This Too Shall Pass Too

A few weeks ago, I was supposed to be in New York City with one of my close friends. We had a trip planned to celebrate my 30^th birthday. We also had plans to be at a fashion show before we were off. I also had pending plans for a trip to Santorini, Greece later this year too. Then suddenly, everything changed. My way of living, working, chillin’, exercising, and even attending church has all changed. The cause?

Coronavirus (COVID-19).

I’d heard different things via the world news, social media, and amongst family, friends, and co-workers. And honestly? At one point, I got annoyed. I was tired of people smearing their negativity, whining, complaining, fears, worries, jokes, memes, and anxiety my way and everywhere else. I even went on a temporary social media sabbatical because it was becoming too much. It’s not that I haven’t been taking what’s happening seriously, but when things first started, I was totally chill – until a ton of people I knew started acting extra. I also grew unsettled by the sudden emergence of people stocking up on ridiculous amounts of toilet paper (or posting and complaining about the lack of it) and other supplies. And amid all the cancelled music festivals, sporting events, closed venues, schools, stores, negative projections, news reports, illnesses, deaths, and uncertainty, my spirit got heavy. I almost lost sight of what’s good.

Since this virus has spread, I’ve experienced some cool things and even managed to accomplish some goals I set for myself. I paid off my final credit card, my credit score went up, and I’m getting closer to becoming a debt-free woman #financialfreedom. A new writing piece I submitted got published on Thought Catalog. I celebrated my 30^th birthday. And I still intend to do fun things this month and reschedule my trips and other things too once the coast is clear. I’ve also been able to work from home. This has been an adjustment, but it also means I’m closer to coffee refills -- compliments of working in a loft with easy access to the kitchen. And additionally, it includes no morning commute (which saves on gas), not having to go in and out of the office, and I get to work in a quiet and cubicle-free workspace of my own. The gym I go to is closed, but I still get to work out at home and do more yoga too. I also get to check in more with my family and friends. I get to focus more on my writing. Get chores done. And slow down, be still, and know that this is all seasonal and will eventually pass. This too shall pass. There’s still a lot to look forward to.

What we’ve all known as “normal” has been temporarily disrupted, however, we can still see the good and share it.

The Day I Became A Kidney Donor

About a year ago, I had a dream my dad wanted to talk to our family about something serious. I wasn’t sure what he wanted to discuss, but I knew it was something I needed to prepare myself for. Around the time after I had this dream, I remember stopping by my parents place and sensing something was going on that they weren’t telling me. I tried to dismiss what I’d been feeling, but I couldn’t shake it. Something serious was happening. As I returned to my home after visiting them one day, I was in my kitchen washing dishes when a heaviness hit my heart like nothing I’d ever felt before. Something’s wrong with dad. That’s what that dream was about. God, what’s going on? As I continued washing dishes, I started crying and praying. Then in mid-spring, my dad held an unexpected family meeting that would change all our lives forever. He hesitated at first, and as his voice started cracking and he started crying, he said, “Well, I wanted to talk to ya’ll to tell you that I have kidney disea...

I’m Glad I’m Not Married

When I was about five years old, I was sitting in the backseat of my dad’s car when me, him, my older cousin (my aunt’s son), and my aunt (my dad’s sister) caught my aunt’s fiancé with another woman. My dad had been driving my aunt out to run some errands since she didn’t have a driver’s license or a car. When she spotted her man with another woman, she told my dad to pull the car over, got out of the car, and immediately addressed him. She wanted the keys back to her apartment and was done with him. The other woman she caught her fiancé with slapped him when she realized what was happening, and that was that. When my aunt returned to the car, she was clearly and understandably upset, and the ride back to her place was quiet. Although I was too young to fully grasp what was happening at the time, I knew it wasn’t good. And now, at 34 years old, I can’t imagine how much pain she was in. Her wedding had been planned and paid for – and she never made it down the aisle. My aunt was a beaut...

Dear Young Black Professionals

As you embark on your career, I want you to know some things and stay woke about what you’ll be up against. Please understand that no matter what, you have value, and you matter. Always remember that. As progressive as this world and different workplaces may seem, every workplace has a culture. You’ll be in different places where a lot of people who don’t look like you will be in the room. But know that you belong in those rooms too. Spend some time observing and studying those spaces and learn as much as you can. There will be people you work with who will make presumptions about your competence, education, and ability to fulfill your job duties. There will be more who will think less of you because of the color of your skin and try to disqualify you the moment you make an error, mistake, or ask questions about things you may not understand. This will all feel uncomfortable and you may get insecure, feel like you’re all by yourself, and think you don’t belong there, but ride it out...

Making Waves