Funny enough, “Crystal Claire” was first bestowed upon me as my ‘rapper name’ at my high school’s hip hop & poetry club. Since then, the name has flowed off the tongue at countless parties & festivals– even when my poetry slam skills stutter. Not only it is a convenient way to distinguish myself from theContinue reading “Behind the name, “Crystal Claire””
Tag Archives: Empowerment
Book Review: Defining Decade
The Defining Decade is the book every twenty-something needs to read. Not only will it light a fire under your rear to set your adulthood up for success, but it will teach you how to do it. Based on decades of research as a psychologist specializing in young adult development, Meg Jay confronts the modernContinue reading “Book Review: Defining Decade”
Meditation Transformed My Life
Six years ago, I read online that practicing breathing exercises could help reduce anxiety. I didn’t anticipate that some of my most profound personal moments would eventually arise from nurturing these moments of silence.
Dear Fellow White Folks
Regardless of your stance on the national election, our world is rapidly transitioning into more a difficult, yet uncertain future. The ongoing unrest, violence, and hate are not just “going to get better with time.” We can’t erase the damage that is dangerously gaining momentum, or forget about previous decades of civil rights activism thatContinue reading “Dear Fellow White Folks”
Defining a Good Roommate
Sharing a common space harmoniously is crucial to a happy home life, so it counts to have positive relationships with those you live with. In my experience, I’ve had anywhere between one roommate to living 60 other girls at a time. Needless to say, I’ve picked up a lot of lessons about how to beContinue reading “Defining a Good Roommate”
Book Review: Thank & Grow Rich
A longtime favorite, Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill gets a modern face-lift through Pam Grout’s refreshed rendition in, Thank and Grow Rich. The subtle title changes open doors for more profound realizations about what it truly means to be abundant in wealth and bliss.
Accepting Aching Bones
From a young age, we’re conditioned to believe that being an adult isn’t enjoyable. As we progress into adolescence, we savor our youth to numb our sense of inevitable aging. We joke that we “feel old,” but we focus on the negative lights on our naive faces, avoiding the acknowledgement that this moment is the youngestContinue reading “Accepting Aching Bones”
Dear Lady Gaga
The following is the letter I gave to Lady Gaga when I met her on my birthday, February 26th, 2016. Some personal details are taken out, but if you were curious as to why I love her so much, this should provide some insight.
The Underbelly of Self-Care
The first four months of living in Portland, upon reflection, felt like a grueling detox that I wasn’t quite prepared for.
Declaration of Self-Love
For countless years, I’ve sought to find the sweet balance between genuine self-love and congruous self-expression. As of late, I have felt smothered by an imminent pressure pushing me to discover this increasingly necessary harmony.