A Black Woman's Coffee Table Book: Commentary On Life, Loss, & Love

By Kayla Nixon

A Black Woman's Coffee Table Book is a collection of short-form essays and quotes drawn from over two years of journal entries and notes written during life's most difficult moments including a rare cancer diagnosis, losing a parent to cancer, career transitions and the aftermath of failed relationships. It was created for both display and perusal and there is inspiration to be found whether one starts reading from the beginning or opens to a page at random. Through the exploration of many different themes, the overarching message is this: A life after loss is still one worth living and a life rooted in love is always within our reach.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Dec 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9781667810836

Book preview

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A Black Woman’s Coffee Table Book Copyright © 2021 by Kayla Nixon

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No portion of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

First Edition

Interior and hard cover design by Kayla Nixon

ISBN

978-1667810836

Names: Nixon, Kayla, author.

Title: A Black Woman’s Coffee Table Book: Commentary on Life, Loss & Love / Kayla Nixon

Description: First Edition. | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania [2021]

Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5 | Digest

Subjects: Self Help | Essays | Autobiographies | Grief | Religious/Faith

Summary: By first-time author Kayla Nixon, a collection of short-form essays and quotes on love and life after loss

Self-published with Book Baby

To request information about bulk purchasing, to book an event, or to request permission to uses passage, please contact [e-mail].

Visit https://www.blackwomanscoffeetablebook.co

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my beautiful mother who spoke over me from the day I was born and prophesied this book into existence; I will honor and love you always.

CONTENT

INTRODUCTION

I

Loss & Tragedy

Grief

Uncertainty

Heartbreak & Failure

Prayer & Faith

II

Moving On & Turning the Page

Healing

Finding & Using Your Voice

Rebuilding

Time

III

Forgiveness

Focus

Growth & Change

Supporting Others & Servitude

Witness

IV

Authenticity

Travel

Creativity

Experiences

Embracing A New You

V

Youth

The Little Girl In You

Joy

Wonder

Desire

Purpose

VI

(Black) Womanhood

Agency

The Southern Black Woman

Setting An Example

Story

VII

Gratitude

Self-Acceptance

Confidence

Love

Wholeness

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

INTRODUCTION

In twenty-seven years, I have been many things- a daughter, a sister, a teacher, a student, a friend, an artist, an avid traveler, and so much more. I have always coveted the title of author and it is one of my proudest accomplishments to now add that title to my list. Sure, there are millions of books and thousands of authors out there, but none who can tell my story quite like I can.

At my young age, one might wonder what words of wisdom I could possibly have to offer; I have even asked that question of myself. These short-form essays and quotes are, in fact, over two years of journal entries and notes written to myself through life’s most difficult moments. A rare cancer diagnosis, losing my mother to cancer, the aftermath of failed relationships and everyday living undeniably qualify me to share with you the gift of these words. I did not come by them easily; therefore, I do not present them lightly. I hope that through my transparency you come to know this:

A life after loss is still one worth living and a life rooted in love is always within our reach.

I desired to create a book that was both for display and perusal; there is inspiration to be found whether you start at the beginning or you open to a page at random. A Black Woman’s Coffee Table Book is meant to be revisited- to be read when you feel something or nothing at all. This book was written as an invocation of sorts- one that might encourage the calling upon of a higher self. I hope that these words will speak to you in the same way they appealed to me.

I

ON LOSS & TRAGEDY

In 2019, I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. I also lost my mother to cancer the same year. To date, that has been the most shocking and defining year of my life and will likely always be because it made me decide quickly what kind of person I would be.

Did I want to be someone who lived in fear and pain from then on?

Would I allow life to come to a halt and put a period where there should be a comma?

Could I live a life that wasn’t jaded or filled with