If you’re reading this, it’s too late. Or whatever Drake said. (Lol) Hey ya’ll !! I’m a day late and a dollar short with today’s blog post. However, I do not plan to miss out on many Sunday Pleasure post. But in the event that a post or podcast doesn’t go up on a Sunday as it’s supposed to, we will have an honorary name for Monday post. Let’s call it Mindful Mondays. Yes, I like that ! Now, before we begin, lets set the scene…. I’m currently sitting in my favorite spot on the couch listening to “Yet” by Maverick City Music ft. Chandler Moore & Ashley Hess. When I tell you…. please listen to this song. The fireplace is lit, my stanley cup is full of cold water, my silk robe is laying against my oiled skin, and my face is moisturized to the BONE. Lol, no exaggeration. & now that the dramatics have commenced, lets begin. I’ve spent the bulk of my time this past week meeting new colleagues in office after two weeks of remote training. After brief introductions, I jumped right into it. “What is your current role in the organization? Are you fulfilled here? Why this position?” This is something I do in any organization I enter into because it’s always interesting to learn and understand someone’s reason for carer choice. Speaking for myself, I love when someone seems interested in knowing mine. I’ll be more than happy to share it with you all as well. Ten years. One decade. That’s how long it has taken me to get to where I am today. In April of 2013, my childhood friend passed away giving birth. An experience that was supposed to be monumental, happily celebrated, an experience that was supposed to be joyous, quickly turned into a tragedy. It left all who knew her with so many questions. Questions that even with the answers it still wouldn’t be ENOUGH. This is where my journey into the mortality rates of African American/minority women began. I now had my own questions that needed answering. The journey was everything short of quintessential. In fact, it was the very opposite. My journey lacked structure, my journey was full of roadblocks, but through it all I persevered. Which led me to this moment where I sit in a full circle moment. And even at this very moment, this is only the beginning. Back in June, I began my process of becoming one of New York City’s newest Public Health Advising Officers in the Bureau of Maternal Infant & Reproductive Health aiding in helping to bridge the gap between providers and mortality rates in minority woman and babies within my city. Major health disparities. Wait….. Let me sit in this moment right here….. Because…… Is this thing on ??? Because…… GOD doesn’t miss. Ever. I needed to be here. I wanted so desperately to be here. I knew that I needed to make a difference. I knew that I needed to help keep these beautiful pregnant mothers alive for their families, for their children… I never once forgot my “WHY“. And I need for you to never forget yours as well. This is so very important. And here is WHY: Knowing your “Why” in life refers to understanding your purpose, values, and motivations. It involves having a clear sense of direction and a deeper understanding of what drives you and gives your life meaning. Knowing your “why” provides clarity about your goals and aspirations. It helps you define what truly matters to you and what you want to achieve in life. This clarity allows you to focus your time, energy, and resources on activities and pursuits that align with your purpose, making you more effective and fulfilled. When you have a strong sense of purpose, it becomes a powerful source of motivation. Your “why” acts as a driving force during challenging times, helping you stay resilient and persevere through obstacles. It provides a sense of meaning and fulfillment, making it easier to overcome setbacks and stay committed to your goals. Knowing your “why” serves as a guiding principle for decision-making. It helps you make choices that align with your values and long-term vision. When faced with dilemmas or opportunities, understanding your purpose allows you to make decisions that are in line with your authentic self, leading to greater satisfaction and a sense of integrity. Exploring your “why” involves introspection and self-reflection. It encourages you to delve into your passions, strengths, and values, leading to a deeper understanding of yourself. This self-discovery process fosters personal growth, self-awareness, and a stronger sense of identity. When your actions and goals are aligned with your purpose, you experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Living a life that is congruent with your values and passions brings a deep sense of meaning and contentment. Knowing your “why” allows you to create a life that is authentic and fulfilling. I spoke to a friend yesterday and they said “La, you always do what you say you’re going to do”. And it made me realize just how important it is that I keep the promises that I make myself. I have to honor what God puts on my heart, because when I do, that’s me connecting to my purpose and life path. I truly wish for you to do the same. Whatever it is that you want to do, please do it. Do not focus on the length of time that it’ll take you to get there, just start. Begin, push through, and finish. You deserve that feeling of fulfillment. You deserve the feeling of completion. You deserve a full circle moment. This moment of my life is monumental. An entire decade of hard work, dedication, resilience. My friend did not die in vain, and I will carry her name through this entire journey with me until I’m able to put her name on one of my Women’s Wellness Centers. This is for the girls on the grind. This is for my ancestors. This is for the generation after me. This here is for Rickma P. Thomas and the many others who transitioned during childbirth. I will NOT let you down. They let the right one in the door. I can promise you that. #blackgirlblog #childbirthmortality #mortalityrates #infantloss #publichealth #sheshed #healthdisparities #blackgirlwriting

Now I’m not sure who this new person is, but she was on her ZOOM before 10 AM. It’s currently 9:56 AM on this lovely Sunday morning and I am fresh off of my 4.7 mile walk. Yup, I hit the ground at 8:06 & haven’t looked back. I even took a new route this morning to the park to neighborhood/ house watch. One word: BREATHTAKING. Everything about this neighborhood spoke to me. I am in total awe. It reminded me instantly that what I’m working towards is closer than I think it is. Whewww, I said a word there, So here I am, listening to my favorite Lo-Fi Chill station on Apple Music, sneaking glances out the window at the beautiful trees, savoring the few moments that we have left of Summer ’23 and must say, this year flew by. And because of this, life moved so quickly around me and I had to sit and prioritize what needed my attention most and least. And that is where my brief hiatus began. Life is a beautiful yet complex journey, filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. Sometimes, amidst the chaos and demands of our daily lives, we find ourselves needing to take a step back and focus on our own well-being. It is during these moments of self-reflection and self-care that we truly discover who we are and what we want from life. After a brief hiatus to focus on yourself, you emerge stronger, wiser, and ready to embrace the world with renewed vigor. So here I am. Let’s talk about it. I’ve spent the bulk of my break away from blogging and podcasting working on a few projects in both my work and personal life. From the birth of my Floral design company, to a career pivot, from the birthday vacation of a lifetime, to earth shattering news. This period of life is showing me that no matter what- we aren’t as in control of our lives as we’d like to think. It’s like, you can line up all of your marbles perfectly, and then one gust of wind or bump to the table can send them all rolling. You get my drift? During my time away, I zoomed in more on the importance of self-care. I learned more about the power of self-reflection. I rediscovered passions and interests that I let fall to the side. I embraced change and growth and I will say, it was very uncomfortable but necessary. I even fell back in love and binged watched some of my all time favorite tv shows like Ugly Betty & Gossip Girl. I reached my body goals and ended up with both a foot and back injury after consistently hitting the gym 3-4 times a week, eating more protein and going on weekly Sunday walks. I flew to see Beyonce in Miami with the love of my life. