10/03/2025
My sister and I recently celebrated our birthdays in Chicago, and I’m still processing all the joy.🤩
In the middle of all of it, I remembered:
This isn’t indulgent. This is essential. This isn’t selfish. This is sacred. This isn’t frivolous. This is fuel.
I spend my life teaching women about authentic living and sacred partnerships. But what good is any of that if I’m not also modeling celebration?
If I’m not showing you what it looks like to invest in the relationships that matter?
If I’m not giving myself permission to experience joy without guilt?
If I’m not allowing my authentic self to emerge through play and presence?
After 20 years of marriage, 13 years as a therapist, a survivor of breast cancer and pregnancy loss, in the midst of ministry life, and building a business - I’ve learned this:
The woman who knows how to celebrate is the woman who has the strength to sustain her calling.
So this is your permission slip: Celebrate. Not someday. Now. Not after you’ve earned it. Because you’re alive.
Tag your person - the one you need to invest time in, not just good intentions. 💕
P.S. New Melanated Moments with Erica episode about this weekend and the sacred art of celebration drops TODAY! You won’t want to miss it!! 🎧