It was the first Sunday of November, and I've been looking forward to this week. Ever since I started working a couple of days from home, I found comfort in creating new routines-intentional routines that made me feel grounded, feminine, and whole. I started my morning with mirror affirmations, the softness in my voice echoing back the truth that I needed to hear. Confidence. Discipline. Grace. It felt good to claim what I deserved. A whipped up a quick at-home espresso and slipped on my running shoes for a power walk along the nearby park trail. The refreshingly cool wind and the warm sunlight marinated on my skin in perfect harmony. It felt like Autumn was applauding my effort. I sipped my Dirty Pumpkin Spice latte as the steam escaped my cup to meet the November air. I proudly admired how delicious it turned out. I thought to myself, okay, I really did that! After my walk, I returned to my apartment feeling recharged and accomplished... until I saw what was waiting at my door. A bouquet, A beautiful one. My heart raced faster than it did on the trail. There was no doubt in my mind that they were from him. Russel. Inside, I turned on some soft R&B and began rearranging the bouquet of flowers. It was surprisingly something new I enjoy doing. As I pulled the last stem of lilies from the bunch, I noticed the absence of a card. It was unlike him. I laughed to myself. The cat scan must have gotten his tongue. Maybe silence was all I really needed from him anyway. I instantly craved another latte. So, I filled my bathtub with steaming hot water and warm cinnamon bubbles. I then mastered the Caramel Apple Crisp latte that I once enjoyed at Noir Lux Coffee shop. The sweet and warm smells alone wrapped my bathroom up like a yummy gift. Just as I slid a little deeper into the tub, I got a text from Layla. "Coffee linkup today?" I smiled. I'm already two cups in. How does next Sunday sounds?" She replied "Perfect." I began to think about the value of friendship and how safe I feel with Layla. But as the bubbles popped softly around me, my thoughts went back to the bouquet. Do action really speak louder than words? And if they do... what exactly was Russel trying to say? My thoughts sat quietly with me. no answers, just awareness. The rest of my day was filled with softness. I slipped into a silk pajama set, flipped through a few magazines, ordered takeout from my favorite Thai restaurant and spent the evening binging my comfort romance movies. No confusion, no interruptions, no emotional noise. Just me. Just peace. It was just the version of myself that I've been ready to prioritize. And to be honest, this ended up being the most peaceful Sunday I've had in a very long time.

                                                                  To be continued...