Because I love LOVE annnnnnd I'm Black
- Nina B Williams
- Jan 17
- 8 min read
A New Year, A New Beginning
Hey there!!!
How has the start of 2026 been for you so far? As we approach the month of Love and Black History, how are you doing?
My January has been very productive. It's the month where I started laying the foundation and setting the tone for what I claim 2026 will be. Last week, I finally completed my goal board for the year. I wrote a letter for the woman I am becoming. I focused not on what I need to fix, but on who I am becoming. This letter helped me map out the action plan I need to become her. Send prayers my way as I navigate what I believe will be the first of the best years of my life. It won't be easy, but it will all be worth it.
January also marks the release date for The 52 Week Experience, and, of course, MY BIRTHDAY month!!
I released the very first book in the series on January 9th, 2019. Yes, I was ahead of the pandemic and the big wellness boom. LOL! I wish I had the capacity to market and push the series better back then, but I will now...
Reflecting on My Birthday
Outside of my friends, no one has ever planned anything without my input or surprised me for my birthday. I used to be the person who started planning my birthday in November. Not this year. I felt empty. I had other things on my mind. I have my reasons; I just wasn't as excited or focused this year.
Before my birthday, I did two significant things. The first was writing letters of forgiveness. I’ve been saying my heart was open, and it has been, but it wasn't clear. Honestly, it was full of trauma and unresolved pain. I think I carried it around for years because I wanted someone else to fix it. I wanted someone to hug me long enough to make it go away. I've been telling others through my books to do the work and save themselves. I had to practice what I preach. I wanted to walk into this birthday emotionally lighter and mentally stronger.
If I'm praying to God to work on my heart, I had to make space for Him to do what I'm asking for. I wrote letters to twenty-one people. Three of those letters freed me the most. 🙏🏾 I opened up a lot of space. I knew the things I held on to were heavy, but I didn't fully understand their capacity until I got them out and off me.
What will I do with the letters? 🤷🏾♀️ I may send them to those I feel are open to considering the pain caused. Some have passed on, and if our paths cross for others, if I feel it on my heart to share, I will. But I won't overthink it. For all, I will pray. This was for me. Forgiveness is for me to move forward. 🙏🏾
The other thing I did was put my fur boss, Max, in his tux, pulled out my sequin backdrop, slipped into a pretty dress, and took a few pictures just because. Max and I have had a number of photoshoots, and as an older dog with declining health, I want as many pictures of him and with him as I can have. 🐶💙
Birthday Reflections
As for my actual birthday... 😮💨 Well... it was just another day. It wasn't that I didn't have plans or invites. I had literally met people the night before who wanted to celebrate me. I told God I would say YES to everything that could be good for me in 2026, and already I messed up. I declined everything. 🤦🏽♀️
🖐🏽 Dear God, it's me again. Thank you for not giving up on me. I'll get it together one day. YES to the next thing, okay? Haha!
What I did say yes to was all the freebies businesses give out for one's birthday! I went to so many places that I had to split stops into two trips. Meals, desserts, makeup, lotions, "treats," and all! 🛍
Side note: All those apps we have on our phones, if they ask for your birthday in your profile, they likely give you something for your birthday. Welcome all gifts.
🎈 Back to my birthday... After running around, I went home and just waited... I waited for the one thing I wanted. That one thing never came. Deep down, I knew it wasn't coming, but because I was hopeful, the letdown made me a little sad. Thankfully, I've been using this "reframing" technique my therapist has me doing, and with so many other great things that did come, I was able to find some joy.
Who knows? Maybe I needed the downtime to think about the things I was still processing from 2025 (See the last blog). Maybe I needed to recharge for all the moving around I'll be doing in 2026 for business. Maybe the time alone was needed to see that it's time and okay to move on. Maybe it was just time to be still with myself to focus on who I'm growing into, regardless of the day. I don't know, but as I type this, I'm reminded that I promised myself to celebrate myself more, along with living in good moments. Not just my birthday, but every chance I get.
I finished my day by resetting the energy in my space, rearranging a few rooms, watching the His & Hers series on Netflix (amazing plot twist), responding to the birthday love sent my way, singing happy birthday to myself, sending prayers up, and slipping into my sheets...
The day after, I visited a new church for an early morning service, went to my normal church, had brunch, and then prepped for the week ahead.
Honestly, even though it wasn't the best birthday, it definitely wasn't the worst anyone could have experienced. I was able to reflect on and release a lot. I'm grateful and blessed by it either way. ❤️
Hello February
I’m actually looking forward to February, maybe even more than my birthday. There’s something about it that feels open, intentional, and full of possibility.
