Family Curse Reflection

Embracing Me

This morning, I reflected on my life and the journey of wellness I began to break what I once saw as a family curse. This journey revealed a family history of heart disease, diabetes, and mental illness. But even more importantly, it helped me understand why God entrusted me with the Embracing Me Project. This project is about discovering who I am in God and recognizing who He is in me.

Embracing Me is not just for me—anyone can declare it: "I am embracing my God-given identity."

When you embrace your God-given identity, you accept that you are beautifully and wonderfully made in His image. God sculpted you, poured gifts and talents into you, and called you worthy.

Mind-Body-Spirit Observations

As I’ve examined my family’s history, I’ve noticed a pattern of disconnection between the mind, body, and spirit. These observations are not just about my loved ones but about myself as well. When one part of us is off-kilter, it impacts the whole. For example, an overwhelmed mind burdened by unresolved trauma, grief, loss, divorce, or other challenges affects the body and spirit. Similarly, an unsettled spirit lacking trust in God, in oneself, or in one’s community ripples through the mind and body. And when the body experiences illness or disability, it can distort how we see ourselves and our worth, negatively impacting the mind and spirit.

When I think about wholeness, I think about how the mind, body, and spirit work in harmony to allow us to live a life full and free just as we are. These reflections challenge me—and now, you—to evaluate where disconnection might exist and how to pursue greater alignment in your own life.

Identity Beyond Labels

Do you love yourself? Do you know who you are and who created you? Do you understand why you were created? These questions matter because our identity is so much more than the labels we often wear: mother, daughter, executive, pastor, son, husband, or wife. Our true identity lies in who God made us to be.

The curse ends here. The separation from my true self and my God-given identity ends with me. I am choosing to embrace all that I am, all that I was created to be, and all that I am destined to do, using every gift and talent God has placed within me.

Embracing Challenges and Differences

Every ailment, curse, or challenge doesn’t have to define us. That doesn’t mean that everything we face isn’t real, but it does mean that it has purpose. As I’ve reflected on disability and identity, I was moved by a book I recently read: My Body Is Not a Prayer Request. This powerful work reminds us that we are all different, and that’s exactly as it should be. Whatever afflictions or challenges we face, our lives remain deserving of dignity, honor, love, and respect.

When I say, “The curse ends here,” I mean I am embracing who I am—precisely as I am—with faith that I can heal and grow in mind, body, and spirit. And as I grow, I honor the experiences of others, understanding that each of our paths is unique.

All bodies may not heal, and not all minds will heal because of the brokenness one has experienced. It is our job to respect where people are and meet them there, just as Jesus and the disciples did.

Words of Encouragement

1. You are wonderfully made and have a purpose that only you can fulfill.
2. Your challenges do not define you; they refine you.
3. Embracing your true identity is the first step toward healing and growth.

Questions for Reflection

1. What steps can you take today to embrace your God-given identity?
2. How do you see your mind, body, and spirit working together in harmony?
3. What limiting beliefs about yourself are you ready to let go of?

Coaching and Peer Support

If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey of self-discovery and healing, I invite you to explore coaching and peer support. I would be honored to walk with you on this journey. As a certified Peer and Recovery Support Specialist, mindfulness and self-healing coach, experienced author, and speaker, I bring a wealth of personal and professional experience, as well as educational aptitude, to guide you. My approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a commitment to helping you embrace your full potential. 

Please visit my Coaching and Peer Support website for more information and to connect with me.

Disclaimer

I am not a doctor or licensed therapist. My work is rooted in faith, self-healing, and mindfulness, and I offer support as a peer and coach. I am unapologetically a woman of faith, a disciple of Christ, and committed to the divine mandate to uplift and inspire others.

Notice/Disclaimer

This essay contains the original thoughts of Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this work in any form without the express written consent of the author is strictly prohibited.

Thank you for respecting the creative integrity of this piece!

Remember, the journey to wellness begins with one step. Let’s walk this path together.

With love and gratitude,

Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

Celebrating Strength: Pushing Boundaries and Embracing Growth

Hello, Wellness Warriors! 🌟

As we move deeper into the new year, I hope you’ve had time to reflect on your journey so far and celebrate your wins—big or small. Progress, after all, is worth celebrating at every step.

