Bubbles, Rum, & Running Shoes

A Weekend of Miles, Midlife & Meaning 

Talk about a weekend that left its mark. By the time Monday rolled around, I was convinced it was still Sunday—proof that both my cup and calendar were overflowing.

Saturday kicked off with the Bubble Run 5K, and I mostly walked this one. It was bright and early—8AM start, 7AM registration—way out in the West Valley at Camelback Ranch-Glendale, the Spring Training home of the Chicago White Sox and L.A. Dodgers. Fancy, right?

And yet… I didn’t sleep the night before. Again. What is it with me and this “back-to-school” nervous energy before races? It’s like my body thinks I’m being graded on punctuality and vibes. I started feeling sick to my stomach (thanks, nerves), and I didn’t know the area well. Add a hundred cars backed up at a single light, and you get one overwhelmed runner-walker trying to play it cool.

Over 7,000 people showed up in waves—which thankfully made it feel less chaotic. I loved seeing families out there, mamas with double strollers, and babies with more energy than I had after my pre-race protein bar. But hey, I didn’t pass out or throw up. We’re counting that as a win!

After the Bubble Run, I made my way to Gilbert, AZ, to support my dear friend Myeisha at a Midlife Women’s Wellness event—a true balm for the soul. I walked in feeling tired and left feeling restored. Sound baths, EFT tapping, breathwork, journaling, and some delicious, healthy cuisine? Yes, please. I needed all of it—and then some.

Sunday rolled in with the Rum Run 5K—because apparently, one race a weekend just isn’t enough when you’re turning 50 in style! This one had a 5PM start, complete with hilarious costumes, great music, and even rum punch at the finish line. (Don’t worry, I earned it.) I met a potential new running buddy, which makes this race even more memorable. My time? 41:04 with a 13:15 pace. Not my fastest, but considering I did a back-to-back race weekend, I’m proud. Oh, and the finisher’s medal? A mini flask. Yes, really. Cute and functional.

🎉 Race Recap Progress:

    ✔️ 3 of 3 5Ks
    ✔️ 1 of 2 10Ks
    🔜 1 Marathon to go
    💰 $50K fundraising goal—now in motion!

Every mile I walk or run is not just for me—it’s for the vision. The 50/50/50 Campaign isn’t just a clever title; it’s a movement. As I celebrate my upcoming 50th birthday, I’m running 50+ miles to raise $50,000 to expand my coaching and peer support practice. Why? Because I believe healing should be accessible, intentional, and soul-stirring.

Your support helps fund the tools and space I need—from art supplies and tech to healing manuals and safe, sacred space—so more people can experience deep, creative healing regardless of their financial situation. With each donation, you're helping someone reclaim their story, rediscover their peace, and reimagine their life.

Whether you're walking your own path, cheering from the sidelines, or ready to lace up with me—thank you for believing in this vision. Let’s keep moving, creating, and healing together.

👉🏽 50/50/50 Campaign

Give. Share. Walk with me. Because transformation starts with one step.

Captured Moments: The 50/50/50 Journey in Motion

Here’s a peek into a weekend filled with miles, milestones, memories, and meaningful connections—captured in real-time as part of my 50/50/50 journey. 💫👟📷

 

Trusted Friend

I grew up with dogs, but my most trusted companion was Misty—a full-bred German Shepherd with a fierce spirit and a heart full of loyalty. She was my shadow, my protector, my friend. Then there was "Dog"—a nameless stray we loved nonetheless (though I admit, he deserved better than just “Dog”).

Midway through my fifth-grade year, we moved to a new community. It was exciting—until Misty got loose, lost in an unfamiliar world she didn’t know how to navigate. We searched, we hoped, we grieved. Losing her was heartbreaking. In fact, I think it was the reason I never truly allowed myself to connect with another animal after that. It was too painful to open my heart again.

Then came MarLee, my daughter’s little Chiweenie. From the moment I met him, I was smitten. She asked me to keep him for a while, and I happily agreed. He was adorable, affectionate—and, to be honest, a bit of a handful. Having a pet again felt almost like having a small child—finding dog sitters when I traveled, making sure he was fed, taking him for walks. It was a job. But it was also love. He became my little companion, my comfort.

