Happy Mother’s Day

Posted By Riah May 12, 2023

Happy Mother’s Day

Mom, the universal word for caregiver, provider, rock, friend. Moms are the needed glue that keep us together. From an athlete perspective, mom is the motivator, the manager at times and just there to pick you up off the ground when needed after a loss or celebrate during a win.

Most of the time, once we make it big, we want to highlight the people that mean most to us and keep us going.

Moms are also the advocates! Fighting for us and standing up for us.

My mom has always been there for me. So many times whether it’s giving advice, stepping in on my behalf, or just giving me a much needed hug. We are now in the process of publishing our first cookbook together. (coming soon).

From an athlete perspective, mom is the biggest supporter, #1 overall fan and usually at every game. Cheering Loudly, Proudly and just supporting her child no matter what sport it is.

As you know most moms if not all wear multiple hats while still working full time jobs. Being a mom is a full time job in itself. I hope any mom reading this knows how appreciated, loved, and needed you are.

We love you dearly!

To all athlete moms, thanks for the late nights, dinners, team lunches, team hugs, posters, and just being our extra motivational coach. 🙂

This blog is super short and sweet 🙂

Happy Mother’s Day- this weekend is yours

SO LIVE IT UP

Thanks for reading!

Announcement: I have a huge blog post coming next month! Can’t wait to share it with you

*Pics/vids courtesy of google images*

Mother’s Day Gifts:

XOBYKAMIAH: https://xobykamiah.com/shop

Kamiah is doing a giveaway use code: MAMA at checkout for 15% off and entry 🙂

SAKSUHN: https://strictly-speaking-6.myshopify.com/collections/all

The comeback series shirts are only available for 1 month.. get yours while supplies last. Shipping usually 24-48 hours after purchase. The rest of the catalog is available indefinitely! 🙂 Happy Shopping!!

Jimmy Butler

Posted By Riah May 5, 2023

Jimmy Butler
Picture Courtesy of Google Images

Jimmy Butler!! A dynamic scorer, can beat you from anywhere on the floor, and can just take over the game. A fellow Marquette alumn, Jimmy has made his presence known.

Playing for team like the Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and now the Miami Heat. In his first season with the Heat he helped lead them to the NBA finals where they lost to the Lakers. Now the heat are once again in the hunt for another title run facing the Knicks in Round 2. The series is currently tied 1-1.

Jimmy’s journey is unique in his own right he wasn’t heavily recruited and ended up playing at junior college where he was able to shine. Your journey is not going to be like everyone else’s but you can still thrive and prosper with hard work, dedication, & perseverance.

Jimmy is a super humble guy. He is funny! Always himself and makes the game fun again. He is someone I really enjoy watching play.

In his downtime, he started his own coffee business Big Face coffee in 2021, from his love of the beverage. It is an online business that Jimmy thought of not to make money but to continue to build connections.

We relate in that way because when I started my consulting business in 2020, I knew my main focus was to be able to help others grow their businesses or be another resource of support. Money will always come. I always say and agree it’s never about the money for me. I know what it’s like to wonder where the next break is coming from. The joy and satisfaction I get from seeing others succeed is more than money can ever give me.

Picture Courtesy of CNBC
Picture Courtesy of CNBC

I wish Jimmy all the success and luck in the playoffs! The knicks/ heat series feels like it can go 7 games. Jimmy is currently out due to an ankle sprain. He has been rehabbing and resting, so hopefully he will available for game 3 and the rest of the series as it shifts to Miami.

I just wanted to write a quick post 🙂

Be sure to follow Jimmy on IG & Twitter- @jimmybutler to keep up with him 🙂

Any comments/ suggestions or anything you want me to write about leave it below or tweet me @bballmypassion

As always I appreciate my readers!

Be sure to follow my business on IG: @mariahscreativeconsulting

Thanks Again for reading! Until Monday! 😉

*Pics/Videos Courtesy of Google Images, CNBC*

google.com, pub-8869351951298256, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0

GSW: A solidified dynasty?

