Sis, let’s talk about living fully. For so many of us, especially those of us who are part of Gen X or Boomers, survival has been the rhythm of our lives. We’ve been raised to hustle, to juggle, to keep pushing through, even when we’re exhausted, even when we’re overwhelmed. And I get it—survival mode is something we’ve all become really good at. But here’s the truth: You weren’t born to just survive.

Survival is a season, but it shouldn’t define your entire life. Living fully—embracing your creativity, expressing yourself freely, reconnecting with your inner peace—that’s what you were born for.

I know it’s hard to slow down, to make space for joy, when we’ve been trained to keep moving, keep going, and keep everyone else in check. But sis, it’s time to stop getting through the day and start living the way you were always meant to.

The Shift: From Surviving to Living

I’ll be real with you. I used to be in that survival mode too. When I first launched dakari moon, I was selling art prints and greeting cards, trying to get people excited about my work. But something wasn’t clicking. I wasn’t seeing the kind of movement I was hoping for.

Then, one day, while I was at an event, I had a breakthrough moment. Customers would come up to me and ask, “Do you have planners? Journals?" They would tell me what they like to do and how they like their beauty served.

And that’s when it hit me.

Our customers don’t just want things that are pretty and decorative—they want things that serve a purpose, that help them live better, and that nurture their souls while being functional.

So I made a shift to creating functional beauty—things that weren’t just beautiful to look at, but things that helped us organize, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves. I started designing planners, journals, and other products that spoke to our need for peace, creativity, and practicality. 

What Does It Really Mean to Live Fully?

Living fully isn’t just about achieving more or doing more. It’s not about running faster or checking off endless to-do lists. To live fully is to honor your peace, to embrace the moments of stillness, and to allow space for creativity and expression without the pressure of perfection.

Sis, it’s about living in the present—being connected to what makes your soul come alive. It’s about showing up for yourself, not just for everyone else. It’s about making time for what nourishes your soul, what feeds your creativity, and what reconnects you with joy.

How You Start Living Fully (and Stop Just Surviving)

If you’re tired of just getting by, if you’re tired of the grind that has you feeling burned out, then it’s time to step into living fully. Here’s how you can start to shift from survival mode to a life where joy, peace, and creativity are at the forefront:

1. Make Time for What Nurtures Your Soul
You know how easy it is to get caught up in everyone else’s needs—your family, your job, your community. But when was the last time you made time for you? Living fully means honoring the parts of you that need rest, recharge, and expression. Whether it’s journaling, coloring, or crafting, give yourself permission to enjoy the process without expectations. Make time for hobbies that feed your soul.

2. Embrace the Power of Play
One thing I’ve learned is that play isn’t just for kids. It’s for your soul, too. Play is about creating without pressure. Slowing down and reconnecting with what makes you feel alive—whether it’s dancing in the living room, doing a crossword, painting on a canvas, reading a book or having karaoke nights in your living room. Coloring is also a form of play—a chance to let your mind wander and your creativity flow. The act of playing is a beautiful way to tap into your inner child and reconnect with joy and freedom.

3. Set Boundaries That Prioritize Your Peace
When I started to shift my focus from just surviving to living fully, one of the biggest changes I made was setting boundaries. It’s about saying no when you need to, yes to yourself, and honoring your time and energy. Survival mode often means we put ourselves last. But living fully means you’re allowed to be first, to honor what’s best for you, and to stop overextending yourself.

4. Reconnect with Your Creativity
There’s power in creating. Whether it’s through writing, painting, or coloring, creating something allows you to express what’s been buried deep inside of you. Creativity is a healing tool. It’s a way to process your emotions, find peace, and discover new ways to express yourself. Start making space to create, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. Your creativity is a direct line to your soul, and it’s time to nurture it.

5. Celebrate Small Wins
Living fully doesn’t mean waiting until you’ve achieved everything. It’s about celebrating what’s already good in your life. Celebrate the small wins—the moments of peace, the creative breakthroughs, the ways you’ve shown up for yourself. Celebrate that you’ve taken the time to breathe, to color, to dance, to laugh. Living fully is about appreciating the present moment and honoring the growth you’ve already achieved.

If you’re ready to take that first step toward living fully, grab your Black Girl Slim coloring book today and start expressing yourself. Start making time for you. And if you’re looking for a way to truly celebrate creativity and community, join me for Culture & Sip—where we color, paint, and connect with our tribe.

You’ve been surviving long enough, sis. It’s time to live.