September is here. The calendar has flipped, the light is shifting, and the year has entered its most transitional stretch: still warm in many places, already carrying the first hints of autumn in others.
A new month is a clean page. It is also a reminder that most of what we actually do with time is continue the conversations we were already having. If we have been talking about routines, projects, travel, food, or how to start something again, September is a useful month to pick those threads back up instead of pretending we are starting from zero.
Labor Day weekend in the United States and Canada marks the unofficial close of summer. Schools reopen. The autumnal equinox arrives around the 22nd or 23rd, when day and night briefly balance. Around the world there are observances for literacy, peace, the ozone layer, and tourism. None of these dates require you to reinvent yourself. They simply give the month a rhythm.
A sunlit stone path winds through lush grasses, flowers, and colorful autumn foliage.
The useful move is usually modest. Finish the half-done thing you mentioned last time you asked how to get unstuck. Try the recipe or the itinerary you were weighing. Adjust the schedule you were already trying to make work. September rewards continuation more than spectacle.
The days are still long enough to use. The evenings are starting to feel different as now when I get outside to write, my body covers itself in goose pimples. That is enough of a reason to treat the month as an invitation rather than a demand.
Welcome to September. Let’s keep going with whatever we were already working on.
In a world overflowing with noise, division, and endless hot takes, I made a deliberate choice to shape my X (formerly Twitter) experience around what truly matters to me. My entire account is now intentionally curated to reflect my personal beliefs and, above all, to center positivity.
A smartphone displaying ‘Calm & Connected’ held amid swirling fire and smoke effects
I want my feed to uplift, inspire, and align with the kind of life I am actively building—one rooted in growth, joy, healing, and possibility. That does not mean I live in a bubble or ignore reality. It simply means I am protective of my mental and emotional space.
Yes, I do follow a handful of accounts that could be described as strong Trump supporters—people who sometimes come across as riding the “Trump can do no wrong” wave. I am fully aware of the echo-chamber risk there. I approach them with the same healthy skepticism I apply to sports accounts, news outlets, or any single-source content. I do not take everything at face value, and I cross-reference when something feels off.
I am not on X primarily for political analysis or to debate policy. I am there to be inundated with feel-good positivity and reminders of the lifestyle I crave—wellness, personal development, meaningful connections, beauty, humor, and inspiration. Those accounts, even with their strong biases, often deliver bursts of optimism, patriotism, or motivational energy that resonate with the uplifting vibe I want more of.
At the end of the day, social media should serve you—not drain you, enrage you, or pull you into endless negativity loops. I have unfollowed, muted, and blocked enough accounts to create a space that feels like a warm, intentional garden rather than a battlefield.
A smartphone displaying a vibrant mix of blooming garden plants and succulents
My feed is not perfect, and it is not meant to be a complete reflection of the world. It is a reflection of the world I am choosing to create for myself. One post, one follow, and one boundary at a time.
Some of my favorite social media follows are:
A hand holding a smartphone displaying an abstract swirling light pattern
@PeytonElroy : a wellness and spiritual healing-focused account with over 61,000 followers. Setting a consistent tone of optimism, empowerment, and alternative health perspectives, Peyton posts a mix of personal stories (especially her father’s recent stage 4 colon cancer “healing” journey). and practical health tips (e.g., hibiscus tea for inflammation, dates for heart rhythm stabilization via potassium, broccoli sprouts, blueberries, soursop). I particularly love the spiritual/energy concepts (auras, emotional states influencing physical health, colors affecting energy, the idea that everyone is inherently “spiritual”) and relationship/life advice (e.g., how to stand out when approaching beautiful women by complimenting non-physical traits).The tone is warm, encouraging, and emoji-heavy (lots of hearts, flowers, and green tones). Posts often include disclaimers like “I’m not claiming this cures cancer alone” while sharing strong opinions and anecdotes. Recent content has leaned heavily into cancer discussions—viewing it as inflammation, potentially linked to parasites or trauma, with emphasis on mindset, diet, and natural compounds rather than fear-based conventional narratives (my own personal belief).
