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#WednesdayWisdom
"Curate your home, your wardrobe, and your life with intention. Because you deserve." — Christine Platt aka The Afrominmalist
Morning Musings
Eight years ago today, I moved to Chicago for a boy and a job. Although if I’m being honest, it was more for the boy as Jeff and I had been dating long-distance for two years at that time. But being the stubborn feminist that I am, I refused to move halfway across the country “for some guy” without having a great career opportunity lined up. Just, you know, in case things didn’t work out.
Spoiler: I married the boy and later left the job. And now it's time to close this chapter and start a new one in Ohio at the end of the month.
Admittedly, I've been having mixed feelings about our upcoming move. I know we're ultimately making the right decision for our future by being closer to family, but I'm going to miss Chicago something fierce. Which is surprising because as my friend and first adult roomie Marissa reminded me recently, I hated Chicago when I first moved here.
Nothing against the city itself, but I was super homesick. Since then, Chicago has grown on me in ways I never imagined possible. I'm not the same 25-year-old girl who landed at Midway bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with three suitcases to her name (okay, maybe a little red-eyed from sobbing at BWI and the plane). And thank God for that.
(Here I am on July 15, 2013, my first day as the digital content editor for JET magazine.)
I learned so much about myself, my values and what I stand for (as well as what I won't stand for, which is equally important). I fell in love with myself and who I am as a Black woman. I took a leap of faith and changed careers (twice, if anyone's keeping track, and three times if you count going back to journalism). And I've met some of the most amazing people and developed friendships that will last a lifetime. For all this and more, I am grateful.
Truthfully, I've never been great at change and there's a lot of change happening right now. But I saw a post from My Fab Finance founder Tonya Rapley about her recent move from LA to Atlanta for the sake of her son and she spoke about looking at what they're gaining versus what they're giving up. It's about choosing an abundance mindset over a scarcity mindset and that has helped me reframe my mindset and attitude toward this move.
Chicago, you will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for the growth and the memories.
Love,
L'Oreal
P.s. Thank you to everyone who sent well wishes and congrats on our pregnancy announcement, we appreciate you!
P.s. If anyone has any Columbus recs, please let me know!
ICYMI
Last week, I mentioned I'd recently interviewed Christine Platt (aka The Afrominimalist) for Hunker and that piece is now live. Warning: her book may make you want to toss EVERYTHING!
I was also featured in Browned 2 Perfection Agency's list of "16 journalists and editors whose pen game is strong." Holla!
And last, but not least, in some #BookNews, ya girl signed with a new literary agent at the top of the year and there's more news to come, but in the meantime check out my new client Q&A!
Upcoming Events
July 22: A Conversation on BIPOC Mental Health. I'm teaming up with the wonderful team at Shine to discuss conversation on the importance of recognizing the nuances of BIPOC mental health.
Links I Love
1. ‘I Was Drowning Inside’: How the Sports World Failed When Three Black Women Needed Help (19th News)
2. The Devil Wears Prada and the Myth of the One and Only "Big Break" (Harper's Bazaar)
3. Phylicia Rashad Is Just the Beginning (The Cut)
My Latest Obsession
Now, I'm loyal to RHOA (that's Real Housewives of Atlanta, for the uninitiated), but last season was a bit lackluster to say the least. So at the suggestion of my sister, I started watching RHOP (Potomac, for those following along) and I've gotta say, it's growing on me. First of all, I'm rooting for everybody Black and yes, that includes Real Housewives. Secondly, I love the glimpses of my home state. You can take the girl out of Maryland, but you can't take the Maryland out of the girl.
Now Hiring
Social Media Manager for Healthy Roots Dolls
Director of Growth and Data Analytics for Ronald McDonald House
People and Culture Director for Lookingglass Theatre Company
Graphic Designer for Civic Nation
National NBA Writer for The New York Times
Community Educator for the Illinois Prison Project
Marketing and Communications Manager for Habitat for Humanity Chicago
College Success Team Manager for Bottom Line
Thank You!
Much love and many thanks to everyone who bought coffee this week: - Katie F., Rimsha, Kelly, Lindsey, Jennifer, Anna, Katie B., Morgan and Luke.
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