There are films that entertain you for a night — and then there are films that grab you by the throat, drop you in the silence, and leave your mind running long after the credits roll. A House of Dynamite is just that.
This movie doesn’t just build suspense; it becomes suspense. It plays with time, chaos, and human fragility in a way that feels almost too real. The story ends abruptly with no comfort, no closure, no neat little bow to make you feel safe again. And that’s the genius of it.
Because in real life, we wouldn’t get an ending either. If something catastrophic were set in motion — a missile, a code, a decision — the truth is, most of us would never know until it was too late. Or maybe nothing would happen at all, and it would be neatly buried under “classified.” Either way, we’d be left in the dark — just like the audience.
That’s what makes this film brilliant. It forces you to sit in uncertainty, to think about how fragile control really is, and how quickly life can shift in a second. There’s no final answer because sometimes there isn’t one.
It’s rare for a movie to give you no comfort and still feel this complete. The tension, the silence, the unspoken questions — they linger like smoke after an explosion you never actually see.
Bravo to the producers and writers for creating a cinematic experience that dares to mirror reality. This movie was raw, unresolved, and hauntingly possible.
There are three things I can’t live without, and they’re not what you’d expect. First, my circle—my kids, my friends, the ones who get me (even when I’m a little extra). They’re the glue that holds me together when life feels like it’s falling apart. My kids? They’re my personal chaos managers. They keep me laughing, thinking, and sometimes even questioning my sanity. But I wouldn’t trade them for the world. This circle of mine is like a weird, wonderful, supportive web that keeps me from spinning off into oblivion.
Next up, my creativity. It’s my secret weapon. I don’t just create to pass time—I create because if I didn’t, I’d probably lose my mind. Whether it’s doodling, writing random thoughts, crocheting something that may or may not look like a blanket, or cooking up a new recipe, creativity is the spark that keeps my brain from turning into mush. Without it, I’d probably just binge-watch Netflix and forget how to function. But when I’m creating? Everything clicks. I’m at peace with myself and the world—kind of like a Zen master, but with more yarn and paint.
And then there’s sunshine. Oh, sweet sunshine. It’s not just a weather condition; it’s my mood lifeline. When the sun’s out, I’m out. I don’t care if it’s a walk, a bike ride, or just basking like a content cat, soaking up the D. The sunshine fuels me in ways coffee can’t even compete with. It’s like Mother Nature’s way of saying, “Hey, you’ve got this. Enjoy the day.” Without that golden glow, I’m pretty sure I’d be grumpy and probably in need of a nap. But with it? I feel like I can conquer the world—just maybe not before lunch.
So, yeah. My circle, my creativity, and sunshine are my three essentials. Without them, life would be a little too gray, a little too quiet, and a lot less fun. And I’m not about that life lol.
Clutter is the sneaky villain in my life story. It’s not just the piles of laundry mocking me from my resting chair—it’s the mental chaos, overloaded schedule, always complaining and negative friend and 72,000 unread emails. My goal in 2025 is to reduce clutter to improve my physical and mental health. So I snapped and declared war on it all. Even though it was overwhelming to think about, I started with a list.
1. The House of Chaos
My closet is like Narnia, but instead of magic, it is full of old pants, dresses, shoes and coats. The kitchen pantry has so many items that I probably will not use. I need to purge ruthlessly: clothes I don’t wear, expired pantry items, and random cords no one can identify.
2. My Jam Packed Work Schedule
I used to just accept tasks and meetings to help others. Now? I politely decline anything that causes me to have to pause my tasks. I guard my downtime like it’s the crown jewels and speak up when my plate is full. I’m done being overworked.
3. Digital Clutter
I must tackle my phone and email. Unsubscribe and report spam, delete unused apps, delete incomplete and nonsense notes and stop hoarding 40 versions of the same photo. My digital life needs serious decluttering.
4. My Overloaded Brain
Journaling and writing are my lifesavers for mental clutter. I also meditate. But multitasking? Officially fired.
5. Toxic Relationships
Some people are considered clutter too. If they drain my energy more than they uplift me, I set boundaries or let go. Quality > quantity, every time.
Decluttering isn’t just about stuff—it’s about making room for joy, peace, and sanity. And I’m all about that I’m 2025!
Ah, the holiday season—a magical time of twinkling lights, unsolicited Mariah Carey & Boys II Men vocals, and the inevitable invitation to “spend the holiday with us.” Every year, like clockwork, someone kindly extends this olive branch, imagining themselves the hero of my holiday season, rescuing me from the presumed despair of not having a family table to sit at. Bless their hearts, truly. But let me just say this, once and for all: No. I’m not coming over. Ever.