@mtnhousewife (Mountain Housewife🏠) is a Christian homemaking and traditional marriage account run by a 41-year-old wife, mother, grandmother (“mimi”), and homemaker. Her posts promote biblical womanhood, wifely submission, contentment, and practical homemaking. Key themes include: Covenant marriage — Long-term harmony through scriptural roles (e.g., she highlights 42 years of marriage with “no conflict” due to submission as taught in scripture), Christian living — Bible study reflections (e.g., Philippians on contentment), faith encouragement, and church life, Homemaking — Simple recipes and tips (e.g., okra dishes, pimiento cheese). The tone is gentle, grateful, and encouraging, aimed at women seeking traditional roles. She emphasizes joy in submission, building a happy home, and living out a wife’s calling according to Christian principles. Content mixes personal testimony, scripture, practical advice, and light community interaction.
Maneesha (@ManeeshaSem) is a popular writer, content creator, and self-described “moonbathing apsarā” (celestial nymph) on X, with over 71,000 followers. @maneeshasem has built a significant following through poetic, feminine, and spiritually infused posts that emphasize beauty, serenity, nervous system regulation, self-love, and creating “paradise on Earth.” Her content blends mysticism, aesthetics, wellness, and gentle life philosophy, often evoking softness, harmony, and divine femininity. She frequently shares visions of serene villas, lush nature, silk robes, self-care rituals (e.g., affirmations, chocolate-covered strawberries, vanilla chai), intentional beauty, and protective auras created by harmonious environments. @maneeshasem posts focus on holding calm energy, avoiding urgency/dysregulation, beauty as spiritual protection, and aligning with cosmic/natural rhythms.
@wolffdew (The Cooking Lady) is a Danish 22-year-old homemaker and from-scratch cooking content creator on X.She shares homemade recipes, cooking videos/processes, meal ideas, and everyday kitchen content with a warm, enthusiastic style. Posts often feature scratch cooking, traditional or comforting dishes, and personal touches as a young married woman. She promotes her two digital cookbooks directly in her bio. The account appeals to fans of simple, authentic home cooking, Scandinavian influences, and lifestyle content from a Gen Z homemaker perspective. It’s positive, food-focused, and interactive, with frequent replies to followers.
@amandaperera (Cleopatra 🪷 ✞) is a faith-centered self-improvement and relationship advice account on X with a strong emphasis on personal growth, emotional intelligence, and Christian values. The account mixes inspirational quotes, relationship insights, personal reflections, and calls to subscribe to her newsletter or book 1:1 sessions. It appeals to audiences interested in faith-based personal development, neuroscience-informed emotional health, and mature views on love and identity. Content is positive, relational, and growth-oriented rather than purely dating-strategy focused.This account is warm, empowering, and reflective. Posts often explore:
Healthy relationships and love dynamics (e.g., references to Yellowstone’s Rip and Beth as an ideal of a strong man supporting a fiery, intelligent woman; the importance of entering relationships as a “whole” person rather than seeking fulfillment from a partner).
Self-acceptance, authenticity, and resilience (e.g., disagreement as a sign of staying true to yourself; embracing your “weird” side).
Faith-first mindset (“Jesus first always”), emotional wholeness, and devotional partnership.al advice, and light community interaction.
@TrinaNuance (Trina Nuance || The Fractional Muse 🌿🌞🌊) is slightly different than my other follows. She is thoughtful writer, coach, and strategist with a philosophical, introspective style focused on personal growth, mindset, entrepreneurship, and human behavior. Trina shares long-form reflections, threads, and insights on: Self-awareness & transformation — Dark night of the soul, breaking self-sabotaging cycles, shifting from external to internal locus of control, and authoring new self-fulfilling prophecies., Parasocial relationships, narrative-building, perception biases, and cultural shifts (e.g., craving analog experiences like handwritten letters). Her tone is wise, empathetic, and nuanced — often weaving personal experience, client stories, and cultural observations. She positions herself as a bridge between worlds (e.g., founders building in the dark, inner work vs. business goals) with a creative, almost poetic voice. Content resonates with introspective entrepreneurs, creators, and those on personal development journeys. It is more reflective/strategic than purely motivational or tactical.
