Author: Life Untangled

I am a Chicago business professional with a passionate love for writing and living life out loud. I created this lifestyle blog to motivate and inspire aspirational individuals who want to live their best version of life without fear. My goal is to empower people all over the world to create lives of joy, success and freedom through personal and professional development. Life moves far too quickly for us not to enjoy the journey. This is to untangling life, love, liberty and the pursuit of peace and happiness. There are many lessons I have learned to embrace when it comes to life, love and work in our culturally rich world. I want to share what I have learned so it can encourage you to live your best version of life. Plus, I'm a social introvert so I am always thinking about things like how to destroy negative stereotypes around being courageous and brave enough to live life to the fullest, sometimes on your own. There is no need for you to wait on someone else in order to live YOUR life! It is exciting and thrilling. You have that level of brave in you no matter your personality type and I dare you to live it out loud! Are you ready to learn how?

Love Transforms

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who we remember and celebrate tomorrow, I wanted to use this post to share powerful quotes from him including one of his famous speeches.

What gives me great joy in this world is love uprooting hate. People united together in support of one another, lifting each other up, spreading light instead of darkness brings me great joy. 

A couple months ago, I was having a tough morning and I read this article. I put the link below. I cried all the way through it because it struck a major cord with my humanity. 

I hope and pray for a world that can heal and to be part of a global community of people who are fiercely serious about spreading goodness and love and peace to others. I want this world to be better and brighter because I was here. Don’t you? 

You Belong. Stay Strong. Be Blessed.

The deep division in my country and in this world across every line you can think of, saddens me. Gender, race, religion, nationality, you name it. We could overcome what divides us if only we would work together. If only love, justice, understanding, peace, humility was everyone’s first response. 

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

“I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?”

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”



I remember when I was a kid in school, I had to memorize the “I Have A Dream” speech by Dr. King. I don’t remember a lot of school assignments from when I was a kid but that one will never leave my memory. It was hard, a pretty challenging task and yet made tremendous impact.

This is an excerpt from the famous “I Have A Dream” speech. Just like my favorite song around Christmas is this one because of it’s powerful lyrics, the words of this speech hit home, striking more chords with my humanity.

“Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

May the last line of words ring true for all one day soon. Until next time friends…

Washington DC

Turn the Page

Letting go is hard. Letting go of failure, disappointment, fear, anxiety, people, things, control, ego. 

This has been a heck of a week already. Friday I was at a funeral where people shared memories and anecdotes about a person we had to let go from this earth. That person can still exist in memory but there are some things that can never be how they once were, even a week ago, because that person is gone now. 

Saying goodbye to people always brings about the very sobering reality that time is promised to no one. So Say what you need to say. Love on those you have and if you have been holding yourself back in any way from living your best life, step out on faith and do what you need to do. Time moves in one direction and that’s forward. 

Another heck of a week moment was a call that may possible get me a ticket to see President Obama’s final speech as President while he’s in Chicago on Tuesday. Still hoping that one works out. America takes on a new leader in just over a week. I anticipate a lot of change will come with it. After following the direction of one person and their administration for 8 years and another single person for 8 years prior to that, a new direction that doesn’t feel as stable or reassuring is unsettling. 

The idea of letting go to unwillingly embark on the wave of unpredictability we’ve seen so far is troubling. I hope and pray the reality will prove to be more positive than it currently seems.

But the nice thing about letting go is holding onto the good stuff. When we let go of 2016 to enter 2017, that didn’t mean erasing it from our history. That’s why people get pissed when with every 12am clock strike, some throw off the old year declaring “New Year, New Me!” But what about the good things you can keep building upon?? We don’t need to write a whole new story each year. We just add a new set of chapters to the book. In your letting go, don’t go at it with reckless abandon. Keep the good, handy stuff and build with it. Keep those memories of those lost and honor them by how you live.

Being 8 days into this 365 day adventure that is 2017, I know more letting go is to come. Some will be productive. 

I intend to let go of some bad habits in favor of new ones. I intend to give over more control so the lessons I need to learn this year will come easier. 

Some letting go will be tougher say in moments where I may not want to or feel ready to let go. I have to challenge myself to move on anyways when it’s time to move on. We all do sometimes: in work, in life, in relationships and friendships, etc. 

Building up what I have once other things are let go is important — my relationship, my community, my friendships, my family, my career, my next moves, my choices, my freedom, my character, my health and wellness.

When we can free ourselves enough to let go of fear and control and let life happen, we may find it’s not so hard to turn the page when necessary. We may even find something good waiting for us on the other side, after the page has turned and a new chapter begun. 

Be encouraged that light can always manage to find its way, breaking through darkness to bring hope and direction. 

I hope January, chapter one of twelve for this year will be full of more ups than downs for all of us. Cheers to health, wealth and sanity. 

