track 01: too deep for the intro

featuring Lil Miss Impostina and her fading spotlight

welcome to feelings & forward

To set the scene: I’m in my big-girl (at-home) office, walking on my under-the-desk treadmill with my rose gold Beats on, Lofi Late Night Sessions playing, and my beautiful brown Yeti tumbler in hand. I’m hoping this calm, vibey setup will dissolve my nerves about writing my first-ever Substack post.

Imposter syndrome is definitely pulling up around the corner, but after all the self-work I’ve done, I’m surprisingly unbothered. Honestly, I’m confident I’ve got hands if she decides to show up.

You know, it’s wild how often I remind myself I have so much to offer this world, and yet Lil Miss Impostina (yes, that’s her name) always tries to convince me otherwise.

It’s a constant work in progress—feeling like I’m enough for myself, my loved ones, and, let’s be real, the world. But lately, I’ve been feeling empowered, inspired, and ready. While this light is still shining, I’m running with it. That’s how feelings & forward was born. ✨

what is feelings & forward?

This is my little corner of the internet—a digital journal of the real, the messy, and the heartfelt. It’s where I talk about feelings and how to forward—whether that means moving forward, looking forward, or just figuring it all out as we go.

Here, I’ll share unfiltered stories and reflections on embracing emotions, mental health, balance, and growth. My hope is to create a collection of moments that remind us to keep going. From navigating mental health to finding clarity in the chaos, I want to share reflections and strategies that inspire your own growth—or whatever your “forward” looks like.

a little about me

I’m almost 33 (gasp), married to my best friend and the LOML, an entrepreneur, New Yorker, firstborn daughter (IYKYK), Aquarius, Titi/Madrina to some beautiful kiddos, empath, basketball enthusiast, superfan of The Office, J. Cole, and Derrick Rose, and maybe—just maybe—your future internet bestie. 🫶🏽

I’m also an emotional gangsta. I wear my heart on my sleeve but will stand on all ten toes when it matters most.

Source: GIPHY

Oh but did I mention I have an ongoing relationship with depression? Yeah, me and DP go together real bad.

While in college, I was diagnosed with dysthymia, a persistent depressive disorder that’s a long-term, chronic form of depression. But let’s be real—it’s something I’ve felt in my bones since I was a kid. I’ve always been deeply emotional, hyperaware of my own and others’ feelings, and wearing my heart on my sleeve. I can crash out in a second but also be the most nurturing, protective person you’ll ever meet.

Here’s the thing: being so emotionally in tune is both my superpower and my kryptonite. Growing up, it often felt like my emotional IQ was too much for people to handle. Instead of understanding me, I was judged, dismissed, or treated poorly for it. I felt guilty for being “too much” and ashamed of the way I felt things so deeply.

And yet, I never stopped loving or yearning for the kind of love I gave so freely to others—even when it hurt me. Back then, I had ZERO boundaries. Like, none. I let people take from my cup even when it was bone dry.

But here’s what I’ve learned: my depressive disorder didn’t just teach me to love deeply—it taught me to love wisely. Therapy and self-work helped me see that my capacity for care isn’t a weakness but a strength. And setting boundaries? That’s just love with guardrails.

Depression may be a permanent guest in my life, but it’s one that’s made me stronger, more empathetic, and fiercely protective of my peace. It’s given me the tools to connect deeply with others but also to pour that same energy back into myself.

low key… depression is my superpower

Source: GIPHY

2018-19 was one of my lowest points. A very scary moment in my life. I’ve had plenty of low moments before, but this one kicked me in the ass. I didn’t think I was going to be able to push through. It forced me to look at myself and my life in ways I had been avoiding. It was a pivotal moment—not just in how I handled my mental health but in shaping who I am today.

Living with chronic depression has often felt like carrying a weight that no one else could see. It’s so heartbreaking to feel misunderstood, unworthy, unloved, and unwanted—especially when you’re constantly pouring love into others.

But here’s what depression has taught me: You can’t give what you don’t have. My depressive disorder forced me to confront the way I treated myself. It taught me how to set boundaries, prioritize my well-being, and pour that same nurturing energy back into myself.

Therapy was a game changer—it gave me tools to understand my emotions and manage them in healthier ways. Getting closer to God was a life saver—reminding me that I’m not defined by my struggles but by my strength and purpose. And rock bottom? It wasn’t the end; it was the foundation for something new.

Depression may knock me down, but it also gives me a unique capacity for empathy, compassion, and love—not just for others but for myself.

Through all the pain, I learned how to separate my symptoms from my true self.

Depression has shaped me into someone who can connect with others on a deeper level, someone who can love fiercely and without fear.

It’s why I’m here, sharing these words with you and hoping they remind you that you’re never alone.

so, what a way to kick things off, right?

This is just a glimpse of the chaos, growth, and heart that brought me here—to this little corner of the internet, ready to share it all with you.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and get to know me. It means more than you know.

Thank you for being here, for fighting whatever silent battles you’re facing, and for showing up for yourself. You’re stronger than you think, and you’re never alone.

I can’t wait to connect with you and grow together through feelings & forward.

Until next time—keep feeling, keep growing, and always forward.

xo,
Tiffany <3

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