Anybody Out There? It’s Me.

Nathalie MichelleNathalie's Notes, Real Talk2 Comments

Life as we know it has irrevocably changed. It will never be “normal” again. Many of us have experienced irreplaceable shifts and traumatic turns since the world shut down in the early part of 2020. Since then, we’ve been on a collective swing to move back to “normal,” even when we don’t openly admit it. School, work, faith gatherings, social get-togethers, and our home life have all been affected by an unpredictable, ever-morphing, minuscule virus that has transformed life as we know it. Unfortunately, we’ve seen a rise in domestic violence, suicide, loneliness, entitled behavior, and overworking. However, we’ve also … Read More

I Thought It Would Be Better By Now

Nathalie MichelleNathalie's Notes, Real TalkLeave a Comment

Grief and pain can look like this…tears aren’t always a precursor to depression and utter sorrow. Sometimes, it looks like a well coifed and dressed, faith-filled, prayer warrior. Just because I trust God, doesn’t mean I’m immune to pain or that I don’t fear what I can’t see. Believing in Christ doesn’t make tragedy skip my address; sometimes it seems to turn the porch light on for it-if I’m honest. Walking with Christ means that I’m close to Him in every way, I experience intimacy and joy like I never knew possible, but I also know terror, fear, and heartbreak … Read More

Lessons from the Storm

Nathalie MichelleMotivation, Self-HelpLeave a Comment

Have you been riding the Game of Thrones train? No spoilers ahead in case you haven’t; I was recently introduced to the collection and can’t believe it took me this long. (hand on face emoji)  I have actually been attempting to read the series and watch it simultaneously…definitely not as easy as I had previously envisioned, but oh so worth it. One of my favorite and main characters is Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, First of Her Name…continued with a list of about 8 or more other titles.  Her “middle” name of sorts, Stormborn, immediately captured my attention. She … Read More

This Time, You Win

Nathalie MichelleMotivation, Nathalie's NotesLeave a Comment

This is the month it happens. This time you will see it. Your sweat equity, work, hustle, and hopes come to fruition in this chapter. What’s so different about this instance? Why should everything finally work after years of rejection and denials? What changed this time around? You did. You want it badly enough. You’ve finally had enough of letting fear antagonize you. You’re done with allowing your insecurities to boss you around. You’re tired of watching life pass you by and telling yourself, “I’ll do it tomorrow.” You might cringe as you read this, because you’ve been down this … Read More

Thoughts and Prayers

Nathalie MichelleMotivation, Self-HelpLeave a Comment

I wish words like: tragedy, abuse, grief, cancer, school shootings, and genocide were as foreign as the gibberish babies and toddlers spout when they’re learning to talk. I wish tears were solely reserved for excessive joy and laughter. I wish there was no such thing as “bad news,” only “good and better.” Alas, life doesn’t work that way. From the beginning, we have had to navigate the delicate balance between good and evil, happiness and melancholy, and turmoil and peace. Daily, we are bombarded with news that makes you wonder if you’ve somehow landed in the Twilight Zone or a … Read More