can give you encouragement, perspective, and a safe space to express what you’re feeling. Surround yourself with people who listen without judgment, respect your boundaries, and genuinely want to see you grow.

Remember: Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign that you value your well-being. ❤️

Today’s reminder: Choose people who bring support, not additional stress, into your life.

9.5.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I deserve a support system that listens to me, encourages me, respects me, and reminds me that I don’t have to face life alone. I am worthy of genuine connections that bring peace, love, and positivity into my life.” ❤️

9.6.26 Just A Dad-Keys to Happiness 😃

Happiness can come from anything or anywhere, it can come from any person, place or thing. Happiness can spread like a wildfire or diminish in the darkness. Keeping happy and staying happy is the real challenge. So, what are the keys for happiness? First, let’s take a look at the core pillars of happiness.

Core Pillars of Happiness

• Social Connection: Strong relationships and deep conversations are the single biggest predictors of long-term well-being and a longer life.
• Physical Health: Regular exercise, good nutrition, and adequate sleep support brain function and elevate your daily mood.
• Mindfulness and Attitude: Practicing gratitude and staying present help you appreciate everyday experiences and regulate your emotions.
• Purpose and Goals: Having meaningful goals and feeling competent gives you a sense of direction and lasting fulfillment.
• Giving to Others: Performing kind acts activates reward centers in the brain and builds community ties

To be honest, building a social connection is okay for happiness but, the four after that, are the true keys to happiness.

Physical Health to me is the foundation for happiness! If your body isn’t happy and well, then, how can you be happy? I’m not saying you need to live a healthy lifestyle but, as stated above, exercising and adequate sleep, is a great start to staying and keeping happy.

Next, is mindfulness and attitude. This along with that healthy mind and body is a combination needed for supreme happiness. Showing gratitude to others especially those who helped you along the way grants you not only peace of mind but, true happiness.

Anytime you have Purpose or Goals, this should motivate you towards happiness. When you walk with purpose and confidence, the smile and happiness are inevitable.

Giving to Others should always make you smile and happy! Sometimes a blessing to another person can be enough to make not only the other person happy but you happy..

There is no true key to happiness but, keep smiling…every chance you get. You never know who needs to see it.

“Happiness begins when you stop searching for perfection and start appreciating the peace, love, growth, and blessings already in your life.” 💙

— Just A Dad

9.6.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Happiness isn’t about having a perfect life. It’s about learning to appreciate where you are while continuing to grow. Protect your peace, surround yourself with people who support you, practice gratitude, and give yourself permission to enjoy the little things.

Remember: You don’t have to have everything figured out to be happy. Sometimes happiness starts with simply being present and appreciating today. 💙

Today’s reminder: Choose peace. Choose gratitude. Choose yourself.

9.6.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I choose happiness, peace, and gratitude. I release the need for everything to be perfect, and I allow myself to appreciate the good in my life. I deserve joy, and I give myself permission to create a life that brings me peace.” 💙

Today, I choose to focus on what I can control and find joy in the little things. 

9.7.26 Just A Dad-Checking in on Yourself

This is it.

Time to check in on the only person that few people check on…Yourself.

Time to do a self evaluation on you. How have you been? Feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Take a step back and breathe. Allow yourself to rest and relax. I know that this world is a lot and you yourself haven’t had time for yourself and I get it. Checking in on yourself means giving yourself a chance to think about everything that is going on and how to handle it day by day. You go through situations just like everyone else and your mental makes it important to stop. Stop and let the world move on without you just for one minute. Stop worrying about every other soul and concentrate on the soul that is keeping you alive.

It’s time to understand that YOU deserve me time and rest to really check in yourself. Today stop, relax and reset. Check in on yourself today.

. “Check on yourself as often as you check on everyone else. Your well-being matters too.”

9.7.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Take a moment today to ask yourself: “How am I really doing?”

Don’t just check on everyone else—check on you too. Pay attention to your emotions, your stress level, your energy, and what you may need.

You don’t have to have everything figured out. Sometimes, simply acknowledging how you feel is the first step toward taking better care of yourself.

Remember: You matter too. Take care of you. ❤️

9.7.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I give myself permission to pause, breathe, and check in with my mind, my heart, and my needs. I deserve the same care and attention I give to others. I choose to listen to myself and honor what I need today.” ❤️

Reminder: Checking in with yourself isn’t selfish—it’s self-care.

9.8.26 Just A Dad-Let’s Talk About Last Month

No affirmation

No mental health tip

Just time to recap what happened to you last month. What was your biggest accomplishment? What was a difficult time for you?

Now take those big wins that you celebrated last month, and carry it over to the next. That happiness, that confidence, allow it to pour over into the next month. The way you pushed yourself to get through and obtain that victory, let it overflow and grace the next month with.

Now, as for those losses, they can stay. You can carry over the lessons learned from those losses but, that mess needs to stay in the past. You can keep the advice your mind gave you and the faith your heart allowed you to keep but, I wish you would bring that pain over to a new month!

