look how much she's grown! 😊
As we've seen, the whole world can change in a year. Mine certainly has.
Lina, the dieffenbachia, is the second house plant I ever purchased for myself (first being a dracaena fragrans/ corn plant) and my love for her grows daily. I found Lina in a clay pot at the grocery store less than two weeks after switching from 100% in-person to 100% remote work (in March, in West Virginia).
I desperately desired greenery and she fit into my life/ on my desk perfectly.
This photo was taken July 24, 2020. ⤵
At that time….
Professionally, I was stressed, uncertain, and navigating incredible challenges that included employee performance issues and leading a remote team during a pandemic.
Emotionally, I felt enraged with the world, confused, misunderstood, and exhausted from fighting.
Socially, I was pretty isolated, which was, admittedly, mostly by choice.
Romantically, I was so hopeful - yet stubborn in my relationship.
It was, overall, a very trying period of time that significantly tested my strength.
I took several deep breaths in my awareness and decided to look inward.
I needed to rest. I needed support. I needed to channel my energy, clarify my voice, take deliberate action + remove anyone unsupportive of my path.
In the field of psychology, it's referred to as "setting emotional boundaries," but I believe Jay Rock said it most eloquently when he spoke the words, "You either with me or against me ho." 🤷🏽♀️
And, that's the whooole vibe.
I remembered who I was and stopped accepting less.
Between last July and now, I have learned and accomplished more than I ever thought possible in such a period of time.
🌱I am a new member of several organizations whose priorities closely align with mine - with focuses including women in leadership positions, "diversity" initiatives, climate adaptation, and health + wellbeing.
🌱I gained a phenomenal support network of (mostly) women from incredibly diverse professional, social, and ethnic backgrounds all over the globe.
🌱I reduced my student loan debt - by a LOT. (Could still use that $10K+ forgiveness, Biden, but that's a future post!)
🌱I earned a certificate in Climate Change and Health that opened me up to a world of knowledge, helped boost my confidence, and encouraged me to define my climate voice.
🌱I have deepened my understanding and admiration of astrology, astrophysics, agriculture, biology, wealth management, energy, crystal healing, and manifestation.
🌱Bruh, I stopped drinking.
(Those who knew the old me could be shocked) but, honestly... It's fun not drinking!
I feel powerful in my "no" and it's peculiarly similar to the power I have in being vegan - I just feel peacefully enlightened. Not to mention, I save a ridiculous amount of money and I feel like I'm helping save the planet (no more wine and Bacardi bottles!) My carbon footprint has decreased and my bank account has increased. Plus, my body LOVES it.
🌱I broke up with my boyfriend of 2 ½ years. He moved in last August (2020) and moved out at the end of March (2021). It was genuinely the hardest breakup of my life - bittersweet because we truly have nothing but unconditional love for one another. I had to learn, though, how to love with detachment and to trust myself. The experience tested my maturity and I am immeasurably grateful for our time together.
Ultimately, I feel like a beautifully new woman, yet I really just feel like the same me - shedding my old ways of dressing her up, being fully whole in all of my essence.
And, not that I’m competing with a house plant, but we both have done a considerable amount of growing this year!
This photo was taken July 19, 2021. ⤵
These days...
Professionally, I still get stressed, but I feel increasingly confident in my purpose while navigating unique challenges.
Emotionally, I am calm, practicing patience, and allowing myself to be vulnerable.
Socially, I am surrounded by carefully selected energies on a very intentional basis - and I love it!
Romantically, though my perspective has changed, I am still hopeful.
I am strong, aligned, and (like Lina) growing absolutely wild.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post and explore my site.
May you have the courage to liberate yourself.
Be well.
💚
Love,
Jasmine