Seems like time's out of our control. Drake
Hey, beautiful! Did you miss me? This fall, you may have noticed a lack of Honestly Sis letters and while in the past, it has been for negative reasons. This time it was for good! My Intuitive Yoga Class has been better than ever. But it has taken more out of me than I thought it would, and I found myself getting burnt out. So instead of pushing myself, I listened to my body and allowed myself to take a break.
The break was necessary because it allowed me to evaluate everything I have done so far in this space, and I realize how grateful I am! I have nothing but gratitude for you and Honestly Sis! Even when I was frustrated earlier this year by the lack of growth. Those Honest Chats popped in mind and tears come to my eyes. So, while we lost a few, we also grew closer in other ways. For that, I am ok and see that everything happens for a reason. Social media has conditioned me to believe that bigger numbers are better. But teaching yoga has reminded me that it’s not about the number but the experience. When I think about Honestly Sis and how it makes me feel, I realize that this space functions precisely as designed. It excites me because this is only the beginning. I originally wrote this letter on October 4, 2022. The fifth birthday of Honestly Sis. Like most birthdays, I waited until the last minute to celebrate! Initially, I wanted to rush and get this article out. But instead, I just posted a tweet and decided to savor the moment for myself. That day, I began reading old newsletters and grew emotional. I was so raw in those earlier days, and it was embarrassing. But when I got over myself, my amazement at the growth in my writing remained. I am grateful you have stuck with me through all the typos and long-ass articles.
I am thankful that you gave me the space to grow. I am a better writer and person because you have allowed me to come into your inbox and say anything! Thank you for allowing me to be me! If all goes as planned, I will be growing busier moving forward. So, my focus next year is to find a style and tempo that genuinely works for me! I will continue to keep documenting my life journey. My only prayer is that it encourages you to go after your dreams! I genuinely believe God birthed us into this world to have a unique life experience- and the privilege of the lifetime is to live that out loud.
I am so grateful that at the age of thirty-three, I am well on my way to making that a reality! The number five symbolizes personal freedom, courage, life changes, and lessons learned through experience. It's only fitting that I take advantage of this milestone and make a few changes moving forward. I wanted to tell you that we are returning to the monthly format. But honestly, it just doesn't feel right. I love the flexibility of writing lists and stories. But I know that I need to work smarter, not harder. So, there will be slight changes to the overall formats of the letters.
Since starting this space, I have accomplished everything I set out to do. But I also learned that intention-setting is real. My original intention was to create a space safe for my writing. I wanted to create this transaction where I got to share my work and go away. I birthed this intention from fear disguised as protection from negativity. But it has blocked me from making connections. Teaching every Saturday has taught me that I like making connections. The beauty of teaching is that I can bond with my students, who, in turn, give me immediate feedback. The conversations that I have had with my students have been more profound than conversations I've had with people I've known my whole life! Whenever I talk to a student, I see my growth and realize I have wisdom to share. My new intention for Honestly Sis is to create community and make this space feel more like a relationship, than a transaction. So, I am throwing all that "no-sharing on social media" stuff out of the window! If you read something and feel the urge to share it, do it and tag me! If you read something and want to ask me a question, ask! I want to make this space a resource for you! I want it to help you as much as it has helped me! So, if there is anything you want to know or wish I would do (or talk about), hit me up! It's essential for me to turn this space into a community both on and offline. This will be another focus for me next year because black people deserve safe spaces to heal and be seen!
To thank you for being here, please use code: Honestly2022 for a discount on all services on my website as a token of appreciation. For my reals ones- who talk back- there is something more in store for you! If you came to a Honest Chat this year, liked a YouTube video, or read every article that came to your inbox again: THANK YOU! This break has made me realize how grateful I am for your support, energy, and reads! I will never take it for granted! Even if this is your first time reading a letter in a while, I still love you too! Thanks for not unsubscribing, things are about to get a lot more interesting! I have a feeling the next few years will be a whirlwind! I promise to stay consistent, to only be in your inbox twice a month, and to fully step into my role as a healer.
It’s only up from here!! Make sure you keep up with me, like the Dash Dolls!
AM
JOURNAL PROMPT:
When is the last time you set an intention for any area of your life?
How did that intention play out in your life?
Thinking back, was it born from a place of fear or love?
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