Wonderland
Vulnerability
The world is not a safe place for vulnerable Black girls.
A few weeks ago, my therapist told me that vulnerability is something we should work on. She said I don’t trust people.
Well, duh. I know firsthand that the world is not a safe place for vulnerable Black girls.
After our session, I tried to think of when I first learned that lesson.
Was it sixth grade, when I wrote a note to my secret crush (a white boy) and he laughed while reading it aloud to the entire class?
Was it my 13th birthday, when I planned a big party, invited everyone I knew from school, and only two people showed up?
Was it the summer after my sophomore year in college, when the man I loved dumped me but still strung me along so he could have someone to clean his apartment and cook for him?
Was it when I was publicly shamed by a dentist for crying out in pain during a root canal?
Was it the multiple instances of racism, sexism, or the brutal combination of both known as misogynoir that I’ve experienced in my life?
Most likely.
I truly wish that I could open up and be myself with everyone. But lessons learned the hard way are ones not quickly forgotten.
This world is not a safe place for vulnerable Black girls.
Flat
Shortening days.
Chilling wind.
The sky gray, flat.
As am I. Gray. Flat.
Missing Soleil–bright, warm, light. Each year I beg her to stay.
She says she’ll come visit sometimes, floats away on a gust of wind.
She doesn’t lie. She makes an occasional appearance, but always brings Monsieur Le Froid. He stays even after Soleil departs again.
Winter arrives.
Energy departs.
Gray.
Flat.
Move
Today, a pretty big change is happening in my life.
My boyfriend and I are combining households–today’s the day of the move!
I must admit, I’ve been looking forward to this day for quite some time. We’ve lived apart for the entirety of our three year relationship, and I’m so excited that we’re taking this step together to really become a team…a family.
However, this move hasn’t been without it’s share of challenges. I’ve had to purge a significant amount of, well, crap. It’s amazing how much stuff a person can collect! When I went back home to Kentucky this summer to visit my family, my mom sent me back with a lot of my stuff from my childhood: pictures, knickknacks, school yearbooks–even my American Girl doll, Addy. Add that to the house full of stuff I’ve collected since I’ve lived in Wisconsin and you end up with a ton of things you have to decide to keep or throw out.
I’m not the best at letting things go. Channeling my inner Marie Kondo was a struggle for me. How do I know if this thing “brings me joy”? Isn’t it wasteful to just throw this in the trash? If I don’t have this ticket stub/t-shirt/photograph, how will I know that I saw that movie/went to that concert/knew those people?
This process has helped me understand one thing: Those tokens aren’t the important thing. The memories of those experiences are what matter.
Wayside
As you can tell, this blog has gone by the wayside for…a while.
Honestly, some days it’s been a struggle to get out of bed, much less come up with something to say.
If I’m being really truthful with myself, depression had me putting myself by the wayside. But, this is a new chapter.
I’m in therapy. I’m in a good place in my career and relationships. And I’m going to do everything I can to prioritize my happiness and well-being.
Here’s to new beginnings!
So Amazing
So, I just listened to the first episode of the podcast I narrated Who Killed Julie? and it was so amazing! (And no, I’m not just saying that because I narrated it.)
This podcast is different because it’s fiction that tackles a very real subject–domestic abuse. As a domestic abuse survivor, I know firsthand how hard it can be to recover from such a terrible experience. The podcast creator, Paul Sating, is using this series to bring light to the issue and support survivors. How awesome is that?!? It’s one thing to use the topic to get listens, but to actually use this platform to help people who’ve gone through this ordeal is honorable and so needed in today’s times.
With all that’s going on in regards to women and sexual assault in America today, Who Killed Julie? is a necessary listen. For those who ask why she didn’t fight back, why she didn’t report it back then, if she was drinking, what she was wearing, and all the other bullshit excuses for terrible behaviors on the part of men, you should listen to this. This is a story of a woman who experienced something truly terrible–lost her life even–and the reason why will chill you to the bone.
Check out Who Killed Julie? on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and Stitcher!
The Beginning
When I first started this blog, I’d just celebrated my 26th birthday.
Yesterday, I turned 31. #OldLadyClub
What would I tell myself, at the beginning?
- Control is not love. You deserve better than him, even if you don’t think you do.
- Yes, you do love your new job. Money isn’t everything–you’ll get by, I promise–and you’ll be soooooo much happier.
- DO NOT COSIGN ON THAT CAR. Trust me.
- DO NOT PAY FOR THAT WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD. Again, trust me.
- Old friends will leave your life–let them go, girl! The ones that stay are the ones that belong.
- You are beautiful at any weight.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are so many people who love you.
- You’re going to travel the world. Take lots of pictures!
- Love–real love–will find you. But you have to love yourself first.
- You are so much stronger than you know. Physically and emotionally–you can handle anything that comes your way.
Many thanks to all of you who’ve been part of my life’s journey. Here’s to 31–I’ve only just begun!
A ‘froed out, thick hipped, incredibly happy Kentucky girl living in a Wisconsin world.
