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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

February Wellness: Tips for a Healthy & Happy Month

Prioritizing Self-Care and Healthy Habits in February As we transition from the hustle and bustle of the new year, February presents an opportune time to refocus on our well-being. As…

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February 17, 2024
ASL Stories, Deaf Art/Music, Deaf Culture, Deaf Events, Deaf History, Deaf identity

CODA Panel: Deaf & Signing Families

Reflection Paper — CODA Panel: Deaf & Signing Families (March 20, 2025) Donna Melena SOCI-240 — Deaf and DeafBlind Communities and Spaces Aimee Whyte | Spring 2025 Introduction: Why I…

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March 20, 2025
Creative (for product and brand building), Deaf Lifestyle, Style

Summer Scope Inspire

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July 16, 2022
Blogging
Blogging
Travel
Travel
Deaf Awareness
Deaf Awareness
  • Life

    Fall Bucket List: Deaf Girl Edition (With ASL Moments!)

    October 27, 2025 / Comments Off on Fall Bucket List: Deaf Girl Edition (With ASL Moments!)

    The air is crisp, the leaves are golden, and yes—pumpkin everything is officially back. But let’s be real: fall can also feel like a whirlwind. Between midterms, work, family stuff, and trying to stay healthy (mentally and physically), it’s easy to blink and realize you didn’t do anything for you. This season, I wanted to be intentional—not just reactive. So I created this Deaf Girl Fall Bucket List with little rituals, cozy vibes, and accessible ASL moments to make every leaf-crunching day count. Whether you’re Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or just looking for a more mindful way to enjoy autumn, this list was made with you in mind. Fall Bucket…

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    Donna Melena

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

    February 24, 2025

    The 5 Items I Always Keep On My Nightstand

    October 29, 2021

    Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

    January 8, 2022
  • Life

    Pumpkin Spice & Peace: How I De-Stress in Busy Seasons

    October 20, 2025 / Comments Off on Pumpkin Spice & Peace: How I De-Stress in Busy Seasons

    It’s officially October—hello cozy sweaters, cool mornings, and pumpkin spice everything. 🍂 But let’s be honest: as the fall season picks up, life tends to get loud. Between back-to-school routines, holiday prep, and work deadlines, it’s easy to slide into stress before you even notice it happening. If you’re like me, you’re craving more than just pumpkin candles. You want peace. The kind that lasts past your third cup of coffee. In today’s post, I’m sharing exactly how I slow things down, stay centered, and build sustainable habits that support my mental health—even when life feels like a whirlwind. Whether you’re Deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing, these tools can…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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    The 5 Items I Always Keep On My Nightstand

    October 29, 2021

    Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

    January 8, 2022

    You’re Not “Difficult.” You’re Being Dismissed.

    July 20, 2025
  • Life

    Let’s Talk Ghosting: How I Set Boundaries with Confidence

    October 13, 2025 / Comments Off on Let’s Talk Ghosting: How I Set Boundaries with Confidence

    Ever been ghosted by a friend, family member, or even someone from the Deaf community—and felt like it crushed you a little? I get it. The silence can feel louder than anything. And when you’re Deaf, communication is already something you fight for daily. So when someone chooses not to respond at all? That cuts deep. But here’s what I’ve learned: Ghosting isn’t always about you. And you’re allowed to set boundaries that protect your energy. Especially when the silence becomes a pattern. In this post, I’ll walk you through: Let’s Talk Ghosting: How I Set Boundaries with Confidence 📥 Free Gift for You: I created a printable toolkit with…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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    TikTok Deaf Creators Are Thriving — Join Us Today!

    May 2, 2025
    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

    Personal Growth: Why It Matters and How It Can Change Your Life?

    April 22, 2025
  • Life

    Costume Ideas for Deaf Girls: Bold, Cute, and Accessible

    October 6, 2025 / Comments Off on Costume Ideas for Deaf Girls: Bold, Cute, and Accessible

    Whether you’re signing under the moonlight or vibing with your Deaf squad at a Halloween party, your costume should reflect your personality and your access needs. This post is packed with bold, cute, and Deaf-friendly costume ideas to help you show up and show out—comfortably and confidently. 📥 Want a free printable toolkit?Snag your Deaf Girl Costume Planner + ASL Halloween Signs printable pack (habit tracker, ASL graphics, and more) when you sign up here to join the TLO Donna email fam! Costume Ideas for Deaf Girls: Bold, Cute, and Accessible 🎃 Why Deaf-Accessible Costumes Matter Costumes should never be a barrier to feeling fabulous. But let’s be real: some…

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    Donna Melena

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    We’ve Been Targeted: How Scammers Exploit the Deaf Community – And How We Fight Back

    July 18, 2025

    TikTok Deaf Creators Are Thriving — Join Us Today!

    May 2, 2025

    Personal Growth: Why It Matters and How It Can Change Your Life?

