Reflections in Neon: Finding Peace on MLK Day

Today is MLK Day, and honestly, the weight of it hits differently this year.

As a Black woman, today is always a mix of deep pride and an even deeper exhaustion. We celebrate the dream, but we also feel the sharp edges of the reality that hasn't quite caught up yet. It feels like we are constantly navigating a world-changing event, a new headline, or another mountain to climb.

At every turn, there is something trying to steal our peace. And as a mom, I’m doing the ultimate balancing act: trying to shield my children from the worry that lurks around every corner while praying I’m giving them enough awareness to navigate the world they’re inheriting.

The Sanctuary of the Silence

I love my babies, but when the world feels this heavy, my craft room becomes my "war room"—and it’s a solo mission.

I don’t bring the kids into these sessions. This is my time to decompress. It’s the only place where the noise of the world fades, and I can finally hear my own thoughts. On a day like today, I need to make sense of the "why." I need to process the history we’ve lived and the history we’re currently making.

In the quiet, I’m not a shield, a caregiver, or a voice for the movement. I’m just me. And I’m trying to find my center.

Fighting the Gray with Glitter and Gold

There is a strange irony in my process. The heavier the world feels, the brighter my palette becomes.

On days when the headlines feel gray and bleak, I reach for the most vibrant neons and the most unapologetic glitter. Today, as I think about legacy and the long road ahead, I’m leaning into those bright colors.

The Bright Colors

These are my protest. They are a reminder that Black life isn't just about the struggle; it’s about the joy, the vibrancy, and the brilliance we bring to the world.

The Glitter

It’s a way to catch the light when everything feels dim. It’s messy, it stays with you, and it refuses to be ignored—much like the hope Dr. King spoke about.

The Solitude

Working with my hands allows me to take the "world-changing" news and break it down into pieces I can actually carry.

Reclaiming the Dream in the Details

We often talk about the "Dream" as something far off in the distance. But today, I’m finding the dream in the small moments of self-care. It’s in the freedom to sit in a room, hear my own thoughts, and create something beautiful just because I can.

By the time I open that door and go back to being the shield for my kids, I feel a little less burdened. I’ve turned my anxiety into art. I’ve traded the heaviness for a little bit of shimmer.

I’m teaching my kids about the world, yes. But by taking this time for myself, I’m also teaching them that their mother—and one day, they themselves—deserves a space to just be.

Finding Joy Amidst the Chaos

To my sistas feeling the weight today: It’s okay to be tired. It’s okay to need a moment of silence. Pick up the brightest color you have. Let the glitter fly. Sometimes, the most radical thing you can do is find your joy in the middle of the storm.

We all know that life can be a whirlwind. But in those moments of chaos, we gotta remember to carve out our own little sanctuary. Whether it’s through crafting, painting, or just vibing in silence, it’s essential to reconnect with ourselves.

Crafting as Therapy

Crafting isn’t just a hobby; it’s therapy. It’s a way to channel emotions into something tangible. When I’m knee-deep in glitter and paint, I’m not just creating; I’m healing. Each stroke of the brush or cut of the paper is a step toward reclaiming my peace.

The Power of Community

Let’s not forget the power of community. Sharing our creations, our struggles, and our triumphs with one another can lift us all. We’re in this together, and there’s strength in our sisterhood. So, let’s uplift each other. Share your crafts, your stories, and your joys.

Embracing Our Stories

Every piece we create tells a story. It’s a reflection of our journey, our pain, and our triumphs. Embrace that. Let your art speak for you. It’s a beautiful way to honor our past while paving the way for the future.

Wishing us all a piece of peace.

Love Always,

Your Favorite Craftin Ass Blk Grl ✨️ 🫶🏿