1064 followers

Follow

Follow

Follow

1/3

1 saved

4

It's the people that matter 🫶🏾

Life brought me and Ben back to Dallas for a bit.

I wish it had been for a happier occasion, but life is an experience and sometimes we endure moments that carve holes into us — reshape us into new people and divide our lives into segments of "before this moment" and "after this moment". It is the reality of being human, if you live long enough.

But there is still light and joy to be found in sad moments.

For me, it was taking some time to see Tatiana Obey while we were in Texas. We got some ramen (not pictured cause we were just living in the moment), and some coffee and talked about life and publishing and all things in between. It filled my soul to sit with someone I call my friend and just enjoy the day with her.

I also got a special edition of her book, Bones to the Wind as a Christmas gift 😆

I love being an author and being friends with authors and I'm blessed to have amazing people in my life. My world is saturated with softness and kindness and love and I'll never not be grateful for that. So yeah. Get Tatiana's books. Get my books. Love on the people in your life while you have them. Because tomorrow is not promised.

#blackgirlauthors #friendships #fantasyauthor

2025/12/18 Edited to

Life often shapes us through profound experiences that mark clear divisions in our personal stories, such as moments of loss or hardship. Yet, even in these difficult times, people commonly find solace and strength through meaningful connections and shared experiences. Rediscovering joy with close friends—like enjoying a simple meal of ramen and coffee while discussing life and creative pursuits—can be a profound reminder that we are not alone. In the literary community, author friendships offer not only emotional support but also creative inspiration. Tatiana Obey’s book, "Bones to the Wind," reflects the rich narratives that Black female authors bring to the fantasy genre, challenging stereotypes and offering fresh perspectives. It’s important to acknowledge works that write about Black girls who defy conventional norms, creating stories where their complexity and diversity are celebrated. Supporting authors by reading and sharing their books helps elevate these voices and fosters a community centered on kindness, softness, and love—qualities essential for healing and growth. This reminder to cherish those around us every day resonates deeply: life is unpredictable, and tomorrow is never promised. Embracing these moments of togetherness and mutual encouragement enriches our lives and encourages us to keep moving forward, even through pain. Whether through literature, friendship, or simple daily joys, investing in human connection nurtures the soul and helps transform hardship into resilience. This authentic reflection encourages readers to value the people in their lives and the unique stories they share, emphasizing that true strength lies in community and love.

Related posts

Consistency will always matter!

#consistency #keepgoing #working #determined #growth #goals #careers #business #success #Lemon8Diary

103 likes

I HATE WHEN PEOPLE CALL ME THIS

I grew up always being called a white girl because I’m a black girl that didn’t talk a certain way because I grew up in a very hispanic neighborhood as I am a part of a hispanic Colombian family, which is something I can’t control . I absolutely hated it, especially when I started taking an interes

4425 likes

An image of Drake in a white tuxedo with a black bow tie, looking directly at the camera against a yellow background. An overlay displays an Instagram post from @champagnepapi with a caption about not worrying about people who aren't around, concluding with "I once was lost but now I'm found."

Why are you worried about people that don’t matter

@champagnepapi Why are you worried about people that don’t even matter? #drake

25 likes

Choose people who aren’t jealous of you 👀

If you have drive & ambition, it’ll piss people off. It’s a strange and almost unsettling reality that complete strangers are the first to celebrate your ambition, while those closest to you SOME family, most “friends”, people you’ve supported can seem irritated by your ambitions. There’s a

29 likes

Learn to love people from a distance

Self love is the highest vibrational frequency, and there are a number of ways that you can demonstrate it. Know when to walk away from people who are bad for your mental health no matter the relationship dynamic. #fyp #relationshipcoach # #relationshipadvice # #selflove

42 likes

🧩 Master the Art of Handling Difficult People

Difficult people are everywhere — at work, in relationships, even at family gatherings. The secret? It’s not about changing them — it’s about changing how you respond. 💡 This Do’s & Don’ts list is your cheat sheet for keeping your cool, protecting your energy, and steering conversations tow

1716 likes

Read This If You’re Ready to Stop People-Pleasing

Let’s be real—people-pleasing is exhausting. Saying yes when you mean no, overextending yourself, and constantly seeking approval? It’s a fast track to burnout. If you’re ready to break free and start living for you, here’s what you need to know: ✨ Your Needs Matter Too – You’ve spent so much ti

14 likes

Will It Even Matter?