When MarLee went back home to my daughter, I was relieved to have my freedom back—but I also felt something I hadn’t expected. The house was too quiet. Too empty. I missed him more than I thought I would.

I knew I couldn’t make an emotional decision, so I gave myself time—two months to sit with the stillness, to reflect on what I truly wanted. Eventually, I decided to adopt a rescue dog. I wasn’t ready for the demands of a puppy, but I also wanted a companion young enough to share adventures with.

And then came Bear. The adjustment wasn’t easy, but before I knew it, she had nestled into my life and heart. My trusted friend. My hiking, running, walking partner. Wherever I went, she went. And in her quiet companionship, I found something I didn’t even know I was missing.

A Moment of Reflection

Sometimes, love finds us in unexpected ways. Sometimes, it walks on four legs and reminds us that companionship isn’t just about presence—it’s about connection, trust, and the silent understanding that we are never truly alone.

• Who—or what—has been a trusted friend in your life? 
• Do you have a fur baby who has left paw prints on your heart? A pet who has been your loyal companion through life’s ups and downs? Or perhaps a person, a memory, or even a place that brings you comfort?

I’d love to hear about your trusted friends—past or present. Share your stories in the comments! 💛🐾

Warmly, 

Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

Rooted & Rising In My Own Light

I am honest.

I am a picture of perfection.
I am unique and gifted.
I am talented, bold, beautiful, and brave!

I am an explorer.
I am a warrior.
I am a canvas, sculpted and intimately knit together by the Master Creator.

I am relief.
I am contentment.
I, too, am a creator.
I am bliss—airy, light, and free.
I am abundance!

I am as radiant as the trees,
Brilliant as the stars,
Audacious as the sun.

I am the moon’s glow and the ocean’s roar.
I am powerful, diplomatic, and strong,
Yet full of poise, gentleness, and compassion.

I am understanding.
I am a whisper of hope caught in the trees.
I am sturdy and resilient.
I am honor and integrity.

I am the song the birds sing,
The melody between the strings,
The heart of the drum’s beat.
I am the dance of the butterfly soaring high.

I rise, blossoming among thorns.
I am decadent, wafting aromas of spring’s fresh air.
I am the mind’s eye that stares—
The gaze of Mother Bear, the protectress.

I am the fiery blaze of the lion’s mane.
I am wisdom untold.

"Rooted & Rising In My Own Light" is more than just words—it’s a feeling, a truth, a reflection of strength and creativity. These images are an extension of that expression, each one capturing the essence of resilience, beauty, and the journey of becoming. May they inspire you to stand tall, rise boldly, and embrace your own light.

Rooted & Rising In My Own Light

© 2025 Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

Originally written: 2/22/25
Revised: 3/30/25

Disclaimer:

This blog post, including all written content, poetry, and original artwork (paintings and photography), is the intellectual property of the author and is protected by copyright. No part of this content—written or visual—may be copied, quoted, reproduced, or distributed without prior written permission from the author. All rights reserved.

I encourage thoughtful sharing of my work. If you wish to feature this content in major forums, publications, or platforms, please contact me for authorization. You may share excerpts and images as long as proper credit is given, including a direct link to the original post.

Thank you for respecting my creative process and honoring the integrity of my work.

Respectfully, 

Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

Restoring Dignity: A Call to Love, Compassion, and Action

In a time of division and pain, how can we embody Jesus' example of grace, mercy, and restoration in our world?

There is so much happening in America and around the world right now, and my heart aches. Perhaps it’s because I love so deeply and truly struggle to understand the hatred, division, and lack of respect for human dignity. The fact that so many people’s right to thrive seems under constant attack leaves me disheartened. Or perhaps it’s because I believe with all my heart that Jesus came so we might all have life—abundant life—and He lived in such a way that exemplified remorse, honor, and deep respect while restoring the downtrodden.

When I turn to the Bible, I see Jesus consistently demonstrating compassion, mercy, and a deep commitment to restoring human dignity—especially for those who were marginalized, sinful, or vulnerable. Two stories that come to mind are the woman at the well (John 4) and the woman caught in adultery (John 8). These are just two examples of many where Jesus extended grace, forgiveness, and restoration. His life is a profound testament to the power of love in healing and renewing hearts.