Posted By Riah May 1, 2023

GSW: A solidified dynasty?

In 2013, the Golden State Warriors lost to Los Angeles Clippers in the playoffs ousting them out of the first round and on a rebuild. Coach Jackson was relieved of his duties and Coach Steve Kerr was introduced. In the last 10 years, the Warriors have appeared in multiple finals, won 4 championships, set numerous records including a 73 win season passing the 72 win chicago bulls. Their leader Stephen Curry with 2 MVP’s and 1 finals MVP (2022 Champions). The argument is always posed is Golden State a solidified dynasty with the likes of the Lakers, Bulls, Celtics. I mean what is left for them to prove honestly. Let’s talk about….

The 2014-2015 NBA season, the warriors finally broke the curse and won their first championship and since than have been a nemesis, underdog, the team no wants to meet in the playoffs or even the regular season. Through injuries, ups and downs, struggles on the road, the warriors proved their name true time and time again. Curry with multiple ankle injuries, Thompson with his achilles/acl injuries etc. They just find a way to win and dominate and prove everyone wrong. I love watching this team and their bond. Steph, Draymond, and Klay are the only three teammates in recent years that have been dedicated to stay together as long as they have. If it’s not broke then it doesn’t need fixing. Even with the addition of KD, their chemistry and bond never wavered. No matter where the warriors are seeded they always find a way to come out on top. 4 championships later, the argument remains, Are the warriors one of the best dynasty’s. My answer yes! At this point there shouldn’t even be a debate but it should be when it’s all said and done and Curry, Green, Thompson are no longer playing where will they rank? I think at least top 5 all time. I mean Stephen Curry lol.. Need I say more!

Stephen Curry, the greatest shooter ever. The way he has taken care of his body over the course of his career and to sustain it is a testament to his dedication to the game. It is so fun to watch him play. I have had the pleasure of watching him in person and it’s worth every penny. He puts on the show and just dominates. From his ball handling skills to just pure shooting ability, he is one of the best of all time and especially in the last 10 years. He has proven time and time again by his game alone that he and his team deserve respect. If you know Steph’s journey then you know it is more than just basketball and who he plays for (represents). His platform is his way of showcasing not only his talent but faith that God can do anything and use anyone for his honor and glory.

Thompson, Looney, Green have all solidified their legacies as well. I mean let’s just look at last season. Warriors started in the Play in and ended up winning the championship despite the odds. Everyone from newcomers Poole, Payton II etc. all showed up big for their team and helped bring the championship back to the Bay.

As the Warriors prepare for another Lebron /Steph matchup this time Bron on the Lakers, the question is posed how will they fair? This lakers team is slightly different from their 2020 Championship roster but I think it will be a good challenge for them. The warriors are the team to beat but honestly once they get going, on a run, and steph takes over they are really hard to beat. Steph now 35 and the Lebron now 38, I’m excited for the matchup ahead. Hopefully the Warriors can cruise past LA in their quest for Championship #5. Let me know your thoughts….

It’s time to put some respect on the Warriors.

Love Them, Envy Them, They are here to stay adding to their already solidified legacy. 🙂

As always thanks for reading!

Leave a comment or tweet me @bballmypassion

*Pics/Vids courtesy of Google Images*

NBA Playoffs: My Recap so far :)

Posted By Riah April 24, 2023

NBA Playoffs: My Recap So far :)

With the 2023 NBA playoffs currently underway, I wanted to give my recap on all things playoff related.

The NBA Playoffs are a sight to see as we watch great matchups, players rise to the occasion, unfortunate injuries, and of course the media giving us their breakdown of each team.

Let’s start in the East!

The Milwaukee Bucks being the overall #1 seed is the high favorite. Miami winning the 8th seed in the play-in tournament is giving them a run for their money currently up 2-1 with a game 4 happening tonight. Giannis has been out the last two games due to a bruised tail bone. He is set to make his return. Will Miami go up 3-1 and continue their momentum & potential upset? Or will the bucks get back in the series and tie it up. With another crushing injury to role player Vic Oladipo, will his absence affect Miami’s quest to move on to the second round. I think both teams matchup well but if Miami jumps out to a hot start they have a chance to continue to dominate.

