7 Things That Are Infecting Your Lifestyle (Whether You Realize It Or Not)
If something in your life feels semi-chaotic right now, I’m willing to bet some pretty good money that, if you put some real thought into it, you would realize that it’s probably the result of the culmination of a lot of little things that went overlooked instead of one big thing that happened. The good news about this type of realization is when you’re real with yourself about what’s infecting your life, you can take some real steps towards doing what can affect you in a more positive way.
Why am I so confident about this? Oftentimes, when my clients come to me, expressing that their life feels like it’s in total disarray, once I bring up the following seven (plus two) things, they start to realize that making changes, even in these areas, can make a really big difference.
So, if you’re ready to improve your world on a few different levels, look to see if you recognize yourself in any of these points. If so, there’s no time like the present to do a bit of…shifting.
1. Not Making Time for (Some Form of) Meditation
GiphyY’all, I’ve got some clients that wear me all the way out. The fascinating thing is, it’s not because of their issues or personal goals; it’s because they are so anxious or uptight or frazzled that they aren’t focused enough to still their psyches enough to truly gain anything out of the sessions. So, what do I recommend? That they meditate at least 10 minutes before we meet — and lawd, does that make all of the difference in the world!
From a counseling perspective, meditation is awesome because it makes people more self-aware, helps them to concentrate better, reduces their levels of negativity, makes them more tolerant (and a better listener), and it also makes it easier for them to see things from a different (or bigger) perspective. Overall, meditating is bomb because it also reduces stress levels, lowers your blood pressure, can help with physical pain and addictive patterns, and it also improves your quality of sleep — and that really is the tip of the iceberg as far as its benefits are concerned.
So, how long should you do it? According to many experts, 10 minutes is sufficient, especially if you’re just starting out (check out “7 Meditation Hacks (For People Who Can't Seem To Do It).” However, if you want to get the most out of meditating, 30 minutes is optimal. And here’s the thing: meditation is not a monolith. There is spiritual meditation, mindfulness meditation, visualization meditation, and so many other approaches to it. We’ve even published an article on the platform entitled “The Best Meditation Practices For Your Zodiac Sign.” And don’t even get me started on the fact that if you want to improve your sex life, there is also orgasmic meditation (check out “What Exactly Is 'Orgasmic Meditation'?”).
You know, I once read a quote that simply said, “Brilliant things happen in calm minds.” Unfortunately, a lot of people are out here fumbling all kinds of “life balls” and creating all sorts of unnecessary problems for themselves, and it’s because they avoid doing simple things like sitting down somewhere, deep breathing, and centering their psyche.
The average person spends somewhere around 2.5 hours of their 24-hour day on social media alone, and I won’t even get into how that can oftentimes do more harm than good (check out “10 Ways To Keep Social Media From Triggering You (So Much)”). The least you can do is take 30 minutes out of that for something that has been scientifically proven to help your mind, body, and spirit, right? I’m sayin’.
2. Neglecting to Make WEEKLY Short-Term Goals
GiphyAn author by the name of Brian Cagneey once said, “In order to know where you’re headed, you must be aware of your own personal goals.” On the heels of that, author Earl Nightingale once said, “People with goals succeed because they know where they are going.” To me, the interesting thing about being a goal-oriented person is it speaks to being purpose-driven too. The reason why I say this is because, while one definition of purpose is “the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.”, another is “an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.” See how they work, rather seamlessly, together?
Although a lot of my coaching centers around relationships, because the root of life coaching started in the executive lane, I sometimes deal with people who need some support when it comes to their careers. Whenever they feel stagnant (check out “6 Questions To Ask Yourself To See If You're Stagnant (Or Not)”), something that I will recommend they create is some short-term goals — not just in one category either…it’s a good idea to do so in several: professional, relational, physical, financial, personal, etc.
When was the last time you did that? By setting 2-3 goals for yourself on a weekly basis, not only will the sense of accomplishment do wonders for your self-esteem and confidence levels, it will inch you so much closer towards any long-term goals that you may have as well. For instance, if you save $20 a week (short-term goal), you will have $1,040 by the end of the year (long-term goal).
3. Refusing to Take Seasonal Personal Inventory
GiphyAnyone who knows me (and only I would know if they do) knows that I’m all about taking personal inventory. I’ll explain: the one time I worked retail, sometimes I had to do an assessment to see if what the company said that they had matched up with the reality of what was actually in the store. Well, along these same lines, personal inventory — as it relates to my relationships, my purpose, my goals, my expectations, and my self-evolution — is all about seeing if what I think is going on is actually my reality.