Image from Pixabay

Let me share a few notable examples from the Gospels that illustrate His unwavering commitment to healing both the body and the soul:

        1. The Forgiveness of the Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12)

• Context: A paralyzed man is brought to Jesus, but the house is so crowded that they lower him through the roof.

• Jesus' Action: Rather than simply healing his body, Jesus first addresses his spiritual need: "Son, your sins are forgiven." This act of forgiveness shocks those around Him.

• Restoration: Jesus restores not only the man’s physical health but also his relationship with God. This teaches us that spiritual healing and reconciliation are vital to human flourishing.

        2. The Call of Matthew the Tax Collector
            (Matthew 9:9-13)

• Context: Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him—an occupation despised by many for its association with greed and betrayal.

• Jesus' Action: When questioned by the Pharisees, Jesus responds, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

• Restoration: Jesus reaches out to the socially ostracized, showing us that no matter how sinful or marginalized one may be, they are still worthy of love and redemption.

        3. Healing the Woman with the Issue of Blood
            (Mark 5:25-34)

• Context: A woman suffering from a twelve-year bleeding disorder approaches Jesus, believing that merely touching His cloak would heal her.

• Jesus' Action: Jesus heals her and calls her “Daughter,” restoring her physical health and social dignity.

• Restoration: By calling her "Daughter," Jesus affirms her worth, showing that true healing involves restoring a person’s dignity and worth, not just their body.

        4. Jesus Heals a Blind Man (John 9:1-12)

• Context: When Jesus encounters a man born blind, His disciples wonder if the man or his parents sinned to cause his blindness.

• Jesus' Action: Jesus heals the man and challenges societal views about sin and suffering, declaring that the blindness occurred so the works of God might be revealed in him.

• Restoration: In restoring the man’s sight, Jesus not only gives him physical healing but also spiritual illumination, challenging misconceptions and offering true restoration.

        5. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

• Context: When asked about who our “neighbor” is, Jesus tells the parable of a Samaritan who helps a wounded Jewish man, while religious figures pass by.

• Jesus' Action: Through this story, Jesus teaches that true compassion transcends ethnic and social boundaries.

• Restoration: Jesus calls on us to show mercy and restore the vulnerable, addressing both their physical needs and deeper emotional needs for compassion and community.

        6. Jesus Heals a Leper (Matthew 8:1-4)

• Context: A man with leprosy, an illness that causes social isolation, approaches Jesus for healing.

• Jesus' Action: Jesus touches him—an act that would have been scandalous—and heals him, restoring both his body and his dignity.

• Restoration: By touching the leper, Jesus reaffirms his humanity, showing that true healing comes with compassion and the restoration of human dignity.

        7. Jesus and the Children (Matthew 19:13-15)

• Context: When disciples rebuke people bringing children to Jesus, thinking Him too important to spend time with them, Jesus corrects them.

• Jesus' Action: “Let the little children come to me,” He says, emphasizing that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are humble like children.

• Restoration: Jesus affirms the worth of children, showing that the vulnerable are precious in God’s eyes and belong fully in His kingdom.

        8. The Healing of the Woman Bent Over for 18 Years
            (Luke 13:10-17)

• Context: A woman bent over by a disabling spirit for 18 years comes to Jesus on the Sabbath.

• Jesus' Action: Jesus heals her and declares that she is a “daughter of Abraham,” restoring both her body and her dignity.

• Restoration: By healing her on the Sabbath, Jesus shows that the law should bring life, not oppression, and affirms her place as a beloved member of God’s covenant.

        9. The Conversion of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)

• Context: Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector despised by society, climbs a tree to see Jesus.

• Jesus' Action: Jesus calls him down and goes to his house, where Zacchaeus pledges to give away his wealth and restore what he has wronged.

• Restoration: Jesus’ grace transforms Zacchaeus, leading to both spiritual reconciliation and practical restoration of justice in the community.

These examples highlight Jesus’ unwavering commitment to exonerating sinners, supporting the vulnerable, and restoring people to lives of dignity and flourishing. His actions continually broke down social barriers and challenged the status quo, reminding us that God's love and mercy are available to all—no matter their past or present circumstances.