In 2025, I learned that I am a lover-girl. I really liked that side of myself that got to be a geek about my boyfriend and experience what partnership could look like. Unfortunately, the soft lover girl in me is waking up later than needed, but I'm getting it now, and that's what matters. I think I'm even more excited about the thought of love. Not long ago, and for the first time, I not only made real space for dating but also fully showed up for it. When I complete another Dating Inventory, it will be from a different perspective—an even better one than before.
This year, I’m considering starting a new tradition centered around celebrating love. I’m not quite sure what it will look like yet, but I’ll share more once it takes shape.
For now, while I’m still figuring it out, I wanted to offer a few ways to celebrate love in its many forms. Love isn’t one-size-fits-all. It shows up in how we care for ourselves, how we connect with others, and how we allow joy to meet us where we are. 🖤
Self-Love
Never stop taking care of and celebrating you.
Protect your thoughts. Re-label negative thinking with more positive thoughts.
Treat yourself to a date.
Do something that feels good to you that you may not have done in a long time.
Go on DND and relax for the day.
Forgive yourself.
Romantic Love
Coupled:
Keep it fun. Keep it intimate. Keep it loving. If things don’t feel the way they once did, don’t give up. Use this season to reconnect. If things are already good, let this be a time to deepen the bond. Either way, choose each other and enjoy the moment.
Cook together at home or attend a cooking class.
Complete prompts from the Sexual Exploration Program: After Dark XXX Rated, and add the X-rated coloring book: All Products | the52weekexperience.
Book a fun JCPenney photoshoot (IYKYK).
Pick a theme (ex. want, need, read), shop, and exchange gifts.
Single Season:
This is a time for discovery and clarity. Don’t waste it being discouraged. Have fun. Date intentionally. Date them all. And most importantly, date yourself.
Gain clarity on what you want and be accountable for how you show up in dating/relationships with the Dating Inventory Edition.
Attend events geared towards and for singles.
Talk to your circle about the type of person they could see you with or believe would be a good fit for you. Be open to what they share. You never know...
Plan early. Send yourself flowers with a note of encouragement and love.
Treat yourself to something that makes you feel sexy.
Platonic Love
Love doesn’t stop at romance. Your friendships deserve to be celebrated too.
Too busy to meet in person? Plan virtual dates with your friends.
Meet for a themed brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Mail encouragement letters/cards to friends who could use it.
Host a secret cupid with your friend group. It works just like Secret Santa, but just for Valentine's season.
Honoring Black History Month
February isn’t just about love; it’s also Black History Month. It’s a time to honor those who stood up, spoke out, and fought for the freedoms and opportunities we experience today. Their sacrifices matter, and the work they did deserves recognition.
As we reflect, we also celebrate Blackness—not only where we’ve come from but who we are right now. Our culture, our resilience, our creativity, our joy. The ways we continue to thrive, heal, love, and show up in the world despite it all.
Honoring Black history is honoring Black life—past, present, and future.
Visit your local African American Museum.
Support Black businesses FIRST and possibly only all month.
Attend as many Black History events and Festivals as you can
Learn and share about Black history—the facts that aren't taught in schools.
There was a time we weren't allowed to speak to one another. Speak to every Black person you see. A simple hello goes a long way.
Share your wins—big or small. Let everyone know that we take up space in great ways.
Donate to a Black charity/organization.
💃🏾🕺 More Things to Do: February
In an effort to find a good balance between being out living, staying in to recharge, without breaking the bank, I wanted to share a few budget-friendly things you can experience this February for $50 or under:
Seek Black-owned or individually owned/small businesses to support for Valentine's/Galentine's gifts instead of large chain stores.
Spa day at home. Give yourself a facial, body scrub, order yourself a healthy lunch, and relax.
Put on something red and go out to dinner. It doesn't matter where you go, just wear something red. Solo or with others.
Go thrifting.
Check out the After Dark X-Rated, Dating Inventory, and Self-Care programs here on the website. It's the gift that will keep giving each week over the next 52 weeks.
- Use Code: LOVE for 50% off. Expires Feb 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Share with us on social media if you complete activities shared; I will definitely re-post you. @the52weekexperience
Peek at Next Month: 🧐
March is Women's Month. Let's chat about how great women are, sisterly love, how to make new friends in 2026, things to do in March, and more.
I pray genuine love finds us all. No matter the type of love it is, God, just let it be real and fill our hearts so much that the overflow in each of us can be shared with others.
I hope you found value in what I’ve shared here. Take what you need. Share what might help someone else. Feel free to leave what doesn’t resonate. You’re always welcome to drop love in the comments, reach out by email, or chat here if you’re subscribed to the site. I welcome positivity and connection.
If you have ideas or traditions around celebrating Love and Black History Month that go beyond what I shared above, I’d love to hear them. Add them below. You never know who may see it.
Help me expand the reach of the 52 Week Experience by simply sharing this blog or the series in general. Thank you!
Until Next Time...
NinaB
xoxo
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