Happy New Year 

In this final hour of the first day in a new year, I just want to send light and love. 

I hope everyone who reads this has plans and purpose for each day this year. 

An awesome quote that I put on canvas and hung in my home is this:

“If you want 2017 to be your year; Don’t sit on the couch and wait for it. Go out. Make a change. Smile more. Be excited. Do new things. Throw away what you’ve been cluttering. Unfollow negative people on social media. Go to bed early. Wake up early. Be fierce. Don’t gossip. Show more gratitude. Do things that challenge you. Be brave.” -Lessons Learned in Life

May you Live Untangled. Happy New Year! 

Just a Little Bit More

On this Christmas day, I just couldn’t help but think of the Grinch as my post inspiration. Yes….that Grinch. The one who stole Christmas and all that. Funny, I actually had on a Grinch shirt earlier because it’s so comfy and sorta Christmas related. 

Anyhow, the quote from the movie where the Grinch turns his attitude around, sees the good in people and recognizes a holiday about “stuff” is not meant to be about “stuff” at all. It’s the people and spirit, community and faith and something bigger than presents wrapped nearly under the tree. 

Though we arrive at this same 25th day of December every year, it felt like it snuck up, seemingly out of nowhere this time around. This year was different and unexpected from normal. Plans changed last minute and understandably so, my family was not all going to be together on this day. Doesn’t happen often so that meant adjusting plans. Christmas was hosted at my home and my boyfriend and I were joined by my dad the past few days to celebrate together.

We had a blast hanging out and watching hours of Family Guy and documentaries on sports history and boxers like Mike Tyson, none of which would get much screen time at his house. I understand the Tyson thing as ‘off the rails’ barely scratches the surface. We went bowling, dad took his first Uber ride and used Chicago public transit for the first time since the 80s lol. (I’m the city child of the three girls.) We picked a Christmas dinner menu, shopped for hours (bought too many sweets) and all cooked together. 

We missed the bigger fam circle that normally exists on holidays but we made great fun, the three of us. The tree wasn’t overwhelmed by gifts this year which is the direction we have moved towards the last few years and I welcome it. Though we were each given really thoughtful amazing things this year by our family members who flew to the East Coast for the holiday. Good for them to escape the Chicago cold a few days. 

Anyhow, today Christmas was simple and humble and perfect. 

It could have been any day and that’s what I loved most about it. We didn’t create much hoopla and it was just right. As I get older I have great reminders of what matters. 

I have friends who don’t celebrate Christmas for religious or other personal reasons and I encourage them the same as I do anyone….celebrate the people you love, the spirit of community, faith in a bigger, more important reason for holidays than stores closed or a day off work. I think family values and focus on what truly matters will usher in the magic people feel around the holidays, into the more gray parts sprinkled into the rest of the year. 

I love seeing photos of friends and families celebrating. I wish I saw it more often throughout the year but I’m glad for a time that brings people together like the major holidays at the wrap of each year. It’s already been scheduled, can’t be ignored or forgotten for the most part. 

I hope I don’t sound grinch-y like I’m against presents or people sharing what they got or gave. Not at all! Do that then turn off the flash and go be with those people you love. And remember…

“…Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…(*He thought*) …means a little bit more.”
I wish you love and peace during the holiday season and on this Christmas day. This time of year is fun for some and hell for others, so be kind to all. 

From our home to yours,

Full 

If I had to pick a word to describe this year, it would be… full. 

2016 has been Full in so many ways, packed to the brim with new opportunities and challenges. 
It is hard to believe this year is wrapping up so quickly. I mean 2 weeks before a new chapter begins is almost too much to take in.

I have to get ready to retire my 2016 vision board and though not every single goal was met, I am proud of what has been accomplished and eager to enter a new phase. 

I traveled a good deal domestic and international, saw the Cubs win the World Series, spent good times with close family and friends, celebrated at weddings, made new friends through all my adventures, turned 30!, moderated my first panel, did my first 5k, took my career to a new level and gave myself more permission to feel my feelings in good times and bad. The freedom experienced has opened my mind to the possibility of even more. I will continue to usher in more joy and confidence in this life. 

A major focus for me will be health and wellness so taking better care of my body, eating better and exercising more will be a big thing for me. I had good months but far more relaxed months this year and I have seen the impact. 

I hope your year ends on good notes. I look forward to hearing more about what you’re excited for in 2017. Please drop me a note. I’d love to hear from you. 

Just A Big Kid

My birthday week has been great fun. I did exactly what I set out to do which was have fun like a big kid. 

I partied hard in Orlando like the true kid I am and just had a blast with family and friends. 

Here are some photos from my 30th birthday week of celebrations. Other than having to deal with several delayed and canceled flights because of weather in Chicago, things were pretty smooth. Leaving 80 degree sunshine for a 30 degree snowstorm certainly put things into perspective. I’ve had about enough, Chicago! 

