Monthly Gratitude
Thanksgiving Edition
I’m feeling extra thankful this month… and it’s not just because some colonizers invited the locals to a very awkward dinner party a long time ago. Although, to be fair, I AM grateful for the stuffing that came out of that whole situation. #blessed
Truth is, this whole blog thing started as a small creative outlet… and it’s turned into something that truly lights me up. Writing again has been refreshing. It’s how I process, how I teach, and how I connect. Half the stuff I post here are things I talk about all day behind the chair. Now I just get to hit “publish” instead of repeating myself 47 times a week. It’s made my life easier and reminded me how much I love storytelling.
So, thank YOU.
Yes, YOU reading this.
I’m grateful for you, [insert your name here], for showing up. For reading, sharing, commenting, and cheering me on. Every view, every like, every sweet message feels like a little air hug. You’ve shown up in such amazing ways. Whether you’re one of my clients, family, or an internet stranger who somehow stumbled onto the chaos that is House of Haiiriika.
THANK YOU.
You remind me that my words actually reach and relate people.
(And it’s not just Barbara hyping me up in the chat. 💅)
My Tribe
I’m thankful for my tribe. Every night when I put my daughter to bed, I ask her about her day; then she asks about mine. At first, I’d just say, “I did people’s hair..” Then she started asking peoples names. Then she asked if they were my friends. And it made me think… you know what? Yeah. They are. Somewhere along the way, my clients became my friends. And the coolest part, I get to work with my friends every day! It’s pretty damn cool. The friendship is a little weird because, yea, technically I’m charging you to hang out with me… buuut let’s not focus on that. 🤭
Moving to a new city with a family was nerve-wracking. But finding my tribe here in San Antonio has been nothing short of amazing. You, [insert your name here] have been part of that journey. You’ve let me be honest, messy, funny, and real. And that’s the kind of love that sticks.
And duh… To My Haters #neverforget
Even you, my little sugar muffin. Maybe you didn’t get enough love growing up, but unlike your mom/dad, I’m not gonna ignore you. 😉 Thank you. Thank you for your energy, your side-eyes, and especially your clicks. Because you know what? My light shines bright for both of us. Thanks for driving my algorithm, jellybean. You clicked. You probably didn’t read, but you boosted my engagement. And unlike my patience with other people’s kids in public, this space actually thrives on chaos and good vibes. 🧡
My Cherry on Top
This season of gratitude isn’t just about gluttony and stolen land. It’s about the little things that make life’s heart beat. It’s about energy: what we take in, and what we give out. I choose to give patience, love, compassion, and maybe a little attitude. It’s an absolute privilege to share this time and space with you, [insert your name here again]. I get to share this ride with some bitchin’ people who care. Wherever you are, however you found me, thank you for being part of this beautifull chaotic moment in time. It’s equal parts magic and mess, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
This blog has reignited something in me, and I’m not slowing down anytime soon. Well… okay, maybe I’m slowing down for the holidays. But come January…. Just you wait…cuz I’ve got some sloppy stuff on deck.
Happy Thanksgiving fam!
xo, Airika 🧡