The news hit like a long-awaited exhale across Boston and all of New England: A.J. Brown is officially a Patriot. After months of speculation, rumors, and endless sports radio debates, the Philadelphia Eagles traded the star wide receiver to the New England Patriots for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder. It was the move that felt inevitable to every die-hard Pats fan glued to their phones on June 1, 2026
I will be honest: as a Patriots supporter, and a fan of all Boston sports in general, (read more here and here) I started out viewing this with a healthy dose of pessimism. We do not sign the shiny new star (since Randy Moss in 2007). Plus, in the chaotic world of NFL front offices, you never know when another team might swoop in at the last second with a better offer, leaving Boston sports media in a collective meltdown and Patriots Nation scrolling through angry memes. But here is the thing—I do not spend my life losing sleep over roster moves or any other variables I cannot control. Obsessing over hypotheticals is a recipe for unnecessary stress. Instead, once the deal was finalized, I shifted my focus to what this actually means for the team moving forward. And despite the loud chorus of skeptics, I am genuinely optimistic about what A.J. Brown brings to Foxborough.
Sure, plenty of NFL fans (and especially Eagles supporters breathing a sigh of relief) are quick to label this a risky or even terrible move. The narrative is familiar: Brown is a “major diva,” a locker room cancer, a guy whose personality and demands can disrupt team chemistry. We have all heard the stories—clashes with coaches, frustrations with offensive schemes, and the occasional headline-grabbing moment. But context matters. Let’s break down why this reunion in New England could be exactly what both player and team need to thrive.
The biggest reason for my optimism is Mike Vrabel. Brown and Vrabel have history—real, productive history from their time together with the Tennessee Titans. Drafted by Tennessee in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Brown emerged as a star under Vrabel’s leadership from 2019 to 2021. He was not just another receiver; he was the guy, posting big numbers and helping turn the Titans into a playoff contender.
Their relationship goes beyond X’s and O’s. There is a clear mutual respect and bromance (they still text each other) that developed through those intense seasons. Vrabel’s no-nonsense, player-first coaching style—built on toughness, accountability, and getting the most out of talent—seemed to click with Brown’s competitive fire. Reports and player comments over the years highlight how that dynamic fueled success in Nashville. Now, with Vrabel at the helm in New England (fresh off a strong 14-3 season and a Super Bowl appearance), Brown gets to reunite with a coach who knows how to harness his abilities without the drama that apparently built up elsewhere.
This is not some untested gamble. It is a reunion with a coach who drafted him, developed him, and clearly earned his buy-in. In a league where culture and scheme fit are everything, that familiarity is pure gold.
Brown’s time in Philadelphia had its highs— including a Super Bowl title and franchise records—but it also came with mounting tensions. He reportedly could never fully gel with the Eagles’ coaching staff, and there was a notable falling out with the quarterback situation (Hurts is the godfather to Brown’s son). As a 1,000-yard (and often much more) receiver, it is easy to understand his dissatisfaction. The Eagles’ offense, at times run-heavy and reliant on quarterback mobility or short-yardage punches, did not always maximize Brown’s elite deep-threat and contested-catch abilities. Watching your team push the ball just a couple yards over the line while you are built for stretching the field? That would frustrate anyone with his talent level.
New England offers a reset. Under Vrabel and with a young, ascending quarterback like Drake Maye, Brown steps in as the clear No. 1 target. This is not about scheme limitations anymore—it is about unlocking potential in an environment tailored for success. The Pats get a proven veteran to elevate their passing attack, while Brown gets the opportunity to chase more personal accolades and another ring in a place that values winners.
Adding A.J. Brown does not magically make the Patriots Super Bowl favorites overnight, but it is a massive upgrade at the wide receiver position. Pair him with the existing pieces, a strong coaching staff, and Vrabel’s defensive-minded leadership, and you have got the ingredients for excitement. Brown’s arrival signals that New England is serious about contending now, not just rebuilding.