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE. We hit the runway again and landed in Colombia to finish off my birthday celebration. I lost 5 lbs. by eating like a pig and drinking like a fish. (America is the DRAMA). I lost a loved one tragically and grief knocked me down for two weeks. And as I navigate through this all, I still remain gracious. I am a very, very blessed girl- indeed. I’m currently invested in me, and I am growing to love the space that I’m in. I’m focused on expanding my career, pursuing my interests, and achieving my goals. Still trying my best to be supportive and loving to those closest to me, but this period of my life is so personal. Last week, I made it to Barnes and Noble for their annual end of summer sale and returned home with 11 new books. I actually just finished “Seven Days in June” by Tia Williams and I have mixed emotions about the ending. It felt very rushed to me, and in my opinion, she could have elaborated so much more on so many things but…. that’s just my opinion. Next up, I’ll be reading “Before I let Go” by Kennedy Ryan. I love Fall reading. It just makes so much sense to me lol. Not saying that I don’t read throughout the year because I do. But Fall book shopping and reading is so spiritual like to me. It’s Fall in general. It’s like a reset. An ending to the summer and a beginning to the second half of the year. A constant reminder that dying things like trees and leaves are beautiful and living things can grow from death situations (fresh spring blooms from the same tree that dead leaves fall off of). By the time you read this, S2: E1 of The She-Shed Podcast- Sunday Pleasures will be live and I’d love for you to check it out on all platforms: Spotify. Apple. Google. Taking a brief hiatus to focus on ourselves is not a sign of weakness; it is an act of self-love and self-preservation. It is during these moments of introspection that we find the strength to overcome obstacles, pursue our dreams, and live a life that aligns with our true selves. So, if you find yourself needing a break, don’t hesitate to take it. Embrace the journey, and return with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to conquer the world. Remember, you are worth the investment of time and energy it takes to focus on yourself. I am extending myself grace and allowing myself to just exist. No longer worried about destinations, just falling in love with the journey. Until next weekend my loves. Stay sweet. xoxo, La. #blackgirlblog #blackgirlwriting #sheshed

As we live in an era of intense competition, many of us feel the need to constantly push ourselves to do more and be more. However, this lifestyle can often lead to burnout and exhaustion. But it is possible to find balance in our lives and embrace a softer lifestyle, manifesting the best version of ourselves. In this blog post, we will explore how to make this transition and lead a softer life in today’s competitive landscape. Is it even possible to define the Era you currently reside in within today’s society? I mean, after all, we can literally get online and live whatever life our big imaginations desire. But, let’s be honest with ourselves, what Era are we truly in? Hmmm, no, let me get a little more personal, what Era are YOU currently in? As for myself, I am certainly in my disciplined era. There is a lot of slow progress, small wins, and hidden sacrifices taking place that no one really gets to see. Maybe they never will, and that’s okay with me. However, I am so proud of what I’ve been making real of myself. I want to take a dive deeper into the Era we all seem to find ourselves visiting. It’s an era of intense competition. Everywhere we look, there is pressure to be the best, have the most, and do the most. Social media has amplified this pressure and has created a culture where everyone is constantly comparing themselves to others. We are living in a time where the cost of living is becoming increasingly expensive, making it harder to keep up with the Joneses. Everyone wants to live a “Life of Luxury” and is striving for the perfect life. It’s overwhelming, to say the least. I have some advice for you: If you spent as much time keeping up with other people’s lives as you did focusing on your own life, your reality would drastically improve. Less focus on what others are doing, and more focus on yourself. So, how can we navigate this Era with a sense of ease? One way is by embracing a softer lifestyle. This lifestyle is not about being weak or lacking ambition; it’s about creating space in our lives to prioritize our mental and emotional well-being. It’s about finding balance in a world that seems to be constantly pushing us to our limits. By adopting a softer lifestyle, we can experience numerous benefits. We can reduce stress and anxiety, increase our self-care practices, and improve our overall livelihood. Practical ways to embrace this lifestyle could include things like spending time in nature, that’s right, go outside and touch some grass ! Also, by engaging in mindfulness practices, prioritizing rest, and taking part in creative activities. Let’s face it, life can be tough, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. Embracing a softer lifestyle can allow us to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and find joy in the little things. It’s time to let go of the pressure to be “That girl” or the “clean girl” and focus on what truly matters: our own happiness and overall well-being. The discipline required to better yourself, your environment, your relationships and everything else adjacent in your life is extremely difficult. The easy route is to be comfortable and stagnant. But when you have a certain vision of your life, it’s very worth it. But in today’s era, THE PRESSURE IS ON. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok constantly bombard us with images of people living what seems to be an expensive life filled with material possessions and experiences that we feel we need to keep up with. Instead of constantly striving for more, we should learn to be content with what we have and find joy in simple things. A life of excess is not the goal. Imagine having a career you love, waking up next to the love of your life daily, and living in a home you’re proud of; your circle is solid, everyone is healthy, amazing memories are made often, and no anxiety, just real peace and true happiness. But with all the pressure and competition in today’s society, this type of life can feel unattainable and out of reach. Instead of focusing solely on material success and external validation, lose the desire to be hyper-visible and accessible and lock in with yourself and get shit done. Start a new career path, launch that business that you’ve been holding off on, start your fitness journey regardless if no one wants to join you. Whatever it is, DO IT. Tap in with yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, financially. There’s no better feeling in life than actually having your shit together instead of just “looking” like you have your shit together. Prioritize yourself in every aspect. I know I spoke about mental health alot in a recent post “A SOUL THAT GLOWS.