January Reflections: The MOMologues in the Making January has been an emotional whirlwind—a month filled with immense highs, lows, and deep reflection. As I continue to navigate the balancing act of motherhood while single, working two jobs, and my mental health, I’m reminded of the importance of grounding myself. This month’s montage captures it all: moments of vulnerability, resilience, as well as the big meaningful ways I honor myself. Let’s be honest This January, I’ve also felt the weight of so much more than just the usual pressures. As an African American woman, a descendant of a Tobagonian real-estate mogul, two generations removed, and a college-educated individual, I cannot ignore the heavy realities of the current political climate. The administration’s minute-by-minute dismantling of laws that have allowed my family, and so many others, to succeed feels crushing. That weight has lingered over everything this month, pushing me to think critically about the spaces I occupy and the ways I can create change. Even amidst that heaviness, this month has brought moments of grounding and clarity. In my visual diary, you’ll find: * Grounding Through Fitness: The gym remains my sanctuary. Whether it’s just me or with Biggie by my side, fitness has been my go-to for emotional stability and mental clarity. Movement helps me release what no longer serves me and stay connected to myself. Its where I can be a kid again! * Work Realities and Reciprocity: As always, work demanded so much of me this month, and once again, I felt the sting of a lack of reciprocity. It’s a frustrating yet familiar theme that forces me to reevaluate where I place my energy. I show up fully, going above and beyond, but the support isn’t always mutual. When I say support I mean… * Dating Dilemmas and the Male Diva: It’s not just work where I feel the imbalance—it’s also dating. I was recently dealing with a male diva that left me deeply contemplating the dynamics single mothers face in the dating world. We’re often preyed on, seen as easy targets, or expected to settle for less. I touched on this with a coworker recently, and let me just say, that candid conversation had me thinking: maybe single mothers should just link up and leave men to their dusty lives 🤷🏾♀️. Stay tuned on the 31st official Not Just a Motha podcast episode for January, where that very car conversation will take center stage. Here are some tips from Ms. Sprinkle Sprinkle that I have been taking on this journey. * Motherhood Raw and Real: This montage also highlights the raw, unfiltered moments of motherhood. You’ll see clips of me crying—not because I’m giving up, but because I’m human. I’ve been navigating tough parenting moments, managing the hormonal shifts of my luteal phase, and feeling the emotional weight of the Cancer full moon that lingered this month. Yet even in those moments, I ground myself with gratitude, affirmations, and reflections, often giving thanks to my mother, who remains a constant pillar of support. * Honoring Joy and Mental Health: Amid the heaviness, I make space for joy. Nights out, dancing, and enjoying myself aren’t escapes—they’re essential acts of self-care. These moments remind me that I am more than the roles I fill as a mother, worker, or partner to my BESTIE. I am a person with passions, dreams, and a right to joy. * Political Pressure Meets Personal Resilience: The crushing weight of the administration’s actions has been a constant presence this month. But it’s also reminded me of the resilience and creativity that Black women bring to the world. This January, I joined the Black Project 2025 to engage in collective action for our community, and I stepped into a new space as a teacher on TikTok through Hillman University (Thank you Dr. Barlow!) What started as an accidental creation born out of Black brilliance has become a platform for me to share knowledge, inspire others, and connect with the #Hillmantok movement. * The Weight of January: With depression, seasonal affective disorder, and the constant pressures of balancing it all, January felt heavy. But grounding practices like fitness, gratitude, and honoring what I love helped me stay rooted. Journal Prompt: Reflecting on Balance and Grounding This month’s reflections were all about grounding, resilience, and reclaiming joy despite life’s pressures. Take a moment to reflect on your own journey with this journal prompt: Prompt: * What are the moments or spaces in your life that feel grounding for you? * Where do you feel a lack of reciprocity, and how can you set boundaries or shift your energy to honor yourself? * What is one thing that brings you joy, outside of work or family, that you can commit to doing this week? * How do you navigate heavy emotions like overwhelm, and what small practices can you lean on to stay rooted in gratitude or hope? Whether you’re journaling privately or sharing in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s start a conversation about how we find balance and honor ourselves in the chaos. 💜 Looking to February This montage is more than just a recap—it’s a reflection of the raw, unfiltered truths that so often get overlooked, especially for mothers. It’s also a prelude to February’s Empress MOMologues podcast episode, where I’ll dive into the unseen labor, emotional weight, and candid conversations that come with motherhood. If January taught me anything, it’s that grounding isn’t just about staying afloat—it’s about reclaiming stability, joy, and self-worth in a world that often demands too much and gives too little. Stay tuned for February as we continue to explore these truths together. This is a huge moment of vulnerability so let me know what resonated with you most. Your feedback fuels me, and I love hearing from you! 💜 📍 Follow Empress Iman 👑✨ “Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s how you polish your crown. Stay radiant, Empress.”💜 #EmpressMantras #NotJustAMotha This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit empressiman.substack.com