Philadelphia took care of Brooklyn in 4 games and they await their opponents for round 2.

How about the New York Knicks?!! They have the right chemistry and pieces I think to go deep in the playoffs. The addition of Jalen Brunson was a good one. I am keeping my eye on them.

Boston is one game away from securing their second round spot after going up 3-1 on the Hawks. Game 5 is a MUST WIN for them. Trae Young can shoot lights out but has been struggling. I hope he can find his mojo and help his team fight back in this series.

On to the western conference…… 🙂 My favorite conference, It’s really anyone’s game.

Denver is the quiet favorite right now. They aren’t being discussed as much as the Lakers, Warriors, Grizzlies, Suns. Minnesota fought back and now have a chance in this series down 2-1 instead of 3-0. ( no team has come back from 3-0). Stats don’t lie lol. The next game will be fun now that the Timberwolves have some life.

The Suns are looking to wrap up their series with the Clippers. With Kawhi and Paul both being out indefinitely due to injuries, it’s looking like KD and Phoenix are ready to move on and prep for round 2 which will be the winner of the Denver/Minnesota series.

Alright, Drama & Entertainment time lol. I think you know where I’m going.

Boy oh Boy- Tell me you watched game 4 for the Lakers/Grizzlies.

I think Dillon ended up with his foot in his mouth. We all know what he said. The lesson here don’t ever poke the bear or be disrespectful to the point an opponent has to shut you up. The lakers did just that scoring 40+ in the first quarter as a team. Lebron finished the game with 25 points. He played the most aggressive last game than ever before. The Grizzlies have been the talk of the league due to their chatty behavior with no deep playoff run to show for it. Will that continue to hurt them? Ja is going to be Ja every game but I will say this his style of play will continue to cause him harm than good injury wise. I never want to see a player get hurt and it’s okay to adjust your game a tad and still keep your essence. Ja is one of my favorite players but I don’t want to see him get seriously hurt trying to make a statement. I honestly think the Lakers are going to win this series with how everything is going as they have a 2-1 series lead.

Lastly, the defending Golden State Warriors, barely won. They were able to tie up their series with the Kings 2-2. A gutted team win that literally could’ve went any other way. Championship teams with experience know how to pull out gritty wins. No team has beaten the Warriors at home since Boston did in the finals last year and they still pulled it out. No one even has the Warriors winning another championship this year. I lowkey love the underdog route, no matter how they are seeded they always find a way to win and just kick the champion mentality in high gear. The suspension of Draymond for Game 3 fueled them, his unselfishness to come off the bench in Game 4 helped keep the momentum. The Kings who haven’t been in the playoffs in 17 years are fighting, dominating and not backing down from the challenge of playing the champs. It’s honestly a really good series. De’Aaron Fox unfortunately has a fractured finger on his shooting hand and as of right now is doubtful for Wednesday’s game. If he is out, we will have to see how the Kings respond but the offense runs through him. He is dominant and just a pure scorer. I like watching him.

The question now is..does this secure the Warriors a second round spot if Fox can’t play. I honestly say stick to the game plan and take it one game at a time especially with how bad the road games have been for the warriors. Let’s not discuss the refs. LOL If you know you know.

I’m excited for the rest of the playoff games. I love watching and engaging. Each game is different.

Let me know who you are rooting for and who you think will win this year’s championship. Drop a comment or tweet me @bballmypassion

As always thanks for reading 🙂

*Picture courtesy of google images*

Caitlin; Angel; Changing the game for good!