“, but I truly cannot express it enough that it all begins there. By prioritizing mental and emotional health, please understand that true happiness and fulfillment come from within. Make time for self-care, rest, and relaxation, be intentional about your relationships and how you spend your time. Instead of constantly pushing yourself to the limit, listen to your body and your emotions, and make decisions based on what feels right for you. This approach can have profound effects including reduced stress and anxiety, improved relationships, and greater resilience in the face of challenges. It can also lead to a more balanced, satisfying life, where success is defined not just by external achievements but by internal happiness and peace. Whatever Era you are currently in, slow down. The world puts so much pressure on us to speed and produce quickly. In the midst of living we miss the beauty and benefits that come with taking life slower and steadier. I used to think “Soft-life” was a destination after grinding for a while to have success. Now, I see it is much more about your relationship with yourself. Keeping balance at the center of all pursuits. It isn’t about materialistic things, but about how well you can maintain your own inner peace in the midst of whatever is thrown your way. That softness and ease despite what’s going on… that’s the softness of life. In this Era, I wish you a life of ease. No hardships, no unnecessary struggle, nothing but peace, comfort, and joy. Prioritize your well-being at all times. “Take my advice, live a better life.” Or whatever Future said. Until next time my loves, be great. xoxo, Elle Cee #blackgirlblog #sheshed #softgirl #softlife #aesthetic #blackgirlwriting

Vibing to my worship playlist, feeling light and at peace. Whewww, I can go on and on about this amazing feeling. But I type today’s post, I am sitting here wondering just why my thermostat is reading 61 degrees…. As if we weren’t just tap dancing with the devil just 48 hours ago outside. Nonetheless, we are here guys. Currently over here fighting for my life because allergies, duhhh. Like if mother nature hates me, she can just say that. So I’m over here doing everything that I can to stabilize before heading out for my Sunday run. I woke up this morning to a sneeze attack. Opened tiktok and I saw a video on a vacuum for hardwood floors with a detachable head and was immediately thanking God because I already knew what I needed to do. Hardwood floors hold so much dust, so does our beds, our blinds etc. And honestly, it’s been more than time for me to dust my apartment. So I began my research on cordless vacuums and fell down a rabbit hole. There were too many options to choose from and yea, anxiety. So I called my partner to have him decide for me but he was sleep, so it was all up to me. Now, am I the only one who will spend thousands of dollars on a bag, some shoes, jewelry, and then be cheap with myself for something so silly like a book, some headphones, or a vacuum. LOL. Like I will spend 3K with my eye closed but will cringe at a bill at target for $96. Completely unhinged. Wow. So it was only right for today’s topic: FINANCIAL HEALTH. Because it is okay to have an unhealthy relationship with money. In some way, shape, and form I believe we all do. So let’s try to understand why. Financial health is an important part of life for everyone. Our relationship with money is extremely emotionally charged. When people talk about finances, there is so much shame, guilt, embarrassment even secrecy involved. There is underlying tones of addiction trauma, about how our parents related to it… Money is really complex and loaded in our culture.The healing only happens once you take responsibility. Let’s dive deeper to see how we can go about releasing the negative thoughts of “Never going broke again” and releasing this scarcity mindset. When it comes to money, everyone has a complicated relationship with it. The education you acquired about money and values as a child and the way you structured this information in your mind are the two main influences on how you earn, spend, and manage money. If you appreciate religion, for instance, you might give tithe at church. Alternately, if you value education, you might put saving for college first. The way we feel about money is a continuum. There are two extremes of financial insecurity. You can be exceedingly frugal and concerned about the relative scarcity of your money on the one hand, and extremely irresponsible on the other. The manner in which each of us organizes and interprets financial messages—as well as the manners in which we model money behaviors—is unique. It doesn’t matter if you realize it or not, you already have a connection with money. Your professional decisions were influenced by your relationship with money, which also led to specific spending patterns and even determine simple things like what you’ll eat for dinner. We obsess over it, we hoard it, we covet it, and we hate it… all at the same time. If you: Resent spending money, must always spend, you pay your bills at the last minute or late at all times, you are constantly “broke”, you spend your paycheck before you even get it, you pay the minimum on your credit cards, you resent people who have money, you lie about your finances, or if you do not like talking about money, this is for you ! Here is what an unhealthy relationship to money can look like: Impulsive shopping Maxing out credit cards Avoiding managing your finances Refusing to talk about money or seek financial support Disliking or displaying anger toward financially secure people Being afraid to spend money even on necessities This poor relationship with money also affects the other relationships in your life. Now that we have covered what an unhealthy relationship to money can look like, let’s see what a healthy relationship to money can look like. Here is what an healthy relationship to money can look like: Having a spending plan or budget for your money Feeling good about the money you earn Having a strong savings plan or emergency fund Living debt free or actively paying off debt Being able to make purchases without feeling guilty It’s crucial to understand that changing your relationship with money takes time. Unfortunately, there are no fast cuts to erasing erroneous money views and forming healthier habits. You will begin to notice a difference, though, with a little time and work. The first stage is to genuinely evaluate your current relationship with money honestly, without passing judgment. Never forget that your relationship status has nothing to do with whether you are a good or bad person. The following questions can help you better understand your relationship to money so much better: Do you feel deserving when you receive money? Do you enjoy what money can provide for you? Do you tie your self worth to how much money you make? How do you view others with a lot of money? Those with less money? What are the fears/anxieties you have around spending? How do you feel when you’re being productive/ nonproductive? Now that we have identified how we feel about our current relationship to money, I want us to think about how we want our new relationship to feel or look. Create an honest assessment. Consideration of your current attachment to it does not constitute a verdict on your financial competency. Try to sum up your current connection in one or two uncritical sentences once you’ve thought about it. For example: My relationship with money is one where I often worry about money. In my current relationship with money, I overspend. Now is the time to leave the past in the past and focus on the future. Ask yourself things like: What do you want your relationship with money to be? Do you want your relationship to be fun yet responsible? For example, you can spend money on things you enjoy but also build savings. When you identify this relationship, try to focus on what this relationship will look like in your life. How will your life, behaviors, and thoughts be different because of this new relationship? Think about what outcome you want from your new relationship. Want to increase your savings? Are you confident that you will make more money? Or do you want to pay off your debt? With intentions and intended outcomes, you can stay focused on building new relationships. It helps you change your habits and create new routines to reach new goals. Don’t forget to give yourself