So, I will leave you with this prayer:🙏🏾

“Dear God, first, allow me to say thank you for allowing me to see a new month that I hope will bring forth new fruits in my life. I know each month holds ups and downs, joy and pain but also in every one of those 24 hours, is you! God, I know that each chapter of my life starts with you as so does each month. This month, I ask that you continue to be a blessing on top of other blessings, I ask that your love, pours incredible joy into my month, allowing my heart and soul to align with your spirit. God, I’m giving you my all this month and to the months that are soon to follow and ask in return, your grace and mercy to pull me through! Amen”

9.10.26 Just A Dad-Crying is Acceptable

Believe it or not, crying is good for the soul. In fact… I want to cry right now. Shedding tears to me is a way to release everything that has been trapped inside, something you’ve been holding in because you think people will look at you differently. Especially by being a man, society says I’m not supposed to cry. It says that I am to remain strong and silent, that I shouldn’t let my tears show. I’m here to tell society that it’s wrong on all levels. If you don’t cry…you’re not human. I get it, you don’t want your weakness to be public but, what good is your broken emotions if they stay bottled in? How do you seek comfort, if you cannot speak out? The only thing that I can say works, is letting those tears flow. Letting your mind take control and purify itself.

Shedding tears is a sign of composure and comfort…not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of cleaning and healing from all things that are destroying you. It’s a sign of help that you literally cry out for. Crying is that mental change from broken to standing tall, not giving up when you are done.

Cry

Let it all out

Release whatever hold or control has on you! Let it wash away with every tear drop. Let those broken emotions fall to the ground and dry up allowing the stains to be a sign of your struggles exiting your body, showing the Devil he no longer lives here. Keep pushing forward and know those tears don’t make you.

9.10.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Crying is not a sign of weakness. It’s a natural way your body releases emotions, stress, and pain. You don’t always have to hold everything in or pretend you’re okay. Give yourself permission to cry, breathe, and feel what you’re feeling.

Remember: You can be strong and still cry. Sometimes letting the tears out is part of healing. ❤️‍🩹

Just A Dad: “It’s okay to cry. Your emotions deserve to be felt, not hidden.”

9.26.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I give myself permission to cry, feel my emotions, and release what I’ve been carrying. Crying does not make me weak—it reminds me that I am human, and I am allowed to heal.”

9.10.26 -Just A Dad-Learning New Things

Learning new things is always exciting!!!

Making that dish from your favorite cooking show.

Going to an art class and turning a blank canvas into a work of art.

Sewing fabric into something that may become a new fashion trend.

Taking clay and molding it into a something new.

Let’s stop right there and use this as an analogy.

Taking clay and molding it into something new

Discovering something new can lead you to become a better person. It gives you a chance to focus your energy onto something positive which then allows you to distract yourself from things that are negative. Learning something can help reduce stress that you may be feeling and allow yourself to focus more on everyday tasks and activities. Here are a few ways learning new things are great for mental health:

Brain and Mood Benefits

• Releases Dopamine: New experiences activate pleasure and reward pathways in your brain, which instantly improves your mood and motivation.
• Grow Neural Pathways: Learning forces your brain to adapt through neuroplasticity, building flexible thinking and sharpening problem-solving skills. 
• Reduces Stress: Focusing on a fresh task acts like mindfulness, distracting you from daily worries and lowering stress hormones.

Confidence and Purpose

• Boosts Self-Esteem: Mastering a new skill or hobby makes you feel more capable and independent.
• Provides Motivation: Having a personal goal gives you a clear sense of purpose and joy each day.
• Fights Boredom: Stepping out of your comfort zone breaks up dull routines and brings excitement back into your daily life.

So, visit that paint workshop or open that book you avoided. Watch that famous chef cook your favorite dish or visit a city you have never been before. Learn something new and create a new you!

9.10.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Learning something new can be good for your mental health. It gives your mind something positive to focus on, builds confidence, and reminds you that you are still growing.

You don’t have to master it right away. Give yourself permission to be a beginner, make mistakes, and try again.

Today’s tip: Choose one small thing you’ve always wanted to learn and take the first step. Progress—not perfection—is what matters. 💙

9.10.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I am open to learning, growing, and discovering new things. Every new experience gives me an opportunity to become wiser, stronger, and better than I was yesterday.” 💙

9.11.26 Just A Dad–Moving On 🙏🏾

Before I start this post, allow me to take this opportunity to send my thoughts and prayers to those we lost on 9/11. It was a day that the world stopped but, it was also the day that the world came together.

So, a topic switch up. I meant to do yesterday’s topic today so getting back on track…let’s talk about moving on.

Remember that post about “Working Together in A Relationship?” Don’t ignore it but, I’m here to let you know that me and that person are no longer together.

Now, how do I move on from that relationship? Believe it or not, I saw the clues and little details right after day one. I prepared myself for the worst while trying to hope for the best. I saw the connection was there yet, she was being a little distant. Back to the original question…how do you move on?

First, don’t beat yourself up. Whenever there is a break up, we somehow start to put ourselves down and start analyzing things.

Was it something I said?

What could I have done differently?

Should I have communicated better?