For me, one of my biggest wins is preparing for my very first 10K run: the She Power 10K on January 26th. 🎉 This marks the start of my 50 Years, 50 Miles, $50K Campaign—a mission to honor my 50th year by completing over 50 miles of races and raising $50,000 to grow my coaching and peer support business.

Training for this race has been nothing short of transformative. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and pushing beyond limits I didn’t know I had. There have been moments of struggle, where I felt I was on the edge of breaking. But I am not broken. Instead, I’ve discovered a strength within me that continues to grow with each step, each mile, and each moment of reflection.

This campaign isn’t just about running—it’s about inspiring others to rise to their challenges and embrace their mental, physical, and spiritual health. Through every stride, I’m reminded that we all have the power to rewrite our narratives, heal from the past, and build vibrant futures.

Let’s Celebrate Together 🎉

As part of this journey, I’d love to hear about your wins! What victories have you achieved so far this year? What challenges have you faced and overcome? Let’s celebrate you.

Feel free to share in the comments:

• What’s one thing you’re proud of this week?
• What goal are you working toward right now?
• How are you pushing yourself to grow this year?

A Quick Campaign Recap

For those who missed my last post, here’s what the 50 Years, 50 Miles, $50K Campaign is all about:

• 50 Miles: I’m running 3 5Ks, 2 10Ks, and a marathon this year.
• $50K Goal: Funds raised will go directly into expanding my coaching and peer support business, providing impactful programs, events, and resources.
• Purpose: To build a stronger wellness community while inspiring others to prioritize their mental, physical, and spiritual health.

How You Can Get Involved

💌 Make a pledge. DM me or comment below if you’d like to support the campaign (the crowdfunding link is coming soon!).
📣 Cheer me on. Follow my journey and celebrate milestones with me!
💡 Join the movement. Stay tuned for in-person and virtual events focused on self-healing, mindfulness, and creativity.

Strength Through Connection

This journey is about more than my personal goals—it’s about creating a ripple effect of positivity and growth. Together, we can inspire one another to embrace challenges, celebrate victories, and keep moving forward.

Drop a 💪 or 🎉 in the comments if you’re ready to celebrate your own strength and successes! Let’s make this year a transformational one for us all.

Turning Pain into Peace: How Time Can Heal Our Deepest Wounds

Maybe time does not heal “all” wounds, but WITH time, wounds “can” heal.

It’s been almost 25 years since my mother transitioned from this life, and nearly 40 years since my father passed away. I remember those early days when even the thought of them would leave me frozen—unable to move or process my pain. The grief was suffocating. I missed them so much that it felt unbearable. I longed for their presence and hated the reality of living without them. But over the years, something shifted. Through moments of stillness, healing, and creating new neural pathways, I’ve learned to coexist with the memories. Now, when I think of them or dream about them, I can smile. I can sit with the memories, fully present, and cherish the love we shared. Sometimes tears still fall, but they no longer leave me feeling stuck. Instead, they bring gratitude. 

I once dreamed of owning a home where my mother could grow old while I cared for her. That dream is not my reality. But what I’ve discovered is that I carry my parents with me—always. They are part of me, in my thoughts, my dreams, and the way I live my life. 

For years, I used to get upset whenever I heard the phrase, “Time heals all wounds.” It felt dismissive of my pain. But now, I’ve come to understand that with time, wounds can heal. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting or moving on—it means learning to honor the love and the loss, while also choosing to move forward with hope. 

To You, the Reader:  

If you’re in a tough place right now—feeling hopeless about your future or overwhelmed by your grief—I want to remind you of something important: you are not alone. Pause for a moment. Place your hand over your heart. Take a deep breath and feel the life within you. Grief and wounds can feel endless, but they don’t define your future. Healing is possible, but it requires patience, courage, and a willingness to take small steps forward. 

Here are some gentle suggestions:

1. Consider counseling or therapy. Having someone to guide you through the process can make all the difference. 

 2. Incorporate meditation or mindfulness practices. These can help you sit with your feelings, process them, and find peace. There are wonderful, guided meditations available to help you get started. 

 3. Nurture all parts of yourself: 

• If your spirit is calling, try prayer, spend time in nature, or join a supportive faith-based or spiritual group. 
  
  
•  If your mind needs care, journal to organize your thoughts, listen to calming music, or engage in creative outlets like art or dance. 
  
