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Recent Posts

  • 2025 in Review: My Wins, Lessons & What’s Next
    In Donna's Diary (Main Writing Hub), Life, Productivity, Reflections
  • Deaf Girl Gift Guide: Thoughtful Finds for All Budgets
    In Life
  • My ASL-Friendly Morning Routine for Slower Winter Days
    In Life
  • Life

    Surviving, Not Just Existing: My Journey Through Mental Health Struggles

    February 24, 2025 / Comments Off on Surviving, Not Just Existing: My Journey Through Mental Health Struggles

    Before moving forward, I want to clarify that I’m not a licensed professional or therapist. Still, I want to talk about my experience with mental hospitals, therapy, and fighting through suicidal thoughts. Throughout my life, I’ve often felt caught between two worlds – one in which my identity as a Deaf person is celebrated within my deaf community and another where mainstream society fails to understand the unique challenges I face. My journey through mental health struggles has been marked by isolation, misunderstanding, and, ultimately, resilience. Today, I hope to share my story and address some common questions that many in our community have. My Story Growing up, I didn’t…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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    AM Skincare Routine

    April 23, 2022

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    August 16, 2025

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    January 8, 2022
  • Life

    Black Deaf History Matters: 5 Trailblazers You Should Know

    February 18, 2025 / Comments Off on Black Deaf History Matters: 5 Trailblazers You Should Know

    Black History Month is a time to reflect, celebrate, and raise the volume on stories that are too often ignored. For the Deaf community—especially Black Deaf folks—visibility still lags behind. But that doesn’t mean our history isn’t rich, powerful, and full of trailblazers. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from history lessons that never mentioned Black Deaf leaders, you’re not alone. This post is here to fix that. We’re highlighting five powerful Black Deaf trailblazers who broke barriers and paved the way—so you can not only learn about them but feel inspired to keep showing up for yourself, your goals, and your community. Black Deaf History Matters: 5 Trailblazers You Should…

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    Donna Melena

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    A digital vision board featuring a woman with long dark hair and a soft smile wearing a white shirt, centered among various images symbolizing her dreams. Surrounding her are photos of a modern home with a pool, palm trees at sunset, a microphone, people smiling and talking, skincare products, a laptop reading "Deaf Lifestyle Blog," and a phone showing passive income earnings. Gold glitter "I Love You" hand signs and the phrase "BIG DREAMS" appear at the top.

    Capstone Project

    April 22, 2025

    Do We Have to Be Broken to Become Better?

    July 6, 2025

    TikTok Deaf Creators Are Thriving — Join Us Today!

    May 2, 2025
  • Life

    Declutter Like a Queen: Deaf-Friendly Guide to a Mid-Winter Reset 👑

    February 11, 2025 / Comments Off on Declutter Like a Queen: Deaf-Friendly Guide to a Mid-Winter Reset 👑

    It’s February. The holidays are long gone, your space might still feel like a post-storm mess, and your motivation? Somewhere under a pile of laundry. We get it. That’s why this mid-winter moment is perfect for a reset—your way. No pressure. No shame. Just small, consistent steps to clear your space, mind, and energy for the rest of the year. And because you’re part of The Life of Donna community, you deserve a plan that actually fits your life. Whether you sign in ASL or speak with your hands full, this guide is made for you. Declutter Like a Queen: Deaf-Friendly Guide to a Mid-Winter Reset 👑 🎁 Get your…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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    July 13, 2025

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    April 23, 2022

    The 5 Items I Always Keep On My Nightstand

    October 29, 2021
  • Life

    Deaf, Single, & Thriving: 5 Ways to Celebrate Yourself This Valentine’s

    February 4, 2025 / Comments Off on Deaf, Single, & Thriving: 5 Ways to Celebrate Yourself This Valentine’s

    February isn’t just for couples. It’s for YOU. If you’re Deaf, single, and looking for real connection (with yourself), Valentine’s Day can actually be a powerful reset button. Instead of sitting it out or feeling left behind, let this season be your reminder: You are whole, you are worthy, and you deserve joy. Whether you’re proudly solo or still healing, this is your time to build habits that make you feel good long after the chocolates are gone. Deaf, Single, & Thriving: 5 Ways to Celebrate Yourself This Valentine’s ✨ FREE GIFT: Get Your Self-Love Toolkit Before we dive in—I made something special for you. Download my Deaf Valentine’s Self-Love…

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    Donna Melena

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    TikTok Deaf Creators Are Thriving — Join Us Today!

