Trust the timing of the universe 🕥

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#WednesdayWisdom

"Put more respect on the in-between space of where you are now and where you desire to be. This ‘in-between’ space is where the necessary transformation and magic happen. This space is known as the liminal space and it’s a big deal. Don’t allow it to discourage you. Break through." — Lalah Delia

Morning Musings

Growing up, I considered myself a pretty patient person. Family members would remark how I took after my dad who is perhaps the most patient man I know, followed by my husband. God bless them both for putting up with me.

Anywho, it has come to my attention that as an adult I am very much impatient. To quote Queen (the band, not Beyoncé), "I want it all and I want it now." Except, that's not how life works. That's not how any of this works.

Last year, I wrote with confidence two main goals: to start a family and sign with a literary agent. And we all know how that didn't work out. 

This year, I accepted the lesson that while I can take strident steps toward accomplishing a goal, I cannot necessarily force it to happen and I certainly can't will it to happen according to my timeline.

When I was younger, my mom would tell me if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans. Well, I imagine God is having quite a grand ol' time laughing at me trying to make fetch happen here on Earth.

You know the part in Hamilton about him writing like he's running out of time? It's me. I am Hamilton. Hamilton is me.

I am learning to slow down (or rather I've been given no other choice but to do so since the start of this pandemic). And I'm learning to trust divine timing, which is not to say sometimes I don't grow impatient in the process. But I recently read my new moon horoscope in this by astrologer Chani Nichols and well, okay universe, I hear you loud and clear...

"I trust that if long-term plans get paused, it’s a sign that something else needs to be understood before moving forward. It’s not my job to question the timing of events. It’s not my business to tell the world what schedule to be on. It’s not in my best interests to waste energy pushing when I could otherwise be flowing, even if slowly." 

In the words of Aaron Burr, wait for it...

Love,
L'Oreal

ICYMI

Remember when I said this month was going to be a busy one for freelancing? Well two of my pieces are now live!

I interviewed debut author Kim Johnson for ZORA back in February after I finished reading an ARC (advanced reader copy for those not in the book biz) of her book, This Is My America. Well, a lot has happened since then, but I'm so glad the story is finally out there.

A few weeks ago, the executive editor at Elemental reached out to me about contributing to their vertical (it's a sibling site to ZORA, also ran by Medium, this one about science-backed health and wellness). I don't exactly *do* science and health writing, so I was very intimidated, but thankfully this mask roundup came together quite well.

Two live, more to go...

Virtual Happenings

July 22: All White Everything: A #WineWithChas Tasting Course. Got wine questions? My girl Chasity Cooper has answers. ($7)

July 26: How to Grow Plants & Friendships. My friend Vanessa Flowers of Flower Girls Meet is hosting a conversation with Jasmine Jefferson of Black Girls with Gardens. (FREE)

Aug. 7: The Unapologetic Retreat. I'll be joining 30+ other phenomenal Black creatives, entrepreneurs and thought leaders at this virtual retreat. ($50 ... save $10 with the promo code LOREAL10)

Links I Love

1. 'How Many Women of Color Have to Cry?' Top Feminist Organizations Are Plagued By Racism, 20 Former Staffers Say. I could have easily written this story, partly because it is my story. (The Lily)

2. Viola Davis: 'My Entire Life Has Been a Protest.' As a Black woman in America, I know that our very existence is resistance. Hollywood, Viola reminds us, is no different. (Vanity Fair)

3. Meet Oumi Janta, the Rollerskater Taking Over Your Instagram Feed. My guilty pleasure of late is watching Black girls rollerskating on TikTok. 10/10 would recommend. (InStyle)

My Latest Obsession

Before I headed to college, my grandmother offered to buy me a lap desk and, not thinking they were "cool," I politely declined. Well, fast forward to 2020 and yours truly is the proud owner of a lap desk.

Despite having a very nice West Elm bookshelf/desk combo, I set up shop at the kitchen counter during the day (it has better lighting for the countless Zoom calls I'm on).

But when it's time to do my fun writing (like this), I prefer to sit at my "soft office" as one Twitter follower called it (aka the corner of the sofa). But after a while my thighs would be on fire. Not anymore! (Thank you, Granny, for your foresight and I'm sorry I didn't listen to you back then).

Now Hiring

1. Communications Manager for Color of Change

2. Associate Director, Black Media & Communications for Planned Parenthood

3. Director of External Communications Initiatives for New Classrooms

4. Social Media Content Manager for Design Milk

5. Communications Associate for Time's Up

6. Program Director - Chapter Programs for Black Girls Code

7. Blog Editor for Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America

8. Director of Development and Marketing for The Children's Museum of Richmond

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