Within the past 48 hours, the following has been said about Angel or Caitlin: Classless, Idiot, Lame,etc. After Angel taunted Caitlin with the “Jon Cena” gesture. We have all seen it hundreds of times now so this blog won’t be about that. My only wish is that Angel would have taken those 10 seconds to at least give a handshake or hug to Caitlin. Good Sportmanship is a choice sometimes that can easily define your legacy regardless of the heat of the moment. Had Angel not chosen to follow Caitlin on the court, we wouldn’t be talking about it. But when you think about it, when was the last time a Women’s National Collegiate Championship game had this much buzz post the final buzzer. Your normal 24 hour congrats, highlights shown and we move on to the next thing.

From the time the final buzzer sounded, this situation between two star athletes in their own right became the topic of discussion which is still on-going. I began to think about it and also engage in it. I love the game but from jump the refs ruined what could have been a legendary game when Reese, Clark, & Graduate player Czinano all picked up multiple, questionable fouls which changed the trajectory of the game moving forward.

With Reese & Clark on the bench early in the game other players from both teams had to step up. And step up they did. Carson & Morris from LSU who both struggled all tournament lit up the score board hitting any and everything. They were able to stretch their lead by half time to 17. Warnock and Martin also contributed for Iowa but again questionable foul calls hindered their run game. Iowa was playing catch up all game. Clark ended the game becoming the woman with most points in the ncaa tournament passing the legend Sheryl Swoopes!! 🙂 so Awesome and should be talked about and celebrated but it’s not. I’m taking this moment to uplift Caitlin. She balled out all tournament. You can celebrate that, it was awesome to see her shoot from Steph range as she racked up a 40 point triple double not only that she repeated her 40 point performance in the semi-final and 30 point performance in the final game although coming up short. Her performance not only put Iowa as a University in the spotlight but also more eyes on the Women’s game.

Angel Reese, a transfer from Maryland is no stranger to the NCAA Tournament. Dominant in her own right nicknaming herself ” Bayou Barbie” She is confident in who she is while representing the DMV area. I love rooting for and watching players that are close to my area where I live. Transferring to LSU after an injury and losing to stanford in the Sweet 16, Reese was looking for a fresh start, a shot at a national championship and an opportunity to solidify herself as one of the greats. By taunting Clark the way she did, did she cost herself the opportunity to be celebrated for having the most double doubles in a season with 34 for LSU , the most NIL deals for any male or female collegiate athlete, as well many accolades that include but are not limited too: AP Third Team All American, USBWA All-American, Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Semifinalist all for 2022. For this year she was named the NCAA Outstanding Player. It is to note she was not eligible for the John Wooden award due to not meeting all of the awards criteria. Maybe that is a reason she mentioned being disrespected or feeling as if she has to be outspoken about who she is and not changing who she is. It would make sense since Caitlin was the most talked about female athlete all tournament long outside of South Carolina being undefeated all season on the cusp of potentially repeating as National Champs. LSU honestly was an after thought until they started winning. A lot of their games were close ones too throughout the tourney.

For what it’s worth March Madness always gives what it is supposed too. Heartstopping, Fist Pumping, Edge of your seat fun. I live for it every year. The women’s tournament this year was the most engaging thanks to Clark, Reese and a host of others.

I’m really glad the women’s game is in the spot light right now for programs you normally wouldn’t expect to pull off the upsets and do. We always expect the UCONN’s, Stanford’s, UCLA’s, Tennessee’s to be the champs. It feels good to see programs like LSU & Iowa receive recognition and spotlight. This tournament gave us that. Two Universities with two star players dominating and leaving their mark.