grace. It is important to remember that you have been in this negative relationship for years. It’s okay if things don’t change overnight. The next time you find yourself making life difficult for yourself, forgive yourself for past money mistakes. Even the richest people have made money management mistakes, so you’re not alone. Forgive yourself and learn from the unfortunate situation instead of regretting it. When you fall back into old habits, take note and ask yourself how you’re going to do better next time. Healing in any part of life isn’t linear. Always remember this. Also understand that although we are all on different walks in life, we have much more in common than we think. If this is something that you would rather not tackle alone in life, reach out to partner up, whether it be with a partner, a friend, a relative, community is important. This individual may need you at this moment just as much. as you may need them. We often celebrate other relationships in our lives, such as a new romantic partner, a new job, or becoming a parent. Why not celebrate your new relationship with money? A relationship that will indeed affect every other relationship we have in our life. As for myself, this journey has been one of huge self-discovery. I am understanding much more and identifying triggers, habits, and patterns daily. Take your time. This here is a marathon, and the marathon always continues. Have an amazing week ahead my loves. xoxo, Elle Cee. #blackgirlblog #money #expenses #sheshed #finances #blackgirlwriting

“You know me, I don’t need no introduction and shit.” LOL. Okay let me get serious for a second. I’ll begin by saying heyyyyy my loves and Happy Monday ! Who am I to be uploading on a day that isn’t Sunday? That’s a conversation for another day because regardless of what I’m about to say, you are all still reading this on a Monday. I hope you all are doing amazing and taking really good care of yourselves. As for myself, I am doing great. VERY busy on the work front but overall grateful, thankful, and blessed for the life that I live. However, may I never appear as though I live a perfect life, but always reflect what it looks like to be carried graciously by a perfect God. You know, there is something so beautiful about the way life rewards you when you focus on your own life and happiness. And that is exactly what I have been doing. I have been putting action behind all things in my life that I have wanted to improve for some time. These things include my physical appearance such as my skin, my hair, my nails, my weight. Minor things such as growing out my natural lashes, staying consistent with eyebrow threading, beginning a calorie deficit to go hand in hand with my 4 day exercising regimen. This is me just naming a few. Please do not get it twisted, I am not over here living my life by a list of 1,000 things I want to improve about myself lol, but I have been really disciplined with my goals and making sure to prioritize all that is important to me in order to stay consistent and reach them. Ya girl is GLOWING. And growing in such a beautiful and amazing way. So I want to speak more about it. Now, sit tight, because today’s post is a long one, but a really good read. Glowing up as a woman is an empowering journey that can be both liberating and rewarding. It’s a process of self- discovery and growth that can help you become the best version of yourself. Whether you’re looking to make a few small changes or a complete transformation, there are a few key steps you can take to kick start your journey. Two words, Mental health. In my opinion, this is the foundation of a soul that glows and should be top priority. Take time to practice self-care, set boundaries, and prioritize your mental health. This will help you tremendously and allow you to feel more confident and secure in yourself. To cater to my mental health, I’ve swapped out screen time for reading books. I’ve also created playlist for music that boosts my mood and keeps my vibration high. I also have a elite podcast lineup. These things are essential for keeping my mind clear and detrimental to my growth. Next up, physical health. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, even getting an adequate amount of sleep are factors that contribute to soul that glows. Taking care of your body will help you feel more connected to self. It will also help you to feel more energized and confident. As I mentioned earlier, I have began eating in a calorie deficit. Prior to this, I healed my gut. What a major flex that has been. I move my body very frequent. I’m in the gym 3 days per week and dedicate one day a week additionally to cardio. I look amazing and I feel just that as well. Appearance. Wear clothes that make you feel confident and beautiful. No matter what that may look like to you. Invest time in doing your hair and makeup if those are things that make you feel good. This does not mean you have to completely change your look. This can mean monthly hair and nail appointments, facials, massages, choosing to shop for new products once a month, etc. It is also important to remember that a soulful glow in j=not just about physical changes. It’s about making changes to your lifestyle, your attitude, and outlook on life. Last but certainly not least, focus on your relationships. Surround yourself with positive people who support and encourage you. Practice being kinder to yourself and others. Spend time with friends and family who make you feel good about yourself and feed your soul. Set boundaries and stick to them. This process requires dedication and commitment. It is not something that happens overnight, but rather a journey that requires time and effort. Tap in to yourself, take care of yourself, because if you don’t, who will? To the women who are making necessary changes, and forming better habits. To the women who are evolving daily into an even better version of themselves. The women who are forward moving and who celebrate the small victories along the way. I feel you, I see you, I love you, and I hope you have an amazing day. xoxo, Elle Cee #blackgirlblog #publichealth #sheshed #mentalhealth #blackgirlwriting

HE IS NOT HERE FOR HE HAS RISEN. –MATTHEW 28:6 What a beautiful day it is. Nothing compares to this. As I sit here typing away from my favorite corner of the couch, I take in all that surrounds me. This year, I’ve taken a very non-traditional route to celebrate Easter Sunday. While I’d usually be sitting front row at my church on a normal holiday such as today, I’ve opted for front row of living room service and I am totally okay with this. A win is a win, right? 40 days. Wow, such a powerful number. Do I care to elaborate? Of course I do. For the past 40 days, myself and millions of others have disconnected. Detached from many things as a sacrifice, for betterment of life and our connection to our heavenly father. This 40 day period to Christians is known as Lent. During this time, we remember the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity. This is a time for reflection and forgiveness. And I’ll be more than happy to share with you all what it was that I did during my fast. As a sign of sacrifice and self-discipline, I challenged myself tremendously this Lent season. I disconnected from parts of my life that were detrimental to my everyday life. Things like social media (Twitter and Facebook) red meat, wine, and even procrastination just to name a few. My time away from my old self was needed. It allowed me time to pray more, to slow down and stand still. It allowed me to reconnect with my faith and re-align my purpose. This was such a beautiful time for me. During my time away, I consumed so much literature, feeding my brain healthy food. I moved my body in many ways including gym workouts, yoga, pilates, and tennis. I nourished my body with healthier options, I spoke to God more with conversation than prayer, and I held myself accountable with all goals and commitments by simply DOING. Doing more of what made me happy and less of what made me sulk