Will there be bumps? Of course—every big acquisition has them. Locker room integration, adapting to a new system, staying healthy at age 29. But the upside far outweighs the risks for a fan base hungry for relevance after years of transition.
As the 2026 season approaches, I am choosing optimism. The trade that all of Boston expected has arrived, and it feels like the right fit at the right time. Here’s to A.J. Brown lighting it up in midnight blue and silver. Patriots Nation, get ready—this could be fun.
A positive mindset does not just make you feel fuzzy and motivated. It straight-up rewires your biology, dials down inflammation, cranks up your immune system, and turns everyday movement into fat-burning rocket fuel.
A negative mindset is slow-motion poison. It floods your veins with stress hormones, tanks your recovery, packs on visceral fat, and basically programs your body to break down faster.
This is no woo-woo Instagram spirituality. This is hard science meeting cold, hard reality. And yeah, I am saying it loud because I have lived the nightmare version.
I truly believe the reason I am sitting here in my current health status—in a wheelchair and the use of only one arm—is because for years I viewed myself and my life like absolute garbage. I woke up every day expecting the worst, replaying every failure on loop, and treating my body like it was already doomed. Surprise: it started acting doomed.
The Brutal Science: Your Brain Is Running the Show Whether You Like It or Not
Your thoughts are not cute little clouds floating in your head. They are chemical commands. Sugar coating this fact is keeping people sick.
Every time you think “I’m such a worthless piece of shit” or “Nothing ever works out for me,” your brain hits the panic button. Cortisol and adrenaline spike. Inflammation skyrockets. Your immune system gets told to stand down. Sleep quality tanks. Cravings for junk food go nuclear because your body is now in survival mode, hoarding energy (calories).
Chronic negative mindset is not“just stress.” It is a physiological wrecking ball [enter Miley Cyrus “Wrecking Ball”]. Studies show people who marinate in pessimism have higher rates of heart disease, slower wound healing, weaker immune responses, and even faster cellular aging. Your telomeres—the protective caps on your DNA—literally shorten faster when you are stuck in doom-scroll mode.
Flip it around, like a pancake: shift to a positive, resilient mindset and the opposite happens. Blood pressure drops. Recovery speeds up. You actually enjoy moving your body instead of dragging yourself through workouts like punishment. Inflammation cools off. Your gut stops revolting. Hell, even the placebo effect proves it—people who believe a sugar pill will fix them often get real, measurable improvements because their brain buys in and starts the repair work.
The nocebo effect is the evil twin: tell someone a harmless thing will make them sick and watch their body obey. Expectation is that powerful. Your mindset is not a passenger—it is the driver.
I used to roll my eyes at this stuff. “Yeah, sure, just think happy thoughts and your autoimmune issues vanish.” But the data does not lie, and neither does my mirror. I spent years in that negative spiral, and my body paid the bill.
Look, I am not here to play victim. I am just here to own it.
For the longest time I looked at myself and saw failure. “Too broken to fix. Too tired to try. Life’s already screwed me, why fight it?” I would stare at my reflection and pick apart every flaw, every pound, every missed workout. I would doom-scroll through other people’s perfect lives and feel physically sick with envy and resentment. That is one reason why I deleted all of my social media.
That constant inner monologue was never harmless. It was a full-time job for my stress response. My sleep turned to garbage. My digestion went haywire. I gained weight— more than doubled it—because my body was too busy pumping out cortisol to let any real healing or fat-burning happen.
I genuinely believe that is exactly why I am in the health spot I am in right now. The mindset that I have been carrying around throughout this life. So it was not one bad year. Not “bad luck.” It was years of treating myself like I did not deserve better. Years of expecting my body to fail because that is what I kept telling it.
And the craziest part was that once I started calling myself on that toxic bullshit, things began to shift. Not overnight fairy-tale magic, but measurable changes. Energy crept back. Cravings got quieter. My body started responding to the same workouts and meals that used to do nothing.