Personal inventory is something that I try to do at the turn of every season (four times a year), and boy, has it served me well. That’s because, if we’re actually taking this thing called life literally and seriously, growth should be transpiring, on some level, on an almost daily basis. This means that change is happening too, and that means we can’t always assume that everything is just the way it was six months ago. In fact, one of my favorite quotes that I share with couples often is, “People change and forget to tell each other,” which is why so many gray divorces (divorces that happen when people are significantly older) go down — if you don’t take inventory of your relationship, you can find yourself living with a stranger. And if you don’t take personal inventory of your life, overall, semi-regularly, one day you could look up and not even understand what the hell is going on, in general.
Personally, I’m a Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) observer. So, the next time I’ll be doing inventory, it’ll be from September 15-17 of this year. I’ve accomplished quite a bit since, shoot, even my birthday this past June, so I look forward to seeing what “matches up” in various areas of my life — and what doesn’t.
You can never go wrong with pulling out a journal and seeing if what you said you wanted your career to look like in this season is actually looking that way or if you and your partner are on the same page relationally. Plus, it’s far more difficult to “come up short” or to even be blindsided when you already know that you’ve taken a personal inventory (account) of your life.
4. Weaponizing Forgiveness
GiphyLet’s go to church — well, actually to the Bible — for just a second. If you’re someone who claims to adhere to biblical Scripture, then you (probably) already know that the gist of Matthew 6:14-15 is the only way that God will forgive you for your wrongdoings is if you forgive others. This essentially means that forgiving people isn’t about them; it’s all about you.
I’d venture to say that the Most High presented it this way to keep us humbly aware that just like people can offend, hurt or harm us, we are fully capable of doing the same thing; not only that, but when it comes to these things, we have done it and will do it again because no one is perfect. Matthew 6:14-15 provides a gut check on that.
Yet even if the Bible isn’t your thing, science provides plenty of intel on the fact that weaponizing forgiveness, in many ways, is an act of self-harm. I say that because it’s been proven that forgiving others decreases stress, reduces anxiety, boosts immunity, improves one’s self-esteem, helps to treat depression, etc. while not choosing to forgive can literally increase your risk of having migraines, strokes, and heart issues (SMDH).
Some of y’all may not want to hear this, yet something else that the Good Book says is the truth is what sets us free (John 8:31-32). And the truth is, a lot of us think that people do not deserve to be forgiven because our ego tells us that — and our ego is lying to us.
Forgiving someone doesn’t mean that you don’t offer up boundaries and/or consequences for others’ actions. No, forgiveness means that you are willing to accept that no one can change the past (author Gary Zukav once said that), that pardoning others is wise because karma is real, and one day, someday, you will need someone to do the same thing to/for you and that you are choosing to not give someone so much power in your life that you are going to hold on to the kind of energy that has been proven to directly affect — actually, infect — your mind, body, and spirit.
Who has the kind of time to be that consumed by/with someone else? Being merciful is something that you will always benefit from. ALWAYS. Put the “grudge weapon” down. FORGIVE.
5. Avoiding ‘Tithing to Yourself’ and Saving Money. EVERY PAYCHECK.
GiphyIf you’ve ever heard somewhere that, although the majority of people have a savings account, most of them don’t have enough money in it to cover a $1,000 emergency, sadly, that is no exaggeration. And let’s not even get into the fact that many financial experts say that you need to save at least 15 percent of your annual gross income in order to retire. Meanwhile, a whopping 60 percent of us are out here living paycheck to paycheck (for a variety of reasons). When you really let that set in, it can be pretty scary to think about.
So yeah, there was absolutely no way that I could speak on “lifestyle infections” without at least mentioning how important it is to be intentional, responsible, calculated, and self-controlled when it comes to your finances; life will be extremely challenging (eventually if not sooner than later due to an unexpected expense or loss of income) if you don’t.
And what about having some “fun money”? Frankly, life is too short not to, and this is where the concept of tithing to yourself comes in. Basically, what that means is, taking 10 percent of your take-home pay and reserving it for yourself. If you want to be really smart about doing this, rather than blowing it all every paycheck on a pair of shoes, save up a few months for a trip or some other larger expense that you’ve had your eye on for a while. When you know that you’ve got some “wiggle room cash” to reward yourself with, that typically makes it easier to be more responsible with the other money that you have.