    May 2, 2025

    I Went Back to College 8 Years Later – Was It the Right Choice?

    April 22, 2025

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    January 8, 2022
  • Life

    Love Loudly: How Deaf Women Can Create Deeper Relationships (Romantic or Not)

    February 1, 2025 / Comments Off on Love Loudly: How Deaf Women Can Create Deeper Relationships (Romantic or Not)

    Whether you’re dating, married, making new friends, or trying to reconnect with family—real connection matters. As Deaf women, we know that communication isn’t just about words. It’s about presence, understanding, and showing up fully in every interaction. But life gets busy. Burnout sneaks in. And staying close to the people we love can feel hard—especially when accessibility isn’t always there. This February, we want to change that. Love Loudly: How Deaf Women Can Create Deeper Relationships (Romantic or Not) Introducing: the “Love Loudly” Toolkit – A Free Printable Habit Tracker + ASL Graphics Pack.Use it to build small, meaningful habits that make your relationships stronger—without overwhelm.👉 Download it here and…

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    Donna Melena

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    January 27, 2024

    Everyday Water-Based Makeup Routine for a Fresh, Lightweight Look

    April 22, 2025

    ASL on the Go: 7 Everyday Moments to Practice Sign Language This Summer

    July 15, 2025
  • Life

    Deaf Joy: 10 Everyday Habits That Brought Me Peace This Winter

    January 28, 2025 / Comments Off on Deaf Joy: 10 Everyday Habits That Brought Me Peace This Winter

    Winter can be rough. The cold, the short days, the loneliness that creeps in when you least expect it. As a Deaf woman, I’ve learned to build habits that actively create joy—especially when the world feels quiet and gray. I don’t do hustle culture. I don’t believe in “fixing” ourselves every January. But I do believe in showing up for ourselves with small, loving actions—tiny rituals that restore peace, connection, and Deaf pride. This winter, I focused on 10 simple habits that didn’t cost anything but brought me real joy. These aren’t trends—they’re tools. And they’re yours, too. Deaf Joy: 10 Everyday Habits That Brought Me Peace This Winter 💌…

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    Donna Melena

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    July 13, 2025

    TikTok Deaf Creators Are Thriving — Join Us Today!

    May 2, 2025

    My Summer Morning Routine as a Deaf CEO-in-Training (Behind-the-Scenes Vlog + Free Template)

    July 22, 2025
  • Life

    Glow Up Season: My January Wellness Routine as a Deaf CEO

    January 21, 2025 / Comments Off on Glow Up Season: My January Wellness Routine as a Deaf CEO

    Hey friends — Happy New Year! January is a mindset, not just a month. Around here, we call it Glow Up Season—and no, that doesn’t mean buying a bunch of new stuff or pretending to be a different person. It’s about re-centering, reclaiming your time, and giving yourself structure that feels supportive, not suffocating. As a Deaf woman, mom, and CEO, routines are more than just nice—they’re necessary. They keep me grounded through work, family, and advocacy. But here’s the secret: I don’t chase perfection. I build simple, repeatable habits that I actually like. That’s the difference between falling off after two weeks and still showing up in June. Glow…

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    Donna Melena

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    Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

    January 8, 2022

    I Went Back to College 8 Years Later – Was It the Right Choice?

