In 2025: What does "better" look like?

The choice is yours.

One thing about 2024: there’s been no shortage of plot twists and dichotomies.

I’ve built beautiful new friendships, while grieving the loss of relationships I assumed would never die.

I’ve experienced career milestones that I still can’t wrap my head around and setbacks that have shaken me to my core.

I’ve grown into a new version of myself, but at my worst I still feel like there are parts of me tethered to painful experiences from my past that I just can’t shake.

I’ve been generous, and I’ve been selfish.

I’ve been secure, and I’ve been reactive.

I’ve been hurt, I’ve hurt people, I’ve apologized, and I’ve held grudges.

I’ve broken the cycle, and I’ve continued the pattern.

In other words, I’ve been human—for better or for worse.

I don’t think I’m special, but I do believe that I’m powerful, because of my ability to keep making choices. I am writing my life as it happens, just like you.

I firmly believe that one of the best things I can do, as a human, is to love myself through all of my contradictions and inconsistencies—to not give up on myself, and to believe in my ability to keep moving in the right direction.

A huge part of self-love is rooted not in sentiment, but in action—in my willingness to make the hard calls that will protect my healing and my happiness.

I owe that to myself, the people I love, and anyone who is impacted by my existence.

I don’t have to love you to be mindful of how I impact you.

And so, in 2025 some of the most important work that I will do is rooted in my ability to let go of anything, and everything, that is clouding my judgement, limiting my imagination, or keeping me tethered to ways of being that no longer serve me.

I am not better than anyone, and to an extent, I am the same person I’ve always been. I am who I am—but I owe it to the world to be a better version of that same person.

The fun part: I get to decide what that “better” looks like.

What does “better” look like for you in 2025?

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Support The Writer:

I’m Michell—I’m a 35-year-old father, husband, and writer.

You can purchase my book, Eyes On The Road, here.

You can purchase my art, some of which is displayed below, here.

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Upcoming Events:

Come gather, commune, and write (!) with me in real life at my “Pause and Reconnect” retreat, from February 7th - 9th! It’s at the prestigious Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

I’m co-hosting alongside my friend, D9 sister, and fellow wellness practitioner Pilin Anice, who is a lead member of Kripalu’s faculty.

Bring your journals, comfy clothes, and favorite pens.

• Learn more

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Book Me!

I write—but I also deliver keynotes, moderate panels, lead workshops, and perform poetry. I get fits off, too—free of charge. I’d love to learn more about how I can share my perspective, experience, and tools with your organization, community, or audience. Please reach out to partnerships [at] thecreativesummer [dot] com.

(Some of) my 2024 Events:

• Poetry Performance at Nike Black Voices Community Dinner (watch)

• Affirmations Panel at REC Philly Voter Activation Event

• Keynote Speech at Nate Evans’s “Get To Worthy” Summit

• Fireside Chat and Affirmation Workshop at Princeton University