One of the hardest parts of building something meaningful is not knowing whether it’s making a difference. Whether you’re creating, healing, rebuilding, learning, or simply trying your best, there will be days when you question yourself. Sometimes all it takes is one conversation, one comment

4 likes

A list titled "20 Real-Life Cheat Codes That I Wish I Knew Earlier" by Colby Kultgen, featuring advice like being easy to work with, becoming charismatic by listening, and caring less about others' opinions.

Most People Learn These Too Late 🔑ℹ️👇

Wisdom isn’t taught—it’s earned through late fees, lost time, and lessons that whisper before they scream. This is the cheat code they never gave you. Habits, mindsets, and moments that bend reality in your favor when you start early. Because the little things you ignore today become the reasons

13 likes

Some people may not understand your sensitivity ✨

And that’s okay!!! Highly sensitive people makeup about 20% of the population, which means the majority of people have a completely different experience than we do! Instead of wasting time trying to convince others of our experiences and make them get it…. A better much use of time (in m

147 likes

Hooks That Make People Stop Scrolling (Every Time)

If your content isn’t getting noticed, it’s probably your hook. I’ll show you how to fix that in the simplest way possible. #contentcreatortipsforbeginners #postingtips #socialmediatipsandtricks #contentthatconverts #socialmediatips

344 likes

✨️YOU MATTER✨️

You bring light to a world that sometimes feels so dark. Keep being your beautiful self, even when life gets tough. Your kindness matters, your love matters, and YOU matter. Don’t let the negativity dim your shine. 💙 Amazing people in the video: @𝐴𝑙𝑣𝑎𝘩𝑖𝑒 @zal.moon13 @Katee @Pocketnightmarex @M¢¢

12 likes

Your Healing Will Cost You People—Let It

“They only loved the version of you that served them… not the version that saved you.” Healing isn’t just about self-love—it’s about loss. The more you grow, the more you realize that some people only benefited from your brokenness. They liked you when you were easy to control, when you said yes

12 likes

People with very shiny hair, how do you do it?

I see so many people with hair as shiny as a diamond, any tips on how to do this? No matter what shampoo or conditioner I use my hair is always the exact same. They always look like they've walked out of a salon, is that really the only way to get super shiny hair? Any techniques or products y

82 likes

Things that matter when you turn 30

When I hear the words glow up, I always think of physical appearances.. And while I’m all for a good looking glow up, I’m more here for the kind that happens internally. I was a conventionally attractive 20 something. I had fashionable clothes, hobbies and liked makeup & drinking… Pretty on

23 likes

Your Mental Health Matter

Somehow my mental plane ended losing it’s pilot, that’s a midlife crisis for the people inside it 🫠🤯 #mentalhealth #mentalhealthjourney #embracevulnerability #music #rap

70 likes

A puppy no matter what size

#organicbeauty 💌 Brand:Tricktalescosmetics

16 likes

Words Matter 🫶

Hey beautiful people! 🌟 Happy Monday! Just a quick reminder that words matter. Over the weekend, we saw political discussions and even a whole meme stock created – so fascinating! Remember, it’s okay to distance yourself if someone’s words hurt you. Keep your organization folders tidy for a clear m

1 like

A laptop displays microbiology lab results and handwritten notes on bacterial tests, with overlay text asking, "ARE HONORS COURSES WORTH IT?!" This illustrates the rigorous academic work discussed in the article.

A laptop shows a pathogen search, alongside handwritten notes prompting to "CONSIDER THE LEVEL" and "WEIGH PROS AND CONS," reflecting the article's advice on evaluating honors courses.

A laptop displays a microbiology study guide on viruses, with handwritten notes asking "WHAT HAVE PEOPLE SAID ABOUT THE COURSE?" This relates to the article's discussion of course evaluation and professor interaction.

Do Honors Courses Matter: College vs Highschool ?

