Patricia Austin

𝐇𝐄'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐀 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 I want to protect him forever and show the world that he is not a threat. 👦🏽 He's not a threat when he's out for his daily jog, he's an athlete. You don't have to shoot him from behind. 👦🏽 He's not a threat when he's asking for clarity of his arrest just because "he fits the description." He's been taught to ask questions when he's unsure. 👦🏽He's not a threat if he politely asked you to leash your dog just so he can enjoy his moment outside. He just doesn't want to be accidentally bitten. 𝐈𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞. ♥️He's loving. ♥️He's kind. ♥️He's thoughtful. ♥️Probably one of the most manner able young men you'll ever meet. He's my #AhmaudArbery #GeorgeFloyd #TreyvonMartin #EricGardner #StevenTaylor #TamirRice And the list goes on....

Trust the process December 2014⁣ ⁣ 10 years. TEN. 5+5. 120 months. $89,000 worth of debt 😭. This was always embarrassing for me to tell people or put on my applications. Like who takes this long to get a B.A.?⁣ ⁣ It's a common myth that one should finish college within 4 years. Truth is, unless you're kidless, aren't required to work, or hold any other responsibilities, this ideal schedule is likely unrealistic. And this was my reality. I worked. I got pregnant. I got married. I had a another baby. I got divorced. Then I got pregnant again. All while trying to complete a degree. Even in the midst of all these life altering events, everyday life was still happening. I changed my major two times hoping to finish sooner. Each time I changed, so did the list of requirements to complete. Nothing was coming easy. I found myself unsure of my purpose. What was I really doing with my life? ⁣ I finally settled on a degree in Liberal Studies (my transcript & debt confirms this choice 😂) just to say I was done. Had no idea what I was going to do with this degree. Hadn't event researched job opportunities available. I was finished and that's all that mattered. ⁣ So often we get hung up on "the standard" and allow doubt to set it. What works for others was not meant to work the same way for you! Your purpose is different. Your story is different. Sure sometimes we prolong ourselves because of some of the choices we make throughout the process, but would your story be the same? Would the passion behind it be the same?⁣ You finished and that's what matters most. Stop letting other people's timelines define yours. I've learned to not be embarrassed by my story. It defines who I am and how I've become the woman, mother, and friend I am today. Allow yourself grace when you don't meet your own standards and stop discrediting yourself. There's someone watching you waiting on you to finish, only to inspire and push them. 🥂⁣

🇺🇲 Memorial Day 2020🇺🇲 “Let their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored.” – Daniel Webster

Travel is therapy for many of us. Today I was supposed to be laying out on the beaches of Los Cabos, Mexico. Soaking up some sun and enjoying the sounds of the waves pounding into each other, while sipping a refreshing drink. Thanks Corona 😭😭⁣⁣ ⁣ Trying to ease the thought of disappointment, I grabbed my favorite @drinkcalypso lemonade, turned my music on and chilled out by the pool. ⁣⁣ Definitely doesn't compare to the beach but certainly allowed me a moment to clear my mind from recent happenings. ⁣ ⁣ Gather a few of your favorites and head outside for a moment of serenity. It's ok to imagine you're at your favorite vacation spot 😊.⁣ ⁣ Has Corona crushed your vacation plans too? Where were you headed?⁣ ⁣

#WellnessWednesday Running late doesn't mean you have to skip breakfast. Breakfast sets the tone for the rest of your day. Whether you're rushing out the door because you over slept or you're trying to lose weight @campoverde.pr is a great alternative for breakfast on the run. Campoverde conveniently comes in pre-portioned packs making breakfast on the go a breeze. Just add milk, juice, or water and blend. No prep work necessary. Each portion is packed with just the right amount of fruits and vegetables to get my day started off right. Energy boost, fit & wellness, and forever young are just a few of the options available to fit your lifestyle/needs. What makes it even better? My kids love them too. Don't skip a meal because you're in a rush. Grab a bag today at your local grocer.

Transparent Moment ✨Ethan A. Burrell ✨DUE DATE: MARCH 2015 ✨DOB: DECEMBER 30, 2014 ✨2lbs 6oz ✨55 days in the NICU Before birth, I have no pictures of me pregnant with Ethan. Kid #3. Daddy #3. I was embarrassed to say the least. I hid my pregnancy from social media and tried to stay out of public as much as I could. I had just been four years since my divorce. I hadn't finished college yet. Living back with parents and my older two sons. How was I going to break the news this time? As if self guilt was already hard enough to deal with, this was the most difficult pregnancy of the three. I had appointments every Friday due to early onset complications. December 30 I was admitted to the hospital to be placed on strict bed rest. Meaning I was stuck there until I delivered (whenever that was)😭. I wasn't ready. I had NOTHING! Not a crib, a blanket, not even a name. Within minutes at only 29 weeks pregnant my body went into full on labor and nothing they tried could stop the process. "We have to take the baby now or we'll lose them both." The last words I remember hearing before his birth. I remember my mom so reassuringly saying "Nene, you're not the first one and you won't be the last." It wasn't until after his birth at that moment, that I came to accept him and nevermind what others would possibly think of me. Despite our flaws, children are a gift from God. He entrusted me with this one and knew just what we all needed at that moment in our lives ❤️ When it's time to deliver (spiritually) there's NOTHING here on earth that can stop the birthing process regardless of how unprepared we may be. Don't leave this earth without bring forth what God has placed in you. Your time is now 🥂

#selfcaresunday💕 Who isn't ready to face the camera after a refreshing facial? Going to a spa getting a facial is an amazing experience but what about in-between visits and now that many of us are still quarantining at home? I suffer from both Oily & dry skin. I either peel or I get tons of pimples and blackheads. My facial routine has helped me keep my skin glowing and eliminate those pimples from forming (when I'm consistent). I exfoliate three times a week. The other days my routine stays the same, I just eliminate the exfoliating. It leaves my skin feeling smooth, soft, and glowing 🥰 What are your go to #DIY facial products?

