Oh but my darling, What if you fly?

There is freedom waiting for you

Illustrations by Kayla Salisbury

Hello again,

I am delighted to welcome a new year and share a reflection and unique stories with you this Sunday. This morning I felt light like the birds do when they sing early, hopeful, and usher in all the possibilities of a new day. I am fascinated by their ability to find stillness and accept the challenge to flow into what is to come—a little lighter, wiser than they were yesterday or even last year. You have read Sunday Forever for a year and journeyed with me, pouring into our project that started as a bit of a dream. I cannot thank Kayla Salisbury enough for her art direction and illustrations, joining me and pouring into each idea that has manifested itself or has yet to be released. Thank you to every writer who has contributed, giving themselves to the stories while constantly inspiring me. I am eternally grateful to my family for showering me with love, for their early contributions when I was writing religiously as a kid and performing and always cherishing my light—every friend who reads or contributes or pushes me to expand. And thank you, even if I haven't met you yet, you are with me again. We are alive and well.

May today feel like the calm of the morning to you, and this week's mornings when you are stretching under your warm covers, watching the sun warm-up, or preparing your to-do lists in your head before your feet hit the ground. Before, the world required so much from our bodies, hands, feet, or voices. May you remember that you are like morning, evolving, shifting, experiencing new ways to love and be loved. Not only because you are brave or strong but because you are fragile, soft, priceless, and worthy. A child of God. Someone's son or daughter. There's so much happening in the world, we're constantly a part of this massive transformation, and I think it's important to remember that it's OK to embrace where we are too. I am so proud of myself for becoming, and you should be proud of yourself for becoming, too.

I was reminded of a beautiful quote this weekend by Erin Hanson.

"There is freedom waiting for you, On the breezes of the sky, And you ask, "What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, What if you fly?"

What if you fly?

Growing with time, I can appreciate a calm day. I can enjoy the peacefulness and power in letting go, preparing for what's mine to make its way to me. Quiet Saturdays, naps, and how it's not in my birthright to settle, but it is to be like a surfer at sea, under the radiant sun. Diving headfirst in the ocean then following the current. So here's to being excited about an extra hour, raindrops falling, black winter boots, appreciating my new curves, driving alone on the highway with the music blasting, and to the birds, so grateful that we can hear you in the morning. See the bushes pushing out roses that fall but ultimately bloom again. Here's to another year of Sundays. New beautiful art with transparent and vibrant stories! New interviews with trailblazers! New recipes from Flavor of Fox and Cay! Constant companions. New beginnings. Here's to the moments where we're somewhere in between, and we find that growing older teaches us that even that doesn't matter (Age, Nikki Giovanni).

Here's to the winter of our dreams.

Plus, a black-owned list full of black girl magic!!