has been the answer to my longtime battle with procrastination. I have created so many new and healthy habits that I plan to implement into my daily life moving forward. This is your sign to disconnect whenever you see fit. Step away and take a break whenever it feels necessary. Regardless if we care to admit it or not, the internet can be very pessimistic and consuming too much negativity can shift our mental into an unfamiliar, unprotected space. And let’s be honest, do we ever really want to go there? Especially for the sake of others on apps who barely know we exist. Log off. It’ll be right where you left it when you return. Something big is coming. Something new. Something refreshing. Something rewarding. Something very well deserved. This is for somebody, so get ready. Stay ready. This new era in my life is worth every single thing I gave up. Whewwwww. Talk about it girl lol. I have navigated into a new era. Here, I am thankful for my new mindset, for my changed diet, for how often I’ve moved and challenged my body, for peace, quiet and stillness. For nature, and everything else I’ve repaired during my disconnection. It was necessary. Now that I can officially drink again, let’s toast to deeper love this month. More intentional connections. More heart to heart conversations. More moments of smiles and laughter. I am back like I never left and pretty excited to say the least. We shall chat later. Until then, have a wonderful holiday today and stay safe. xoxo, Elle Cee #blackgirlblog #lent #sheshed #fyp #resurrectionsunday #blackgirlwriting

Good afternoon to you all from L.C & the big comfy couch. Let’s see, W.A.Y.S from my good sis Jhene Aiko is serenading me in the background & it’s leading me to ask this question: Why aren’t you smiling? The sun is shining, you are alive, you are breathing, so you see my friend, there is alot to be thankful for. Always remember to start each day with a grateful heart. If you haven’t heard this song from Jhene, I urge you to take a listen. It’s a life changer to say the very least. If I’m being honest here, I’m rambling on trying to avoid filling you all in with what’s been going on with me. Because if I get one more “Where have you been sis?” email, comment or text, I’ll pull my quickweave out lol ! I truly appreciate you all. You guys keep me on my toes. So although we aren’t obligated to share any bit of ourselves with others, it’s a decision that I’ve made so I am fine with doing just that for you guys. So….. What’s tea sis? Where tf have you been? *Takes sip of…. Going back to the beginning of my social media existence, I’ll say it began for me around 2008-2010. (I’ve had Twitter and Facebook the longest & I’ve had instagram since it’s existence.) What originally started as fun, as a way to connect with your friends/family from a distance turned into a complete mind fuck. What was once a place that allowed one to be their authentic and unapologetic being had morphed into a space of unoriginal, unauthentic, delusory, distorted falsehood. Something that had began as an outlet, had me questioning my entire existence. Let me explain further. I came onto social media innocent. I was young, I was curious, I was pure. I was free of my depression & anxiety diagnosis. I was fresh meat. I would log in, read post, even post some things & then go on to enjoy my day. Slowly, I began to see a change in myself. I started spending more time on these apps, searching for shit. Searching for attention, seeking validation from complete strangers, thinking I was escaping reality when I was just morphing virtual reality into my actual existence. Don’t mind that it only took 13-15 years later and at this big age of mine to admit any of this. But, it had to be done. For over a decade, these apps have dictated much of my life. My relationships, both romantic and platonic, my level of success within my careers, where I’d vacation, what I should or shouldn’t do to my hair, what car I should and shouldn’t be driving, and the list goes on. Like do you hear this bullshit? Do you hear how crazy this sounds. Wow, just writing this out, the shallowness has me drowning in embarrassment. For over a decade, I haven’t been my authentic self. My perception vs. my reality has been tampered. If you allow “social media goals” to tell you how to love, versus investing in deep conversations with the people you love, then yes my friend, you will always come up short. Please, touch some grass. And I had to do ALOT of that. Competing with absolutely no one but always on a hamster wheel. The dream cars, the dream apartments, the aesthetics, questioning my self-worth time and time again. Listen to me, you are NOT behind. You are doing your best. Your journey is just that, YOURS. If you catch yourself unhappy with someone else’s accomplishments, or even trying to follow someone else’s blueprint to seek the gratification that they’ve received, you should probably log off. That is their path, not your own. Virtual reality will have you anxious over things that you don’t even want. Chasing ideas of success you don’t even believe in. Be careful getting swept up in goals that aren’t yours. Stop getting lost online. Stay grounded in what matters to you, the work that matters to you, moments that matter to you. Social media has given me alot of real things, but it isn’t a real place. It will never be a real place. There is no need to attach identity to any of these apps. Society, TV, social media, whatever- there will always be a thing reminding you how others are living. There will always be collective need to appear better off than the next person. In the past two years, I have learned how to be better with limiting what I share online. Especially the things that I truly love. Keeping what I love sacred and offline has surely been a challenge, but I am learning daily how to get even better at it. Privacy on social media exists on a spectrum. You control the output. Whether you care to be extremely private or open, it’s all up to you. Set the terms. Pick your niche and stick to it. There’s no need to share outside of the niche of your social existence. For example, I have shared alot of myself online, but only the parts that I’d be fine with others conversing about. My gut tells me what belongs online and what doesn’t. It’s super calculated with me. Have I slipped up out of excitement? ABSOLUTELY. And plenty of times. However, I extend myself grace each time and learn from the mistakes that may form from those mishaps. At this point in my life, my peace and happiness is top priority, and since I am responsible for these parts of my life, I have to protect them at all cost. There is little to no room for error because me spiraling out of control is not an option here. I can and will debate about alot of things in life, but there are just some things that I can no longer bargain on. I have ruined so many beautiful things out of my “love” and obsession with my social media presence. This time around, I will not ruin my relationship, friendships, my career, or my healthy mental state for a few likes and shares on an app where everyone only post the “good” things. I know better now more than ever. My era of needing to be viewed as this perfect, well rounded independent woman has faded years ago. I am who I am on and offline. I work hard, I live a really blessed life, I am happy and healthy. All of these things that I have shared online is truly me, and really happening in my life. My issue now is that I share entirely TOO MUCH. Some of my most intimate/personal moments have made their way online when they shouldn’t have, and all there is to blame is myself. I cringe at myself daily when I realize that I’ve overshared on a topic, and I ground myself by asking “What satisfaction were you hoping to reach by doing this?” “Are you posting this for yourself, or for others?” “Did you realize that you have jeopardized the safety and trust of your loved ones by doing this?” Being authentic online comes with alot. So these days. I’m just here trying to figure out my “WHY“. Honestly, I