Where do I even begin? Maybe the birth story? Actually, no! That one deserves a whole series if y’all really want the full picture. So for now, let’s just start right here.

Baby, I don’t know about you . . . but 2025 was hard. To all the mamas snapping back, seriously, I commend you. That was not my story. Let’s just say the emergency c-section — EMERGENCY C-SECTIONED.

“Baby’s head is being squeezed every time you contract. The heart rate is dropping.” What in the Grey’s Anatomy is this? Those words paralyzed me.

The epidural was at full capacity. I could feel the tingling sensation moving throughout my legs, but they were useless.

“Come on, we need to keep turning her.”

The nurse tried every possible position. Nothing. Then, fear seeped in.

“I’m sorry. You’re not dilating enough.”

The shakes. The chills. A mental coldness that reached my bones. I accepted my fate.

Blue wall. 

Burning flesh.

Hard tugs.

Weight released.

First scream.

Rush of emotions.

Where are you baby?

Where is my baby?

I hear you, but do not feel you.

My pain arising.

What’s happening here?

“Doctor, I don’t feel so good. I’m numb but I feel a deep pain in my chest.” 

Anesthesia.

Somebody 

get 

me 

some 

g&#%! 

ANESTHESIA.

White light.

Blackout.

“Kiara. Kiara. Can you hear me?” All a muffling blur. “Hi, sweetie. I’m just trying to keep you warm…”

BE GENTLE

Listen to me carefully. Pregnancy and postpartum are such vulnerable times for women. It is different for each person. Be careful not to box anybody in. What works for one may not for another. So, be aware. Be gentle. Be respectful. Be kind.

You see, I didn’t need people walking me through their idea of motherhood with overbearing presence, unsolicited advice, and enormous expectations. I simply desired support that encouraged self-trust alongside reassurance, space to process, and time to heal. For those who paused and recognized this, I truly am thankful.

RECOVERY

You said twelve weeks? Ha! Multiply that. I couldn’t even poo for like the first two. Baby, I don’t wish that on my worst enemy! When I walked I felt like my insides ‘was falling out’. Breastfeeding while having no core connection was a flex.

Unfortunately, I ended up back in the hospital because my heart gave out due to labor and delivery stress yet prayer changes things. Amen? I experienced several miracles on that cardiac floor. Love through fear, protection through pain, covering through discouragement, and healing despite doctor reports. Praise be unto God!

Slowly, day by day, my body showcased its superpowers. I wear my cape proudly. I did it. I carried and gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby. I suffered and endured, and I got my reward. There is so much eternal light and love shining through our tiny human.

My husband and I try our best to parent in a way that allows our baby to reveal who he was already divinely created to be, instead of projecting our own narratives onto him. It is a beautiful journey watching him unfold and reveal himself as he grows.

This is what recovery has been for me.

The real me could only be revealed through a challenging chisel, one that stretched me, pressed me, and is still sculpting me into something wonderful.

The ongoing healing process is mental as much as it is physical. I’ve had a wake up call to identity and the importance of shifting when your season does. The more I tried to hold on to a past version of myself, the harder it was to embrace who I am now.

Do you find yourself holding on to highlight moments or times of grief, constantly looking back but struggling to stay present? If so, let go and live on.

REBUILD AND REPLENISH

My word for the year is replenish. Now that I’ve spent enough energy releasing it’s time to refuel. My foot is on the gas but not like it was before. Reaching goals looks different. It’s less about results and more about sustainability. I am creating systems I can maintain even on my weak days. Since transitioning from being an over achiever to resting in excellence expressed as high achievement, I can confidently say the standard is just me. While I’m inspired by others, I now relish the freedom of being released from comparison. This season of rebuilding has been my own marathon.

It’s been looking like

* Working out consistently because I want to love my body (more on this in another post)

* Creating without validation

* Ideating and executing

* Documenting the ups and downs

* Keeping faith and vision in the forefront

* Patience, consistency, and perseverance

A lot of this is invisible work yet what I’m most proud of. This feels right. This feels good!

Your public life is the symptom; your private habits are the cause.

CHALLENGE

I completed day 11 of my personal discipline routine. It includes a specific focus on health and wellness, but I want to encourage you to think of something that would require at least 21 days of commitment. What is something you keep complaining about but neglecting? Do you find yourself feeling jealous, inadequate, or low? Where can you better show up for yourself? What will foster growth?

Whenever I’m starting over or embracing a new chapter of development, I think of the snowball method. Start small until momentum rolls in.

What is one actionable step you can take to begin?

Whether it’s a project, for weight loss, a spiritual evolution, relational investment, removing distraction, or something else, I want you to know someone’s cheering you on. If you don’t have purpose partners in your life at the moment, I’m honored to be one. If I can rebuild, you can too. No excuses. But promise me this . . . Do it because you want to, not because you feel forced to keep up. I hope you unlock newfound strength as you make progress.

If you want to join in, I’d be more than happy to host a community for us. Ways to stay engaged:

* Leave a comment sharing your start date

* Text me in The Archives [Group] Chat here

* Respond via email to [email protected] with the subject title “21 Day Challenge”

Chat more next week,

ARA

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