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Emma Goulding's avatar

Deep in the lessons of learning to honour my body (and mind's) boundaries and requests to rest and I love how you were able to frame this as a way to show your daughter a 'softer' way of being that so many of us have been denied, especially as Black women. Being strong isn't always about carrying the weight, sometimes it's about knowing when to set it down.xx

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

ooh, that last part is a WHOLE word!!

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Emma Goulding's avatar

Ikr- I copied and pasted into my notes app after I wrote it! Constant reminders needed to unlearn the lessons of a lifetime!😅

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Amen to that!! 🙌🏾

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D. K. Williams's avatar

This story is beautiful. I really like how instead of pushing yourself to go father up the volcano, you instead listened to your body and rested. It is so nice to see someone promoting listening to what your body is telling you, instead of "Do more, go Faster" mentality. Thank you for writing this. We all need this reminder. :)

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Thank you! It was hard, I have to admit. Definitely goes against my default mode, and I wish I was 100% motivated to do so for me, but knowing the bebe is watching adds an extra sense of urgency/importance to it.

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D. K. Williams's avatar

I think that's sweet though. Most moms are too busy or tired to remember that kids see everything adults do and say. And the fact that you noticed and acted on it, I know means a lot to your daughter. Even only being a one year old. You are an inspiration! Keep up the awesome work.:)

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

😭😭😭 thank you!!

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Mich's avatar

Brava for listening to yourself! And kudos to the IRL mom pic. Mom-bods did and DO a lot! You inspire me to do the same on a regular basis. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Thank you, friend! 💜 I’m like y’all gonna get this FUPA! 💁🏾‍♀️💃🏾

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Rachel Bennett's avatar

This whole reflection means a LOT to a currently pumping while on meetings while baby is at his first week of daycare while he is waking up every hour at night during said first week of daycare. Time to rest / pause on unnecessary things. Thank you, friend <3

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Oh yes, I remember those days VIVIDLY!! Sending you lots of love & rest. You’re doing a great job, mama!! 🥳🎉💜

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Heather Vickery's avatar

I love everything about this weeks newsletter, L’Oreal. It’s so beautiful to trust yourself and your body enough to really listen to it and respect it rather than cave to societal pressure to perform. What a beautiful gift for Violet also. Xoxo.

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Aww thank you so much! It’s certainly requiring a lot of unlearning on my part, but knowing that she’s watching my every move makes it even more important. 💜

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