6. Not Having a (Consistent) Nighttime Ritual
GiphyI wish that I could say that I’ve had a nighttime ritual for most of my adult life, yet that’s not even close to being the case, especially on the beauty routine tip. It’s actually only been this year (I know, right?) that I’ve been consistent when it comes to implementing steps to get my skin and hair ready for no less than six hours of sleep (sleep and rest, and no, they are NOT the same thing) — yet when I tell you that it’s been a total game-changer? Words truly cannot express it! Just setting aside 30 minutes to properly cleanse, treat and moisturize my face (and neck…too many people out here have old-looking necks) and making sure that my hair has some hydration to it has made all of the difference in the world. Plus, creating this kind of routine reminds me that investing in myself in this way is essential and a super wise long-term investment.
Having a nighttime ritual really should go beyond beauty, though. If you set aside a solid hour to slow down and relax by doing things like taking a bath; turning off your electronics; listening to some soothing music; turning on a meditation app; drinking some warm milk (or a milk alternative) and honey, some chamomile tea or some tart cherry juice (it contains melatonin); turning down your thermostat to around 69 degrees (it’s easier to sleep when your body isn’t hot); reading a book; doing some journaling; massaging your feet (to ease pain, reduce stress levels and get rid of muscle tension) — you will significantly increase your chances of not only falling into a sound state of sleep but remaining there until morning.
And since sleep deprivation is connected to things like a bad mood, low energy levels, a lack of concentration and productivity, not to mention it can increase your chances of being overweight, having a stroke or heart disease, or being diagnosed with depression — I’m pretty sure you can see how having a nighttime ritual is not really a luxury; it’s more like a surefire necessity.
7. Forgetting to Celebrate Yourself on a Daily Basis
GiphyAs many opportunities as I can get to encourage self-celebration, I’m gonna do it because I know far too many people who never seem to take a break in life, and it’s all because they don’t acknowledge and affirm the things that they’ve already accomplished before pushing themselves to do something else.
I can be tempted to be this person sometimes, which is why I make it a point and practice to toast myself at the end of every day. It’s literally my way of saying that I see both the “little” as well as big things that I’ve done — and if no one else is gonna get excited about them…I will!
I have a special glass and drink for the occasion, and, at this point, I’ve been doing it for so long that my day does not feel complete without it. Sometimes, I can’t wait to say what I am proud of out loud. It’s a dope way to end the day.
Even if you don’t do what I do, make sure that you find some kind of way to celebrate yourself. It makes no sense to wait on others to do for you what you won’t do for you. Lead by example, sis. Real talk.
BONUS: Always Keeping Your Notifications On
GiphySomething that I’ve been working on more and more these days is “speaking to my friends” in their love language (check out “This Is How To Apply Love Languages To Your Friendships”). For one of them, it’s quality time, so I went to her house one night to hang out on her porch. I used to have a boyfriend who was super big on quality time, too, so one thing that I’ve come to appreciate about those kinds of people is they can cause my stress levels to drop significantly so — and it’s all due to one thing: my phone being off.
Yeah, a lot of quality time people want your undivided attention. This means they are the ones who seem to get the most low-key irritated about checking your phone while they’re talking or even not giving eye contact during a conversation. I get it because if you’re going to be about quality more than quantity, you don’t want to do things that are rude.
And since doing something as simple as turning off your phone notifications can also result in you being less distracted, remaining in the moment, giving your eyes a break from screen stress and strain, focusing on one thing at a time, and feeling a sense of calm from not constantly being in a state of information overload — even when you’re not in the presence of a quality time person, treat yourself to a break from the world that is within your phone by at least turning your notifications off during meals and about an hour before turning in at night (so that you can wind your mind, body, and spirit down). It’s truly like a breath of fresh air.
BONUS: Repeating Yourself
GiphyRecently, while in a session with a wife, she was talking about how frustrated she felt about being a people pleaser who also felt like a doormat: “I’m so sick of people not respecting my boundaries!” she said with an elevated tone. When I asked her if she had clearly articulated what her boundaries actually were, she paused and then started talking about what people should know to do.
Chile. A close friend of mine got me free of the habit of “should-ing” several years ago. Long story short, her take on it is thinking or saying what others should do is a form of projection — and she would be correct. While interacting with other people, we are not them, and they are not us, so we need to state what our needs, expectations, and boundaries are with other people instead of resigning ourselves to the notion that they should already know.