Now to the question at hand is trash talk good? Warranted? Horrible to the game. NO, It makes the game engaging and more fun to watch. I can’t tell you how many conversations I have had or even heard about how many people don’t engage in the women’s game due to pace or boring feel or it’s not the same intensity as the men. Within the last 5 years or so the women’s game has evolved and changed and honestly for good! Trash talk is fine as long good sportsmanship follows. At the end of the day these student athletes are in school working hard in degree fields that are difficult at times as well as dedicating their time to the game. That should be praised most. I’ m proud of both Angel & Caitlin. They both represented their school with grace. Should the way Angel taunted Caitlin be this blown up ,after giving it some deep thought nah. In hindsight, Angel opened up the discussion for the women’s game and how they should be treated like the men. We don’t get in an uproar when Men athletes trash talk. lol so why not give the same grace for some banter between two star athletes. But again I prefer good sportsmanship over everything especially since in this NIL era how you represent yourself on a national stage is criticized. My only advice on a national stage as a young student- athlete protect your brand and uphold it with grace, humility, and respect. You are representing yourself and your university more than anything. How you respond on a national stage can definitely have an impact going forward. Instead of praising the contributions of the entire LSU Tiger team and their first national championship in school history we are only discussing 1 player. And please believe if Clark retaliated it would be a different conversation altogether again taking away from all of the hard- work and sacrifice to get to this point. Am I reading too much into this situation, nah I just have seen time and time again how one decision can hinder or change how one’s career can go.

I’m rooting for Angel.

I’m rooting for Caitlin.

I hope one day they can shake hands and hug since LSU didn’t give them handshakes after the game which was also not cool. Yes I said it! Good Sportsmanship goes a long way especially in the thick of the game.

Reese. Clark. Both now household names, with long careers ahead of them. I look forward to seeing them in the future.

Both Changing the Women’s game for good!

I appreciate everyone for reading.

I’m thinking about blogging again. If I should let me know. Comment on this post or hit me on twitter, ig.

Twitter:@bballmypassion

IG:riah_3

*Pics/videos courtesy of Google Images*

M.B.

Saying Goodbye to Serena & Roger

This summer we said goodbye to two legends in tennis. Although Serena’s evolvement was announced , Roger’s came a few short weeks later and it was super surprising. Rightfully so, both in their 40’s and wanting more time with family etc. I’m sure stepping away from the sport for good playing wise was a super tough decision. I mean stepping away from a game you have played your entire life would be hard for anyone. The impact Serena and Roger have had in the last few decades especially Serena has left the game in pretty good hands. This post isn’t meant to be a sad one but a celebratory one.

I have personally been watching both Roger and Serena my whole life. I pretty much grew up with them so for me I was slightly emotional about because of the excitement and memorization they brought. The way they both played the game with so much drive, grit at times, and competitiveness. I definitely admire them.

My favorite Serena match would have to be any match with her sister Venus. Those were always fun or any match where she had to play from behind. My favorite Roger match would have to be any match against Rafa. I always knew if they were facing each other it will be entertaining but also a long match. lol

Serena changed the women’s game for greatness in the fact that she opened so many doors for women and mainly minority of women who may not have felt like they belong. With the likes of Naomi Osaka, Sloan Stephens, and CoCo Gauff. Tennis is left in great hands. And on the men’s side Frances Tiafoe is one to watch!..

As future events come and go, I’m sure although not playing anymore Serena and Roger will still be apart of the tennis world to some capacity. As we know Serena will be focusing on her family, fashion, and just her next chapter. I wonder what Roger’s next chapter will be outside of spending time with family. Either way it was amazing night in night out watching them give their all and passion to a game that has left us and myself with long lasting memories.

Their legacies cement them as two of the greatest ever. I hope no one breaks Serena’s grandslam record. I know records are meant to be broken and honestly no number of grand slam wins will honestly amount to other countless things she has done to change the game for greatness. Serena is and forever will be the GOAT. Roger as well! It ‘s crazy to fathom what they have done in the last 30 years or so.

I wish Serena and Roger the best! Sad to see them go, but I know the best is yet to come!

Cheers to future

Farewell to Tennis the game

Your legacies live forever 🙂

If you have any favorite Serena or Roger memories feel free to drop a comment or tweet them to me @ bballmypassion.

As always thanks for reading!

*Pics/Vids courtesy of google images*

Kevin, Kyrie, Russell: The Saga Continues….

The NBA is one the best leagues for entertainment especially during the off season. Now although the end of the NBA season was captivated by the Warriors winning their 4th title in 8 years as a team, the trade deadline is taking over the summer. Throughout the season, the biggest topic of discussion was Kyrie with his refusal to be vaccinated , Russell and his lack of looking like he still in his prime, and whether or not KD could lead a team to a championship without Kyrie.

