This morning, I woke up and told myself something simple but powerful:
I want to look and feel radiant
Not just “put together,” but truly beautiful from the inside out. I’ve been going through my old notes lately — journal entries and little phone memos I started keeping more regularly since late May, heading into my birthday. But for the past two weeks, I haven’t journaled at all. I’ve been caught up in the busyness of life.
So this morning, I shifted that energy. I got ready slowly, like a ritual, letting myself enjoy the process. I looked in the mirror, smiled, and thought, Yes — this is the me I want to feel like
Morning Connection
After getting ready, I headed to the dealership for my 10:30 AM appointment — my tires needed service. I dropped off the car and called an Uber to get home so I could work.
That ride was more than just transportation. My driver was warm, welcoming, and had a soft Southern accent that instantly reminded me of my coworker Patti. As we chatted, we realized we attend the same church. I even told her that tomorrow Laura (my friend) and I will be starting a Soul Collage class there. Funny how the smallest moments can reveal hidden connections.
By the time I got home, I looked at the clock — 11:11. Of course. That number has a way of showing up for me, like the Universe winking and saying, I’m here.
The Afternoon Detour Adventure
I told my boss I’d need to leave around 3:00 to pick up my car before my 4:00 doctor’s appointment. But 3:00 came and went, and I was running late.
I grabbed another Uber… only to be dropped off at the wrong dealership. I stepped inside, immediately sensing, This is not where I left my car. The man at the counter smiled knowingly and said, “You want Hyundai? That’s next door.” Thankfully, “next door” meant just across some sidewalks — no dangerous intersections to cross.
When I got to the right place, my car was ready — but with a caveat. One of my tires had a nail in it and needed replacing. Unfortunately, the tire wouldn’t be available until Monday. I decided to take the car anyway. No way was I going to be without it all weekend.
Then came the next twist. I pulled up the last text from my doctor’s office for the address and started driving… except I didn’t realize I had put in the wrong address — for an entirely different doctor’s appointment I have on Monday.
To make it more surreal, I had accidentally switched to a different driver profile in my car, so the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel felt all wrong, and the car’s clock was an hour behind. It was like driving in a slightly off-kilter alternate reality.
By the time I reached the wrong location and entered the correct address, it would have been another 30 minutes to get there. I was already 45 minutes late. So I called the office, explained the comedy of errors, and rescheduled for next month — which might actually be perfect timing after I’ve started physical therapy.
A Small but Mighty Win
Somewhere in all this, I had a little personal victory worth celebrating: my 150-day Duolingo streak. That’s 150 days of showing up for myself, no matter what else was happening. It’s proof that persistence isn’t about perfection — it’s about keeping the promise to yourself, one day at a time.
Evening Connection & Lionsgate Reflection
Tonight, I ended my day with something grounding and kind. My friend Laura invited me over for dinner — a simple but heartfelt way to close out a week that’s been nonstop. Good food, warm conversation, and the kind of company that makes you feel lighter just by being there.
And now, at 11:30 PM, I’m back home, walking Duke under the warm August sky. The streets are quiet, the air still, and above me, the stars feel alive. It’s the heart of the Lionsgate Portal — a time when the Universe feels closer, when you can almost sense the threads of alignment being woven in real time.
Today wasn’t perfect. It was layered. Full of detours, delays, and unexpected turns — but also threaded with connection, laughter, small wins, and a deeper reminder:
Not everything will go as planned, but life still finds ways to give you exactly what you need.
Tonight, I let the Lionsgate light carry away the frustrations and anchor the gratitude. Because life isn’t about controlling every step — it’s about walking forward with openness, even when the path changes.
✨ Lions gate Lesson✨
Not everything will go as planned — but that doesn’t mean the day is lost.
Life’s detours can lead to unexpected connections, small victories, and moments of gratitude you never saw coming.
Tonight, under the Lionsgate sky, I choose to release the frustration and anchor the joy.
Affirmation:
“I welcome life’s surprises as part of my
