New Chapter

It has been a while since I've written here.

Sometimes life requires looking from the outside in to more forward with clarity. The past few months have been a season of growth, recalibration, and intentional change. I've been building quietly, healing with purpose, and choosing alignment over distraction. Now feels like the right time to share where I've been and where I'm headed.

The last time I posted was in December, sharing pieces of my novella. At that time, I was deep in creativity and finishing a chapter of my life that means more to me than I can fully express.

In December, I completed my Associate's Degree in Creative Writing. An accomplishment I put off for many years, since 2020 to be exact. That milestone represents my years of growth, late nights, doubt, discipline, and belief. I know that sounds extreme, given that its a degree. However, as a single parent to two wonderful children, it required so much of me to push through and complete my degree program.

My degree represents choosing myself and my dreams, after years of being diminished to "just a mom" and being told how "useless" a degree is. I chose to pursue my dreams and take the next steps in my career path, despite the odds and time being against me. I completed my degree program with honors and a 4.0 GPA. I'm incredibly proud of myself, and that is something no one can take away from me. Ever.

I had a wonderful holiday season surrounded by friends and family. It was the first time in a few years, that I could fully immerse myself in the season and peacefully enjoy every activity with my children. On average, my life is very full. From school drop offs and pick ups, to grocery runs, work, appointments, college, and being a mother from sunrise to sunrise. In those quiet moments of December, when school was closed and my degree was complete, when I could simply be and enjoy the now, I was reminded of what truly matters.

Yes, the repetitive tasks of daily life are necessary. But often its the moments of warmth, joy, peace, and gratitude that make it all worth it.

Now I have stepped into a new chapter. I'm pursuing my Bachelor's Degree in Creative Writing with a focus in English. I made this decision after realizing I only needed about eight more courses to qualify. Continuing my education feels aligned with who I'm becoming. I've always had a passion for learning. I excelled in school, and I completed my Associate's in Business Administration in 2018. I'm hungry to grow. The desire to continue has been burning in me since 2020, when the world felt unusual and uncertainty loomed. After being minimized and diminished for five years, I finally asked myself, why stop now. I'm ready to refine my creativity and craft. I'm committed to building something meaningful with my words.

At the same time, this past chapter hasn't been without challenges. I've experienced many attempts at defamation in my personal life. I can say this... Being misunderstood or misrepresented can be painful, especially as someone who deeply values honesty and integrity. At the same time, it can be clarifying because challenges have a way of revealing truth. They reveal character, clarify alignment, and reinforce resilience. This experience has strengthened my discernment, deepened my self awareness, and confirmed the importance of protecting my peace. Sometimes growth looks like restraint.

It has shown me who I am and who I never was.

It has show me who stands beside me and who never did.

It has shown me how strong I have become and who felt threatened by my potential.

Since October 2024, I've been happier than I've been in a long time. I've been thriving. My medical issues are no longer present, which says more than I can explain. I've been focused deeply and intentionally on bettering my life for myself and my children. Every decision I've made is rooted in peace, growth, and purpose.

Part of that growth has required a social media hiatus.

Stepping back was necessary. It gave me more space to think clearly and authentically. It gave me a space to protect my energy. It allowed me to focus on school, motherhood, healing, and real life experiences without outside noise. Silence can be powerful. Privacy can be sacred. Not every season in life needs an audience.

The break has reminded me that I don't owe anyone constant access to my life. I owe myself peace. I owe myself and my children security and presence. I owe my goals discipline. The same as I've been doing the past sixteen months.

I'm still writing. I'm still dreaming. I'm still building.

I'm simply doing it all with intention and grace, as I have been since 2024.

This next chapter is different. Its more grounded and well earned.

And I'm just getting started.



💜Stay Connected 💜

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/xpcali

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@xpcali

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xpcali_/

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