truly want to live a happy and private life offline forever. Never to be seen or heard from again. Because, again, validation is for parking babe. Catch me in traffic lol. Respectfully. Finding inspiration again in my own life. It’s easy to run to social media for a reason to be joyous, and sometimes you do find that reason, but it’s nice to just find my reason in ordinary things again. So, that’s what I’ve committed to doing. I’ve deactivated my social media accounts so many times over the years, for the same exact reasons most of the time. Just needing a break. But, I’d always get back online and repeat the same mistakes over and over again. So the break served absolutely no purpose. But this time, things will be different. I have stepped away from social media as apart of Lent. For forty days, I will do more of what feeds my soul and less of what takes away from it. No Twitter. No Facebook. (I haven’t had an Instagram page in over two years & don’t plan on ever getting back on there.) Tennis, the gym, Pilates, floral arrangements, books, and work will keep me grounded and BUSY. I know that I’ve been quiet for a while, however, I truly appreciate those who have extended grace and patience my way. I adore my time offline each and everytime and plan to do the same this time around. During this time, I will always make sure my reality is fulfilling, healthy and slow again. Thankful in advance for my new mindset, thankful as always for therapy, for my changed diet, for how often I’ll move and challenge my body, for safe travels, for the quietness and STILL moments, for hard obstacles that may surface, for family and friends, for financial stability, for nature, and for everything else that I’ll touch and repair during this downtime. It is all needed. As always, thanks so much for tuning in this week for a much needed chat. Have a wonderful week ahead my loves. xoxo, La 💙. #blackgirlblog #sheshed #fyp #sundaypleasures #blackgirlwriting

9:01 P.M. The P.M should have really been an A.M, but here we are. I truly hope you all had the self care Sunday that you deserved. And as always, thanks so much for tuning in to another week of Sunday Pleasures. Per usual, I am on my favorite spot on the couch, sipping on some fresh cucumber water and reflecting on another amazing day. Care to listen? Lol, well of course you do because if you didn’t, you wouldn’t be here. Today was my very first day back on the tennis courts in well over 4 years. I must say, today felt really good. I signed up for the late winter session a few weeks back and well, the rest is history. I cannot wait to see where I’ll be within the upcoming sessions. My heart is smiling. I’ve been a pretty busy girl these past few months, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve made it a priority to do more of what makes me happy, and less of what makes me sulk. My hobbies are now a huge part of my lifestyle and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I do them all with passion. So listen to this: I want to encourage others to be passionate about everything in life. Self-love, personal relationships, careers, hobbies, etc. Love it all. I’ve dedicated myself to my creative passion and continuously am only choosing people, places and situations that support my highest good because my happiness does not live outside of me. Nothing beats waking up and having what I have, feeling how I feel, all while experiencing a deep level of happiness and peace that no one else can take credit for but me. Everything I’ve ever put out into this world is authentically me at my core. I never put my name on anything that I’m not passionate about. I may have pursued a passion with the wrong mindset or lack of knowledge behind it one or twice, but the passion burned for it always. I’ve worked my ass off the entire 2022, and don’t get it twisted, I still am. So much so that today I was told that my passion is infectious and that I am truly a gift. It left me speechless. Honestly. The skies are limitless in my eyes. Because the limit simply does not exist, Ask me how do I do it. I just do it. And yes, there are enough hours in the day, and days in the week to do whatever the hell it is that you want to do. Just do it. Do it alone, do it afraid, just do it. My secret is, I am more in love with me over anything and anyone else. So my happiness matters most. Which is why I do so much of what makes me happy. My love for others is just a carbon copy of my love for self. It’s me first. It has always been me. It is a huge honor to know myself at this stage in my life. My self-awareness and constant willingness to evolve makes me easier to know and love. And I sincerely want this for all of you. The next few weeks, the focus is love. How can you love more of yourself? How can your expressions of self-love empower others? How can you love life more? What can you do to fall in love with your passions again? How can you better learn to receive love? Try seeing only love this upcoming week. Make it a priority. Whether this love is with yourself or others in your life, see it in everything. I genuinely want to see you all do well and live well. I pray that you never bargain when it comes to your happiness. Joy, genuine love and abundance is your birthright. Never settle for less than what you deserve. You’ve earned it simply because you exist. Wishing you all love. May you all find peace within and salvage the broken pieces of you that require nurturing. You deserve warmth, joy, and comfort. A few reminders you should never forget. Wishing you all an abundant week ahead full of unconditional peace and prosperity. xoxo, L.C #blackgirlblog #blackgirlwriting #publichealth #sheshed

43 degrees and cloudy on another amazing Sunday during a NYC Winter? I’ll take that. I will say that if there was one challenge that I was sure would occur during my move back into the city, I just knew that it would be the crazy weather. A NYC Winter is hit or miss. It’s either bearable or intolerable. Yet, here we are lol. The gloom is absolutely adding to yesterday’s diagnosis of my Vitamin D deficiency and as I type I am just side-eyeing mother nature as a whole. However, a diagnosis is not final unless I decide to not put in the work to change it around, and if you know me, then please, you already know I’m on it lol. Let me first start off by saying Thank You. To anyone who speaks or has spoken my name in rooms that I my not have sat in. To all who support me, those who choose to work with me, all who share my content across the many platforms. To those who believe in me, all who root for me. You have no idea how much your energy is felt and received. I appreciate you deeply. I have nothing but gratitude and joy in mi corazon. Today, I want to discuss the art of living a public life online but still maintaining your private life offline that no one knows anything about. Because there is a such thing and this lifestyle should unequivocally be “a thing“. Sharing any piece of our lives online to the public is a choice that we make, it is not an obligation, pero onlookers do not seem to understand that. If one of your fellow content creators, your relative or friend has a niche attached to their online content, a specific subject matter that they have built an audience around/ cater to, then as a viewer, this is the part of their life that they are willing to share with you. Nothing more, nor less unless they decide to share more. It is not up to us as viewers to decide what others “should” share with us. And that right there is the issue. When someone decides to share pieces of their lives with us, it feels so personal to us as the viewers. We tend to feel as if we know these individuals on a personal level, and being delusional, we start to believe they are our friends. I’ve watched people obsess over others online, research their salaries, where they live, where they work, who they’re dating etc just because they were so curious as to why more information about them weren’t being shared. Is that not a little scary to you guys? Because