You are the sum total of your parts

At some point in life, we will all come to a crossroads. Whether we are experiencing great success or suffering great loss, there will come a time when the decisions we make become defining moments. 

Life is a series of choices. Coffee or tea? College or trade school? Marriage or the single life? Relocate or stay put? American or foreign? We may choose the beaten path--you know, something that falls well within our comfort zones--or we could take that leap of faith and blaze a trail of our own.

Those who take the leap, I think, have an epiphany of sorts that says, "It's now or never. If I don't do it now, I will regret it. I can do it. I believe in myself."

They will be challenged like never before and will be made to use everything they have ever learned. They could fail miserably or succeed exponentially. Either way, the desire to be true to themselves and to find purpose in their lives far exceeds their fears of both.

It occurred to me recently that with everything that I have lost in the last three years, I am free. I am free to use my skills, talents, and accomplishments in whatever way I choose. Is that overwhelming? Somewhat paralyzing? I've had moments of both.

But, I understand now why I have been given what I have been given. I am grateful. And I must use it all because, like you, I am the sum total of my parts. Visit my new site to see how I am bringing it all together: www.raychellemuhammad.com. Our time is now. Take the leap with me, won't you? 

Keep your pen to the paper! Remember, inspiration is everywhere...

Ish Happens...

Greetings, All!

Can you believe it has been almost 4 years since we spoke last? Where did the time go? (Seriously, Raychelle. Where have you been?)

The easy answer is that life happened -- in a big way. We writers have to keep a day job, right? More specifically, I went to work in the sales and marketing department for a nationwide home builder. I managed and wrote copy for their website, created and executed social media campaigns, and worked with prospective buyers among a host of other things. Gratefully, that tour of duty ended in March (more on that later). However, I am really proud of the work I did over there and I learned a bunch.

On a personal level, I got divorced, moved to Katy, and homeschooled Halima through high school and SAT's. Life is a lot simpler now since we downsized and have since moved on from the drama. I can feel my feet on the ground again and I am just trying to figure out my next moves.

Hopefully you will get/stay tuned into this space as I have some cool projects in the making that I would love to share with you all! At some point, I plan to resurrect "The Writer's Block", do some book reviews and editing, etc. For now, I just gotta do me.

Keep your pen to the paper! Remember, inspiration is everywhere...

Why I Write

As we await the arrival of my big brother's first child, I am reminded of the day I became a mother. That moment was the beginning of a new phase of my life. I haven't been the same since. It was much easier to document that day and the days that followed with a camera rather than a journal. (Those pictures are worth thousands of words.) Newborns certainly keep your hands full. As a mother, I look at life through different lenses. I attribute much of that new perspective to the wisdom of my loved ones-- and some really good books.

There is a certain responsibility that comes with the written word. It should serve to enlighten, inspire, inform, and improve all who choose to read it. What is written should invoke thought and start conversations. Used properly, words have the power to uplift one's spirit and spur creativity. Words can certainly change the way the world is viewed.

I write out of a desire to share what I have been blessed to learn. I write to explore new territory. I write because I am inspired by my daughter's curiosity and love of reading. Writing makes me a better listener and teaches me to be patient. I write because I read and I read because I write. My hope is that what I put on paper will solve a problem or improve quality of life--including my own.

If the world is made up of givers and takers, then I am a giver for sure. For me, writing is another way to help others live better lives. This is why I write.

Keep your pen to the paper! Inspiration is everywhere...