Maybe it’s not them, it’s ME

We use “I” and “me” instead of “us” or “we” and immediately go into that downward spiral of depression and despair, thinking that we are not good enough for someone else. I’m here to say, before you even start…stop, don’t make yourself the problem. Making yourself the problem is not going to solve anything or allow yourself time to grow and move on. If you see yourself beginning to get that way, focus on something positive to get your mind thinking right.

Spend time with people who care about you like family and friends. If this was a deep relationship that you’re moving on from, they will be the best source of happiness and comfort when it comes to finding happiness again. These people will be ready with open arms and an open heart, both ready to talk about everything that is on your mind. If you’re not sure what a support system is or, who you need in a support system, refer to my previous blog.

Another thing about moving on…don’t just jump back into a relationship. Give yourself time to heal and get back to normal, give yourself that time and space to return to who you were so that you can go back to living life…day by day.

Listen, when it comes to moving on, we can’t go back to those years when we were in school and as soon as we broke up with someone, we were with a different person next week! Life is not that simple anymore. Back then, you were just learning about the word love but now, love is a whole new concept and you are in for a ride.

Here are some other ways you can move on:

Set Clear Boundaries

• Stop all contact: Do not text, call, or message your ex.
• Remove reminders: Delete or hide photos, messages, and phone numbers.
• Block on social media: Unfollow or block your ex on all platforms so you are not tempted to check their profiles.
• Avoid searching for answers: Accept that you cannot control or decode what your ex is thinking. 

Process Your Emotions

• Feel your sadness: Grieving is normal and healing is not a straight line.
• Write it down: Use a journal to express your painful thoughts without judgment.
• Let go of the past: Stop imagining “what if” scenarios or hoping they will return.
• Change your perspective: Read How to Get Over Someone and Move On With Your Life for advice on finding new meaning outside of the relationship. You can also read The best advice I’ve heard on how to move on for community encouragement on looking forward to the future. 

Rebuild Your Life

• Create a new routine: Break the cycle of rumination by moving your body and trying new activities.
• Lean on your support network: Spend time with friends and family who care about you.
• Focus on self-care: Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and spend time outdoors in nature.
• Set new goals: Focus on what you can create for your own future rather than what you lost.

“You will need to allow your mind to take it all in so that by the time you get back up on your feet, you know how you feel.” —Lauren Conrad

9.11.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

Moving on doesn’t mean you stop caring overnight—it means you start choosing your healing over holding onto what no longer serves you. Give yourself permission to grieve, feel your emotions, and take things one day at a time. Avoid rushing into another relationship just to fill the empty space. Use this time to reconnect with yourself, learn from the experience, and remember that your worth was never dependent on someone else staying.

Tip: You don’t have to forget the relationship to move forward. You just have to stop letting the past control your future. ❤️‍🩹

9.11.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I give myself permission to let go of what I cannot change. I honor the memories, accept the lessons, and release the pain. I am worthy of love, peace, and happiness. I trust that moving forward is not losing a part of myself—it is finding myself again. I choose healing, I choose growth, and I choose me.”

9.12.26 Just A Dad-Making Something Positive out of Something Negative

Ok hear me out. Now as crazy as it sounds, you can get something positive out of a negative situation. Going to use myself as an example, as most of you know, I’m going through a situation. Now I know you are thinking, what positive things can come out of that? For one, I went from 240 down to 190…well 200 from my last doctor’s visit. My A1C is now in the single digits and is being monitored accordingly, I have a book published and this blog. I think me and my ex wife are in a good space with communication however I admit, I sometimes drop the ball but, through all things, I’m finding myself again. I’m learning how to re-wire my mind into being more positive and less negative, I’m allowing myself to grow and move on from a past that I’m not proud about. I got myself focused back on God, understanding his presence and purpose for me.

I’m allowing my heart to heal and continue to spread love, keeping it open to possibilities. I’m counting my blessings and trying my best to return what has been given to me. Basically, this negative situation has shown me that I can rise from the ashes and place myself back on higher ground. I knew that I didn’t want to be in a funk for so long so I needed to make moves. With the help of my support system, I rediscovered the person I should be and continued to not let that old me show his face again. I owned up to everything and now ready for everything that is yet to come.

So yes, you can take a negative situation and find something positive it’s just you yourself has to have the desire and want to change your life. You have to take into consideration that your negative situation doesn’t necessarily defines you as a person. Once you’ve done that, it’ll be like magic. The negative things and thoughts will disappear and poof…positive thoughts and things appear !!!

9.12.26 Mental Health Tip of the Day 🗣️

When something goes wrong, give yourself permission to acknowledge the disappointment—but don’t let the negative moment convince you that everything is negative. Look for the lesson, the growth, or the opportunity hidden within the situation.

You may not be able to change what happened, but you can choose how you respond and what you take from it.

Remember: A bad situation can still teach you something good. 🌱

9.12.26 Affirmation of the Day

“I choose to look for the lesson, the growth, and the good in every difficult situation. I may not control what happens to me, but I can control how I respond. I trust that even difficult moments can lead me toward something better.”