Okay, friend, let me spill the tea on honors courses—college edition! 🤓💡 So, I know high school honors classes might have given us that “wow, look at me, I’m in the advanced class” vibe, but let me tell you, college honors courses are a whole other level. ✨ High School Honors Courses: In high s

28 likes

The BIGGEST mistake I see people making in the gym

If you need some motivation, take a picture EVERY month. Progress pictures are so important. They show you progress that the scale doesn’t tell you. Don’t listen to what the scale says. It doesn’t measure muscle mass. The numbers don’t matter. Show up for yourself. #healthylifestyle2024 #Lem

31 likes

Giving nice notes to people at school!

Trying to help make people’s days a little better! #organization #youmatter #notes #thoughtfulnotes #note North Carolina South Carolina

16 likes

A person with braided hair, dressed in black, leans against a gray brick wall next to a staircase, with the overlaid text "HOW TO COPE when PEOPLE LEAVE."

A minimalist room features a light wooden cube table with a terracotta vase holding white lilies, and the text "Turn Your Face To God" on the white wall.

A scenic view of a cloudy sky with orange and gray hues, a distant body of water, and trees, with the text "Avoid Hardening Your Heart" overlaid.

How to Cope When People Leave🕊️

Friendships come and go, but learning how to handle when people exit your life is something that everyone will have to do eventually. It is amazing to have life-long friendships that have been with you for every season, but are still things we can appreciate from friendships that only last a season

27 likes

🛑wasting your⏳,🔋&🤔on the ones that matter!

@deionsanders Stop wasting your time,energy and focus on the ones that matter! #deionsanders

5 likes

An illustration of a sad woman with brown hair, wearing a rust-colored top, sitting with her hand on her chin, looking down. The text reads: "When your absence doesn't seem to matter to the people you care about..."

An illustration of a sad woman with dark blue hair, wearing a rust-colored top, sitting on a couch next to a potted plant. The text describes the specific sadness of indifference when one pulls away.

An illustration of a sad woman with dark blue hair, wearing a yellow top, with her arms crossed. The text explains that the hurt often echoes past moments of feeling like one didn't matter.

When Your Absence Doesn’t Seem to Matter…

1. When Your Absence Doesn’t Seem to Matter There’s a quiet kind of pain that surfaces when someone begins to step away — from a place, a friendship, a routine — and those around them barely react. Not out of cruelty, but out of indifference. And somehow, that hurts even more. ⸻ 2. The Unex

1010 likes

Learn how to spend more time with those who matter

Learn how to spend more time with the people that matter most in your life. This is why I got into digital marketing, because I wanted a passive income that replaced a job so that I could spend my time with my grandchildren instead of sitting at a desk. But you don't have to wait till 55 lik

0 likes

Wonder Why Do Some People Instantly Earn Trust?

22 Phrases That Instantly Build Connection & Trust ⸻ 1. “Help me understand your perspective better.” • Why it works: Shows empathy and willingness to listen. • When to use it: In conflicts or misunderstandings to de-escalate tension. ⸻ 2. “What’s the real challe

800 likes

🔟 Ways To Stay Positive ➕Around Negative ➖ People

10 Ways to Stay Positive Around Negative People How to Stay Positive Around Negative People. The atmosphere you are in can heavily impact your mindset. This includes both your physical environment and especially the people you are around. You may feel calm when you are at the beach, listening

9 likes

You matter first!!! 🫶✨

32 likes

An open Bible displaying passages from Mark 1 and 2, including 'Jesus Preaches in Galilee,' 'Jesus Cleanses a Leper,' and 'Jesus Heals a Paralytic.' The pages feature yellow highlights and handwritten notes reflecting on faith, friendship, and Jesus's actions, with a Lemon8 watermark and username @brittany_prinz at the bottom.

Your circle really does matter🫶✨🌸🤍

It’s crazy to look at how much faith that dudes friends had. Would your friends do the same for you? #christiangirl #biblestudy #yourcirclematters

16 likes

Standards and boundaries matter

3 likes

Does what you look like matter?

I truly believe that looking different helps you find the people that are the most genuine. When someone doesn’t judge you for what you’re wearing what color your hair is how many piercings you have or how many tattoos you have. You know that they truly care about what’s on the inside and that is w

0 likes

85% of people CANNOT see past a dirty house!

I can see past decor, but not a filthy house. But let's be real, most buyers can't see past decor, and no one can ignore dirt and grime. If I'm getting feedback that a house isn't clean enough, it's my least favorite thing to tell a seller, but it has to be said. A dirty house d

11 likes

See more