Thinking through all of these stories and how they captivated the season, now that the season is done the next question is will these players be in new jerseys come next season or be with their current. My thing is this, why request a trade if you don’t plan to stay with the team who had to give up so much just to sign you.

If you don’t know by now, Durant requested to be traded from Brooklyn less than two years with his team he asked to be traded too after choosing to leave the Warriors. This poses the question if KD will ever understand how to be true leader. I mean, true leaders of teams don’t bounce around, they usually try to stick it out. And before the Lebron stans comment, Lebron although a leader left his hometown team to join already established teams to win championships. I remember speaking to a friend about Kevin’s current request and the response was like didn’t he just get to Brooklyn why leave? Add in the Kyrie distraction drama and now Brooklyn is a mess. As I kept reading different sports articles pertaining KD & Kyrie, I started to see they both wanted to be traded and still play together and the Lakers is the only team Kyrie is demanding to be with. Now how would any of this make sense, let alone the amount of money and future draft picks you would have to give up because how high caliber each player is.

With the Lakers being the hypothetical new destination for KD or Kyrie, Westbrook is now being thrown in the conversation. Russell did mention he tends to stay in LA for now but if this trade from Brooklyn somehow happens which is highly unlikely seeing that teams don’t want the contracts of either player, it poses the question should NBA players be given the opportunity to be traded or requests trades less than two years after already being traded? I would love to know to your thoughts!

For me I think, if you are just traded your window should be at least 3 years. If you remember, KD was out for almost a year when he signed with the Nets due to his achilles injury. The Nets made the playoffs twice but have been bounced out of the first round. So because you weren’t successful right away you just walk away and give up? It took the Bulls 7 years after Michael Jordan was drafted for them to win their first championship and after that well you know the rest. I see a life lesson in this potential trade situation, you have to be okay with failure, having to wait for true results, and it may take years for success but as you go through these ups and downs you are building a foundation for solid success. So why not trust that everything you are dedicating to your job will eventually pay off? It will (whew) I needed that motivation for myself.

I hope that KD & Kyrie just stay in Brooklyn and figure it out and have a serious conversation about what they expect from each as teammates going forward instead of leaving and taking the same drama to another established team. As for Westbrook, I believe he stays with the Lakers and has a good season with them coming up and proves to everyone doubting him why they call him Mr. Triple Double!

Guess we will have to wait & see….

As always I appreciate my readers both old and new.

If you are new welcome! My goal is to blog at least once or twice a month.

You are more than welcome to comment suggestions here or tweet me @bballmypassion on twitter, riah_3 on IG. Share your thoughts 🙂

*Pics/ Videos courtesy of Google Images/Youtube*

Talk soon!

M.B.

Olympics 2021

With covid still in our midst, the question has been posed so what about the Olympics?

With less than 30 days before the games are scheduled to begin, Team USA for multiple sporting events are being finalized. Notable athletes such as Serena Williams, Simone Biles, Simone Manuel, and Sha’Carri Richardson have already punched their ticket to Tokyo.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI/Shutterstock (12170130j) Gymnast Simone Biles preforms her floor routine during Day 1of the Women’s U.S. Olympic Gymnastic Trials at the The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis on June 25, 2021. Olympic Trials, St. Louis, Missouri, United States – 25 Jun 2021

I am super excited for what these ladies will do. As we often hear, I am rooting for everybody black! lol I am honestly. I really want us to dominate and represent USA well. My only thought however, with surge of covid rising in Japan, will the United States and other countries allow their athletes to travel. I understand wearing a mask and being vaccinated but with uncertainty of the transmittal of the virus is it really worth the risk? My thought was to still keep the games going but maybe from everyone’s respective countries which sounds INSANE to do. With the advancement of technology and keeping track of time, I don’t know how doable it could be but it could be worth a try to keep athletes and their families safe. Let me know what you think? If you had just made your first olympics are you going or are you giving up your spot?