ummmm, absolutely not ! A few weeks back, there were inquiries made about myself to a friend all about the “who, what, when, where, why & how” of my life and it was morally disturbing. Apparently, the content that I post raised questions and inquiring minds just wanted to know the “Tea” LOL. As for myself, I live for a good aesthetically pleasing photo or video. EVERYTHING that I post online to the public is calculated. Any tiktok video, and facebook story, any instagram image posted has been planned, thought of, scanned for any privacy concerns etc. There isn’t anything posted by me or about me that hasn’t been examined under a microscope. (How on brand of me right lol). Pero, I would have never for one second thought that anyone would want to know more about me than what they see online simply because I live a normal life. Well, at least to me I do. My private life isn’t up for debate. I give you all of my tweets unprotected, is that not enough? Regardless of your title online, you should always make sure to protect yourself and those in your life. Something that you would deem as innocent and harmless to you, can be misconstrued and interpreted incorrectly by someone else which can lead to so many other issues. Be mindful of the personal content that you share. Apartment tours, GRWM, A day in my life post etc. Anything shared with your daily routines, stores & shops that you may frequent, your work commute, the gym you work out in, where you work, the neighborhood you live in should be kept as private as possible unless you are absolutely sure that you are comfortable posting these things. Harm has no uniform and none of us are exempt from it. I do not do any of this for validation, for praise, or for followers. I create for purpose and impact. Please do not confuse the two. I am not here to convince anybody of my work ethic. I am not here to explain my journey to anyone. My calling was not a conference call, it was just me and God. I am here, and I am present. I do not care for views, popularity or engagement. I want the freedom to create as I choose. I want to continue to create meaningful and impactful content for those who care to see it. And I am sure this goes for everyone else online who shares publicly. You do not have to break yourself down to make your presence digestible for others. Content is controlled and if they aren’t interested in what’s being shared they can opt out. Their triggers are not your responsibility. It isn’t the world’s obligation to tiptoe around their insecurities. On this side, we step BIG, and I must say, this has been my favorite genre. Sending you all so much love, today and until next week, go out into the world and shake some shit up ! Tell them L.C said so lol. #blackgirlblog #blackgirlwriting #sheshed #womeninmedicine

It’s been a little minute since I’ve had the urge to just sit still and be. And I cannot lie, I missed this. Although my writings are words spilling out onto a keyboard, a conversation is still being had. Even if you all cannot speak back to me verbally, I can still feel the connection. The time is now 5:46 AM on Thursday December 1, 2022. A little different from our normal Sunday meet-ups, but this will suffice. I’ve been up since around 3-ish and haven’t made it back to sleep. A mixture of the heat being WAY TOO EXTREME, and a brain that would not silence itself in an attempt to force me to Christmas shop at wee hours of the morning. However, the brain did indeed win. So here I am, typing away while sitting at my favorite spot on the couch, don’t even think that I’m about to describe the scene outside of the infamous window because my blinds and curtains are closed lol. Wow, December fucking first. We are literally days away from 2023. I really am over here too stunned to speak. Because seriously, where has time gone?! As I sit here reflecting on the past 11 months of this year, the past 5 months since my move, I am met with so many thoughts and emotion. I can only speak for myself when I say that this has been one hell of a year in both positive and negative aspects. So I’ll use this blog post as a reflection of what this year has looked like for me. I began this year solo. Physically, no. Emotionally, mentally, yes. I hit the reset button on my life. I needed a fresh start. I knew that if I was going to follow through with the plan that I had set in place, I had to move towards it with a renewed mind. I let the baggage go, and I lived. The experience was liberating. I had no one to answer to, I put me first in all ways possible and for once, being selfish felt so right. I prioritized my time, my peace, my attention and my energy. I made no excuses, and I just lived. What a fucking time. I hit major milestones along the way. I passed my certification exam, I finished my Master’s program, I received a job offer from a prestige organization in the city of my choice. Full circle moments. But there were also tough times. I lost a huge piece of my heart. My dog child of 12 years crossed the rainbow bridge, and this left me completely devastated. Maddix transitioned in the middle of my transition and I was the least bit prepared for our final goodbye. This was a type of grief that I was not prepared for. ROCK BOTTOM. But, not for long. Being active in therapy throughout the years has been super beneficial to me in many ways than one. Therapy has helped me to navigate through some of life’s unexplainable moments. Speaking of therapy, with me relocating, it meant I’d have to not only find new health care providers, but it also meant I’d have to break up with my therapist. Talk about a heartbreak. I will say that I totally underestimated myself when it came to coming to terms with ending my therapy sessions. However, my therapist believed more in me than I believed in myself, per usual. Through this entire process, I’ve learned so much. You can rise up from anything.You can also completely recreate yourself. Nothing is permanent in life but death. Take your time with everything in life. You are not stuck, In life, you have many choices, and even then you are able to think and discover new thoughts. Life is all about learning, new things and old ways. Create new habits. All that matters is that you decide today and never look back. I just want to remind all who may be reading this to appreciate the version of yourself from the past. Whether good or bad, there will always be life lessons and growth created in order for you to become the person that you are today. The journey is what makes it so beautiful. Embrace whatever it is. I guess you can say that these past 7 months have been spent “planting roots“. I’ve spent the majority of my time discovering new ways to exist in a busy city. Learning how and what to and what NOT to incorporate into my life to provide balance and stability. Basically, I’ve been laying my foundation. I have been excelling in my new career, prioritizing my loved ones and my self care, creating gym routines, building up endurance at Pilates, renovating and settling into home. Living in the now and embracing it all. It feels so good to be back here where it all began for me. I can honestly say that I felt when Dorothy said in The Wizard of Oz that “There’s no place like home.” Because there truly is NO PLACE LIKE HOME. Ya girl is back in the Big Apple and this has probably been one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made in my entire life. I have ZERO regrets. Life is full of wonder. There is so much beauty to be explored and discovered. I am so excited for the beautiful things that God is preparing for me. The evolution of me will be such a beautiful thing. #blackgirlblog #TheSheShed #blackgirlsinstem #publichealth #sheshed #Womenwhowrite #NYCLife #blackgirlinluxury #NYCliving #blackgirlwriting