Resort Palm Trees always make vacations better

Medieval Times

Medieval Times

Universal Studios – Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Studios

Universal Studios – Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Studios – Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Studios Macy’s Holiday Parade

Paint Nite Orlando

Paint Nite Orlando

Disney World

Visiting with family, being serenaded by that talented piano player

Wine Tasting Fun

Snow storm in Chicago


Thanks for checking out my blog. Have a great week!

Something to Celebrate 

This will be a semi- short post because I need to get some rest before an early morning flight tomorrow. I also took Benadryl to calm my allergies down so no doubt I’ll be sleep in a matter of minutes.

I know Thanksgiving was last month but my list of things to be thankful for continues. Friends, family and my boyfriend who all care and love me is worth celebrating for sure.

In a couple days I leave my 20s behind forever and I’m not worried about it, scared for it or dreading it. My goal is to get even better with each year. I am excited for what the future has to offer and I know 30 will bring new ideas and goals and challenges to push past. It will have ups and downs as every year does. I look forward to laughing more, being more bold, traveling more, doing more of what I love personally and professionally, exploring new business ideas and living my best life.

I am grateful for the people who I am surrounded by. They help make my years on this earth amazing because they give a damn and I can feel that.

This past week, one of my best friends came from across the country for a visit. I spent time with my family. My incredible boyfriend threw a surprise birthday lunch for me at my job with the help of several of my good friends.

I believe that what you reap, you sow. I felt so much love this week in tiny and huge ways that I truly hope it’s because I give love. I want it in the air around me, in how I speak, think, live.

I will run past a new birthday knowing more of what I want in this life and going after it.

When I set intentions and goals, I take it seriously because I know I want to build a legacy and leave a positive impression every place I go, with everyone I meet along the journey.

Self-Care Sunday

Sometimes you have to intentionally create the atmosphere and environment you want to be in. That’s why I love my Self-Care Sundays.

Self-care is so important because how can you take care of others who need your 100% if you aren’t taking care of yourself? 

I think I got the Self-Care Sunday idea from celebrity stylist June Ambrose who has different themes for each day of the week. She posts on her social media accounts based on these themes. Maverick Monday, Talk Tuesday, Wow Wednesday, Think Thursday, Forecast Friday, Sober Saturday and Sacred Sunday for example are her daily themes for the week. I’m adding Self-Care Sunday to June’s toolbox of great phrases.

For me Self-Care Sunday is about ushering in calm and peace to begin the week. I love lighting candles and turning on music to chill out. I usually do an at-home spa routine complete with a facial, scrub (Skye Renee Body Scrub is a fave. All-natural and homemade. Product created by Tiffany Jeanty in Atlanta), foot soak and nail care. I also spend a little time playing in my hair care and beauty products. I’ll blog on that another day since I often get asked about my favorite products. I sample lots of products so I love sharing what works well. 

Here are two of my own Spotify playlists for bringing on the good lyrical vibes…my mellow or 2016 Trinidad Carnivale Soca are my regular playing favorites. 

Three months ago I subscribed to Calmbox. 

“Calmbox is a monthly box inspiring positivity, peace, and calm in everyday life. 

Every calmbox is packed full of mindfully curated items like music, books, candles, personal care items, yummy snacks, motivational reminders, and so much more, to help you unwind and relax.

We find a new theme every month (like meditation, stress relief, or living in the moment) and deliver a box to your door to help you live a calmer, more peaceful life. A portion of proceeds of every box are donated to charity.”

Some of my favorite Calmbox goodies have been:

  1. Flying Bird Botanicals Peace of Mind Tea
  2. Everyday Positive Thinking. I take pics of different quotes regularly and text them out to friends. 
  3. Frisky Fish Chill Aromatherapy Roll-On. This is small enough to slip in your pocket and roll-on anytime during the day you just need some aromatherapy. 
  4. Motivational Tattoos – The Cute Set
  5. Valentina’s Soul Detox Mineral Bath Salts
  6. Chimes Peppermint Ginger Chews

Right now I am also getting back on track with my book list. Before bed, I try to read a few pages of Tina Fey’s Bossypants. Self-care is wholistic in nature. Well it should be. 

Every Sunday I spend time writing and blogging so it helps me to mentally relax and get some thoughts in my never-resting brain out to the world. 

All of these things are key to having a toolkit of what helps me minimize or eliminate stress. When I take good care of me, those around me benefit greatly. 

Self-care is also not just a Sunday thing. It should be happening as often as you need it. If starting with just one day or hour that’s about getting your own self in order, that is perfect. We can build from there but it has to start somewhere. 
What are your go-to’s for self-care? I’d love to hear from you! 


Dear Mom

This week one of the most special women in my life celebrates a birthday. My mom is an incredible lady who I love and admire. I can’t wait to celebrate with her over the upcoming holiday this week. 

