About Shawneille

Let's start with a tiny confession

I don't like to admit it, but I can be a bit intense, okay? Every single time someone says this about me, I become aggravated and dismissive. Despite the fact that anxiety, migraines, and hypertension have become lifelong challenges, I figure these people don’t know what they are talking about. I know myself better than anyone else. I’ve got this under control…until I don’t have it under control. 

Control. There’s that trigger word. I’m an introspective person. I tend to follow my own intuition and my inclination is to move through the world with a plan for everything. Much of what I do requires a great deal of order, structure, and discipline for success. I secretly like it that way, and I think it’s because I want to feel in control of myself and my life. It’s worked well for me in many areas such as education and career, but the plain truth is— I need less of it. 

The Power of Laughter

Control has its benefits, but I’ve grown to appreciate those rare moments when I can let go. I close my eyes, throw my head back, and allow laughter to fill the air. I think laughter can help reduce tension and open the way to joy. I believe when you find what makes you laugh, joy will find you. 

Sometimes laughter seems to take up all the space in a room, and it can leave a positive vibration that permeates everything and everyone who hears it. I’ve learned that you have to invite laughter into your life, and I need more of it.

Laugh quietly to yourself. 

Laugh out loud and let others join in. 

Laugh at yourself often. 

Laugh at others because you know you want to sometimes. 

Laugh when you feel good. 

Laugh when things feel hard and impossible. 

Just laugh. 

Laughter and Libations is about being intentional in the pursuit of joy. Increase the laughter. Increase the joy. I'm challenging myself to be courageous and share my stories as I shake, stir, strain, steep, brew, and mix up my favorite libations and laugh my way into a more joyful life. I’ll share experiences that focus on self-care, home life, and work life, and I invite you to join me on this journey.