Thus. your mindset is not just affecting your health—it is the architect of it.
A positive mindset does not mean pretending everything is sunshine and rainbows while your life burns down.
That is toxic positivity and it is just as damaging. Real positive mindset is gritty optimism: “This sucks right now, but I’m capable of handling it and coming out stronger.” It also is hope. How I approach Boston Sports. It is choosing to see your body as an ally that has been waiting for better instructions, not an enemy that is out to get you.
People with this mindset move more because exercise stops feeling like torture and starts feeling like investment. They recover faster because they are not marinating in self-sabotaging thoughts. Their immune systems stay online. Their hormones chill out. Even food tastes better and digests better when you are not eating it with a side of guilt and shame.
Alia Crum’s Stanford research proved it in real life: hotel housekeepers who were told their daily grind counted as exercise suddenly dropped weight, lowered blood pressure, and improved body composition—without changing a single thing about their routine. Same work, different story in their heads. Same bodies, different outcomes. Mindset flipped the switch.
That is not motivational poster nonsense. That is biology bending to belief.
The Bottom Line: Your Mindset Is Either Medicine or Poison—Choose
I am not claiming positive thinking cures everything. You still need sleep, real food, movement, and actual medical care when shit is broken. But your mindset is the multiplier. It decides whether those things work for you or against you.
I believe—deep in my bones—that my own health turnaround started the day I stopped viewing myself as a lost cause and started viewing myself as worth the fight. My body is finally listening.
Stop feeding the negative loop. Start rewriting the story. Your body is waiting for new orders.
Let’s be honest, most days, I am living in what I lovingly call my daily “uniform.”
You know those super soft, buttery lounge leggings that feel like a second skin (Felina)? Pair them with a sports bra and an oversized sweatshirt featuring a Boston sports logo, and I am basically set for the day. Whether I am doing a home workout or just cozying up with my laptop, this combo is my go-to. It is comfortable, practical, and requires zero effort. I can move freely, stay warm (I even wear my sweatshirts in the summer, but with shorts!), and still feel put-together enough not to scare the delivery driver when I answer the door.
But on the days I actually leave the house for physical therapy/for a quick workout, things level up a bit. That is when I reach for one of my thirty-six pairs of Lululemon or ALO leggings—the ones my man has generously spoiled me with over time. These pieces are a whole vibe: high-waisted, sculpting in all the right places, and made to move with you. I slip into one of the matching sports bras he has picked out for me, and before I layer on a top (also courtesy of his excellent taste), I take a few quick selfies or mirror pictures. It is my little ritual—capturing how the outfit hugs my body, how confident it makes me feel, and showing appreciation for the thoughtful gifts that make me feel seen and supported.
So , I admit—I am not very fancy on an everyday basis. I hope to one day prance around our place in a silk bathrobe amongst Jo Malone and Diptyque home fragrances and Sade tunes in the background. But right now, my style is rooted in comfort and functionality more than high fashion most of the time.
That said, I have been doing some reading lately about the materials used in a lot of activewear, and it has made me pause. Those thirty-six pairs of leggings are all on notice. They might need to be gradually phased out or swapped for cleaner, more conscious alternatives as we learn more about what is in the fabrics we wear daily. Fashion should feel good and be better for our bodies long-term, right? (Plus, I live a commando lifestyle so having that part near those toxins is a no-no).
But here is where my style really shines: when my man and I have plans to go out. That is when I come alive. I transform. He knows how much I crave designer labels, and dressing up is one of my absolute favorite types of foreplay. I still wear designer clothes that my mother bought me (even if she says that I take them for granted). But, there is nothing like slipping into a chic cocktail dress that makes me feel elegant and feminine. The silhouette, the fabric, the way it moves—it is pure joy. My signature twist is pairing that dress with a fresh pair of Jordans. Yes, really. There is something so fun and unexpected about high-end glam mixed with cool, comfortable sneakers. It is edgy, it is me, and it always gets compliments.