But what I see in our world today does not always reflect this love. And yet, there are still many of us working boldly to be open, forgiving, loving, welcoming, and restorative. I am deeply grateful for those who are supporting the vulnerable and standing up for what’s right, much like Jesus did.

I’ve been told that when something grieves you deeply, it’s because God is calling you to take action. He calls us to serve, to support, to uplift, and to be part of the solution. In these grievous times in our history, I’m calling on fellow followers of Christ, disciples, and anyone who believes in the flourishing of humanity to love thy neighbor and take action.

Wars are not the answer. Dehumanization, isolation, and the labeling of people as “illegal” are not the answer. Instead, let us welcome those who are different from us—to share a meal, a cup of tea, coffee, or, more importantly, conversation. Together, let’s light the pathway for love, compassion, and human flourishing.

Reflective Questions for the Reader:

1. How can you show compassion and love to those who are marginalized or vulnerable in your community? 
   
   Compassion is an extension of God's love. How can you be an agent of His love by actively reaching out to those who are often overlooked or mistreated?
   
   
2. In what ways can you break down barriers of division and extend grace, as Jesus did, to those who are different from you? 
   
   Jesus’ life showed us how to bridge gaps and embrace the "other." How can you make space for understanding and reconciliation in your own life and relationships? 
   
   
3. What actions can you take today to contribute to human flourishing and dignity for all people, regardless of their background? 
   
   Dignity is a God-given right for all people. What concrete steps can you take today—big or small—to help restore dignity and promote a flourishing life for others?

Hope, Love, Faith, Courage, Belonging
Original Artwork by Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

Closing Thought:

Come, you who are weary and heavy-laden. Come, you who are at a crossroads. Come, you who compassionately, boldly, and lovingly push against injustice by welcoming those connected to you with grace and humility. Come and be renewed, restored, rejuvenated, and reconnected to a body that is whole and waiting for you!

With Love & Open Arms,

Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

Unlocking the Power of the Mind

A Journey Through Books, Belief, and Transformation

The Shift from Reading for Knowledge to Reading for Transformation

Before law school, I was an avid reader—devouring multiple books a day, sometimes finishing up to seven in a week. I read for the pure joy of it. But when I started college in 1997, reading became more about academics and knowledge acquisition. Pleasure reading took a back seat to textbooks, research, and projects.

In recent years, I’ve rediscovered my love for reading, though my approach has changed. While I still enjoy physically holding a book, my primary way of consuming books since 2020 has been through listening. At first, audiobooks were challenging—my mind would wander, and I often had to rewind or restart chapters. But over time, I learned to focus and appreciate them, especially while driving, walking, or running.

Some of the most thought-provoking books I’ve listened to recently include:

• Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
• Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg
• Sacred Woman by Queen Afua
• The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge

Though these books cover vastly different topics, they all led me to some profound realizations about life, mindset, and the power of transformation.

Lessons That Shape a Mindset for Growth and Healing

These books reinforced powerful principles that have become my keys for living with intention:

1. Your Body is a Sacred Temple
   – Care for it with stillness, nourishment, and movement.
   
2. Listen to Understand
   – True communication begins with deep listening, not just hearing.
   
3. Suspend Judgment
   – We often rush to conclusions, but understanding begins where judgment ends.
   
4. Words Hold Power
   – Speak with intention because your words shape your reality.
5. What You Consume Becomes You
   – What you see, hear, eat, and experience directly influences your mindset and health.
6. Community and Connection Matter
   – We thrive in relationships, not isolation.
7. Creativity is for Everyone
   – It’s not just a gift for a select few; it’s available to those who remain open to it.
8. Abundance Over Scarcity
   – The world may push limits, but you can choose to live from a place of infinite possibility.
9. You Are Energy
   – Your thoughts, beliefs, and actions generate the reality you live in.
10. Your Mind Shapes Your Reality
    – What you truly believe in your heart manifests in your life.

The Mind as a Gateway to Healing

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is that healing begins in the mind before it ever manifests physically. I experienced this firsthand.

On January 10, 1993, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease—a condition my doctors barely understood at the time. I was on the brink of death. They told me to expect a life of constant surgeries and an early death.

