Author: Kaleathia Murphy

I don’t have to wait until the new year to make changes I can start now. I love the feeling of simply starting no long discussions, no overthinking, just action. Recently, I stopped waiting for the perfect moment or ideal conditions. I quit talking about what I want or need to do and decided to just do it. Honestly, Nike was onto something with their “Just Do It” slogan. It’s simple, but powerful. Most of the time, the only thing standing in my way is me.

I’ve also learned that nothing is ever as big or overwhelming as it seems at first glance. When I stopped obsessing over the obstacles, I realized that the solutions were often right in front of me. I used to focus so much on what could go wrong that I missed the endless possibilities of what could go right. Now, I remind myself to shift my focus. Everything is figureoutable I truly believe that. And believing it changes everything.

So why wait? Change doesn’t need a big announcement or a grand timeline. Start where you are, with what you have. Trust that you’ll figure things out along the way. Because honestly, life gets so much better when you take action instead of hesitating. Every small step forward is still progress and that’s where transformation begins.

Don’t ever stop being open to trying new things. I used to believe I knew exactly what I liked and didn’t like. But lately, that perspective has shifted. Now, I find myself saying, “This is different, but it’s not bad.” It’s a simple statement, yet it’s opened the door for me to process unfamiliar experiences with an open mind. I’ve come to realize how much I love this approach to self-discovery. Each day, I allow myself the freedom to evolve, to change my mind about things I once thought were non-negotiable. And it feels so liberating! Here’s a reminder we all need: it’s okay to change your mind you’re not stuck in anything.

For me, this process began when I made a major change in my life: moving to a new city. That shift had a ripple effect on everything. Suddenly, the people I surrounded myself with began to change, too. Little adjustments like choosing different friendships or embracing new routines taught me just how much growth is possible when we’re open to change. Every step showed me that what I once saw as limits were actually opportunities to learn, adapt, and redefine myself.

Now, I’m excited for where this mindset will take me next. Life isn’t about staying in one place or holding onto outdated ideas of who you are. It’s about evolving, one small step at a time. So try that new thing. Explore that unfamiliar place. Let yourself process the difference and embrace it. It  just might be the start of something incredible.

I always told myself I’d never live in the heart of a city. Downtown living? No, thank you. I don’t even know when or why I made that decision. Maybe it was the chaos the hustle and bustle of city life or the frustration of endlessly circling for a parking spot. Whatever it was, I let a handful of experiences cement the idea in my mind that city life just wasn’t for me.

Then, everything changed when I moved to downtown Los Angeles. It turned out to be nothing like I had imagined. Instead of chaos, I discovered community. The parking issue? Gone, because now I can walk everywhere I need to go. Suddenly, everything was accessible, and the vibrant energy of the city became something I looked forward to rather than avoided. The sounds, the movement, the liveliness they brought me to life in ways I never anticipated.

Living in the city turned out to be a beautiful surprise. It’s invigorating, and it’s taught me to embrace things I once ruled out. So, here I am, recommending something I swore I’d never do: give city life a chance. You might find it’s not what you expected it just might be better.

My hubby and I are in a lean season right now, a chapter of life where we’re truly living on daily manna. It’s a time that challenges our creativity but also brings out the beauty in simplicity. While we’d love to go out on fancy dates, it’s not feasible or possible at the moment. Instead, we’re making our dates count in ways money could never buy.

Our conversations have taken on new depth. We talk about our deepest feelings and fears, unearthing parts of ourselves we hadn’t shared before. This season has pushed us to discover new ways to connect, and in that, we’ve found a treasure. In between all the serious talks, we laugh more than ever something about weathering storms together lightens even the heaviest days.

I wouldn’t trade this time with my hubby for anything in the world. It’s more valuable than we could have imagined. Through these quiet, simple moments, we’re building a foundation that no amount of money could buy. Sometimes, the best things in life really are free.

Sometimes, you mourn the presence of past relationships. You think about the good times, the shared laughter, and the conversations that made your heart feel alive. It’s tempting to revisit those memories, to linger in what once brought you joy. But then, clarity strikes. You remember your worth. You recall the emptiness you often felt, even while sitting across from them. You understand why the relationship had to end, and why it’s essential not to entangle yourself in those bonds again.

It’s okay not to return to what is familiar, no matter how comforting it might seem. The past has a way of calling you back, wrapping you in nostalgia, but sometimes, it must stay where it belongs in the rearview mirror. Moving forward means resisting the urge to look back. Growth demands that you honor the lessons the past offered without allowing it to imprison you. There is beauty ahead, and you owe it to yourself to keep driving toward it.

There was a time when I felt completely overwhelmed with my college studies. To clear my mind, I decided to take a drive and look at houses. For some reason, this simple activity had a way of centering me. It was something my cousins and I did often, turning it into a game of imagining the future. “One day, I’ll want this,” they’d say, pointing out beautiful homes.

But me? I didn’t really play along. I’d sit quietly, watching and thinking, I could never live in a place like that.

Looking back on my past and considering my current situation, it felt impossible to dream that big. How could I? My circumstances didn’t align with such thoughts. Yet, on this particular day, something shifted. For the first time, I let myself imagine living in one of those nice homes.

As I drove, I noticed a house with a “For Lease” sign in the front yard. I don’t know what came over me, but I called my husband and said, “We need to see this house.”