  
• If your body is seeking attention, focus on nourishing foods, gentle movements like yoga or Tai Chi, or simply allow yourself extra rest. 

Above all, be patient and gracious with yourself. Healing is a journey—not a race. It’s okay to take it one day, or even one moment, at a time. 

Reflection Questions 

§  What would it look like for you to take one small step toward healing today?

§  How can you honor your emotions while also creating space for hope?

§  Who in your life can offer you support or encouragement right now? 

Closing & Encouragement

You are not alone. You are loved. Healing is possible. And though the journey may be hard, I know firsthand that wounds do heal. 

With love and gratitude,

 Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

 

Love Is...

Poem Written by Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris
Originally composed on December 14, 2019, and revised on January 8, 2025

Love is air...

Love is light...

Love is food...

Love is life.

Love is strength...

Love is tears...

Love is forgiveness...

Love is setting boundaries.

Love is sweet! 

Love is a gift that fills you and leads you...

Love is looking in the mirror and knowing your value...

Love is pushy!

Love is colorful...

Love is believing you can fly with no wings... 

Love is feeling the presence of that one over a thousand miles away...

Love is the synchronization of two heartbeats...that even when one is distant you can still hear its heart as if beside you.

Love is knowing how to hold on but also knowing when to let go...
Love is holding on EVEN when you let go...

Love is a complex gift that casts out fear, doubt, and unbelief...

Love is conversation, protection, and intimacy beyond the sheets.

Love builds character and discipline...

Love is understanding the pains of those you love...

Love is always extending prayers of peace, joy, happiness, and wellness...

Love weathers the greatest of storms.

To know TRUE LOVE at its core is to know compromise...

To know love is to know purity and sacrifice...

To know love is to know that love cannot be destroyed by time, distance, or space...

Love is eternal!

Notice/Disclaimer:
This poem is the original work of Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this work in any form without the express written consent of the author is strictly prohibited.

Thank you for respecting the creative integrity of this piece! 

50 Years of Resilience: Miles, Milestones, and Memories

Happy New Year, Beautiful Souls!

Welcome to a brand-new year filled with endless possibilities. I hope this message finds you thriving and that 2025 is already shaping up to be a year of joy, growth, and transformation for you.

First, let me take a moment to celebrate YOU and this incredible community. Together, this blog has reached over 60,000 views across 50+ countries worldwide—a milestone that fills my heart with gratitude and pride. Thank you for being a part of this journey.

It’s been a while since I’ve shared here—life has been full of transformations, challenges, and triumphs. As some of you know from following me on social media, I’ve been deeply immersed in a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. I’ve been striving to become the best, most authentic version of myself.

Many of you were here when I first shared my voice through my books, The Whitaker Book of Poetry and Hell and Heaven at 8. Since then, I’ve contributed to seven book compilations (and more are on the way!). These projects have been part of a larger story—one of healing my mind, body, and spirit, and building a vibrant community that thrives on growth and connection.

In this time of reinvention, I’ve also launched several initiatives that evolved into a beautiful Wellness practice. Through coaching and peer support, I’ve had the honor of helping others embrace their healing journeys. As a certified self-healing, mindfulness, recovery, and peer support specialist, I offer personalized support that integrates art therapy modalities like journaling, vision boards, painting, and more. This practice is about creating space for healing, empowerment, and transformation—together.

Now, I’m kicking off this year with something extraordinary: my 50 Years, 50 Miles, $50K—Miles, Milestones, and Memories Campaign!

As I celebrate my upcoming 50th birthday in November, I’ve set out to accomplish two meaningful goals:

🏃‍♀️ Complete 50+ miles through 3 5Ks, 2 10Ks, and a marathon. (My first race, the She Power 10K, is just around the corner on January 26th!)

💰 Raise $50,000 to expand my coaching and peer support business—creating even more opportunities to impact lives through programs, events, and resources that nurture mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

This campaign is more than just miles or money—it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and transformation. It’s about inspiring others to set bold goals, embrace healing, and create memories that matter.

But enough about me—what about YOU? I’d love to hear how you’ve been since we last connected. What wins have you celebrated? What challenges have helped you grow? Let’s make this space a hub of encouragement, reflection, and support once again.

Drop a comment below or share your thoughts with me. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Here’s to an incredible year of growth, connection, and living fully. Let’s do this—together.

With gratitude and love,
Stacie