I refused to accept that prognosis. I prayed, believed, and visualized complete healing. Seven years later, I went in for a routine colonoscopy. The doctors were stunned. “It’s gone,” they said. “You must be in remission.”
I corrected them: “No. I am healed.”

This experience solidified a powerful truth: The mind is the first battleground for healing, transformation, and success.

Biblical Affirmations on the Power of Belief

Scripture reinforces what I’ve learned about the power of belief and mindset:

• Matthew 21:22 – "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."
  
  
• Philippians 4:19 – "And my God will meet all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
  
  
• John 11:35 – We have a God who understands our emotions and struggles.
  
  
• Jeremiah 33:3 – "Call to me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know."

These verses affirm that faith and action go hand in hand. When we believe, align our mindset, and take steps toward what we desire, we open the door for transformation.

Overcoming Fear and Limiting Beliefs

Fear—whether of failure or success—often holds us back from reaching our highest potential. But what if we choose to unleash the power of our inner mind?

Here’s how:

• Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs – Question the stories you tell yourself about what’s possible.
  
  
• Step Into New Opportunities – Growth requires stepping beyond what’s familiar.
  
  
• Feed Your Mind with Intention – Guard against negativity and instead nurture empowering beliefs.
  
  
• Practice Daily Affirmations – Before bed and upon waking, affirm the reality you are creating.
  
  

The Power of Nonviolent Communication

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the power of intentional words. Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg emphasizes the importance of:

• Speaking honestly and with empathy
• Choosing words that uplift rather than harm
• Listening without judgment

A practice I’ve embraced is reflecting on past moments of anger or frustration and asking:

• What triggered this reaction?
• How could I have responded differently?
• How can I communicate with more kindness and clarity?

Sometimes, I even ask close friends and family for feedback: How can I be a better communicator?

The Invitation: Take Action to Transform Your Mindset

This journey of learning, unlearning, and growth is ongoing. Now, I invite you to reflect and take action:

1. What beliefs are shaping your current reality?
2. What limiting thoughts are holding you back?
3. How can you start feeding your mind with thoughts that support your growth?
4. What actions can you take today to align your mindset with the life you desire?
   
   Your mind is your greatest tool for transformation. Use it wisely.
   What’s one powerful belief you are choosing to embrace today?

I love that so many of you have come alongside me, listening and engaging with my lived experiences. Through your feedback, I can see how deeply these reflections resonate, and it means so much to know we’re on this journey together. I’d love to hear more about your own experiences—how this writing has impacted you, what insights you've gained, or even topics you’d like me to explore further. 

Feel free to email me at GodsGiftLLC@gmail.com to share your thoughts.

Peace  and blessings, 

Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

Leaving Familiar

Facing Fear and Embracing Growth

Over the weekend, I experienced a breakthrough—and came face to face with a fear I thought I had conquered.

First, the breakthrough. I attended a Women’s Spiritual Education and Wellness Workshop and met some amazing women (and men—side note: lately, every event I attend with men present, they are there in full support, affirming and serving women, secure in their manhood, and walking in servant leadership. Different story for a different day, but I see y’all, and I honor, respect, and appreciate you. I’ve felt safe!).

Back to the story…

I was up at the butt crack of dawn and at the event by 7:45 AM. Since I was there as a vendor for work, I started setting up—table, signs, registration materials, the usual. At first, I just observed, like anyone in a new space. I greeted people, held doors for elders, and took in the energy of the space. The women I met were incredibly kind, especially the one who invited us to vend. Once everything was in place, I wondered if we could join the workshop sessions. I decided to ask—and to my surprise, my colleague and I were welcomed with open arms.

What we experienced was a room full of intelligent, God-fearing, gentle giants—leaders, changemakers, and women shaping their communities in powerful ways. And in that space, I was reminded of my own gifts, talents, and experiences. I even found myself reflecting on things I hadn’t thought about in years—like the time I sang at the inaugural World Sickle Cell Day event at the United Nations in Manhattan over a decade ago.

When I shared that with my colleague, she laughed and said, "Wow, I keep learning so many new things about you. You have a plethora of experiences and knowledge."