Now once it’s out there in the open, and folks keep dismissing what they have acknowledged, that is when ish starts to get hella disrespectful — in part because if you feel like you have to keep repeating yourself, that usually goes hand in hand with feeling ignored. And when folks are intentional about being so dismissive, it’s time to do some serious reevaluating about the type of role and rank that they should play in your life. Because the reality is folks who truly value you will honor and retain what you have to say. Ignoring is a choice.
_____
The thing about the small things that infect us is they’re like snowflakes that eventually turn into an avalanche. My hope is by reading all of this, you can see how making a few tweaks and adjustments in some areas of your life can really enhance and increase your world on a myriad of levels.
Here’s to some realizing, some acknowledging, some shifting, and some major improving, sis. You deserve it. Indeed.
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It's kinda wild that, in 2025, my byline will have appeared on this platform for (what?!) seven years. And yeah, when I'm not waxing poetic on here about sex, relationships and then...more sex and relationships, I am working as a certified marriage life coach, helping to birth babies (as a doula) or penning for other places (oftentimes under pen names).
As some of you know, something that I've been "threatening" to do for a few years now is write another book. Welp, October 2024 was the month that I "gave birth" to my third one: 'Inside of Me 2.0: My Story. With a 20-Year Lens'. It's fitting considering I hit a milestone during the same year.
Beyond that, Pumas and lip gloss are still my faves along with sweatshirts and tees that have a pro-Black message on them. I've also started really getting into big ass unique handbags and I'm always gonna have a signature scent that ain't nobody's business but my own.
As far as where to find me, I continue to be MIA on the social media front and I honestly don't know if that will ever change. Still, if you need to hit me up about something *that has nothing to do with pitching on the site (I'm gonna start ignoring those emails because...boundaries)*, hit me up at missnosipho@gmail.com. I'll do what I can. ;)
There’s just something about HBCU Homecoming that just hits different. Whether it’s your first time stepping onto the yard since graduation or you’re a regular at every Homecoming tailgate, HBCU pride is undeniable. It’s a vibrant celebration that unites the legacy of excellence and tradition with the energy and resilience of Black culture.
The experience goes beyond a typical college reunion; HBCU Homecoming is a family reunion, a fashion show, a cultural festival, and a week-long turn-up that embodies what it means to be unapologetically Black and educated. For HBCU alumni, the journey back to the yard each year is rooted in a love and pride that’s hard to put into words but impossible to deny.
From statement pieces to tech must-haves, every item represents the intersection of Black pride and HBCU love, ensuring that you show up to the yard in style and with intention. So whether you’re repping your alma mater for the first time since graduation or looking for fresh pieces to express your HBCU pride, these essentials will have you standing out, because, at HBCU Homecoming, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing out.
Thread Goals
diarrablu Jant Pants in Alia Noir
High-waisted, wide-legged, and ready to shut down the yard, the Jant Pants by diarrablu bring a whole new meaning to campus chic. Handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, these free-flowing jacquard pants are perfect for stepping onto the yard with style and ease—making them a must-have for any HBCU alum’s closet.
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Leather Bag Classic Size in Olive
This all-in-one luxury bag isn’t a bestseller for nothing. The Silver & Riley essential is made of Italian calfskin leather and thoughtfully designed, as it can be worn in four different ways: a shoulder bag, crossbody, a top handle, and a backpack. Chic and elegant, the Convertible Executive Leather bag is “the bag that every woman needs in her collection.”
Renowned Women's Intuition Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
Renowned
Renowned’s Women’s Intuition Cotton Graphic T-shirt features a bold graphic print inspired by the power and essence of women’s intuition. With its striking design, this all-cotton tee is a vibrant thing, making it a statement piece that celebrates feminine energy.
Mifland Million M Mesh Crop Shirt
Talk about bold, the Million M Mesh Crop Shirt combines edgy style with comfort, featuring Mifland’s signature print on a semi-see-through mesh fabric. Show up and show out in sophisticated flair.
HBCU Love FUBU
Melanin Is Life Melanated & Educated - I Love My HBCU Hoodie
Show off your HBCU love with this piece that represents everything you gained from your alma mater: a top-tier education, a community that lifts you up, and a deep sense of esteem for yourself and your culture. Wear it loud and proud, because being melanated and educated isn’t just a flex—it’s a legacy.