Yes, I know I sound dramatic. It’s part of my charm. But let’s unpack this together, shall we?
Fill-In Family Member Energy
If you’ve never lost your parents, you might not get it. That’s okay! You still have your “point of origin,” your anchor, your home base. But when your parents are gone, every “you’re welcome to join us” feels like being cast in a made-for-TV holiday movie where you’re the quirky outsider sitting awkwardly at the edge of someone else’s traditions. It’s not that your hospitality isn’t appreciated—it’s that it’s too much. Your perfectly normal holiday cheer comes with an unspoken subtext of pity that, while well-intentioned, rubs my grief raw.
And look, I could plaster on a smile and pretend I’m not deeply uncomfortable, but why? The holiday isn’t about proving how adaptable I am to your family dynamics. It’s about surviving with my sanity intact.
My Holiday Plans: Bed Rotting & Thriving
Here’s the truth: I’ve found a routine that works for me, and it involves a whole lot of not participating on the actual holiday. You’ll find me in bed, wrapped in blankets, letting the day wash over me like a passive observer of life. Think of it as my mental health cocoon. I’m not sad; I’m just recharging. Maybe I’m rewatching my favorite comfort show. Maybe I’m napping. Maybe I’m eating something that requires zero prep work. Whatever I’m doing, I’m doing it with zero societal expectations.
This little rebellion of mine isn’t just laziness or avoidance. It’s self-preservation. It’s my way of flipping grief the bird and saying, “You don’t own me today.” So, while the world decks the halls and roasts the chestnuts, I’m out here practicing radical self-care.
But Wait, I Do Like You!
Don’t get it twisted—I genuinely like spending time with the people I care about. I’ll gladly hang out with you the week before the holiday, laugh over drinks, exchange small gifts, and even share a sentimental moment or two. But on the actual day? I’m off-duty. That’s my boundary, and it keeps me feeling grounded.
Call Me Dramatic, I Don’t Care
I know this sounds over the top to some. That’s fine. Feel free to roll your eyes while I sip my ayahuasca from the fortress of my comforter. The beauty of adulthood and being parentless is that no one can tell me how to feel or what to do. I’ve lost enough to know what’s important to me—and forced holiday cheer isn’t it.
So, thank you for the invite, but no thanks. I’m not a holiday charity case, and I’m definitely not giving up my self-care sanctuary. Trust me, it’s better this way. Enjoy your day, and I’ll see you on the other side of it—well-rested, emotionally stable, and utterly unbothered.
This evening, I’m curled up on the couch with my blanket, soaking in episode after episode of Black Love, and let me tell you—it’s hitting me right in the soul. There’s something magical about watching couples share their stories with such rawness and vulnerability. The women on the show keep saying something that resonates deeply with me: They didn’t have to change themselves to be in the healthy relationships they’re in.
That message is like a breath of fresh air. I’ve spent so much time trying to figure out where love and boundaries intersect, and hearing these women affirm that they were fully embraced for who they are gives me hope. It reminds me why I’ve chosen to walk away from relationships where my boundaries were crossed. Leaving wasn’t easy, but watching these couples proves that honoring my needs is the right path to finding the love I deserve.
And then there are the men—whew, the way they talk about their journeys to love is nothing short of beautiful. They share the exact moments they knew they loved these women, how they set aside their egos, and how they learned to nurture their relationships. It’s inspiring to see men actively choosing to grow for the sake of love. It’s a kind of love story that doesn’t ask for perfection, just honesty and effort.
But can we talk about the way these couples look at each other? It’s like the rest of the world doesn’t exist when their eyes lock. That kind of love—the kind that holds you, sees you, and celebrates you—is what I hope to find. Watching them gives me this quiet reassurance that my person is out there somewhere, too. I may not know when or where I’ll meet him, but it’s comforting to believe that when the time is right, our paths will cross.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Black Love and my own experiences, it’s that love rooted in authenticity is worth the wait. It’s not about settling or molding myself to fit someone’s expectations. It’s about staying true to who I am, setting boundaries, and trusting that the right person will embrace all of it—the good, the messy, and the beautiful.
So here I am, hopeful, read for not just any love, but the kind that feels like home. Until then, I’ll keep growing, keep thriving, and keep holding onto the belief that my story is still being written. Because if Black Love has taught me anything, it’s that the best love stories don’t require us to compromise who we are—they simply ask us to show up, wholeheartedly. 🫶🏾
Let’s face it, people can be very exhausting. It’s like they’re constantly sucking the life out of others. But it’s not just the negative vibes; it’s also the constant phone scrolling and social media addiction. I’ve reached a point where I’ve decided to be highly selective about who I spend my time with.
