This has been quite a long week for me. 🕔🕙
Finally returned to work (virtually) after being off more than two weeks and I am super proud I didn’t let myself work outside of work hours or become overwhelmed. 👏🏽
Excited about starting my Pinterest business page which has already made more impressions than I thought I could get. 🥳
I am also proud to have found motivation to work out every day. Thank you to @masterconsistency for the push on Tuesday! 💪🏽
Happy Friday! 💮
It would have been nice if at the strike of midnight on 1/1/21, we could have woken up from the 2020 nightmare. I won’t go on and on about how difficult 2020 was for each and everyone of us because I know I still struggle personally with the effects.
Despite all of the downs of 2020, there were some ups. I was able to get a promotion at work even during these trying times. We were able to celebrate several birthdays of family members and close friends which we appreciated so much more. Although celebrations were different this year, I think we can all say we upped our technology knowledge a bit by enjoying some ZOOM moments. Many of us took advantage of what the outdoors had to offer by picking up hiking, bike riding, or just plain walks around our neighborhoods.
All in all I just write this to say we survived. We pushed through and are still here. Can we say everything is going perfectly? Probably not! But I am happy enough just saying that I am getting through each day with some prayer, proper scheduling of breaks, and knowing when to just shut everything off and enjoy who is around me. Stay blessed! Here is to hoping 2021 treats us a little better than 2020.
I was going through a “funk” for a little bit. Change of season, peak busy time at work, and still grieving all hit me and it was nonstop tears. This past week and a half I finally started to get past it but this weekend was def the final touch to regroup.
We unplugged from the world and it was exactly what I needed. We also didn’t bring the kids with us which means I literally got a break and alone time with my honey.
The nights were spent by the fire filled with conversation and laughter. It was an overall great time with my fiancé, cousins and new people. I loved that we had no phone service because it allowed us all to interact, explore, and eat (a lot) lol.
Many people I know hesitate to experience camping but let me tell ya it’s a must try. At least once!
How are you spending your Fall weekends?
If not, please take some time out to go learn and if you do know then make sure your kids know too. I don’t ever give out parenting advice, just not my thing. We are all learning as we go for the most part so who I am to tell anyone what they should and should not do. BUT, the swimming piece I just couldn’t help myself.
A few weeks back, our family went to a river for some fun in the sun. Little did we know, it would end with a very scary experience.
My fiance and I purchased 3 life vests earlier in August and thank God for that. He, our daughter (11), and niece (13) went into the water for a swim. They challenged themselves to swim across and back. They made it all the way out but on the way back, my fiance got tired. At the same time, he started feeling claustrophic in his vest and took it off. Yes we know it was not the best decision!
This quickly turned into a panic as he felt the vest wasn’t holding him up and he began to shout for help. Fortunately, our daughter was near him so she tried to calm him down and keep him afloat. He really did not believe he would survive. My niece began to swim back to try and help because we were limited on vests and she was already in the water. My sister also jumped in with no vest and began to swim out towards him.
Side note: You might wonder why I didn’t jump in? Short version: I panicked as I got in due to a traumatic experience of almost drowning in my teenage years (even though I know how to swim!!)
Back to the story: Some good samaritans in a raft, kayak, boogie board, and swimming noodles all started going towards him to help also! Yes there are still very kind people in this world.
Ultimately, the kayak was the life saver. He was able to get to my fiance the quickest and was able to get him to hold on and brought him to shore.
My fiance threw himself on the ground and did not get up for a few minutes. My niece and daughter made it back to shore and instantly started crying. They were scared and overwhelmed. They are his heroes. They kept their cool and because they know how to swim and kept their vests on were able to keep him afloat.
My fiance knows how to swim but in that moment he was too tired and panic took over. Definitely did not realize what a great investment swimming lessons were for my daughter until that very moment where she was able to maintain her composure and help out her stepdad.
My daughter learned at summer camp (extra fee) but there are many YMCAs that offer lessons as well as Boys and Girls Clubs. Please look into it, it’s worth every dollar.
Today I want to share a story from one of my best friends, Aeisha. She is a Lupus Warrior and was kind enough to let me interview her. She also gave me permission to share her story with my readers.
Q: How old are you?
A: 28.
Q: When were you diagnosed with Lupus?
A: October 2012.
Q: What was your initial reaction to your diagnosis?
A: I thought I was going to die.
Q: What has been the most challenging part of living with Lupus? Has it held you back or prevented you from doing things you have wanted to do?
A: The most challenging part of living with Lupus is not being able to travel as much as I am used to. My lupus caused me to have kidney failure. Now I am on dialysis and it’s hard to just get up and go like regular people. Everything has to be planned.
Q: Are there any organizations/groups that have helped inform you more about Lupus?
A: There are a lot of people on Instagram that I follow and follow me because we share this same disease. It’s comforting to know that I am not alone.
Q: What are some misconceptions people have about Lupus that you have faced?
A: There are people that think those with Lupus are lazy. Just because you can’t physically see my disability, it doesn’t mean that it is not there.
Q: Where are you today with your Lupus?
A: Today, I am still taking my monthly infusions, which I think is helping. I haven’t felt any pain since getting on it. “Fingers crossed!” I still am on dialysis. I am also on the transplant list waiting for a donor.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: My education keeps me motivated. The fact that I’m working towards a goal keeps me going.
Q: Any final thoughts or words you want to share?
A: Don’t let anybody say you can’t be!
Lupus affects every person differently. Despite Aeisha’s struggles with this disease, she doesn’t let it keep her down and still works towards her goals. Aeisha is actually receiving her BA this month in Social Work from Rutgers University. So not only is Aeisha fighting her own battle everyday but she is working towards being able to help others in need. She is the definition of a Lupus Warrior!
This year like others I have a lot to be grateful for. The big difference for me this year was I opted out of writing some long thank you on social media and sending out a ton of Happy Thanksgiving text messages. Reason why: it’s not necessary. This past year has taught me many things and one of those is to live in the moment and focus on the ones around me.
However, I did want to write a post on here to share with you what I am thankful thus far. This year I am thankful for my family. We are such a close knit unit and are there for each other in times of need. I cannot express how many times my mom, sister, dad, or other relative has helped me out. Not just them but my best friends and fiance have been great with helping out with childcare for my little guy. It is so difficult to find people to help you and they have definitely come through.
I am also thankful for the strides I have made in my career. I am finally at a place that I enjoy coming to daily and feel inspired. This has been such a significant part in my life recently and I cannot express the appreciation I have. The process was long but I made it with God’s assistance.
The one aspect I am most grateful for is the changes I have decided to make. Being more positive and optimistic has made me feel so different inside. I have also had to accept that some big things in life are beginning to change on their own due to personal growth and development. After a conversation I had with a close friend, I realize this is okay. This is simply life happening and if things are meant to be they will be!
Many blessings are here and many more are sure to come. There will be ups and downs along the road but remain thankful for each part of the journey. It all makes you who you are and will determine who you become.
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