    April 22, 2025
  • Life

    Glow in the Dark: My Confidence Rituals for a Bold October

    October 1, 2025 / Comments Off on Glow in the Dark: My Confidence Rituals for a Bold October

    October always feels like a turning point. The air shifts. The days get darker, and for a lot of us—especially in the Deaf community—it can feel like everything gets a little quieter, both outside and inside. But this year, I want to flip the script.Instead of shrinking into the season, I’m lighting it up. I’m sharing the exact rituals I use to build confidence, protect my peace, and show up boldly—even on the hard days. These habits keep me grounded, focused, and unapologetically myself. No matter what’s going on around me, I can return to these small but powerful practices. And the best part? I turned them into a free…

    read more
    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

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

    April 22, 2025

    My Sunday Ritual

    May 30, 2021
  • Life

    How I Use ASL to Manifest My Goals Each Season

    September 29, 2025 / Comments Off on How I Use ASL to Manifest My Goals Each Season

    Whether it’s September back-to-school energy or that quiet stillness before winter, I’ve found that each season brings its own kind of motivation. But here’s the thing: motivation without intention fades. That’s why I started using American Sign Language (ASL) not just to communicate, but to visualize, embody, and manifest my goals. And let me tell you—it works. In this post, I’m breaking down how I use ASL in a simple, repeatable seasonal practice to stay focused and intentional. I’ll also share tips to avoid burnout, stay consistent, and grow in a way that truly supports you and the Deaf community. How I Use ASL to Manifest My Goals Each Season…

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    Donna Melena

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    Deaf/Hard-Of-Hearing TLO Communications

    July 13, 2025
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    2025 Blog Library: Deaf Lifestyle Posts By Month

    January 1, 2025

    You’re Not “Difficult.” You’re Being Dismissed.

    July 20, 2025
  • Life

    $200 Back-to-School Budget Challenge (Deaf Girl Edition)

    September 22, 2025 / Comments Off on $200 Back-to-School Budget Challenge (Deaf Girl Edition)

    Hey friends!School is here, and we’re diving into September with something a little different: a budget challenge made for us—accessible, doable, and 100% real. Whether you’re heading back to high school, college, or just trying to get your routine together after summer chaos, this post is for you. We’re taking $200 and stretching it smart, building habits that actually stick, and making space for goals—without burning out. And because I know how important visual structure is for the Deaf community (and honestly, for everyone), I made a FREE printable toolkit to help you stay on track: ✅ Habit tracker🤟 ASL-friendly visual goal planner📅 Weekly routine planner $200 Back-to-School Budget Challenge…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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

    July 22, 2025

    Coming Soon: A Candid Interview with Ashley from Good Energy Salon

    April 22, 2025

    Deaf/Hard-Of-Hearing TLO Communications

    July 13, 2025
  • Life

    My Sunday Self-Care Flow for a Calm, Deaf-Friendly Week

    September 15, 2025 / Comments Off on My Sunday Self-Care Flow for a Calm, Deaf-Friendly Week

    Let’s Talk Real Self-Care (Not Just Bubble Baths) Sundays used to feel like one giant “reset button” I couldn’t quite reach. I’d open my planner, stare at the blank week ahead, and think:How am I supposed to do all of this… and still take care of myself? Sound familiar? If you’re Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing, you know how many extras go into just navigating everyday life. From interpreter coordination to caption issues to having to educate people constantly—it’s a lot. Self-care isn’t optional. It’s essential. That’s why I created a Sunday flow that’s grounding, realistic, and actually designed with Deaf accessibility in mind. It keeps me centered and…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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

    July 22, 2025

    The 5 Items I Always Keep On My Nightstand

    October 29, 2021

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

    April 22, 2025
  • Life

    Deaf Awareness Month: 10 Ways to Be Loud Without a Voice

    September 8, 2025 / Comments Off on Deaf Awareness Month: 10 Ways to Be Loud Without a Voice

    September is Deaf Awareness Month, and if you’re wondering how to support the Deaf community—whether you’re Deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing—you’re in the right place. Being “loud” doesn’t always mean raising your voice. Sometimes it means showing up, making thoughtful choices, and building habits that speak volumes—without saying a word. That’s what this post is about: 10 simple, powerful ways you can advocate, connect, and create change—without feeling overwhelmed. But first… 🎁 Want to Take Action Without the Guesswork? Deaf Awareness Month: 10 Ways to Be Loud Without a Voice Grab your free Deaf Awareness ToolkitIncludes: 👉 Click here to download yours instantly.(You’ll also get our email series: small…

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    Donna Melena

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    Personal Growth: Why It Matters and How It Can Change Your Life?

    April 22, 2025

    Vision or Illusion? My Wake-Up Call on MLMs and False Empowerment

    July 8, 2025
    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
  • Life

    Fall Reset, Deaf Queen: How I’m Reclaiming My Routine After Summer

    September 1, 2025 / Comments Off on Fall Reset, Deaf Queen: How I’m Reclaiming My Routine After Summer

    Hey Deaf Queen, Let’s be real. Summer? Fun, wild, freeing—but also a little chaotic. Between late nights, skipped routines, and that why-is-my-email-a-war-zone energy, September hits different. Now, it’s time to reset. Realign. Reclaim our peace and power. This fall, I’m rebuilding habits that fuel me—with intention, balance, and Deaf community pride at the center. And because I know starting over can feel a lot, I created a free Fall Reset Toolkit to help you take back your rhythm. It includes: Fall Reset, Deaf Queen: How I’m Reclaiming My Routine After Summer 👉 Click here to download your free toolkit and start your reset strong. Why Fall Is the Perfect Time…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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

    April 22, 2025
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    2025 Blog Library: Deaf Lifestyle Posts By Month

    January 1, 2025

    You’re Not “Difficult.” You’re Being Dismissed.

    July 20, 2025
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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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  • 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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