The Mirror.

There's a stillness that surrounds me, not out of sadness, but rather a sense of peace. It's a peace rooted in who I am today and who I am growing into. There's something special about the number seven…

The number seven holds significance for many reasons. In India, it represents deep thinking and understanding. In the Bible, the number symbolizes divine order, appearing numerous times. Seven signifies perfection and completion; God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh.

On June 7th, Shannon turned 33.

To some, 33 symbolizes the "jesus year”…

Last year at this time, if you had asked me what this year would look like or what it would teach me, I would have never said:

1. Grieving, much like healing, ebbs and flows like the tide. Allow yourself the grace to take your time with it.

2. We are all instruments in the grand orchestra of life, and there is much we can learn from one another's melodies.

3. I have come to understand that sometimes rejection redirects me down a more fulfilling path, leading to unexpected opportunities.

4. I am solely responsible for my existence, and that realization is both liberating and daunting.

5. Solitude can masquerade as depression if I do not consciously embrace it; it is in that embrace that actual growth happens.

6. My father called to share the long-awaited news of his release after 32, almost 33 years—Welcome home.

7. God embodies clarity; confusion has no place in divinity—if you find yourself lost, trust the instinct to move on.

8. Stop reserving your finest perfume and your favorite outfits for 'special' occasions—each day is a celebration worth dressing up for!

9. Nurturing both my body and my mind through physical and mental workouts is essential for my well-being.

10. Growth includes welcoming new people, places, and experiences into my life, being open to the journey.

11. Cultivate gratitude for those who show up for you, regardless of whether they have been in your life for 14 years or 14 minutes; when they showed up matters most.

12. Focus on treating others with kindness rather than judging them based on materialistic concerns. Let go of the labels as a definition of character, y'all—it's time to grow up.

13. Is it possible to develop ADHD later in life? I can stand unnecessary noise.

14. Marriage should never be merely a formality; it should stem from a genuine choice made by two individuals in love, not from desperation.

15. Stop neglecting your own needs: understand your triggers, foster a relationship with yourself, understand your trauma, and learn how you react in various emotional states. Know what you need and seek support.

16. The Mirror: Throughout the years, I've encountered many books discussing love and the "three real loves of your life."Society often emphasizes finding that "one" or "soulmate," but how valid is that belief? Reflect on your first experience with love. Was it merely puppy love? In those moments, could anyone convince us it wasn't real? Love evolves across different phases of our lives. Jay Shetty elaborates on this beautifully. In life, we experience three types of love: the fireworks, the candle, and the mirror. Which one are you?

17. ... There's a difference between compatibility and chemistry…period. P.S. You can have chemistry with someone who doesn't like you. *DROPS MIC.

18. When you make choices, you may find yourself cast as the villain in someone else's narrative, and that's perfectly fine.

19. Accountability—no exceptions.

20. Sometimes, we play a role in our own pain; the signs were there.

21. I will always embody the voice of reason; it's your choice to keep me by your side.

22. It's not just about being honest or real; it's about conveying the hard things well.

23. My face will say it all.

24. If you lack depth, you won't thrive in my world; it demands substance and authenticity.

25. It’s all about Pivot and Posture baby. Pivot and Posture.

26. As we age, it becomes increasingly important to surround ourselves with a loyal support system for those challenging times, when parents fall ill or when life feels crazy. Who will be there for you at 3 a.m. or ensure you eat? Keep those people close.

27. I pray for a love that matches the emotional intelligence that God has in store for me—a connection that nurtures and evolves.

28. The way Bella side-eyes me when I come home late stirs guilt within me at times. How crazy it is that this dog, after all she put me through last year, has the nerve to judge! IFYKYK (Hope strikes again).

29. The problem is that y’all don't practice the 3P’s! Pray and listen to old-school R&B music ! Step up your music game and listen to the message in the music!

30. Moments and people can inflict pain, but we all carry our own burdens. It's okay if others can't always be present, but let's not intentionally hurt each other.

31. Just as swiftly as God grants us blessings, is as fast as you can get it (reread it slowly)— Stop doubting your worthiness for blessings. You are deserving of all that is good.

32. External peace may be fleeting, but internal peace is lasting—cultivate it to remain steady, enduring, and rooted amid life's storms.

33. To love me is a privilege—a cherished blessing that I don't take lightly.

Happy Birthday

Forever 6.7