Lessons Reinforced Through This Experience:

1. Speak up or you won’t be heard. Closed mouths don’t get fed. I would have missed a blessing if I hadn’t asked to join in.
   
   
2. Serving with an open heart isn’t weakness; it’s strength. Giving to others doesn’t diminish you—it enriches you.
   
   
3. Connections are valuable and vital. They feed the soul, but only if we truly plug in—not just to take, but to be present and pour into each other.

Coming Face to Face with Fear

Arizona was never a place I imagined living, but I’m here now. And even when I feel like shrinking back to what’s familiar, there’s a voice that keeps whispering: "STAY. Be still and know…"

After the event, instead of catching a ride or an Uber, I decided to explore South Phoenix on foot. And by “explore,” I mean I walked. And walked. And walked. Almost eight miles, to be exact.

At one point, I reached a bridge under construction. Wooden beams. Bolts. Not exactly reassuring. I paused, analyzing whether it was safe to cross.

Thinking back, I must have looked real suspicious to passersby—walking a few steps forward, stopping, looking around, considering crossing the street to find another way, then turning back. Each time, I went a little farther before retreating to "safety."

Finally, I decided: Just run across and get it over with!

The Infamous Bridge: A Crossroads of Fear and Growth

I ran the first eight steps, then slowed to a cautious walk. I looked back. Looked over the side. Considered turning around. But in the end, I kept going. It was the longest bridge I’ve walked in a long time. I thought I had overcome my fear of heights—I mean, I’ve hiked mountains, flown on planes, even gone zip-lining! But in that moment, fear gripped me. The old hesitation was still there. 

When I reached the other side, I stopped, exhaled, and patted myself on the back. I could have turned around and walked an extra two and a half miles to avoid that bridge, but I didn’t. And then it hit me—this was bigger than a bridge.

Leaving the Comfort Zone

One of my favorite books, The Dream Giver by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, talks about how an "Ordinary Person" must leave a place of comfort to step into something greater. And once you step out, you’re immediately met with resistance—doubt, fear, even "bullies" trying to pull you back.

Crossing that bridge reminded me that despite how hard it is to leave familiar places and push past limiting beliefs, it’s necessary for growth.

And well, for me, it’s hard being over 1,000 miles away from everything I’ve ever known. But if I go back, am I trusting the plan God has for my life?

        So, I told myself:

• I can visit the familiar, but I cannot live there.
• I cannot return out of fear.
• The next level will stretch me, and that’s okay.

Leaving the familiar requires launching into the unknown. It requires crossing bridges—even when fear tells you to turn back. 

This weekend, I faced a bridge—literally and figuratively—and I crossed it. With two more 5K races for my 505050 Campaign ahead, I plan to cross two more.

The Other Side of Fear

Cheers! See you on the other side!

Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

The Healing Power of Creative Expression

Why Creativity Is More Than Just a Hobby—It’s a Lifeline

Psychologists say painting nature reduces anxiety, while others believe art is a way to express emotions. If I’m being honest, that’s probably why I started.

From the time I was a little girl, I have loved writing poems, short stories, and songs. It has always been a form of therapy for me. I didn’t know it then, but writing, singing, drawing, dancing—pretty much all things art—became my outlets for release, healing, recentering, and growth.

I remember when my siblings and I used to play a game called "Up Against the Wall." We’d gather in the middle room of our house, each taking turns to stand up and perform whatever we wanted—singing, dancing, reciting poetry, or acting out a monologue. The only rule? It had to be engaging enough to keep the others interested.

Apparently, I was a natural comedian. I didn’t even know what a comedian was at the time—I just loved making my siblings laugh. I’d do funny voices and crack myself up so much that we’d all end up laughing until we cried.

One of the most influential people in my creative journey was my fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Wiggins. She introduced me to so many forms of art—crocheting intricate mesh designs, making Christmas wreaths, and even crafting handmade greeting cards. Ironically, I enjoyed her projects more than the traditional art classes we had at school.

By middle school, I was learning to sew. I figured out how to mend holes in my jeans, replace buttons on my blouses, and even sew pillows and curtains. I also took drawing classes, which captivated me—until I became discouraged. My faces didn’t look realistic, and at the time, I didn’t realize that abstract art was just as valuable and expressive.