Sometimes I keep it more casual even on nights out—just a great pair of designer jeans and a cozy flannel shirt. But even then, the details matter. The jeans are a size zero/24 and have that perfect fit/premium feel that makes basic outfits look intentional.
It is funny how it takes very little effort to actually make an effort and look good. A few thoughtful pieces, the right fit, and the confidence that comes from feeling comfortable in your skin (and your clothes) can completely change how your day—or night—feels.
Whether I am in lounge mode or dressed to the nines, the common thread is pieces that make me feel good, supported by a man who loves spoiling me with things that bring me happiness.
I will say it out loud, no shame: I used to want to be a full-on Sugar Baby. Not the cheap fantasy version you see online, but the real thing—pampered, polished, and possessed by a man who could afford to keep me dripping in luxury and attention. I was never on Seeking Arrangements or any of those sites, but when I got really sick, that dream became my secret lifeline. While my body was failing me, my mind was busy painting a future where I was not disabled anymore. I imagined myself as this feminine goddess: luscious long hair cascading down my back, completely hairless and smooth everywhere that mattered, skinny, full makeup—the whole package. The kind of girl men could not look away from.
I joined a private Facebook group full of girls who knew exactly how to weaponize their femininity. They taught me how to dress, how to move, how to speak, how to flirt with power and money. Every post, every tip, every “how to make him obsessed” thread lit a fire under me. It gave me something to fight for on the worst days. While I was stuck in a wheelchair, I was mentally rehearsing the version of me that would turn heads and drain wallets. I wanted to be noticed. I wanted to be admired. Craved. Spoiled. Chosen. Deep down, I did not feel worthy of any of it yet—but that fantasy made me believe I could be.
And then… it actually happened.
When we first connected on Twitter (yes, Twitter, before Elon Musk saved us with X) the sugar baby lifestyle was all that I hoped for and I absolutely was not looking for anything real. Commitment? Hard pass. Feelings? Too risky. But attention and shiny new toys? Those I could handle. So that was what I settled for. I strung him along, playing it cool, dropping hints about what I wanted without ever sounding desperate. He read between the lines perfectly.
He knew the game from the jump. I gave him a PO Box instead of my real address at first—safety first,—and every single week, like clockwork, a new package would show up. AirPods? Delivered with a cheeky video of him on the Apple website ordering them while I was lounging in Cabo, both of us convinced our flirty Twitter phase was fizzling out. A Pretty Woman DVD (yes, an actual physical DVD, the man has taste and nostalgia). Barstool Sports gear for days because we bonded hard over the unfiltered sports talk that made us both laugh like idiots. He spoiled me rotten, and I let him. No guilt. No apologies.
Every girl should experience sugar baby vibes at least once. There is something powerfully feminine about being pursued, pampered, and provided for while you keep your little heart in a little locked box. The hundred-dollar Venmos, the surprise drops, the thrill of knowing he is thinking about you every time he swipes his card—it is intoxicating. It is not just about the stuff. It is the power dynamic. The way it makes you feel desired, expensive, worth the chase.
But then it got real.
The constant contact—the good-morning texts, the voice notes that made me smirk in public, the weekends that turned into three hour-long FaceTime coffee dates—started cracking my walls. What began as “he buys me things, I give him attention” slowly became I can’t quit him. The sugar daddy arrangement was the gateway drug, but the real addiction was him. His humor. His voice. The way he matched my chaotic energy and then some.
Now? He still pays my bills. No more random Venmos, but the support is deeper, steadier, sexier in its reliability. He is not just a sugar daddy anymore—he is my man. My love. My favorite person on the planet.
Yet those Baby and Daddy vibes? They never left. They evolved into something deliciously playful and immature that keeps the spark filthy and fun.
We act like absolute children together. The kind of childish that involves wrestling over the remote (when we are physically together), ridiculous nicknames, and the kind of uncontrollable laughter that turns into happy tears and breathless squeals. I have never laughed as hard in my life as I do with him. The squeals he pulls out of me—they are embarrassing and addictive. When we first started talking, I used to slap my hand over my mouth— hiding my crooked smile from his view. We are talking full-on belly laughs that leave my abs sore and my face hurting. Pure, unfiltered joy. The man makes me happy in a way I did not know was possible. The kind of happy that makes you glow, that makes everyone side-eye you like, “Who the hell are you right now?”
