January '25 Mood: IGNITE
new year reflections and community care.
First and foremost, my heart goes out to all those affected by the Los Angeles area wildfires. It’s been devastating to witness and experience such a catastrophe so I will be in continued prayer while offering support in ways that I can. I’ve been updating the below link with resources for those in need and looking to support communities in the area. Please share and care. Thanks so much! ⤵️
Hello, January.
I already knew this year was going to come in blazing, so I was using the much-needed downtime to prepare. But never in my life did I suspect that, in the first week and a half of 2025, we’d be experiencing such chaos and destruction. I thought we had a few more weeks before the Cheeto entered the Oval Office, but God clearly has other plans.s.
Last week, while seeking fresh air at a dock I stumbled upon during a drive, a wave of emotions washed over me. I surveyed my surroundings and glanced up at the tall palm trees, thinking to myself, Wow, it feels like I’m in a portal or holding cell. It’s as if, collectively, we are all standing at the intersection of an old world burning down and a new one emerging from the ashes. I write this as Los Angeles County is literally in flames, and when I noticed the friendly, smiling faces of people passing by, greeting me, I couldn’t help but think of those who have fewer options—those who aren’t as privileged to come to the oceanside for refuge and greet strangers with smiley hellos.
In that moment, I recognized how blessed I was to have found this special place of solace, only a short drive from my home. I thanked God for that moment of presence and freedom to reflect inward during such a tumultuous time.
This month has already taught me a couple things:
When you’re in proximity— whether directly or indirectly— it doesn’t mean you should disassociate from your purpose. It means you lean in further. My environment will never be permanent; people will come and go, and circumstances will always change. But what remains steadfast is my love and purpose. I have autonomy to create in this world so I’m going to lead with that knowing that wherever I go and whatever happens to and around me, my actions will make a positive impact.
It’s all about simple things. As an empath and caregiver, I used to think I needed to be doing the absolute most when in all honesty I needed to be still enough to realize the most simple acts of kindness go the farthest. I recognize my privilege to be safe with all my material possessions so I’m always moving with that gratitude knowing that in a blink of an eye, everything can be taken away from me.
IGNITE (verb) to catch fire or cause to catch fire also to arouse or inflame (an emotion or situation).
How ironic is it that my word for January is ignite. I chose this verb days before the LA fires, intending to use my personal power this month to take action on my wellness and creativity goals. Yet, in this very moment, God is teaching me a lesson in patience. Through my environment and circumstances, stillness has become the only action required. After listening to Dr. Dharius Daniel’s sermon on meeting places with God, I now see I’m not in a holding cell or a waiting room—I’m on a mountaintop, in the presence of crisis, gaining clarity on how to move forward into this new year. But the question remains: how do you ignite passion, love, creativity, and all the things tied to your goals and aspirations in stillness? That’s the challenge I’ve accepted. Stay tuned, I'm taking it one day at a time to figure it out.
How do you navigate moments of stillness in your life?
I’m sharing just a few ifs, ands or buts that ignited something in me to make moves in hopes that something will resonate with you. Check it out ⤵️
If you’re looking to rebrand your life in 2025, The Balanced Black Girl shares some gems on how to hit the refresh button and step into alignment with the person you’re becoming in her latest episode here.
One of my favorite summer jams “Work Me Out” by Shenseaa feat. WizKid was turned into a dance cardio routine by and8 Fitness just in time for you to start a new fitness routine. Get your Megan knees ready.
Owning your own infrastructure as an independent artist is needed and LaRussell shares his impeccable journey to obtaining that freedom in his creative work on R&B Money’s latest podcast episode here. Talk about living in your purpose!
That’s all for now. If you made it to the end of this newsletter do know that I love you and hope that you are well and safe!
Love,
Reesa
That was a good R&B money episode with LaRussell. He dropped a couple gems on the topic of building that resonated
Interesting thoughts.