Seeking the Stars & Brewing Positivity
A Coffee Break for Resilience and Calm
The day after the election, I stood at Howard University, listening to Vice President Kamala Harris give her concession speech.
She spoke of community, of how working hard can be both joyful and good.
She reminded us that in the darkness, you can still see the stars. And she urged us to be the light in the years ahead.
Only when it is dark enough, can we see the stars.
Let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion of stars. The light of optimism, of faith, of truth, and service. —Vice President Kamala Harris
Ever since, I’ve been reflecting on that mission.
How can I help fuel this joyful resilience?
Road to Recovery
In between these reflection sessions, I have been managing my ongoing recovery from Post-Viral Syndrome.
Note: I don’t officially have Long Covid, since my test results were never positive. For the sake of understanding, I have been recovering from Long Covid-like symptoms.
It’s been a long road. I won’t deny that.
For more than six months, I have been fighting to get back to a sense of normalcy.
After all the tests, long nights, flare ups, and countless times I have started again, resilience is a familiar road.
Throughout this long recovery process, I have learned so many lessons in self-care, patience, balance, and determination.
I hope the strength I have gained and the lessons I have learned can help shine a light on ways we can move forward.
Moving through Darkness
It is interesting how just as I found grounding in my health, that darkness that Vice President Harris warned us of, started thickening.
It’s pulled us into quite the cycle, right?
The doom-scrolling. The alerts of bad news after bad news. More doom scrolling.
Moving through darkness can be draining.
If ever there was a time to look for the stars, it’s now.
In Exploring Over Coffee Club, I hope to share encouraging practices, so we can combat the darkness with more calm and unity.
Keep scrolling for relaxing coffee break activities to support your wellness.
It’s Time to Seek the Stars
One truth keeps me moving forward: There is strength in community. There is power in resilience.
That’s why I want Exploring Over Coffee Club to be more than just a publication. It’s a community space.
I want us to explore how we keep going—through coffee, through connection, and through the stories that inspire.
A Calming Coffee Break
Pause for positivity a few minutes every day.
I put together some activity recommendations for your coffee break to help you replace doom scrolling with mindfulness.
I encourage you to be intentional with your time and energy.
Skip the doom scroll.
However you get your news, avoid it. Listen to something relaxing like a podcast, audiobook, or motivational video.
Enjoy this 15-minute Exploring Over Coffee Podcast episode about Digital Detoxes for more inspiration.
Breathe deeply.
A few moments of intentional deep breathing can bring a sense of calm.
Breathing deeply (from your belly, not your chest) does wonders for your body.
Soothing the Vagus Nerve and Parasympathetic Nervous System is something I’ve added to my self-care routine during my post-viral syndrome recovery.
I recommend this 20-minute deep breathing meditation from Chibs Okereke on YouTube. Hope you enjoy and feel the calming benefits.
Jot down a thought.
Sip and reflect with this journal prompt.
What are three simple ways can I support my community this week?
Step outside.
A quick walk or stretch in fresh air can do wonders for your mood and clarity.
Start a new book.
Read a chapter while on your break.
Need some nourishment? Start a self-care book.
Want to celebrate diversity? Read a book for each cultural observance month or finish a “banned” book.
Need an escape? Explore a fantasy read.
Want a game plan? Try a book on community building.
Even a few minutes of mindful rest can recharge your spirit.
Which of these mindful coffee break activities speaks to you the most?
I hope this coffee break routine is helpful, and that my letter gives you grounding through these times.
The road ahead is definitely a long one.
However, with resilience, community, and positivity, I hope we can create more grounding together.
Thank you so much for reading! If this post brought some positivity your way, please like, restack and share with a friend.