HBCU Culture Spelmanite Sweatshirt in Navy
Spelmanites, rep your Spelman pride with this unisex crewneck sweatshirt, designed for ultimate comfort and a relaxed fit. Made from a cozy cotton/polyester blend, this classic sweatshirt is as durable as it is stylish—making it an ideal piece for any Spelmanite showing love for their alma mater.
HBCU Culture Howard Is The Culture T-Shirt
Rock the ultimate flex by showcasing your Howard U love with HBCU Culture’s Howard Is The Culture t-shirt. This unisex tee offers a comfortable, relaxed fit that’s perfect for celebrating your HBCU spirit without sacrificing style or comfort.
DungeonForward FAMU - Strike Bucket - Reversible
DungeonForward’s Strike Bucket Hat brings versatility and style to the FAMU Crown collection with its reversible design, giving you two looks in one. Featuring a sleek black snakeskin-embossed brim lining and a bold outline Rattler emblem, this hat is all about repping your Rattler pride in style.
DungeonForward Savannah State University - HBCU Hat - TheYard
The Savannah State University HBCU Hat by DungeonForward is more than just a hat—it’s a symbol of Tiger pride and a nod to the culture. Perfect for gamedays, tailgates, or just showing off your HBCU love, this hat lets you carry a piece of the yard wherever you go.
Tech the Halls
Anker iPhone 16 Portable Charger, Nano Power Bank
Stay charged up with the Anker Nano Power Bank, which features dual USB-C ports, a foldable connector, and a compact design, making it perfect for those HBCU tailgates and late-night parties you pull up to.
Drip Check
Wisdom Frame 14 Square Sunglasses
Elevate your look with these angular square-frame sunglasses by Wisdom, bringing an ultramodern edge to any outfit. The sleek design makes them perfect for blocking out the haters while you stunt on the yard.
Coco and Breezy Eyewear Fortune in Gray Turquoise
The Fortune Glasses in Grey Turquoise is a bold statement piece to any Homecoming weekend ‘fit that “embody our fearless and outspoken DNA.” With their color and edgy design, these frames by Coco and Breezy are perfect for anyone looking to stand out and express their unapologetic confidence.
Howard U Lapel Pin
Rep your Bison pride wherever you go with this Howard U Lapel Pin from Pretty AmbVision. Whether adding it to your jacket, shirt, or bag, this pin is the perfect way to showcase your love for your alma mater while rocking your HBCU love with honor and distinction.
Mifland Standard Rucksack Mini
The Standard Rucksack is designed to evolve like that HBCU pride—getting richer, bolder, and better with time. Durable, stylish, and built to last, this Rucksack by Mifland is a timeless piece equipped with versatile carrying options and fully adjustable back straps for ultimate comfort.
Stay Fresh, Stay Blessed
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Pink
Keeping it cute starts with beauty sleep. This luxurious silk mask is an essential for a reason. If protecting your skin and waking up refreshed is your priority, look no further than this Homecoming essential.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime - Hydration Powder Packets
Stay hydrated and energized throughout Homecoming weekend with this Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier in Lemon Lime. Just add a packet to your water bottle, and bless your body with 2-3 times more hydration than water with every packet. Because staying hydrated is the key to popping up and showing out all weekend long!
Loop Experience Plus Earplugs High Fidelity Hearing Protection
Designed for your hearing protection, these sleek earplugs reduce noise without compromising sound quality—perfect for enjoying the band’s halftime show, late-night parties, and DJ sets. Whether you’re front row at the step show or hitting the yard, your ears deserve to be protected in style!
Black Girl Magic Glass Cup
Sip in style and celebrate your melanin with the Black Girl Magic Glass Cup. Perfect for morning coffee, your favorite iced drink, or showing off your HBCU pride on the yard—this cup is all about keeping it cute while radiating your endless supply of Black Girl Magic.
Glow Up & Show Out
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
What Homecoming weekend can be complete without an assist from this beauty find? Formulated to blend seamlessly into melanin-rich skin (no white-cast), protect your glow while you turn up with the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30.
Sienna Naturals Issa Rae's Wash Day Ritual Set
Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual Set from Sienna Naturals includes the H.A.PI. Shampoo, the Plant Power Repair Mask, Dew Magic, and Lock and Seal to get your crown right. Whether you’re repping your coils or rocking a new color on the yard, these products restore and nourish your strands, keeping your hair healthy, strong, and Homecoming-ready!
54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter
Stay glowing from the tailgate to the after-party with the 54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter. Infused with African-sourced ingredients, this rich, multi-purpose butter is the answer to keeping your skin soft and radiant through all the festivities all Homecoming long.
