Ara's Archives

If you're struggling with the transitionary period, remember: It's okay to pause, take a step back, rest, then return. The foundation of your work becomes more whole and healthy when you do. -- I’d rather you just listen this time. So, let’s act like we’re in a text thread — listen to my voice memo when you can. Sending love, light, peace, and hugs your way.

Entertainment industry, guidance from my manager, & life-lessons -- The past week has been a masterclass in the art of pivoting. I’ve been learning how to * maintain strength by shifting gears * pour energy into what is life-giving while walking away from what isn’t * set boundaries from a place of advocacy instead of anxiety. Self-trust and autonomy are foundational to my work and growth in woman...

My love, the threshold you’re about to cross requires a steadfast, secure, confident mindset. OLD AND NEW EYES WILL BE ON YOU. -- STAY READY SO YOU DON’T GOT TO GET READY The phases of moving from what one might call wilderness to promise , isolation to the crowd , rehearsal to showtime , hibernation to spring . . . ‘Behold, a new thing!’ You get it. I am aware that I’m currently walking on a brid...

Hierarchy, exclusion, and the messy reality of 'community' -- NOTE: If you’d like to have your work promoted on an episode, please read the invitation section near the bottom of this post. Details listed below. SILENT STRUGGLES WITHIN ‘COMMUNITY’ Sometimes, as a creative person, I find it difficult to rest in simply sharing my work. Online spaces can feel over-saturated with independent content, s...

Where do I even begin? Maybe the birth story? Actually, no ! That one deserves a whole series if y’all really want the full picture. So for now, let’s just start right here. Baby , I don’t know about you . . . but 2025 was hard. To all the mamas snapping back, seriously, I commend you. That was not my story. Let’s just say the emergency c-section — EMERGENCY C-SECTIONED . “Baby’s head is being squ...

Pushing past critics, judgment, and perception to create the kind of content that feels most aligned. -- I’ve written quite a few posts this week, but none of them felt right to share publicly. So instead . . . I’m choosing to be more intentional and release only when the light bulb turns on with the inner voice confidently saying, “yes.” MIND RENEWAL It’s okay to refrain and wait. Trust your intu...

A reflection on choosing marriage with intention, not pressure. -- “Who you choose to marry is one of the most important decisions of your life.” I heard this a lot growing up, especially when I moved to the Bible Belt South. I look back, smile, and cringe at my 16-year-old interpretation of this. Yeah . . . She definitely romanticized the meaning of sacrament. GROOMED FOR A GROOM Shaped by church...

'Everything is a win when the goal is to experience.' Done framing the narrative as failing when it’s about living. -- I was having one of those days where the luteal phase officially turned me into a couch potato. All I wanted to do was watch independent filmmakers and eat. So, I found myself deep diving into TUBI originals — inspired by the courage it takes to tell stories with talent that often...

Sometimes I question if it's delusion or destiny. This is a reflection on being close to breakthrough but not yet striking gold. How long should we hang on? -- The dream . . . no matter how much I bury it — it will not D I E. What is taking so long? What am I doing wrong? What am I missing? What do I lack? Can I please get a sign that I’m not chasing a lie? Is my inner child being scammed into bel...