shazieshazzz

Here’s a secret: I sometimes find myself cheering others more than I do myself bc honestly, it’s a lot easier pouring into others. When you’re accustomed to think a certain way about yourself, it’s easy to ROB yourself of the love + kindness I love writing things down on paper, but I also love creating a digital vision board. Whatever your past may be, where you are right now, and where you think you’re headed, I hope you always allow yourself to believe you deserve to live your most abundant life.

I’m just going to say this for the people in the back — being a good friend/relative does NOT mean you need to be available all the time. Whether it’s my inability to focus on big projects due to continuous interruptions/notifications or getting texts from people trying to vent about something that you KNOW you do not have the bandwidth for, there comes a point where you just have to hit the pause button. I also started changing my status on Teams, so people know I’m not exactly available to respond even if my calendar is open. I don’t want to continue feeling like I need to explain myself if I’m simply not up for socializing.

I pivoted between majors, I worked a retail job that sucked the life out of me, and I felt like I was going nowhere. Not only was I already behind, but it also took me 3 years to transfer from a community college, AND I stayed an extra year after I transferred bc I’ve seen and experienced judgment in my college years for not succeeding in classes I would pull all-nighters for, but what many fail to realize is the behind-the-scenes that we don’t often get to show. Proud of juggling school and work, to work for a part-time income and not have to bother my single mom, to balancing family and social life.

Let us backtrack — after finding out I gained weight, I went to embark on this weight loss journey. I’m talking consistent noon time workouts, sticking to a strict meal plan, being super restrictive with myself (aka ditching Ben & Jerry’s!!), etc. I mean, I’m out here giving tips and sharing stories promoting healthier and happier lives for busy women on-the-go I was unfit to bear this image of self-love and acceptance when deep down inside, I allowed the number on that scale dictate my worth.