Here’s a little context: we had just moved into our first apartment after living with his grandma for six months. We were finally starting to adjust to life on our own. And now here I was, suggesting we look at a house. It sounded crazy.

But we went.

The owner, who was also the leasing agent, greeted us. After some discussion, he told us, “You don’t have what I usually look for in tenants. But for some reason, I feel like I need to lease this house to you.” He even said he didn’t understand why he felt this way.

Then we told him we couldn’t afford the rental price. It should’ve been the end of the conversation, right? But instead, we proposed something bold: if he reduced the price, we’d commit to staying for two years. To our shock, he agreed.

We walked away stunned.

That moment changed something inside me. Up until then, I had been so used to playing it safe. I didn’t dream big I focused on what felt manageable, what I thought I could handle. But this experience taught me to believe in the possibility of more.

Joyce Meyer once said, “I’d rather wish for some things and get some of them than wish for nothing and get all of it.” That resonates deeply with me now. What I thought I could never do or have opened the door to dreaming bigger—and I’m forever grateful for it.

Sometimes, we just need one moment, one step outside of our comfort zone, to realize that the limits we see are often the ones we’ve placed on ourselves.

The least I could do is share the love of Christ. Because I am loved by Him, I can reflect His love. I’m still in awe that Jesus, sinless and perfect, took on all my sins past, present, and future and paid for them in full. That’s love beyond comprehension. The very least I can do is live as someone who’s debt-free, telling anyone who will listen and living like a person set free.

This hope I carry drives me to manifest His love through my words and actions. His love is alive, overflowing with grace and hope for everyone who encounters it. I’m still head over heels for Him, marveling that He saved me without me having to earn it. He loved me before I even knew Him, and His love remains constant. Nothing can separate me from it. So when I give away my time, resources, or anything else, it’s truly the least I can do. For all He’s done, everything I do for the gospel of Jesus is small in comparison but it’s my joy to give.

I’m not afraid to be in a holding place, taking my time instead of rushing to move into the next season. Right now, I’m learning to embrace the moment I’m in, appreciating the lessons and growth this season brings. You can discover so much when you’re not in a hurry. It’s important not to compare yourself to others your journey is yours alone. Contentment in the here and now is key, especially when you remember this is only temporary.

Don’t let your present circumstances define your future. The middle is where you can build trust in yourself and your instincts. Even in a holding place, you’re still moving forward in ways you may not see yet. Take the time to appreciate where you are, knowing that every season has a purpose.

Failure can be a guide if you let it. Yet, no one talks much about the other side of failure the side where it turns out to be a blessing. If you focus solely on the failure, you might miss the lessons and redirection it offers.

Failure can lead you to unimaginable levels of self-discovery and growth. Once the sting of disappointment fades, you begin to see how it nudges you toward where you’re truly meant to be.

I remember a time when I had to take a crucial test three times and failed each attempt. It was a requirement for my chosen program in college, and I was told that if I failed it one more time, I would have to sit out of school for a year.

I studied relentlessly, used additional resources, and sought help to prepare for the test. Despite doing all I could, the results kept falling short of what I needed. Each time I retook the exam, I maintained a positive attitude and added something extra to my study efforts.

When I shared my story with others, they were shocked that I didn’t just give up after multiple failures. But giving up wasn’t an option for me I knew I was going to succeed.

And then it happened. On my third attempt, I passed the test by just one point. I was ecstatic, but a few weeks later, I received a letter stating there had been an error: I had actually passed the test on my first attempt.

To me, it didn’t matter when the victory came. What mattered was that I believed I would succeed, and that belief carried me through.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: It doesn’t matter what things look like right now. What matters is what you choose to believe. I chose to believe that victory was on the horizon and it was.

Failure isn’t the end; it’s the beginning of a new direction. Let it guide you to where you’re meant to be.

Life has a funny way of humbling us, doesn’t it? Some of my most embarrassing moments have turned into the biggest laughs—and honestly, some of my favorite stories to tell.

One moment in particular stands out: the Depends saga. Yes, adult diapers. Let me set the stage. I started out crying a lot because I needed to wear them. At home, my husband had to remind me endlessly to pull down my gown or dress because, apparently, my Depends kept peeking out. I was mortified. I ugly cried about it more days than I’d like to admit.

I mean, picture this: me, tucking everything into those diapers, rolling around with my walker, trying to keep some shred of dignity. It felt like the height of humiliation. But who knew that embarrassment would follow me right out the door?

One day, after a doctor’s appointment, I was walking outside, feeling pretty good. People were honking their horns and staring, and for a brief moment, I thought, Wow, a girl with a walker is turning heads! What a confidence booster!

But that confidence didn’t last long. A kind woman walked up to me and said, “Honey, you need to pull your dress down.”

That’s right my entire dress was tucked into the back of my Depends. I was mortified. I quickly yanked it out and wanted to disappear. But then, something surprising happened. I laughed. Not just a chuckle I laughed out loud, and it filled me with joy.

What started as a deeply embarrassing moment became a highlight reel in my life. I share it with others now because it’s a reminder not to take myself too seriously. Laughing at yourself is freeing. It helps you see yourself as you truly are human, flawed, and wonderfully imperfect. It’s not about being better than anyone; it’s about leveling the playing field and finding joy in the messiest moments.

Now, I embrace those moments of humor, even in difficult times. Laughing at life makes me enjoy the moment I’m in, no matter how awkward or challenging it might be. Because, let’s face it life is just better when you can laugh at yourself.