dearest muse,

family is not defined by blood, lineage, or tradition, but the people who uplift you, cherish you, and make you feel at home

this week, we honor the relationships we chose to nurture and build with love

whether your circle is wide or intimate, whether it's traditional or beautifully unconventional, you deserve to feel held, understood, and supported

you deserve connections that nourish your spirit and honor who you are becoming

this week is a reminder that we have the power to decide who belongs in our lives and who we allow to have access to us

people who see us, value us, and support us and who we see, value, and support in return

enjoy this week's lessons...

all photos are links to more information, this week all a tributes to my found family

the bookshop.org link is an affiliate link

let's start this amazing week with a morning meditation

a visualization that will help you practice sharing your heart, and standing bravely in vulnerability

building deep connections requires openness

share your dreams, fears, and joys with your chosen family to strengthen trust and intimacy

enjoy

share your heart (vulnerability) morning meditation

by women's meditation network

next, a podcast about finding your community

friendship is the foundation and every other relationship builds upon friendship

in this episode, mel will show you how to find your people, have more fun, and create meaningful friendships as an adult in a very simple way

where did all my friends go? a simple guide to finding your people

by mel robbins podcast

relationships thrive when we invest in them

prioritize quality time, shared experiences, and meaningful conversations with the people who matter most to you

we explore this lesson with a blog post

friendship is a two-way street

it’s not just about having someone to rely on in tough times, but also being there for them when they need you

if you’re looking for ways to build an intentional friendship, look no further!

ten powerful ways to build an intentional friendship

by theplainsimplelife.com

this week, a powerful novel where our protagonist navigates complex family dynamics and the trauma of her childhood in this social media influencer driven world

estranged from her father and battling her influencer stepmother in court, our protagonist heavily relies on a strong, supportive network of friends and extended family who provide the emotional security and unconditional love she lacks at home

allow me to introduce myself

by onyi nwabineli

now, the perfect series for thankgiving and friendsgiving

centering on the enduring bond of a core group of college friends who have remained a crucial, supportive presence in each other's lives through various triumphs and challenges over more than two decades, even extending to their children

this series showcases the unique bond between the group of friends, emphasizing that this "chosen family will be your greatest gift of all"

the best man: the final chapters

starring morris chestnut, melissa de sousa, regina hall, terrence howard, sanaa lathan, nia long, harold perrineau, and taye diggs

your ritual this week

family is not limited by blood

it is shaped by belonging, tenderness, safety, and genuine love

this ritual honors your right to create a circle that nourishes you, uplifts you, and meets you where you are

it is a return to chosen closeness, sacred connection, and community that feels like home

the intimacy check-in choose one meaningful relationship and check in intentionally; ask real questions: “how is your heart today?”, “what’s been bringing you joy?”; deep bonds come from deep presence

vulnerability practice once a week, share something honest with someone you trust: a fear, a dream, a hope, a memory; chosen family forms through shared truth

community ritual join or attend one space that aligns with who you are becoming: a yoga studio, a creative class, a wellness event, a spiritual group, or a local gathering; let yourself be seen

boundaries as protection identify one relationship that drains you; set a small boundary: fewer texts, shorter calls, more space; your chosen family should leave you feeling full, not depleted

host a warm space invite one or two people over for tea, a meal, or a slow evening with candles and conversation; craft a moment of warmth, and create the home you deserve

memory-making practice choose one small activity each week that builds connection: a walk, a movie night, a shared playlist, a co-journaling moment; relationships strengthen through shared moments

enjoy!

family is what you make it

you deserve relationships built on mutual love, trust, and respect

this week, we celebrate the beauty of creating your own circle of belonging, filled with people who remind you that you are never alone

you are worthy of love, connection, and a family that feels like home

you'll be hearing more from me soon

promise

tamara charese

as always, affirmations from previous weeks are available here