January 13, 2026: new year, less nonsense.
Happy Tuesday happiness crusaders 💖
What’s another day, updating this, updating on life, rinse and repeat. Around Halloween is typically when my life gets unusually busy and stressful. Single parenthood, juggling Halloween, sorting out which family Thanksgiving to crash (I made someone cry this year), Christmas road trip to Colorado (I miss the mountain air for sure!) and we celebrated another successful trip around the sun!! I officially have a 9 year old on my hands and seriously am astounded with how wonderful of a child they are. That’s probably biased me of me to say, but if the general public agrees… 😇 With all that being said, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026!!
My trip to Colorado was one I needed personally. Nothing heals me more than the open road and my music. LOUD. Wind in my hair. Not a care in the world. It truly was a magical experience seeing those mountains (as opposed to the ones on the East Coast). I had the pleasure of seeing friends I haven’t seen since 2012 - and it included a reunion with my co-founder 💖 From the week we were there, I had my time to reflect - with one of my many chosen Moms. After a lot of trusted conversations, I learned… I care too much. I give too much of a f*ck for things and people that don’t make the same space for me. Is it hurtful? Yeah. Is it amazing that I have that capability? Absolutely. Nothing screams healed and redemption more than giving a f*ck fiercely. Though, for me… it’s choosing what to care about. It’s nothing but a great balancing act of glass vs. plastic bowling pins. It’s picking and choosing my battles.
So…. here I go. Picking and choosing my battles. I’m choosing myself and my own and what benefits me, my own, and our pockets/wallets. I’m no longer concerning myself with those who don’t share similar morals and values as me. I will no longer try to shrink myself to make certain people feel better about themselves. I will no longer go out of my way. I will not dull my sparkle. I’m no longer making efforts to maintain certain relationships. Today, I’m setting myself free of all of it - the expectations and standards I hold others at, the anger I feel sometimes, all of it. For this reason, I’m choosing to toss what I refer to as my “government name” on social media. I’m okay being Starshine forevermore. I’m perfectly okay with not associating myself with liars, cheats, abusers, and enablers.
Until then, I’ll keep to myself… continuing my legacy in trying to create. Recreating my own, new-to-me village. In the same town that chewed me up and spat me out. Here’s to light and positivity! Crossing my toes (because let’s admit… that’s more impressive than your fingers).
I am still looking for additional happiness crusaders! If you’re interested in join the mission, please let me know! I’m excited to finally get this thing rolling and keep it going steady.
When God’s blessing is on your ordinary, it becomes extraordinary.
Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”
John 13:7
Until next time, here’s three things today that make me happy:
coffee candy, lighted candles, a clean living room.
Celebrate what makes you happy always.
Stay blessed,
Starshine ✨