Fast forward to 2020, during the worldwide shutdown—I picked up a paintbrush and instantly fell in love with painting. Nature became my muse. 

I can’t speak for every artist, but I know firsthand that creativity can be a lifeline. Having experienced a host of traumas before the age of 10, I needed creative expression—it has likely saved my life. I still write, paint, and sketch from time to time. I never mastered drawing lifelike faces, but I’ve learned to embrace the soothing nature of simply creating.

And when I watch television shows, movies, or Netflix series, I am convinced now more than ever—art does, indeed, imitate life.

To My Fellow Creatives:

Keep creating for the joy of it. If you only focus on feeding yourself, the pressure might suck the life out of your art. Do it because you love it, and trust that everything else will fall into place.

---

Disclaimer:

This blog post and all associated artwork are the original works of the author. No part of this content—written or visual—may be copied, quoted, reproduced, or distributed without prior written authorization from the author. All rights reserved.

Title: Pieces of Myself

Original Artwork by Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

Going the extra mile

During one of my daily walks, one of our unhoused neighbors approached me and asked if I had just a quarter. Unfortunately, I didn’t. I told him so, and he hung his head, turning to walk away.

I almost kept going, but something in my spirit nudged me to stop. Ask him if he wants something from the store. So I did. His eyes lit up, a flicker of hope breaking through.

"Yes, I haven’t eaten all day. Yes, I do really want a drink, but I’m really hungry too."

My heart sank.

We stood near a 7-Eleven, so I offered to get him something to eat. He was specific—he wanted a real cola, not the diet kind. That was okay. I was just grateful I had my bank card with me since I usually don’t carry it while walking. I bought him a breakfast sandwich, chips, and that cola he wanted. When I handed him the bag, he said thank you more times than I can remember.

I told him he was welcome, and instead of leaving right away, I asked about his family.

"No one wants me around anymore."

So I asked him to tell me something about himself.

He shared that he was a veteran. When he returned home from a tour, he struggled to adjust to being around people. He had grown so used to solitude that it became difficult to communicate with his wife, children, and even lifelong friends. The only people he somewhat related to were other vets, but even then, he admitted many of them had as he put it, "lost their marbles and often talked mumbo-jumbo" that he couldn’t connect with.

He didn’t blame them, though.

"Something about taking a human life or even witnessing it does something to you on the inside," He said. 

After years of trying to reintegrate, his agitation and hostility grew. Arguments turned into domestic disturbance calls, and household items bore the brunt of his frustration. He never hit his wife, but looking back, he admitted he had scared her and their children. Eventually, he was asked to leave.

I asked if he wanted a place to stay.

He hesitated. "I’m not sure."

I told him about some shelters for men, specifically for vets. He took the information with no promises. And that was okay. I wasn’t trying to save him—I just wanted him to feel seen, heard, and cared for while offering a resource.

After all these years, I’ve finally learned that going the extra mile doesn’t mean carrying someone’s burdens or fixing their life. It simply means showing up in a way that reminds them they are not invisible. I now understand the power of listening—really listening—without judgment, without the urge to fix, just to be present.

As we parted ways, he thanked me again, and I wished him well before continuing my walk.

Looking back, I realize I might not have met this man or had the privilege of hearing his story if I hadn’t gone that extra mile during my walk. Isn’t that just like life?

Going the extra mile isn’t about grand gestures or fixing what’s broken in others—it’s about showing up, being present, and allowing humanity to flow between us. It’s in the moments when we set aside our assumptions, lean in with curiosity, and honor the stories of those we encounter. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple question, an open heart, and the willingness to see another person fully. If we walk through life with this intention, who knows how many unseen souls we might touch—how many lives, including our own, we might change?

Going the extra mile—both literally and figuratively—leads us down unknown pathways, where we have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the essence of what it means to be human. 

All we have to do is be present.

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Reflective Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. When was the last time I truly saw someone beyond their circumstances?

2. How do my assumptions shape the way I engage with those who have different life experiences?"

3. In what ways can I offer presence, not just solutions, to those in need?

4. What fears or discomforts hold me back from going the extra mile for others?

5. How can I create more space in my daily life to listen with empathy rather than judgment?

With tenderness and warmth,

Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris