My Quirky and Unexpected Soul Tribe

The people who have inspired me to keep going along this Midlife journey

Tribe

"If you're out on the road

Feeling lonely, and so cold

All you have to do is call my name

And I'll be there on the next train..."

-Carole King

Ah, the Gilmore Girls nostalgia with that song by Carole King but, I'm not here to go down the mommy and daughter quirky banter of Lorelai and Rory. Well, at least not yet!

While a nice portion of society might judge my cover, there are those beautiful souls who continue to take the time to get to know the depths of my story. Today, I want to share how blessed and grateful I am to have met some amazing folk along my path of midlife rebuilding. With that, I hereby decree that today is "Shout Out Day" aka a grateful message for those folks who continue to show up even on my most trying days!

DV the Catalyst

Reflections

What can I say about DV? He's a damn nut! But all jokes aside, this man is definitely one of many sunbeams in my life. From crying spurts to ridiculous banter (mainly him, as I'm innocent), we are like 2 rabbit hole buddies from the same ADHD pod!

While we might play around on quarter-day-long phone calls, DV the Catalyst is more than that. He is a mental health advocate, suicide survivor, and veteran. He shines a light with his "catalyst cards" filled with thought-provoking questions, pondering quotes, and raw energy. DV is one of the rare black men I've met who shows strength in vulnerability and I absolutely commend him for that.

As a suicide survivor, DV spreads love and awareness through his own trials and tribulations; his YouTube channel reflects that. He gives advice even while being in the depths of the trenches. D is one of those soul tribe members who should receive more recognition than a simple glance.

How DV the Catalyst has inspired me?

D has been one of my many rocks through my own trying era, not only has he been there as a non-judgmental listening ear but has also given me knowledgeable tools to keep going. His way with words is kind but thorough and he has a way of helping you understand things without leaving you feeling small or insignificant. With his work as a content creator and man of faith, his openness and authenticity build a bridge and a better definition of what it means to hold space for yourself and for others. He is a well-needed energy in today's world and as he likes to say, "Thanks for the flowers", today I am returning and acknowledging those flowers, my little/big brother from another mother. THANK YOU!

You can find DV the Catalyst on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Kimberly B.

Midlife Essence

This lady right here, what can I say but "Trouble"! In the most fabulous way possible of course. Kimmie, my midlife bestie and partner in fool-uckery, has been trekking along this journey not only alongside me but in the midst of her own middle-age leap. Within only a few months of each other, we both dove into new territories of our lives and it has been a duo of tales to share ever since.

Kim is a little older than me but don't let her age fool you, she has the tongue of a sailor--my F-bomb twin--, the heart of a carebear, and the vocals of a country jazz singer. She is widely talented and hilarious AF! We spend hours talking about the most ridiculous of things but also the deepest and most heartfelt.

This badass lady is a mom of 3, an ESL Teacher, and an adventurer. She has been to Europe and is fluent in French-- something she and my daughter resonate with and communicate through from time to time. Kimmie is a unique soul and definitely breaks the mold of those I have met during my teens and 20s. She speaks her mind but is also very aware of herself and works on healing daily. She's certified in Reiki healing, knows how to crochet, can sing her ass off, and she's Single! Yup, I'm pimping her out, lol. However, if anyone is interested you better be emotionally in tune, be willing to have lots of...err fun-filled dinners, and give her the love and respect she so deserves or I will cut you up and sell your parts for donuts!

Ah hem, any who Kimberly is one of those soul tribe members that has been a welcomed breeze.

How Kimberly B. has inspired me?

Kim has shown me that living outside the box isn't something to be ashamed of and that life should be embraced as a playground. She's also taught me that while this journey has its ups and downs it's also ever-changing so try not to sweat it too much. Kimmie is a breath of fresh air in so many regards especially since we live in a world that continuously wants to box you in and add weight to a life that should be your own; she's good at saying "fuck'em!" No preservatives are necessary when it comes to this soul member! So with much love, gratitude, and hopefully no bail money, thank you bestie for being an added portion of my life and my journey.

You can find Kimberly B. over on her Facebook page.

Onemptyvessel

Road Life Flow

So let's travel the terrains of the U.S. with Lynn aka Oneemptyvesssel. This beautiful soul is a sweetheart and one of the most resilient people I know. She not only inspired me to keep going during my own spurt of car life but to this day checks in and shares messages of enlightenment and encouragement.

Lynn and her son CJ have been traveling around this country for some time now and through their pictures on Instagram and Facebook, they reflect the pure meaning of living life from your heart.

CJ and Lynn are both artistically gifted, CJ knows his way around the melody of the guitar while Lynn spins an array of whimsical colors through her crocheting. Their creativity is a true signature and balance that captivates the newsfeeds.

How Onemptyvessel has inspired me?

Lynn has been a welcoming whisper in between the noise of life. Her energetic guidance has encouraged me to keep diving deeper within my own spiritual path and personal understanding. We relate to many ups and downs of this unorthodox journey especially when it comes to living life as a nomadic traveler.

The ins and outs of these not-so-common waters can sometimes be lonely but not with Lynn and CJ as they show how even with the most taboo of paths you can have such a fulfilling and enriching life no matter the trials. Here's to Oneemptyvessel for continuously sharing her journey and illuminating a beacon for those walking similar paths. Thank you so much for being a ray in my life beautiful!

You can find Lynn and CJ over on Instagram and Facebook.

Anyway, midlife readers or those curious about life over 40, this was such a fun and gratefully reflective article to write. I have so many more thank you's to share. With that subscribe to my newsletter for updates on posts like these and so much more.

Until next time readers!