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
Keep your lips looking luscious and nourished with the Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil. Perfect for adding an extra pop to your pout before hitting the yard or freshening up between events, this lip oil is a beauty essential for staying camera-ready all weekend.
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image by Visual Vic/Getty Images
Everything Jodie Turner-Smith Has Said About Life & Love After Divorce
Jodie Turner-Smith is very much everything. And we don’t say that lightly.
Her beauty, resilience, and talent are otherworldly. From her iconic role in Queen & Slim to her red carpet slays, she’s our queen. Being a celebrity is not for the faint of heart. Even if you try to keep your personal life on the down-low, the spotlight can be blinding. And even more so when it comes to love.
In 2018, Dawson Creek alum Joshua Jackson entered Jodie’s life. Rumors circulated that they first crossed paths at Usher's 40th birthday celebration, and subsequent sightings of them together at various events fueled speculation. Their relationship took a public turn in November 2018 when they attended the U.S. premiere of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri as a couple. As time progressed, their bond became increasingly apparent through their appearances at award shows and other social gatherings.
In August 2019, the couple sparked wedding speculation when they were spotted acquiring a marriage license in Beverly Hills. Later, reports confirmed that they had tied the knot on August 18, 2019.
In 2020, they welcomed their daughter Juno into the world. In March 2023, Turner-Smith candidly shared with PEOPLE that she believes fulfillment comes from becoming the best version of herself for her child's sake. She wrote, "And I try to involve her in my life, not let work be this thing that exists outside of her, but that she also gets to be a part of. And so that she sees me being a working mother and being fulfilled and wanting to mother at the same time."
The world was astounded when Turner-Smith unexpectedly filed for divorce in September of last year, citing irreconcilable differences. Three months later, photographs surfaced showing Jackson holding hands with actress Lupita Nyong'o, raising questions about the timeline of events and the reasons behind the sudden split.
When speaking withGlamour, Jodie said, “Sometimes things we really want to work just don’t end up working and that’s okay. The most important thing is that you choose what’s healthiest for you and your family and definitely your children. There are so many different moments in our life where we look at ourselves and say, ‘Who am I and am I being true to that?”
Jodie is focusing on a new chapter in her life. Ahead, find everything Jodie has said about life and love after divorce.
Jodie on Moving Forward
Excited for the future, Turner-Smith and Jackson prioritize setting a positive example for their daughter, acknowledging when situations aren't functioning as intended.
During an interview with The Times, she shared, “The big takeaway is that this is about just as much love and joy as it has always been. This is only about taking a step forward into a better life for everybody involved.”
Jodie on Co-Parenting
Turner-Smith has said that she and Jackson are going through an "adjustment period" in terms of co-parenting, but that she's trying to get to the level of friendly exes. While the uncoupled pair is still working to smooth things out, she told Glamour, “It’s an adjustment period for anyone when they split up with someone, because you’re used to being with your child all the time.”
Jodie went on to say, “But nobody hands you a manual. Everyone’s trying to figure it out. Each parent has a different life, and especially if the reason why you’re splitting up is because you have different lives, it’s only further complicated by how you’re going to co-parent.”
Jodie on Focusing on Herself
Shortly after the announcement of her divorce, the actress took to Instagram sharing a quote, "Everything heals and grows when it is loved well. People, too."
Turner-Smith previously used quotes to convey her emotions during her divorce journey. Earlier in the month, the actress took to Instagram to share her perspective on love languages. "People don't always say, 'I love you.' Sometimes it sounds like: Be safe. Did you eat? Call me when you get home. I made you this."
Jodie on Battling the Innanets
The mommy mogul doesn’t bother responding to every single thing people say or think because it's a waste of time. Jodie told The Times, “At the end of the day I am not the only person in the world going through a divorce. There are millions of people in the world who are going through what I’m going through and that’s something that’s amazing about the internet, that sometimes it can offer you community.” And like Bishop GloRilla said, “At the end of the day, the day gotta end.”
Jodie on Dating
Like many of us, Jodie is over men. While she confessed to Glamour that she’s crushing on actor Steve Sanghyun Noh, the lead’s gorgeous husband in the Apple TV+ series Pachinko, she’s not currently dating. “Honestly, I think I love him,” she says, before quickly correcting herself, “I’m actually not dating, I’m over men.” In the meantime, she is searching for a cardboard cutout of Steve.
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