I’m not saying I’m antisocial, but I’m definitely pro-social. I love hanging out with others who lift up people, inspire others, and enjoy laughing. But those energy vampires and phone zombies? No thanks. There no interest in being drained by negativity, drama, or someone’s constant need for attention.
I’ve learned that it’s okay to say no as well as let others exit your life. It’s okay to prioritize personal well-being. After all, no one is a human battery charger. We all need to recharge too. So, to be part of my circle, here’s what I request:
Be positive: No one wants to be around a Debbie Downer. Let’s keep the vibes positive, please. Life can already be a drag at times.
Be respectful: Treat others with kindness and consideration. No drama, no judging others, no gossip, just good vibes.
Be interesting: Have something to say, something to offer. Don’t just sit there and expect me to entertain you.
Put the phone down: I get it, social media is addictive. But when we’re together, let’s actually be together. If we aren’t capturing photos for memories, let’s leave the phones be.
Don’t be a energy vampire: If you’re constantly complaining, whining, or seeking validation, please take your negativity elsewhere. Complaining and doing nothing about the issue is so annoying.
If these simple requirements can be met, then you might just make the cut. But if not, well, I’m sorry, but you’re just going to have to settle for being an afterthought. Because my mental health is more important than anyone’s feelings (and phone).
Here are a few ways I define a family member. Please note, this may not be everyone’s actual reality:
A loving and supportive individual: They may be a parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or cousin who provides care, guidance, and encouragement. In today’s society, this individual may be someone not related by blood.
A source of cultural heritage: They may share stories, traditions, and values that connect you to your ancestry.
A role model: They may inspire you with their achievements, resilience, and positive impact on the community.
A confidant: They may be someone you can trust with your secrets, dreams, and fears.
A unique person: They have their own interests, hobbies, and personality traits, just like anyone else.
Family isn’t always defined by bloodlines. It’s the bond of love, respect, and unwavering support that truly defines a familymember. This loving and supportive person, often referred to as an “chosen family,” can be anyone who steps into your life and fills the role of a parent, sibling, grandparent, or close friend. It could even be the wise neighbor who offers words of wisdom and a comforting ear. The trainer who pushes you to excel, both in and out of the gym. Or, it could be the mentor who guides your career path and inspires you to reach for the stars. These individuals, though not related by birth, become an integral part of our lives. They share our joys, sorrows, and dreams. They offer a shoulder to lean on, a helping hand, and a heart full of love. They are the ones who celebrate our successes and encourage us to persevere through challenges. In a world that can often feel isolating, these chosen familymembers remind us that we are never truly alone. They create a sense of belonging and provide a safe space where we can be ourselves, without judgment.
Cultural heritage can be shared in countless ways. It’s the stories, traditions, and values passed down through generations that connect us. These stories can be as simple as a recipe handed down from a grandparent, or as complex as a historical narrative that shapes our identity. Cultural heritage can also be expressed through music, art, and dance. These forms of expression often carry the weight of history and tradition, connecting us and inspiring future generations.
A role model is a beacon of light, guiding us towards our full potential. They inspire us with their achievements, resilience, and positive impact on the community. They are the ones who show us that with hard work, determination, and a bit of courage, we can overcome any obstacle. These role models are more than just family members; they are symbols of hope, resilience, and the power of human spirit. They remind us that we are capable of great things and that our actions can have a ripple effect on the world around us. By following their example, we can become the best versions of ourselves and leave a lasting legacy.
A confidant is a safe harbor in the stormy seas of life. They are the ones we can trust with our deepest secrets, our wildest dreams, and our darkest fears. They offer a listening ear, a comforting presence, and unwavering support. This is the best friend who knows us inside and out, who can finish our sentences and understand our unspoken thoughts. Or the mentor who challenges us to grow and pushes us beyond our comfort zones. It could even be the therapist who provides a neutral space for us to explore our emotions and work through our challenges. These confidants are the ones who truly see us, who accept us for who we are, and who love us unconditionally. They are the ones who help us to heal, to grow, and to become the best versions of ourselves. With their support, we can face any challenge and overcome any obstacle.
A unique person is a masterpiece, a one-of-a-kind creation with their own unique blend of interests, hobbies, and personality traits. They are the ones who color outside the lines, who think differently, and who dare to dream. These unique individuals enrich our lives in countless ways. They challenge us to think critically, to embrace our individuality, and to appreciate the beauty of diversity. By celebrating their quirks, passions, and talents, we create a more vibrant and inclusive world.
In My Unapologetic Life... 