Subscribe to LT in the City Weekly
Spread the love, forward to a friend!
View this email in your browser
#WednesdayWisdom
"Your joy, nourish it. Your peace, protect it. Your heart, heal it. Your love, feel it. Your spirit, free it. Your mind, clear it. Your body, thank it. Your dreams, believe it. Your power, be it." — Mel Chanté
Morning Musings
When we received our infertile diagnosis the summer of 2019, I knew I would write about the journey first and foremost for myself. Writing — specifically journaling — is how I process my emotions and thoughts. It's how I make sense of the world.
And after reading too many blog posts and devotionals featuring white women and couples, I also felt compelled to share our journey publicly to help other young Black women feel less alone. Infertility is already an isolating experience and when you're sitting in the waiting room and no one else looks like you — not the patients, not the doctors — it can cause that experience to feel even more isolating and overwhelming.
I also feel like a lot of what's out there about IVF focuses on the success stories. I wanted to share the Messy Middle and I don't know how this story ends, I just know that it's not finished yet.
Then I got an email from a producer at The Tammi Mac Late Show to join a roundtable about Black women and infertility. Naturally, I was skeptical. So like any good journalist, I did my research, vetted the source and then agreed to do the show.
Writing is one thing. Even podcasts provide a bit of a safety net. But late-night TV with my family, friends and who-else-knows watching me live? Hello, anxiety!
And hours before our call time (right about when my nerves were turning my stomach inside-out and I was, in turn, turning my closet inside-out panicking about what to wear), my aunt sent this text: "You will do well. God created you for such a time as this."
Granted, when I asked God to use me, this journey, this battle, this season of my life for His greater good, I did not have late-night TV on my bingo card. But my aunt was right — I was literally made for this moment.
And despite all my nerves and anxiety, I did it. We did it, Joe! Today, The Tammi Mac Show ... tomorrow, Oprah (hey, might as well put it out in the universe)!
Love,
L'Oreal
P.s. If you happened to miss it live, you can catch the replay here!
P.p.s: So many of you responded that you're in for the 40-day #NoComplaintChallenge! Confession: I've been doing okay on the neighbor part but I've started to complain more in other areas, so yea. Not super proud about that, but we're aiming for progress here, not perfection!
ICYMI
It's been a minute since I've blogged, but I was inspired by Toni Morrison's recent 90th birthday and wrote this love letter to one of my literary muses.
I was also asked by The Sunday Edit to share my favorite curly hair product ... can you guess what it is?
Upcoming Events
Feb. 24 (TONIGHT): Taking Up Space. I'm moderating a virtual conversation with the good folks at Shine. RSVP here.
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
1. If Putting Yourself First Feels Weird, Read This. Guilty. As. Charged. (SELF)
2. Hit a Pandemic Wall? Here's Advice From a Therapist On How to Cope. If you've been struggling to hold it all together lately, you're not alone. (Shine)
3. I Miss My Bar. This fun site helps you recreate the atmosphere of your favorite bar. (Maverick)
My Latest Obsession
I've been following graphic designer and illustrator Stormy Nesbit on Instagram for a while now and I'm obsessed with her work! So when I saw that she was collaborating with Forever 21 for a Black History Month collection, I KNEW I had to get the #BlackWomenMatter hoodie.
Spoiler: this exact hoodie is sold out, but there are cute tees still available!
Now Hiring
Producer, Code Switch for NPR
Digital Manager for Color of Change
Environmental Justice Strategist for Black Visions
Director, Marketing and Communications for Catalyst:Ed
Scholar Recruitment Coordinator for One Million Degrees
Senior Marketing Manager for Boston While Black
Catalyst Program Manager for ReFrame
Director of Development for Code Nation
Thank You!
Thank you so much to Aurora, Cait, Janera and Paulette to buying last week's coffee!
In less than one month, we've already reached 57 supporters, which is incredibly exciting. If we reach 60 by next week, I'll add some Extras to the page — stay tuned to learn more!
Want to help fuel this newsletter and support my work? Click the button below!
Psst...did a friend forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here so you never miss an issue! Liked what you read? Be sure to follow using the buttons below.