“We deserve more than survival—we also deserve love, and fulfillment, and peace, and community, and space to grow into the most aligned versions of ourselves. We deserve to thrive.”
Michell C Clark
Dear Muse,
To thrive is to go beyond surviving.
It is to grow, to bloom, to shine in your fullness. Thriving means honoring your needs, celebrating your wins, and allowing your life to reflect your deepest joy and purpose.
This week's affirmation is…
I Deserve To Thrive
Je Mérite De M’épanouir
No matter what you’ve been through, thriving is possible. You were not meant to stay small. You are here to flourish.
This week’s curated tools will support your thriving journey:
We'll start this week a little different… let's get into the mindset to thrive with Julie Ann Cairns of theabundancecode.com
GIVING YOURSELF PERMISSION TO THRIVE
Sometimes you know how to thrive in your life, but you just haven’t given yourself the deep permission to do it.
Sometimes, the thing holding you back is not a lack of knowledge. You know what to do. You’re just not allowing it to happen.
Next, a podcast conversation with Dr Alexandra Solomon and Dr Thema Bryant
COMING HOME TO OURSELVES THE PATH TO THRIVING WITH DR. THEMA BRYANT
Dr. Thema Bryant, president of the American Psychological Association, joins Dr. Solomon for a rich conversation about how we can heal, grow, and thrive, both on the individual and community level.
They also answer a listener question about how and when to speak up in difficult family arguments about religious beliefs.
Next, your journal prompt. From the one and only elder Maya Angelou for meQuilibrium
THE 3 LESSONS MAYA ANGELOU TAUGHT US ABOUT COPING
Thriving isn't exclusive to painting or poetry. It's whatever you are driven to be and do.
What Maya Angelou modeled was a complete commitment to the expression of her wonderfulness. She showed what it looked like to thrive on a grand scale.
Next, a classic that deserves a revisit. How do we thrive in any circumstance? We believe that there is more and better coming and when it comes, we take that chance! By none other than Alice Walker
A story of resilience and survival, this award-winning novel explores themes of healing, self-discovery, and finding joy in a world that seeks to oppress her.
Unpopular opinion: This version is better than the original. Starring Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P Henson, and Danielle Brooks
The film, which is a musical adaptation of the Broadway show and the novel by Alice Walker, focuses on Celie's transformation from a young girl subjected to abuse to a woman who builds a life of independence and love.The story explores themes of overcoming trauma, finding strength in sisterhood, and discovering one's own voice.
A THRIVING RITUAL
FROM JE MÉRITE, I DESERVE
Thriving isn’t about doing more, it’s about blooming in alignment with who you are. It’s rising without rushing. Expanding without overextending. This self-love and self-care ritual is your invitation to step out of survival mode and into your season of flourishing.
CREATE A THRIVING SPACE - Tend to your physical space as a sacred reflection of your inner growth. Open the windows. Light the I Deserve Sanctuary candle. Add a plant, tidy your favorite corner, play music that moves you. A thriving life begins with a nurturing environment.
NOURISH TO FLOURISH - Prepare or order a meal that fuels your body with intention and love—not just function. Eat slowly. Give thanks. You deserve nourishment that energizes your evolution. I just found a great list of summer salads here.
REST AS REVOLUTION - Thriving includes rest. Wrap yourself in your favorite loungewear from Je Mérite, I Deserve, sip a calming tea, and listen to your body. The I Deserve Rest candle sets the tone: soft, steady, restorative.
Growth doesn’t mean perfection—it means permission to become. You were never meant to just survive—you were made to rise, to radiate, to thrive.
You deserve more than endurance. You deserve a life that reflects your brilliance.
Thriving isn’t selfish—it’s sacred.
When you choose to grow, to bloom, to live vibrantly, you become a light for others to do the same.
This week, take one step toward that version of yourself who is not just surviving, but soaring.
You'll be hearing more from me soon. Promise.
Tamara Charese
As always, affirmations from previous weeks are available here
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