EXPLORE & ENGAGE • “Remember that God sent her to you. She is your gift and you must honor that gift with love. Take her to work or anywhere where the two of you can explore and engage. Your heart is open to love, just love her like she is your daughter.” — @dianecbailey On the other side of quarantine, I found myself the godmother of a teenager. No more toys, or play dates. Instead devices that I gotta keep up with and more questions about the world that start with “why.” As I grow in my awareness of how important it is to be intentional with my time, as I’m sure many of us have, I reached out to one of the best godmothers I know for advice. I’ve witnessed her godmother skills — the love, the guidance and the gentle challenging— firsthand with one of my closest friends @aeljee. The words above are the response to the request for the biggest piece of advice she’d give to other godmothers. The words were so piercing and right on time, I was moved to share. Payton and I went to @colorfactoryco. We posed for pictures and videos; I encouraged her to read about each exhibit before leaving the experience; I finally admitted she was taller than me; we exchanged tik tok profiles and taught each other phone hacks; we talked; we laughed and enjoyed a good meal together. Thank you Ms. Diane for helping frame the day. And for always being a beacon of good advice, consistently covered in beautiful blackness and femininity. Other wise words from Ms. Diane: “When you walk into a party, event, or whatever... take a beat to see and be seen.” and... “Know when to leave.” Classic. 👌🏾 I am grateful for all the black women in my life who share and guide and teach. I thank God for allowing me to cross paths with your love, your light, your sass and your womanhood. #divinefeminine #godmothers #wordstoliveby