Monday hits a bit different today.
My heart remain heavy. The systematic injustices that plague our black communities are appalling and unacceptable. I hurt because I will never know the pain, but also because I know that the color of my skin has afforded me opportunities and freedoms others will never receive — the ability to drive a car late and night or to run without fear... to simply exist without being questioned.
I’ve been doing a lot of self-reflection over the past week and examining my youth. I was lucky to grow up in a diverse community where color never appeared to be an issue. But with that, came a lack of understanding about the very issues being fought for today.
I vow to be a better ally to people of color — educating myself, donating to organizations dedicated to making change (I have already given to @mnfreedomfund and @naacp ), supporting business that are vocal and active in their drive for change, spreading awareness and having the conversations that for too long, most white people have deemed as uncomfortable.
Through all the pain, let us stand with our BIPOC and use that very privilege to break the cycle of injustices that get passed from generation to generation. Let us also not confuse the destruction caused by rioters and looters with the protestors using their voice to scream for change.
My two small glimmers of hope — knowing that all my friends raising small children at this very moment, are raising them to be loving and accepting of all and seeing so many people begin to speak up, educate themselves, make donations and vow to be better. I only pray that in two weeks we’re still taking these actions because there is no “next thing”. This is the broken world that we live in and it’s up to us to be the change we wish to see.
Posting in stories some links to organizations to donate to, books to read and accounts to follow.
Also, join me this week as I use my workouts to make an impact:
@bodyspacenyc
@fhittingroom
@sweatsandthecity
@camnorsworthy
@alexrclayton —-
I’m not black, but I see you.
I’m not black, but I hear you.
I’m not black, but I mourn with you.
I’m not black, but I stand with you.
You! Yes you!
You can make a difference in the lives of many. Last year, I had the privilege to connect with @arthritis_ny and learn more about how the organization is leading the fight against arthritis across the country.
Being diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis for 10 years now, I am one of the 54 million Americans (including 300k children!) that directly benefit from the foundation’s research and unrelenting commitment to finding a cure.
This weekend, the @arthritisfoundation and @arthritis_ny are hosting their annual Walk to Cure event — with a bit of a different spin. Originally set to take place along the west side of Manhattan, the walk will take place virtually!! Lace up your sneakers and join me on a socially distant walk! Bring your family, pups and/or FaceTime and then check the Arthritis Foundations Facebook page at 4pm ET to gather with people across the country.
If you’d like to donate directly, click the link in my bio! #lettsgo #walktocurearthritis #weliveyes
Xo
We share a love of spa days, endless sunshine, sunglasses, singing with the windows down, beaches and mother/daughter days. Today, I find myself becoming more and more like my mom and I couldn’t be more grateful to follow in the shoes of someone who embodies never-ending love, selflessness, strength and perseverance. Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, all my beautiful momma friends and all those women who share their love and compassion each and every day 💐
Let this be your reminder that after the chaos always comes the beauty, the serenity and the strength... also your little newsflash that New York is beautiful 💕
Finding gratefulness in the chaos is where you learn what you’re made of.
Yesterday was my mom’s birthday. People that know me, know how special my this day is to me because with her stage 4 diagnosis, I’m not sure how many we have left.
Instead of being in California together, we had a virtual dinner party. I made her favorite meal, favorite cookies and lit a candle in a cupcake to sing to her.
Her smile was bigger than the phone screen and it was a reminder that we have all we need within us to spread joy, happiness and love. All the other “stuff” is just extra. ❤️ Also - thanks to FaceTime for helping my grandpa embrace this virtual life ❤️
Currently drowning in emails, spreadsheets and am FREEZING. So I’m just gonna pretend I’m back on this boat with the Bahamian locals.
—> Bahama Brit👙
Love a little harder. Squeeze a little tighter. Smile a little more. Laugh whenever you can. Everyday is a gift so don’t ever miss the opportunity you receive by simply waking up another day ✨
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It’s amazing to see the impact a single person had on so many. Growing up in Southern California, the @lakers and @kobebryant were everything. Typically, I can move past things like this, but this one is different. We watched Kobe get drafted in our early teens and almost grew up with him. We were there for the ups and the downs, the celebrations and the dramas. It’s hard to explain what he meant to the city of LA and my heart aches knowing that his wife and three daughters woke up today without a piece of their hearts. •
Tomorrow isn’t promised and tragedy can strike at anytime, anywhere and to anyone. Make sure you live your life with every ounce of your soul and make sure those near and dear to you, always know how they feel.
The beauty isn’t found in the picture. It’s found in the story behind the picture and the vulnerability of the moment. It’s found in the struggles no one will ever know about that paved way to the smile; the inner joy and peace that radiates from every pore; the kindness and empathy that comes from a place of truth and genuine care 🖤 #lettsgo
It’s the little moments and the “inbetweens” where some of the best memories are created...These are the ones that last a lifetime. This season tends to bring out a lot of micromoments so take a step back, enjoy those moments and etch those memories in your soul. Merry everything ❤️
So much love to give. So many goals to achieve. So much growth to experience. So many laughs to have. So many lessons to learn. Every day is a new day to become a better version of yourself 🖤
