Life Lately…
What can you do to make your life more free?
How can you create moments of softness for yourself?
I’m asking myself these questions daily.
So here’s what I’ve been doing…
I’m reading…memoirs by black women, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, & Michelle Miller. I’ve been feeling out of alignment, because I want to experience a shift in my career. It’s feels odd to feel out of alignment as i sit in “the next thing of my younger self.” But my current career pathway is not in alignment with the woman I am today. I am not yet clear on what I want to design for my career in this new stage of life. I don’t have a mentor and I think at this particular juncture in life, having a mentor would be helpful. Reading memoirs written by black women has provided me with the kind of inspiration and guidance that I am craving from a mentor. The authors have served as expanders in my life. I’ve felt so seen reading about their various journeys to find belongingness in the lives that they have created for themselves, and the experiences that have taught them to practice self-compassion and self-acceptance.
I’m eating…toast smeared with cashew butter, banana slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a honey drizzle. It’s comfort food. I am finding that I need comfort right now and I am responding to my needs by doing what feels good…and in this case what tastes good. lol
I’m playing…Jodeci’s “My heart belongs to you.” This song brings me back to my childhood. I was about 10 years old when this album came out. It just reminds of the beauty that I experienced, growing up in New Orleans. During moments when I am unable to create experiences of joy, I remember joy through old movies, old songs or old times…and I transport my mind back to that time.
I’m obsessed with…podcasts (Naked Beauty, The Weeds, The Daily, Therapy for Black Girls, Your Mama’s Kitchen…to name several…) I am always craving intellectual stimulation. When I was younger I would continuously pursue graduate degrees and certifications. That gets to be expensive and I am on a path toward student loan forgiveness. So, podcasts fulfill that need. I love to learn!
I’m recommending…daily walks! I’ve been walking for 20 minutes each day, every day (on the treadmill) and I love this new habit. My life currently feels like a treadmill. So, I feel in sync, when I’m on the treadmill. It also feels good to have one thing that I know I can check of my to-do list each day. Daily walks are great for an anxious, busy mind and my mind is both anxious and busy.
I’m treating myself to turning kindness inward in whatever ways I can. So, that may look like scheduling time for myself to read, walk, listen to podcasts, etc…It also means meeting my needs first, before I extend myself to others. This requires intentionality and does not feel natural. But I am on a journey to recover from self-sacrifice and self-betrayal.
beautyxwellness.com 