We really have to stop meeting like this. LOL ! Happy Sunday my loves. I hope everyone is doing well on this true fall like afternoon. As for me, I am doing amazing on this cozy girl Sunday. Currently sitting in my favorite spot on the couch, occasionally glancing out the window in awe of just how nature works. I have this really good 90’s R&B playlist on shuffle and listen….. I am in my element okay ! So now that my visual introduction is out of the way, let’s get to the good stuff. I’ve been MIA for a few weeks, consistency has not been my best friend for a little while now so please, be patient with me. Work has consumed my life in magnitudes that I cannot even fathom, bathroom and kitchen renovations has had me in a chokehold, and then add on balancing family, friends & your partner and yea, you basically have frazzled Fran operating on -18 %. She is currently ME. However, I’ve been able to choose the direction of my life up until this point and I will forever remain grateful. Thanking God for discernment. Who I am, what I do, who I involve myself with, and where I go are all personal choices that I pride myself on because I have been able to build my life on my terms and I am so very proud of who I am and the life I’ve built. All of this being said, is the reason it’s so easy for me to disappear as frequent as I do. I feel less of the need to be online and more of the need to create and be present with my loved ones. I feel as if I’m getting ready to unlock that Sade level of privacy and artistry. Only working when and how I want to. LOL, who TF do I think I am ? It’s been 5 months since my move and I’ve experienced so many “First” moments that I’ll hold forever in my memories. From Birthday’s, annual gatherings, holidays etc. Wow, this has been one decision that I can honestly say that I feel like I got right. I do not regret it one bit. Who said starting over had to be a bad thing? Because it isn’t. I’ll share more of this journey with you all really soon, I pinky promise 🙂 . You can get so much more accomplished when you’re not consumed by the thoughts or concept of having people SEE how accomplished you are. Lock in and let these individuals see you when they see you. And if they never see you, who gives AF ? Because you’re still winning. I adopted this mindset a while back when I began to cringe at just how much I was oversharing to the internet. I had to sit with myself and ask myself “Who are you doing all of this for?” Was I doing it for myself, or for applause and gratification from outsiders looking in, these individuals who could really care less about wtf I had going good or bad for myself. Like girl, BFFR ! Knowing the difference between privacy and secrecy is indispensable. I truly love my privacy. Not everything is worth sharing. I’m just so grateful to have grown to a space where I love myself entirely. I’m so grateful to not feel the need to prove myself. Entirely grateful for the here and now and all that’s to come. As the holiday season approaches, and I begin to experience more “first” moments in my city, ya girl is excited as hell inside. I am so happy to have found my way back to the holiday season spirit of enjoyment. When my brother transitioned suddenly during the Christmas season in 2019, I just knew that I’d never feel healed enough to celebrate another holiday without him. The thought alone saddened me, because Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday, and the thought of never celebrating it again hurt me to the core. But, HEALING. And thank God for it. I am here sending all my love to everyone grieving during this time. Especially as we head into the holidays. Grief is hard, it is rough, it is uncomfortable, but necessary. I hope that you are surrounded by love when you need it most. And please feel free to be ok with not being ok if this is ever the case. I pray for your peace. I love the way you all support me and cheer for me. It is overly appreciated. Ya’ll have no idea. I am so proud of what I’ve built. Indebted for the gift of creativity and to be able to continue to expand on my vision. Through calmness, appreciation emerges. Until next Sunday my loves. xoxo, Elle Cee. #blackgirlblog #blackgirlwriting #sheshed

10:16 AM, on 10/16/22. Happy fucking C-day to the GOAT. I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t kick things off without saying this. As you may or may not know, today is not your average Sunday morning. Well, to you it may be, but to us, my family & myself, it’s a pretty big deal. Today, my brother celebrates his third birthday in heaven. Today, we celebrate with him. I’m not going to dive deep into this topic at all, but what I will say is that he is missed immensely and loved just as much. This morning, I’m here reflecting following my early morning Pilates Reformer’s class. Reflecting on what you may ask? Well, let’s see : Life Finances Careers Family Friendships Relationships Health The Future The list goes on. There’s just something about a clean slate, a fresh start that get’s me going. It get’s me excited, motivated, hype lol. It doesn’t matter if it’s a new notebook, the first day of a new month, any “First” of anything is my JAM ! So you can only imagine how excited I was for Q4. The beginning of an ending. But wait, first of all, can you believe we are literally in the last 90 days of 2022 ? How is that even possible? Time is literally passing us by. Now, here’s where this blog post gets real GOOD. From the very top of this year I’ve been making it my business to write out my goals each quarter in an attempt to hold myself accountable for whatever it was that I was and wasn’t doing. Whether minuscule or substantial, it was listed. For some reason I just felt that this would be the year that I would begin to get real serious about life because I had some of the biggest goals to accomplish. Please do not think for one second that any of this was easy because WHAT IS THAT? Accountability is one of the hardest task to fulfill, especially when you are working alone. I will not lie to you and make it seem as if any of this was a walk in the park because please okay. It was pretty tough. Tons of imposter syndrome, sleepless nights, anxiety through the roof, ugly crying, lack of reassurance, I mean I can go on and on. BUT GOD. At times, your goals may require you to step away for a little while, to opt-out , have more alone time that usual, to be more still, silent, not being as social as you would usually be. In these situations it’s always good to remember that your quality of life dependent on you. You get what you put out. Nothing more, nothing less. The sooner you realize that your dreams don’t have an expiration date or a deadline, the less stressed, anxious, and worried you will be. Take your time and remember that direction is more important than speed. I’m here to encourage anyone reading this who needs that extra push or accountability to START. Focus on you. On your desires, your career, goals, your finances and all that you want out of life. True success is rooted in self-focus. When you’re fully dedicated to yourself, everything falls in place. Your current situation is momentary. Do not let it consume you and make you forget what you’re capable of. Do not let it cloud your mind with fear and doubt. Use that energy to fuel your START button and lock in for the remainder of Q4. I am currently sitting in the middle of my Q1- Q3 goals. I definently shocked myself with this. But I can’t say that I wasn’t sure that I’d make it here because I knew that I would. For me, my journey flowed pretty smoothly, and I am so grateful for this. Especially because most of my goals were HUGE. I’m talking drastic. From career changes, to financial goals, relocating etc. But I put the work in, but most importantly, I STARTED. And now, here’s your push to get started. Sending love to everyone currently struggling to enjoy the life that they worked so hard to build. Sending love to everyone who may not be able to shake the anxiety associated with change. So much love going out to everyone who’s afraid of progressing out of their comfort zone out of fear of failing. One word, PIVOT. Prove yourself to yourself, not to others. You got this babe. Now, go out into the world and GET SHIT DONE. #love #blogger #mentalhealth #publichealth #sheshed #blog #healedgirl #blackgirlwriting