Last year during the summertime of 2022, I was in a financial bind while still living with a friend and her family with my two kids. Last year, I paid for a divorce out of pocket with no job, a resume that wasn’t helping me get any work-from-home jobs I applied for, and without a car. I felt helpless. 

As the summer draws close, a wave of excitement and anticipation is weeping through my household.  The new school year is just around the corner, and as a parent of two wonderful kids, I can't help but feel a mix of emotions – from enthusiasm to a touch of nervousness.

As the scorching Louisiana sun blazes overhead, July has been a month filled with exciting changes and newfound independence for me in Baton Rouge. Settling into my new apartment, mastering the art of cooking filling meals, and reveling in the joy of living as an independent woman have been the three pivotal things that have shaped my journey this month. 

In today's interconnected world, social media and constant exposure to the lives of others have become an integral part of our daily routines. While these platforms provide valuable opportunities for connection and inspiration, they also harbor a dangerous trap - comparison.