Although an official decision to postpone the games again has not been made, I am sure behind the scenes the covid numbers/cases are being closely monitored. I know the amount of money already lost is a big reason as to why the games may just go one as scheduled with empty arenas etc. As we get closer to the July 23 start date, I’m sure more insight on the Olympics will become available. I am super excited to be able to cheer on some of my favorite athletes this summer 🙂

I appreciate you for reading!

Please let me know what I should blog about next by commenting or tweeting me @bballmypassion.

Until next time!

Go Team USA!!

*Pictures courtesy of Google Images*

It’s been awhile…

The pandemic has really taken it’s toll.

I know that shouldn’t be an excuse but I have been trying to find the perfect time to blog again.

The last time I blogged was September 2020. Since then, the NBA crowned a champion, restarted the 2020-21 season, Tom Brady won yet another super bowl, Naomi Osaka won another title, and March Madness is now underway.

I have been keeping up with as many games as possible including watching my cousin play for UCLA. It’s fun for me to support friends and family who play sports. It brings me so much joy.

This post won’t be a long one. I will try to blog at least once a month and stay consistent from there.

If you are reading this and have suggestions for what I should discuss next feel free to drop a comment or tweet me @bballmypassion. I would love to hear from you!

Will be back soon!

-Mariah

An Open Letter to 2020

December 31st 11:59pm

5,4,3,2,1!!!! Happy New Year!

So I thought….

2020masked

2020 has been a year like no other and honestly something I wasn’t expecting. This is a letter to you.

Dear 2020,

You arrived with a vengeance, shocking us by storm. The tragic passing of the 9 beautiful souls on January 26,2020 which rocked the world. Still grieving this loss only to get catapulted into a pandemic that could’ve been prevented. Coronavirus (Covid-19) has changed how I interact with people. I have this seen deadly virus hit close to home with people I know who have fought through it. I have also seen this country hit over 6 million cased and surpassing 150,000 deaths. Countless quarantines and the realization that covid is here to stay. So stay masked up lol..How has covid changed my perspective on living? I have spent the past 5 months isolated, limiting my exposure to people (friends included) to be safe as well as trying to keep my mind clear from the fear of the unknown. I had to adapt and get creative while in quarantine besides going to work. My activities included lots of sleeping, binging new series on netflix like Tiger King lol and old ones such as Grey’s Anatomy. I also have spent time rewatching my favorite MCU movies such as Avengers, Black Panther, and Iron Man. I never thought 2020 would be the year of reflection, adjustment, and adaptation but here we are. Almost 6 months into my new job, remembering my trip to new orleans when I received the call to interview. If I would’ve known this would be my last out of state of trip for awhile, I definitely would have lived it up some more. I’m hopeful I get to return. Since covid, I am more cautious about where I go and how long I’m gone. I honestly just want to feel some sense of normalcy but I know it will be awhile before that happens. 2020 you have reminded me of so much during this quiet time despite the entrance you made. You have reminded me it’s okay to be alone and to treat yourself. You reminded to still show love and support of others even though I can’t be near them like I want. You reminded me to still accomplish my goals and push through. But 2020 you have also sucker punched with countless deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and most recently Chadwick Boseman. I thought I would be done grieving or feeling immense sadness but honestly it comes in waves. Chadwick’s death has reminded me to remember my purpose and remember why I’m here. I am going to do my best to live in my purpose. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. Lastly 2020, you have forwarned me in such a way to be prepared for what is to come. As we get ready to vote between now and November 3, I can feel that change is on the horizon. Desperate change is needed.  We are in the last 4 months of what has been a record breaking, breath-taking, and honestly exhausting year. I am going to continue to push through and stay positive. I hope that I get to enjoy the remainder of the year and make some memories.

-Mariah

To everyone who has read to this point, Thank You. I just want to remind you to use your platform and voice to VOTE, We need you! 🙂

Live in your purpose

I dedicate this post to Chadwick A. Boseman

 

*Pics/Vids courtesy of Google Images &Youtube*