Mom, if you’re the only one who reads this, that would be enough. 

Happy birthday! Thanks for your love. I appreciate that we are so close these days that we can call each other and chat like old girlfriends. You always share knowledge and wisdom which I enjoy. You have raised daughters of good character who can leave a beautiful legacy like you will. 

It’s hard to believe now that during some of my rotten pre-teen & teenage moments, I neglected to see  your wisdom. Thanks for not holding that against me. You always knew you taught me better and your training did help me grow past those areas of immaturity. 

I know if I ever have kids, I will be able to take bits of what you did and have a strong, God-loving household. 

Our family’s struggles and humble beginnings in life are nothing for any of us to be ashamed of. Without tests and trials, new limits can hardly be reached. 

Your story is powerful mom. You have triumphed over many challenges. You are an overcomer and you have been living life to its fullest in the process. 

I am the human being I am today because of the goodness and love you and dad gave growing up even though we didn’t have all the money or the biggest houses and newest cars and this and that. You all raised my sisters and I with the best of what you had and seeing what we have done with that now, I know makes you proud. 

You, yourself have plenty to be proud of. You have an incredible amount of strength, resilience, power, class and spirit to leave this world a better place. 

You and dad taught us respect for others and how to be kind and thoughtful and compassionate. In the same breath, I also love that you taught me to have boundaries and not let others walk over me which shows self-respect. You taught us the value of an education and also how things learned in books can’t be the other thing to rely on to make you smart. You taught common sense and knowing how rare common  sense actually is, I can’t help but be thankful. 

We have come a long way from where we used to be but you taught us to be proud of where we’re from and how we started. You taught us values and standards are worth having. 

Mom I am forever grateful for the support you pour into me. The concern and care you have towards making sure I’m safe and taken care of is amazing. I value the prayers you speak over my life and my household. 

You inspire my love for travel by encouraging it. You’ve always inspired my love of learning. 

You’re also pretty funny and I’m glad we can have a good laugh with one another. Sometimes you go a little off the rails with the text emojis but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I know you laugh me off about you being my Matron of Honor if I ever get married but I am so serious that I’m going to do that. Doesn’t that sound fun?? 

I wanted to write this because similarly to when I recorded you for StoryCorps, I like to reflect later on memories and share them with others. I always want history to remember those who made a tremendous impact. You are one of those people to me.

We are all blessed to know you mom.

As you always used to tell me before the end of every visit or phone call, I love you. God Bless you and keep you.

Cheers to many more birthday years! 

Me & Mom

Global Citizen

It has been a hell of a week in many ways. An emotional roller coaster to say the least but I’ll save the dive into those thoughts for another time.

I am American and we all have some things to figure out yet which is clear if you have seen any of the unrest that extends not just to this week but in many months and years and decades and centuries before this. Hopefully after America has had more time to collect itself more, we can revisit. For today I want to focus on something else. 

November is generally a month for being thankful. With the Thanksgiving holiday just over a week away, now is the time when people begin to look forward to spending times with friends and family while celebrating what they are thankful for. 

This week one thing I definitely was thankful for, encouraged and inspired by was the chance to spend time as a true global citizen. I am an American and I celebrate the power and strength I find in also being a global citizen which to me is loving and celebrating the world and acting as a sister to all who need. 

On Thursday afternoon I participated in a live-video focus group. It was a very cool experience and I had a lot of fun. The technology that exists to do something like that is really amazing. 

Other than me on the video feed from Chicago, there was also a person in South Africa, one in Ireland, one in Nigeria and two in the UK on webcams for the focus group.

We spent two hours answers questions from our moderator and sharing feedback on a project each of us had been involved with in London. 

It was just great that even though we didn’t know each other, we could see each other and share in conversation from around the world. I truly love being connected to people around the world. I am a global citizen so I do my best to treat others with the kindness and respect I like to see come my way.

We got to engage each other in conversation and feed off each other with the topics as we gave feedback. 

Because we were on live video feed in different countries and time zones, we really had to pay attention to each other. We couldn’t interrupt otherwise no one benefits from the discussion. We were thoughtful and patient and encouraging to each other. 

I had small insightful moments like this throughout the week where I could feel the power of humanity and it felt good.

Diversity of people and thought is so powerful in today’s world we live in. i believe we can be our best selves when we connect to others through empathy and compassion. We can empower each other to be respectful and thoughtful in our understanding of the growing world, ourselves and the people around us. 

I read something else this week that encouraged me so I want to share it in this post. Even if you are not religious, the point of the words will hopefully still land in the right place.

“If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care — then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.” Philippians 2:1‭-‬4 MSG

Apparently today is World Kindness Day. You can be anything. Try being kind. We’ll all be better off. Don’t you agree?