In my doctor era. Wifey era. Content creator era. The list goes on....
Chapter 27 has definitely been a journey for me as I've embraced many eras during this time. I became a wife and graduated with my doctorate in public health - 2 major life goals that I've always envisioned for myself. This year, I also began to take content creation serious. I've truly enjoyed building a community of over 11,000 followers and I'm excited to see things grow! I'm grateful to have achieved these lifestyle moments and I'm more than ready to take Xi's Essentials to the next level. With my upcoming birthday being less than a month away - here's what I'm doing to prepare for my Chapter 28: my grown woman era.
1. Having more honest conversations with God.
If you've read my previous blog post, then you would know that I recently struggled in my relationship with God as I entered into my post-grad season. I did all of the right things - I studied hard, expanded my resume and skills, built a strong professional network, and graduated with my doctorate. Yet, when I received my degree in hand, I did not have what I'd like to refer to as my big girl job. Struggling to find a full-time role in my field was a detrimental hit to my whole being - physically, emotionally, and of course, mentally. I began to question myself and God. In fact, I became angry with Him because I didn't understand why I wasn't seeing the fruits of my labor. And when I would become upset with God, I would quickly feel ashamed for my negative emotions towards Him.
But I think that it's okay to have these wrestling feelings with the Lord. Your relationship with God is simply that... a relationship. Sometimes there are good moments during a relationship and sometimes things can get a little murky. But one essential method that you can do to alleviate said confusion or tension in any relationship is by communicating. Having honest conversations with God can help you decipher your feelings towards Him and hopefully grow your relationship with Him. I now frequently talk to God about my current circumstances. And even on days where I don't have the words to say, I just give Him thanks for what He's doing and what He's going to do. So in this 28th chapter of my life, I'm going to have more honest conversations with God. As always, it's okay to sit in your negative or weird emotions - just don't stay in them.
2. Allowing myself to sit in my emotions, but not stay in it.
Speaking of emotions.... Whew! Chapter 27 definitely came with some mighty highs and deep lows. I'm still healing from lost loved ones and broken friendships. And of course, as of lately, dealing with post-grad life. If there's one thing that I've noticed about myself in recent years is that I am a cryer! I will literally cry at the drop of a dime - or as soon as I recognize that my feelings are hurt. I've often criticized myself over crying because I looked at it as a weakness... but shedding tears doesn't indicate weakness, instead it shows strength! It's essential that you recognize, understand, and truly feel your emotions. Keeping things bottled up inside will do you no justice. And that's why it's also important that you find healthy ways on how to express and let go of those negative emotions.
3. Best-case scenario journaling.
If there's one wellness habit that I'll forever advocate for, it's journaling. I've been writing in my diary/journal since I was a little girl. Journaling has always been my safe space. And journaling doesn't just have to involve just writing - you can journal via audio and video recordings too! But one journaling technique that I've recently implemented into my weekly wellness habits is Best Case Scenario Journaling. I heard about this idea from one of my favorite wellness podcasts, Balanced Black Girl. Best Case Scenario Journaling is the practice of journaling how you want your life (or day, or week) to go in vivid detail assuming the best case scenario. So whenever I'm anxious about something - say, an interview - I'll write in detail about the interview working out in the best case scenario. "The interview went really well, I met so many amazing people. I confidently answered all of the interview questions. I responded with x, y, and z...." Essentially, you are programming your mind that things are going well. In my grown woman era, I plan to continue utilizing this journaling practice.
4. Reading for fun.
This has definitely been a summer of reading for me and I plan to keep this up for the rest of the year! As someone who has spent the past few years reading a number of scholarly articles for my dissertation, homework assignments, and class projects - I've been looking forward to reading for fun! Books that I've enjoyed reading lately include This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan, One True Love by Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Housemaid is Watching by Freida McFadden, and The Last Word by Taylor Adams.
Click here for my full list of recent reads!
5. Reading the book of Proverbs.
In addition to reading for fun, I'm also reading Scripture to build my spiritual habits. This month, I'm reading the book of Proverbs which consists of wise statements about how to live a Godly life. Wisdom is a common theme found throughout this book which directly aligns with my preparation of embracing my grown woman era. Wisdom can help you to live a long, fruitful life. Wisdom protects you from evil. And the best part, God freely gives us wisdom if we simply ask. So this month, as I'm getting ready for my 28th chapter, I am praying for wisdom. And of course, to be a Proverbs 31 woman which I can't wait to dive into at the end of this month!
6. Intentional daily routines.
Since graduating in May and submitting my dissertation, I've found myself having a bit less structure in my daily routine. A 2024 goal of mine is to become a 5 AM girlie. It's just something about waking up before the world that makes me feel accomplished. Not to mention, it allows for me to get a lot done. As a wife who's navigating post-grad life, an improved wellness journey, and building a brand, time is of the essence! I often find myself doing my current job and then not having enough time in the day to incorporate my hobbies/wellness activities. So waking up earlier is a must. To train myself to become a 5 AM girlie, I'm starting off small by waking up at 6:30 AM and then building myself up to wake up at 5 AM. This also means going to bed early, which I've been doing pretty well lately by going to bed at 9:30 PM thanks to the Sleep Focus feature on my phone - a superb life hack! I'll be sure to keep you updated on my progress, friends!
7. Being more intentional about my brand, Xi's Essentials.
At the beginning of this summer, I took a much needed break from creating and posting content. Whenever I feel like I need to get my life together, taking a social media break is generally my first step. I was over-consuming content from others and lost my creative juice. Plus, I needed to take some time to get my mindset in order as I began post-grad life. But now that I feel refreshed and rejuvenated, I'm ready to get back into my content bag! And with a new era comes a new, and improved brand. I'm really excited to get back into blogging. Xi's Essentials is my passion project and I plan to take it to the next level (whatever that may look like) in my 28th chapter.
8. Having a low vibrational birthday.
Last but not least, I'm keeping it real lowkey for my birthday this year. Yeeeaahhhh, to know me is to know that I'm very Type A (like a true Virgo) which entails that I'm usually the planner of the group. But after planning a wedding and my graduation festivities this year, ya girl is tired of planning. I usually plan a weekend full of activities for my birthday, but this year I really want to keep it lowkey. IDK, maybe it's the grown woman in me... but yeah, no huge trip or large birthday dinner. But just because I'm keeping it lowkey, doesn't mean that I'm not celebrating! Just no hectic plans ;)
Well friends, as you can see I'm superrrrr excited to turn 28 soon! I hope that my 8 essentials will resonate with you and that good things will always find you in this season and the next. Cheers to new eras, opportunities, wellness habits, and growth!
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