Hello and good morning, everyone! I hope you are doing well, staying cool during this crazy heat wave, and figuring things out with grace. Today's newsletter is going to be a little different from all the others. I hope you enjoy it just as much as y'all have chimed in and helped keep this newsletter afloat.
Alright, here we go!
Growth, Grace, and Giving Myself Room
The last several months have been challenging for me (and honestly, they still are). As of August 4, 2026, I am taking a five-month Leave of Absence (LOA) from classes. I made this decision for several reasons, including reorganizing my home life, figuring out employment, and discovering new things I can do with Hari's Helping Hands without going overboard.
Of course, whenever there's progress, hurdles and negativity tend to follow.
I've been trapped in my own mind for a very long time. When I get stressed, I overthink and want to overproduce rather than use that time to rest and restore my mental and spiritual well-being. By the time I fully realize what's happening, I've already yelled at people, disengaged from activities I used to pull all-nighters for, or worse. That hurts me more than most people truly realize about me and all my little quirks.
You see, creating this newsletter isn't just for a portfolio or nonprofit purposes. It's a haven for the knowledge I gain while taking online classes or going through training at work. There are jobs and "specialists" out here who talk the talk but can't walk the walk. Logging in, doing my thing, and practicing real-life critical thinking helps me hold on to whatever purpose I have as a creator, writer, and educator without losing myself.
Of course, it ain't easy. Nothing we do in this lifetime (or the next) is straight-up easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy. However, with a little blood, sweat, tears, and a whole lot of imagination, the things we wish were easy eventually become easier—almost second nature.
Anyway, I could talk about different philosophical life theories for hours. Today isn't that day (yet)... but it's coming.
I wanted to personalize this message a little more because I want y'all to know that I'm still here. I don't know exactly how y'all want me to show up for you, but I'm here and ready to receive whatever you might throw my way. Just please give me a little time and grace, and I'll do my best to return the favor—anytime, anywhere.
Looking Ahead While Letting Go
For those of you who may (or may not) know, I am in the process of moving. My kids, except Ishmael (my 7½-month-old baby boy), went back to my sister's earlier this week and started school. It was bittersweet, but like so many things in life, we had to go our separate ways so we can grow and glow.
Iann, 6, made the transition feel like we were living through one of those classic Robin Williams movies. His eyes spoke louder than the slow goodbye waves and the warm tears trickling down his delicate cheeks. I could tell my big boy didn't want to go back, but he knew he had to.
Giving him one more hug, I told him to get in the car so Boom Ma, their grandmother, could take them back to my sister's. Ivy, 7, bolted out of Boom Ma's car and wailed. She clung to my shirt and refused to let go. As tempting as it was to break down with her, I kept a strong face and smiled. I told them to tighten up, do their best, and work hard. I love every one of them, no matter what they do or where they go in life.
After that, they were gone.
Part of me was glad they left. They’re going somewhere with running utilities and access to a better education. Another part of me wished they had stayed until the night before school started. Of course, that would’ve meant making sure they were clean, had nice clothes and shoes, and went to bed on time.
Some of those things I can’t give them yet...
...and that’s the part that hurts me the most.
As their mother, I feel like it’s my job—no, my duty—to give them everything they need to live life to the fullest while learning kindness, forgiveness, and grit. If I can’t provide the bare basics, then what am I doing as their parent? If I can’t even give them a warm bath and can only offer cold showers, then who am I really?
As much as I hate thinking that way, I keep moving forward and continue practicing grace and forgiveness. I didn't like how things ended last year, but through grace, wisdom, and forgiveness, we're pushing through it. Letting go of dead weight isn't easy, but it's enough to help us keep moving through whatever hardships stand in our way—as a family.
A New Chapter for Hari's Helping Hands
Alright, I know today’s newsletter leaned more into the personal side of life than Hari’s Helping Hands, but I wanted to share this part of my journey with you. Hopefully, my story and ongoing experiences encourage you as you work through whatever life has placed in front of you.
While we’re nearly halfway through August, this will be my final update before Hari’s Helping Hands officially begins its new season. We’re getting very close to our new schedule and theme, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.
This season, we’ll transition from general behavioral psychology into workplace psychology with touches of sociology. We’ll explore different employment environments and how they influence our behavior both at work and at home. We’ll also spend time discussing topics within industrial-organizational psychology, including conflict management, communication, discernment, emotional intelligence, and healthy workplace relationships.
Thank you again for stopping by throughout this break and allowing me to share this space with you. Don’t forget to check in and say “hi” every now and then. I’m a person looking for connection too, you know. Besides, I’m genuinely curious about what’s going on in your world.
Have a beautiful day, and remember that I love and adore you. Stay amazing!