From the mind of Arika Linton
“May we all be inspired to take purposeful pauses.”
Inspired by Rihanna.
I have an affinity for women who do things their own way. Women who don’t ask for permission—they simply are. They are radiant. They are tenacious. They are glow-getters. They move with the knowing that they are it—without apology.
These women carry the weight of legacy on their backs and still make it look like a dance. They know what it means to hold space and still take up space. They are not new to sacrifice, but they are learning that they don’t have to make a home in it.
They make room for the sacred intersections of motherhood, womanhood, and impact—on their own terms. They define themselves for themselves. And to defy the odds and projections placed on them? That’s a bravery worthy of both celebration and rest.
As many of you know, I’m a mom to my brilliant six-year-old son, Zion. And let me tell you, motherhood will stretch you. It will ask you to look in the mirror, not just to see yourself, but to see the narratives that shaped you. Some of those stories are steeped in love—and others, in survival.
I often find myself in deep reflection, challenging the idea that becoming a mother means becoming invisible. There’s this quiet oppression that tells us our dreams must be placed on a high shelf when children enter the room. That our desires become optional. That fulfillment is selfish.
But let me be clear—I am a mother first, and that role is sacred to me.
Still, it is not the sum of me.
Before I became a mother, I was a woman.
A woman with breath, ideas, and a vision.
A woman who dared to dream.
A woman with roots—planted in purpose, watered by faith, and stretching toward light.
From those roots, one of my most beautiful roses bloomed—motherhood. But that rose did not eclipse the others.
The root of my creativity still pulses. The root of my leadership still grows. The root of my joy still deserves sun.
You follow me?
If you’re like me, you are in the thick of the great unlearn.
You’re releasing beliefs that tell you to earn rest.
You’re challenging voices that say you must prove your value.
You’re learning that burnout is not a badge, and busy is not a personality trait.
Here’s what I’ve come to know: you do not need permission to be whole.
And worth? That’s something you grant yourself.
It’s not something you chase.
It’s not housed in titles or timelines.
It’s not waiting for you to lose weight, earn another degree, or raise “perfect” children.
You are worthy now.
Because you are.
And that brings me to Rihanna.
There’s something sacred about a woman choosing her pace. A woman honoring her rhythm. A woman deciding what’s enough. Rihanna is that woman. Whether through her music, Fenty empire, or cultural impact, she consistently reminds us: freedom looks good on Black women.
At 37, she’s expecting baby number three. Fans may demand music—but she’s choosing life. Choosing legacy. Choosing alignment.
She’s not rushed by anyone’s expectations, not even the world’s.
She’s showing us that timelines are suggestions, not commandments.
That joy is a birthright.
MUVA Rihanna is fully in her lover girl era—loving her life, her children, her man, and most importantly, herself.
She’s not on fanbase time. She’s on soul time.
Let’s be clear—Rihanna doesn’t need my celebration.
But maybe we needed the reminder.
For working mothers of color, presence is power.
Transparency is liberation.
Desire is not a flaw. It’s a compass.
So here’s your invitation:
Climb the ladder.
Break the mold.
Disrupt the room if you must.
But don’t forget to water your roots.
Because the roots hold the stories.
The roots hold the lessons.
The roots hold you.
And when the roots are tended to with care,
the roses bloom boldly.
Make time for your becoming.
Love on you.
Love on your life.
Flourish.
🌿 What I’m Listening To / Reading / Loving
🎧 Listening To: “Golden” by Jill Scott – A soulful reminder to take up space and live life like it’s golden. My personal anthem when I need to re-center.
📚 Reading: “Rest Is Resistance” by Tricia Hersey (aka The Nap Bishop) – A sacred text on reclaiming rest as a form of healing and liberation.
💖 Loving: Morning moments with my son Zion. The way he laughs with his whole body reminds me that joy doesn’t need a reason—it just is.
Stay rooted.