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#WednesdayWisdom
"On days when you feel most tender, unfelt, misunderstood, unheard, uncared for, or alone, remember that self-love is sacred medicine." — Lalah Delia
Morning Musings
Last week I cried over a honey lavender latte. To be clear, it was about more than the latte, but I'd hit the proverbial wall and that was what sent me over the edge.
I don't know about you, but I entered 2021 bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Well, life has a way of humbling you real fast. I started a part-time role as the senior mental health editor at YR Media, a national network of journalist and artists 18-25; was behind on edits for my book proposal; scurrying to schedule interviews for freelance assignments; and also juggling various IVF-related calls and appointments. It was ... a lot. Not to mention the hormones and well, *gestures broadly* everything else going on.
I was having one of those "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days" when my friend and work hubby Pedro gently suggested I take an afternoon walk and grab a coffee. Great idea! I was zipping up my coat and getting ready to walk out when I remembered that I'd already had my daily allotment of 12 ounces of caffeine (#IVFproblems). That's when I lost it.
In the Before Times, having two cups of coffee a day was no big deal. But this was yet another reminder of the agency I'd lost over my body since starting (and restarting) fertility treatments. No alcohol, no exercise, definitely no Peloton, no lifting, no yoga. And so forth and so on. "You can walk," the nurses offered. Ma'am...
How exactly am I supposed to relax during this stressful time when I can't do what I usually do to relieve said stress? A girl can only meditate and journal for so long!
Then my friend Sarah suggested we move our group Zoom date to a socially-distanced walk around Lincoln Square and guess what, as it turns out some fresh air and lattes with my besties was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Prior to Saturday, I hadn't left the house since Tuesday, so yea perhaps there is something to be said for walking. It may not be as strenuous of an exercise as I'm used to, but I suppose learning to be gentle with my body (in the midst of a pandemic and preparing to carry another human life) isn't a bad thing.
Love,
L'Oreal
ICYMI
In my latest for Shondaland, I interviewed poet, author and activist Mahogany L. Browne about her YA debut novel, Chlorine Sky, #BlackGirlMagic and the importance of friendship.
I was also recently interviewed by In Her Sight to share insight (see what I did there?) about signs a job is not right for you. As always, I'd love to hear what you think!
Upcoming Events
Jan. 26: A Conversation with Jen Sincero on Habits. Ya girl is moderating a virtual Q&A with best-selling author and self-help guru Jen Sincero. EEEK! This is an exclusive event for Shine app premium members, so upgrade and join us at 6 pm ET/5 pm CT.
Feb. 5: Unapologetic Reset. Join me and my girl Rachel Symone Gilliam for Unapologetic Reset, a virtual retreat featuring more than 30 wellness sessions. Use the promo code LOREAL10 for $10 off your ticket.
Feb. 27: How to Land a Literary Agent. I'm hosting a masterclass for Permission to Write, an online community for Black writers and writers of color, all about the process of finding, vetting and signing with a literary agent.
Links I Love: Inauguration Edition
1. Amanda Gorman Captures the Moment, In Verse (New York Times)
2. Cori Bush: Can She Bring the Movement for Black Lives to Congress? (Teen Vogue)
3. On Stacey Abrams and the Persistent Problem of Leaning Too Heavily on Black Women (Vogue)
My Latest Obsession
I admit, I suffer from pop culture FOMO and I'm a sucker for romance, so I caved and binge-watched Bridgerton last week. It's the latest from Shondaland and is Gossip Girl meets Regency England (I suppose, I've never actually watched Gossip Girl, don't judge me).
There's been a lot of talk about Shonda Rhimes' seeming obsession with interracial relationships and the political/historical correctness of it all, but I'm here for one thing and one thing only: The Duke (aka actor Regé-Jean Page).
Oh yea, the costumes and wigs are nice, too!
Now Hiring
Manager, Influencer Relations for Fenty Beauty
Social Media Manager for Teen Vogue
Hip-Hop Reporter for Billboard
Managing Editor for The Everygirl
Communications Director for Healthy Schools Campaign
Director of People and Culture for One Million Degrees
Development Coordinator for Mikva Challenge
Manager, Communications and Marketing for Braven
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