    April 22, 2025

    Rejuvenate Your Space with New Home Decor Trends 2024

    January 1, 2024
  • Life

    Deaf-Friendly Declutter: 21-Day Minimalist Reset for a Calm New Year

    January 14, 2025 / Comments Off on Deaf-Friendly Declutter: 21-Day Minimalist Reset for a Calm New Year

    Is your space feeling loud, cluttered, or just off? That heavy, messy feeling doesn’t just come from stuff—it shows up in our routines, our minds, and even our screens. This year, we’re not just cleaning out drawers. We’re decluttering life, the Deaf-friendly way. Welcome to the 21-Day Minimalist Reset—built for calm, clarity, and consistency. You don’t need to overhaul your world in one go. You just need a simple rhythm, a few minutes a day, and tools that actually fit your lifestyle. Deaf-Friendly Declutter: 21-Day Minimalist Reset for a Calm New Year ✨ Grab your free Deaf-Friendly Declutter ToolkitIt includes: 👉 [Click here to get your free toolkit] and start…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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    TikTok Deaf Creators Are Thriving — Join Us Today!

    May 2, 2025

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    January 8, 2022
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    2025 Blog Library: Deaf Lifestyle Posts By Month

    January 1, 2025
  • Life

    Deaf-Friendly Declutter: 21-Day Minimalist Reset for a Calm New Year

    January 7, 2025 / Comments Off on Deaf-Friendly Declutter: 21-Day Minimalist Reset for a Calm New Year

    Is your space feeling loud, cluttered, or just off? That heavy, messy feeling doesn’t just come from stuff—it shows up in our routines, our minds, and even our screens. This year, we’re not just cleaning out drawers. We’re decluttering life, the Deaf-friendly way. Welcome to the 21-Day Minimalist Reset—built for calm, clarity, and consistency. You don’t need to overhaul your world in one go. You just need a simple rhythm, a few minutes a day, and tools that actually fit your lifestyle. Deaf-Friendly Declutter: 21-Day Minimalist Reset for a Calm New Year ✨ Grab your free Deaf-Friendly Declutter ToolkitIt includes: 👉 [Click here to get your free toolkit] and start…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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    Blogging Tips,  Creative (for product and brand building),  Deaf Lifestyle,  Donna's Diary (Main Writing Hub),  Homepage,  Life,  Reflections

    2025 Blog Library: Deaf Lifestyle Posts By Month

    January 1, 2025 / Comments Off on 2025 Blog Library: Deaf Lifestyle Posts By Month

    January 2025 New Year, Bold You: How I’m Starting Fresh as a Deaf Woman in 2025 Deaf-Friendly Declutter: 21-Day Minimalist Reset for a Calm New Year Budgeting as a Deaf Woman: My Low-Stress 2025 Money Plan (With Free Toolkit!) Glow Up Season: My January Wellness Routine as a Deaf CEO Deaf Joy: 10 Everyday Habits That Brought Me Peace This Winter February 2025 Love Loudly: How Deaf Women Can Create Deeper Relationships (Romantic or Not) Deaf, Single, & Thriving: 5 Ways to Celebrate Yourself This Valentine’s Declutter Like a Queen: Deaf-Friendly Guide to a Mid-Winter Reset Black Deaf History Matters: 5 Trailblazers You Should Know Manifesting in ASL: How I…

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    Donna Melena
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Hi, I’m Donna Melena!

I’m a Deaf lifestyle blogger ad creative founder of The Life Of Donna™️.

Every Monday, I share wellness tips, reflections, and real-talk stories – all through a Deaf-centered lens.

 Empowerment.

Authenticity.

Glow-Ups that start within.

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Deaf Creators Deaf education Deaf Enough Deaf History Donna's Diary healing Personal Growth spirituality Travel
  • 2025 in Review: My Wins, Lessons & What’s Next
  • Deaf Girl Gift Guide: Thoughtful Finds for All Budgets
  • My ASL-Friendly Morning Routine for Slower Winter Days
  • Holiday Boundaries 101: How I Protect My Peace (With Love)
  • Deaf, Cozy & In Control: My Winter Reset Plan

Recent Posts

  • 2025 in Review: My Wins, Lessons & What’s Next
    In Donna's Diary (Main Writing Hub), Life, Productivity, Reflections
  • Deaf Girl Gift Guide: Thoughtful Finds for All Budgets
    In Life
  • My ASL-Friendly Morning Routine for Slower Winter Days
    In Life

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