Oh hey, Friend...
Where has the time gone?
Hey Friend,
It has been a while since I connected with you. Life has been life-ing this last part of the year. Between writing projects, my law firm, parenting, wife-ing, and all the in-between that life brings… let’s just say my mental health took a beating.
You know that I’m a transparent person, and we keep it real over here. I experienced, for the second time in my life, that I can recall, a depressive episode. My body, at one point, felt like it was carrying bricks. Everything within me was hurting. It was an excellent day if I managed to put on actual clothes. I was smiling on the outside, but I was drowning internally. My work was affected to the point that I missed a deadline for one of my projects. I even showed up to my son’s daycare in my robe and bonnet. And still had to get him dressed. Thank God his daycare provider is his godmother.
Needless to say, I was going down fast. Every day was a struggle, and I didn’t know how I was showing up for things and completing any work. But finally, I had a conversation with my husband, and that is when things started to turn around for me. It was as if a weight had been lifted off of me.
This community—that one that you and I have created— means a lot to me. You’ve shown up for me in a meaningful way, and I feel like I dropped the ball. I hope that you will forgive me.
Because, you know… shit happens. LOL! Seriously, I appreciate you and am glad we could have this talk. Please know that I am doing much better. I’ve been working with my therapist, hydrating, creating, and doing the things that bring me joy.
Life Lesson: Take the meds. Talk to Jesus. Do whatever you need to be whole.
As most of y’all know, I’m a lover of Jesus, and that’s my friend. But we don’t always see eye to eye. He is like, “Girl, if you don’t stop, " because usually, I am trying to do my own thing. Lol! Thank goodness, He knows my heart.
But I remember when I first got prescribed Lexapro, and I thought it was an indictment against my Christian beliefs. What did that say about me as a believer? Did I no longer believe it was possible to trust that God would see me through life?
Let me tell you how ridiculous that sounds! Not only do I trust God to see me through, but He has also provided me with the resources to live an abundant life. And that means I may have to take something to help calm my mind and keep my focus (helllooo ADHD meds).
Life is a lot. We don’t need to overcomplicate it with religious ideologies that are not progressive and not true, but that’s a story for another day. But just take care of yourself. The real flex in self-care is recognizing when you need help and getting the help you need.
Okay, the year 2022 is coming to an end! I can’t believe it has wrapped up so quickly. While I experienced quite a few lows over the year, I can say that I had some phenomenal highs along the way.
Launched On the Other Side of Momming podcast (check it out on all major podcast platforms).
I officially made my debut in traditional publishing with my young adult non-fiction.
Sold and announced another picture book deal with Scholastic
I got to celebrate my baby girl graduating Pre-K and see her off to kindergarten
I made a one-one trip with my big girl to Florida.
I got my baby boy potty trained by his third birthday (thanks, Niq Niq!).
And those are just a few things that took place in 2022. Even with the lows, I still wouldn't change a thing about this year. I learned a lot about myself—some of which I hope to share with you soon.
I don’t know what 2023 holds in store. It’s already a busy year, and I pray that God will equip me with the grace needed to handle all of what is to come. Especially the ability to handle the blessings that are to come.
In the meantime, Friend, thanks for rocking with me. I couldn’t have done half of the things without your support. Thank you for every text, email, and post. My kids also appreciate you for buying my book—cough, cough; which you can still purchase here. And while you’re at it, make sure you get caught on the podcast. Season 2 is dropping on January 4, 2023.
Okay, go be with your loved ones! Enjoy this holiday season. Find that thing that brings you joy. I’m rooting for you… always.
