another full-circle moment ✨
leading Black women in a fertility-focused yoga class
#WednesdayWisdom
“Don’t worry about what’s next. Prepare for it.” ~ Minda Harts
Morning Musings
On Monday night, I had the deep honor of hosting a special Yoga for Fertility class for Fertility for Colored Girls. FFCG’s annual retreat was one of the first fertility-related events I’d attended shortly after our infertility diagnosis in 2019.
At the start of our class, I invited the women to look around and bask in the rarity of this occasion—a Black woman yoga instructor leading a class full of Black women. It was such a beautiful sight to see, hear and feel. We laughed, we cried and we loved in the special way that only Black women can.
These moments are why I became a yoga instructor in the first place and why I decided to share our infertility journey so openly. In the two Yoga for Fertility series I’ve led thus far, I’ve yet to have a single Black woman in my class. Thankfully, when I approached leadership about collaborating with FFCG, they were more than open to the idea.
As I’ve shared before, infertility is an isolating experience in and of itself. And going through it as a Black woman is even more isolating. I never saw another Black couple in the waiting room at our first clinic. I didn’t see Black or brown babies on the bulletin board full of success stories.
If you had told me back at that retreat in 2019 that in five years I would have the privilege of facilitating a Yoga for Fertility class for Black women, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here we are and it has quickly become one of my favorite classes to date. 💜
ICYMI
In my latest for Expectful, I talked to Ambreia Meadows-Fernandez of Free Black Motherhood about the pressures Black moms face in having to be “twice as good.”
My last two articles for Peloton cover tips to help you sleep longer and gratitude exercises to help you adopt a more positive mindset. Let me know which ones resonate with you!
Upcoming Events
May 30: Join me for WIN Summit 2024: The Power To for a day of learning and inspiration on Thursday, May 30th in New York City. I’ll be speaking on the panel, "The Power to Reclaim: Ambition, Guilt, and the Impossible Juggling Act of Working Moms," alongside some incredible businesswomen and fellow moms. Save 20% with the code LTP20.
June 4: Author Chat with The Society of Working Moms. I’m joining SWM’s virtual book club to talk about the myth of perfection — in work and in motherhood — and any other questions attendees may have!
June 6: Yoga for Fertility Series. Starting next month I’ll be teaching out of Pulling Down the Moon’s Highland Park location. Practice a sequence of poses that are supportive of your fertility journey and safe during any part of the fertility cycle, including during IVF cycles. All levels are welcome.
Summer Sale on Merch (Plus, New Colors!)
I’ve added new colors to the merch shop AND youth sizes just in time for summer! Use the code SUMMER10 for 10% off at checkout until June 1, 2024.
Help Me Write My Next Book! 📖
If you’re ever on #BookTwitter, then chances are you’re already familiar with #1000wordsofsummer. For two weeks, writers of all genres will convene to write 1,000 words each day. I’ve tried and attempted this challenge in the past, but this year I’m determined to see it through.
My agent loved the synopsis for my infertility memoir (yay!), but now I need to send her the first 50-100 pages. I have about 10 pages so far (boo!). This is where you come in.
I know I’m more consistent with my writing when I have community and accountability, so I’m hosting a virtual #1000wordsofsummer cowriting sesh on Zoom. Want in? Click the button below and learn more about how to prep for this writing sprint in creator
’s latest post.P.S. If you’re in Chicago, let me know if you’d be interested in an in-person option!
Links I Love
André 3000 Is At Peace (For Now) (The Bitter Southerner)
Everything Is Bravo (SSENSE)
Not Having Kids Means I Get To Support My Friends Who Do (Romper)
My Latest Obsession
It’s been a long time since I’ve finished a fiction book so quickly, but I recently devoured Kennedy Ryan’s Skyland series, which includes Before I Let Go and This Could Be Us. Y’all know I love a #StrongBlackLead, and this series features the softness of Black women, PLUS main Black couples AND the beauty of Black female friendship.
It also got me thinking about bringing back my book club for paid subscribers and bringing in the authors to chat with us about their work. Would you be interested?
Now Hiring
Marketing and Communications Manager for Disability Lead
Communications Assistant for Mujeres Unidas y Activas
Vice President of Development for Surge Institute
Editorial Assistant for Atria Books
Digital Producer for The Baltimore Banner
Senior Editor for The Atlantic
Director of Strategic Communications for Catalyst California
Associate Editor, Balance for POPSUGAR
Thank You
A special thank-you to April, Jeff, Carol, Cait, Amanda, Harleen, Megan, Najja, Jessica, Priti, Cat, Jenna, Mallory, Rachel, Angel, Sarah, Camesha, Vix, Anna, Stephanie, Dominique, Tiffany, Emily, Mabinty, Lindsey, Casey, Lynnae, Dani, Amanda, Raina, Abigail, Sharon, Kristen, Heather, Renae, Jennie, Brittaney, Kyndall, Sarah, Cecilia, Jessica, Kimberly and Jessica for becoming paid subscribers and helping to fuel this newsletter. I truly appreciate your support! 💜
So much good stuff in this edition!
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