We’ve made it to the end of the year. There was so much that happened this year – good, bad, indifferent – but I’m really excited to see what year 35 and 2023 have to bring for me. Let’s get into some of my thoughts from November and December.
This post contains affiliate links (read my disclaimer). Thanks for helping me adult!
01. LUMBAR DISC
Remember when I was complaining about injuring my back due to old age? Yeah, that was actually an injury to my lumbar disc. 🥴 When I reinjured the same spot on my back 3 times, I knew something was wrong and decided to visit the doctor. She explained what was going on with my back, I was relieved to know the issue but also worried that I would have back issues forever. We did a month of physical therapy and exercises to help my back recover. It was a month of no gym and pilates, which made me a little stir-crazy. By mid-November, I had little to no back pain, and my doctor told me I could start incorporating my workouts slowly to see how my back feels. It’s been a little over a month since I got back into my routine, and I’m happy that I have no back pain. While I’m staying vigilant about my back, I’m really happy to move on from the injury.
02. RUNNING
Back in September, I talked about taking a break from running because of another injury. Well, this month, I started running again, and I have to say, I have no pain! It feels great to pound out my thoughts on the pavement. While I am still trying to get my stride and pace back – I’m huffin and puffin through my 1 mile sprints – being back on the road has been so good for me.
PHOTOS BY: MEGAN PRYLL PHOTOGRAPHY
03. ISSA CSJ VIBE
Last month, we surprised my boss with a photoshoot for her going away. If you missed it on Instagram, I shared this photo (on the top left) and the Vibe 1996 Death Row cover, which was the inspiration. As the year comes to a close, I can’t help but reminisce on the work and time I’ve had with these women. While CSJ will look a little different next year, this short stint was some of my best working relationships since I started working big girl jobs. We always referred to ourselves as the #blackgirlmagic or Avengers because we work well together and do amazing work. This was the first time in my life (crazy, right?) working with an all-Black women team at a Black organization. The laughs, cries, and hectic moments we shared will forever live in my heart as I navigate the work environment. These women showed me that I could show up as my full self to work, something I didn’t know I could do before, and I will forever be grateful.
Photo Credit: Kendall Ross
04. MERRY HOLIDAY
It’s the time of year when I wrap up everything and stop working for the year. I have the next two weeks off of work. I’ll be spending time with family and friends as we close out the year. I just want to say thank you to each one of you that clicks the link and reads my blog post. You are the reason I keep going. I want to wish you and yours a Happy Holiday. I pray I see you happy, healthy, and whole in the New Year.
SHOP THE LOOK!
Lack of Color Palma Hat || Loft Shirt (similar) || Madewell Jeans (similar) || Missoma Necklace || Mejuri Necklace || Garmin Watch || Hoop Earrings (old; similar) || Stila Beso
