Subscribe to LT in the City Weekly
Spread the love, forward to a friend!
View this email in your browser
#WednesdayWisdom
"It is natural to feel anxious about something you’ve never experienced before. It is also natural to practice being present through the breath." ~ Chelsea Jackson Roberts
Morning Musings
This time last year I was a big ball of anxiety. Literally. We were mere days away from a scheduled C-section and I felt like I was standing directly in the path of an oncoming train. Ready or not, it was quickly approaching the station. Spoiler: I was definitely not ready. But then again, is anyone ever when it comes to being a parent?
In the days leading up to the Big Day, I was a nervous wreck. What if I wasn't good at this whole mom thing? What if I didn't bond with the baby instantly? (Turns out that is perfectly normal, btw). What if (gasp) something went wrong? Despite my diligence in intentionally ignoring headlines about the Black maternal mortality rate, I knew too much. I was painstakingly aware of all the risks, statistics and the horror stories--so many horror stories.
Thankfully, our birth story was without too much fanfare, minus a brief stint in the NICU. Now, a year later, I'm still in awe that a) we created this tiny human; b) we've kept her alive for almost 365 days; and c) she's going to be walking like any day now.
Everyone says time flies and they're right. The nights are long, but the years are short...or whatever the saying is. But having a front-row seat to Violet's literal and figurative growth over this past year has been an honor. It's also been immensely exhausting, at times frustrating and full of self-doubt on my end.
Am I getting this right? Only time (and Violet) will truly tell. But in the meantime, I'm trying to remain present--to cherish the moments and simultaneously forgive myself for not cherishing every moment. Because the 3 a.m. moments are hard, y'all!
I've learned so much about myself in the last year and I have Violet to thank. I've leaned so much on others this last year and I have my village to thank. I've showed up imperfectly, but I showed up and I have myself to thank.
Parenthood is no walk in the park, but I'm eternally grateful for the people (blood related and not; other parents and not) who've walked alongside me. Here's to the next 365!
Love,
L'Oreal
ICYMI
Recently I called The Nap Ministry Hotline and it was every bit of wonderful that you'd might imagine. Learn more about what happened and why should call, too, in my latest for Fortune.
Happenings
Oct. 12 (TONIGHT): Pinot x Poetry. My girl Pam Johnson Davis is celebrating the next stop on her No Unpaid Passengers book tour. Tune in for poetry, music and more!
Oct. 17: What to Know Before Becoming a Full-Time Freelancer. Social media maven Courtney Cross-Johnson shares tips for becoming your own boss.
Links I Love
1. Lizzo Is Here to Talk About All of It—That Flute, That Lyric, Her Man, and More (Vanity Fair)
2. Ciara’s Lasting Career Is a Testament to Her Community (Allure)
3. Michaela Coel on Creativity, Romance, and the Path to Wakanda Forever (Vogue)
Bonus: There's a Buzzfeed article speculating that Michaela Cole is the next Black Panther. I'm just saying...I wouldn't be mad at it!
My Latest Obsession
With all due respect to the Elizabeth & 'em, I'm so glad we're out of the official mourning period and my fave new podcast, Archetypes, is back. If you've been following my work for a while, then you already I know I rock with Meghan. I've also been hooked on her podcast ever since I listened to the first episode with Serena Williams. Powerful women talking about being badasses? Sign me up, please!
Now Hiring
News and Features Writer, Books for The Washington Post
Social Media Lead for Bobbie
Head of Member Content for Atria
Arts & Culture Reporter for Vocalo
Executive Director of Public Affairs for the Art Institute of Chicago
Support This Newsletter
Special thank you to Beth and Rachel for buying last week's coffee.
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.