#40by40challenge swipe left 👈🏽 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It's a 🐦 it's a 🛩️ Nope.... just me falling 15,000ft ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ We all have that CRAZY friend that's willing to try everything at least once. Always hyping the group up to join their craziness. 🙋🏽‍♀️ It's me. I am that friend. I'm an adrenaline junkyI had this insane idea that I wanted to go sky diving (don't ask). Mind you I'm afraid of heights. like anything above 3 stories, anxiety is kicking in and I'm on the verge of an episode. 😭 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It was all fun and games until the door rolled up and I'm squatting at the edge of the plane begging them not to make me do it. I didn't know if I wanted to cuss or pray 🤔. I decided on the latter because if I died while flying I had no intentions on going to hell. I closed my eyes and yelled "OH MY GODDDDD" until the ground below me was no longer blurry. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I think my eyes were closed the whole time but I have pictures and videos (receipts) so it happened 💪🏽. Another ✔️ on the bucket list. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✨Would I do it again? HELL no 🥴 but I'll tag along for moral support. ✨Was it fun? It's one of those experiences you can't describe. You just have to try it for yourself. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I'm ready for the next adventure 🌊🚣 What's on your list? 🪂

Work It Out Wednesday 💪🏽🏃🏽‍♀️ #swipeleft It's not just about losing weight. It's about your mental wellness. 💚 Yesterday I jumped up ready to work out. Got my 2 miles in and felt like a champ. Refreshed, ready to conquer the day. Today was the complete opposite. I woke up with a tension headache and sore shoulder. I dreaded leaving my bed and having to complete any of my scheduled task for the date. I just wasn't in the mood 🤷🏽‍♀️. Two hours past my scheduled workout time I finally forced myself to get up and at least walk. 30 minutes later I'M BACCCCCCCK! Ready to put on some real clothes and knock the day out! When you exercise your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins help reduce our perception of pain and trigger a positive feeling in the body. Even if you're not wanting to lose weight excercie is important for mental health. It helps release those feel-good 🥰 chemicals when we're experiencing depression. So get up! get out! Get moving! You owe it to yourself! 🥂 I'm pushing myself to do 2 miles three times a week. What's your goal? I'm going to remind you 👀 Disclaimer: I actually like running but not on a treadmill.

Motherhood (noun): No books. No manual. No script. Regardless of how many times you've seen it done, it's always different and never seems to work the same for you. You just kind of learn as you go. After 16 years 😭 (he's almost out of the house) you would think I've "nailed it" but each of my three are different and requires a different process than the child before. So it was like becoming a new mom all over again. Mom's don't get discouraged because your parenting doesn't look like the next parent. People will always offer advice, take what you can use and discard the rest. You have to realize what works best for you and your family. we have a unique relationship, quite different from what I saw growing up. We laugh, we play, I'll even get down and make them scream 🗣️ UNCLE. But at the end of the day they respect me as their mother and understand that I have their best interest at heart. These will forever be my babies 💙💙💙This is Us❤️ HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY 🥂

May is #mentalhealthawarenessmonth💚 #swipeleft November 13, 2016 I lost my best friend to suicide. No sign. No warning. Literally talked days before. And spent 5 hours a few weeks prior sitting at Wild Wings Cafe laughing, and talking. We departed with a hug, picture, and a "I'll see you later. Love you. Drive safe." - I know we're all over this current state of living and ready for the world to safely return to some sense of normalcy. But in the meantime let's not forget about protecting our mental health.💚 - Get out of those sweatpants you've been wearing since Friday. Comb your hair, and put on your favorite lip gloss. Even if you're not leaving the house it's ok to get up and get dressed. I always feel better when I put some clothes on. 💚 - Do something different today! Get out of the routine of just laying around "I'm stuck in the house bored." 💚 - If you know someone who struggles with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, take a moment each week to reach out to them. Encourage them to open the blinds, sit out on the porch, suggest a new show to binge. Anything to help occupy their time and help clear their thoughts. 💚 If you're struggling and don't feel like you have someone you can reach out to message me. I'm here! We're in this together! 💚

It's #selfcaresunday💕 and May is also #mentalhealthawarenessmonth💚 It's essential that we, especially us Mama's, find time to take a moment for ourselves even if just for 5 minutes. We can't properly care for others and neglect ourselves. Sunday seems to be the only day of the week that I can find time for myself and unwind. The kids sleep in, the house is quiet. Since we're still on Stay at home order church is closed so today I'll take a moment to do something for me. Nothing brightens my mood more than some freshly polish nails 💅🏽. During the spring and summer months I tend to go for bright eye catching colors. It just seems to go so perfect with the weather ☀️. And nothing screams HELLO SUMMER louder than At Once by @lacolorscosmetics. It's like summer in a little bottle and I absolutely love it. How do you spend time taking care of you?

Today was #FunFriday The boys and I participated in a zoom cooking class with @DeLauren Chefd Fuller (FB). Tonight's class was Sushi Making. Full of fun but oh so messy for us beginners 🤣. Peep how the kids just ate it like a burrito 🤷🏽‍♀️ How did you spend your Friday? Any fun plans for the weekend?