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#WednesdayWisdom
"Choosing what's best for you is sacred; at all times." — Lalah Delia
Morning Musings
I've been thinking long and hard for the last few weeks about what I want to share with you in this final newsletter before maternity leave. Then I figured why not revisit the beginning.
At the onset of our (in)fertility journey, I had a decision to make: whether to bring y'all along for the ride. As a writer once specializing in personal essays, I'd grown accustomed to disclosing my own forays into therapy, my experience with fibroids and becoming pro-choice.
But this was different. This involved me and Jeff and the decision to share publicly as our story was unfolding would impact both of us. And Jeff encouraged me to do so. "You kind of have to," he responded when I asked if I should write about struggling to conceive and, later, our infertility diagnosis.
Not in the sense that any of us are obligated to share our stories, but we both recognized I have a gift and a platform and it would be irresponsible of me not to use both of those tools to help others. After all, helping others feel less alone is the very reason I began writing in the first place. Now here we are at the tail end of one journey about to begin another.
Last week I had back-to-back conversations about fertility. One was with a friend who’s trying to get pregnant and another was a podcast interview about IVF. In both instances, my advice was the same: Keep going. Take a break when you need to. Listen to your body and rest. Then if/when you’re ready, and only when you’re ready, dust yourself off and try again.
To be honest, these words could apply to many of life’s situations. Rest is a necessity, not a nice-to-have. Perseverance is a prerequisite. And patience is a must.
Keep the faith and keep going. There will be trials and tribulations. That’s part of life. And as much as the waiting sucked at the time, I can confidently say it made me a better person, a better wife, a better daughter, sister, friend and mother. There is wisdom in the wait. There are lessons you’ll only truly learn by going through hard things. Sure, a life of ease would be grand, but it’s in those difficult times that we grow and learn what we’re truly made of.
As one of my favorite Peloton instructors, Robin Arzón, says, "You've survived 100 percent of your worst days." You've got this, friend. And I'll see you on the other side.
Love,
L'Oreal
ICYMI
In my latest for The Muse, I spoke with Squarespace specialists about the best way to build your brand. And in my first for ZocDoc's blog, The Paper Gown, I talked to licensed therapists about why language matters when it comes to mental health and Black patients.
Links I Love
1. Simone Biles Chooses Herself. I will always support Black women putting themselves first. ALWAYS. (The Cut)
2. Finding Memories, and Mom’s Sewing Stuff, in a Reused Cookie Tin. I know I'm not the only one whose grandmother and mom kept sewing materials in the cookie tin. (New York Times)
3. Healing, A Saga. If you've ever wondered what having fibroids is like, this comic essay does a brilliant job of painting a vivid picture. (Vox)
4. Dear Isis. My birthday twin Gabrielle Union has done it again with a poignant letter to her infamous Bring It On character. (The Cut)
5. Behold, the Book Blob. They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but in this case they're all the same. (PrintMag)
My Latest Obsession
I told myself I was going to write a blog post featuring all of my favorite pregnancy items...but then I got tired. So this brief will have to do for now. That being said I have to tell you about Evereden's Stretch Mark Cream and Golden Belly Serum, both of which have been like a mini-spa day for me each morning post-shower.
Generously gifted by my bestie Pam, this power duo has also kept my belly stretch-mark free this entire pregnancy (don't believe me, check out these pics and no, that's not Photoshop). Click here to save 15% on your purchase (not an affiliate link. I just really, really love these products).
Now Hiring
Wellbeing Manager at Netflix
Marketing and Engagement Coordinator at Women Employed
Bookseller at The Lit Bar
Digital News Editor at The TRiiBE
Development Director at Run Something
Dating Editor at Elite Daily
Communications Director at The City of Philadelphia
Communications Manager at Color of Change
Thank You!
Much love and many thanks to Carm, Rachel and Caitlin for buying last week's coffee and to everyone who's sent a cup or two or three in this last year. I appreciate you!
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