There is something profoundly hot about a relationship that can go from “Daddy’s spoiling his baby” to deep, soul-quenching love without losing the playfulness. The power exchange is still there. He provides, I tease. He leads, I challenge. He has me feeling both safe and completely unraveled. A feeling I never expected. I thought that I would be the other woman. Or a sugar baby. Not the main event.
So if a man is willing to show up for you like that—financially, emotionally, playfully—do not be afraid to lean in. Sugar baby energy is not about being shallow; it is about knowing your worth and letting someone prove they can match it. And when the gifts turn into genuine love, when the “arrangement” becomes “forever,” it hits different. Deeper. Wetter. Louder.
I went from stringing him along with a PO Box to being completely, stupidly in love with the man who still makes me feel like the most spoiled and cherished woman alive—went from a sick girl who did not feel worthy of being looked at to the woman who gets spoiled, and loved so intensely/passionately it leaves me ruined for anyone else.
Back around 2015, one of my girlfriends had me watch every Seahawks game on television (it was local) so that I could get into the game of football. I got into it, because I needed a distraction, but I wanted to find a team that was a little bit more classy, and still had some personality (I wanted to be able to drink champagne and eat caviar while watching!). I was watching the game—then bam, the Patriots popped up.
They popped up because I eventually went to see a Functional Neurologist in Windsor, Canada. Hockey players would often see him after suffering from a concussion and I really enjoyed seeing him and being with him (I might have had a teeny crush…. It happens with patients and their doctors sometimes). But this neurologist also made football feel… scientific. Like, watching a touchdown wasn’t just pretty—it was physics in real time. I got hooked.
Tom Brady was suspended at first, but I absolutely loved watching the backup quarterback throw zingers to Gronkowski and the good looking receivers on the team (what can I say? I am just a girl who enjoys the good eye candy). I felt saved… a distraction to forget about my current situation. Finally.
By the time Brady came back, I was hooked. I had been a drowning. Not in water—just everything else—nights spent staring at the ceiling wondering if tomorrow was worth it. Then Sunday rolled around, and I flipped on the TV. Pats versus whoever—didn’t matter. Brady dropped back, Gronk hauled in a bomb, and for three hours I forgot how broken I felt. It wasn’t just the wins. It was the rhythm: the crowd roaring like they knew me, the way Bill Belichick stared down the refs like they owed him money, the stupid little fist-pumps I’d do alone on my wheelchair (eventually I would watch the games while I leaned over the counter, but that is neither here nor there). That team—those jerseys—gave me something to root for when I couldn’t root for myself.
So I watched every snap, even the losses. Learned the playbook like it was therapy. When Brady left, I had just met my boyfriend and he was shocked that I cried—real tears—but then Drake Maye eventually stepped in, I realized: the Patriots weren’t just players. They were proof you can rebuild.
Now that I met someone who likes football almost as much as I do, I still yell at the screen when they blow a coverage. But now it’s joy, not desperation (I also taught him to watch the game without being too negative and always being positive that everything is happening for a reason). So thanks, NFL. Thanks, New England. You didn’t know it, but you carried me through the dark. If you ever need a fan who’d run through a wall for you—well, I’m already here.
Now I’m just yelling at referees over bad calls, tracking stats on my phone, even wearing my boyfriend’s old merchandise like it’s armor. Turns out sports aren’t just noise—they’re stories, strategy, heartbreak, and weirdly, therapy. All because some guy in Windsor loved Tom Brady more than sleep.
Today I am all-in on the whole Boston sports family. Patriots, Bruins, Celtics, Sox… no favorites, just pure hometown loyalty. It may not be my personal hometown, but I owed my savior (the New England Patriots) the loyalty. And because of this fandom…. I was able to find my new savior— my man, my one true love.