A Sip of Flava: Waddling Through Life with Columbia

When I moved back to Seattle, Kimora told me I waddle like a penguin.

I laughed.

And instead of feeling self-conscious, I embraced it.

I’ve learned over the years that fighting the way your body moves only creates tension. So I leaned into it. Somewhere along the way, that waddle turned into a penguin pillow named Waddle—because of course it did.

Then Kimora found this site called Fahlo. You support wildlife conservation, and in return, you get to follow an animal’s journey. We decided to support a penguin. Her name is Columbia.

Now let me tell you… I didn’t expect to feel connected. But here I am—checking her path, noticing how far she travels, watching her move at her own pace through cold waters and long distances.

Columbia is a strong, resilient female penguin. She protects what matters. She survives harsh conditions. She keeps going—without apology.

And honestly?

I see a little of myself in her.

There’s something comforting about following her journey. It reminds me that movement doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful. That waddling forward still counts. That endurance comes in many forms.

This little penguin, born out of a family joke and a moment of acceptance, has become a quiet reminder:

Honor your body.

Move how you move.

Support what matters.

Sometimes joy shows up as coffee in your favorite mug.

Sometimes it shows up as a penguin named Columbia swimming thousands of miles away.

Either way… I’ll take a sip of that.

Sometimes the smallest connections teach us the biggest lessons.