the story
It was fall, finally, and I found myself engulfed in a sea of big changes and new beginnings. In just one month, I’d organized my very first community event while juggling the interview process for a job I ended up getting (!!), followed by organizing ANOTHER event (my first instructor collab), which was also an amazing success. Life was starting to look real different, and I had no clue what to do with it or how to feel.
Things were changing, and so was I. I felt it in the way I turned inward, more eager than usual to have quiet nights in. I felt it as a new job seemingly plopped into my lap that was perfectly aligned with not only my career growth, but what I’m genuinely passionate about. I felt it as I dipped my toes into organizing community events and the resounding response confirmed that I’d found my sweet spot. Hell, I even felt it in my (mostly) calm confidence as I stepped back into the dating scene.
The transition phase, that gray area before you move from one chapter to the next, isn’t always a comfortable one. As excited as I was, I was equally shocked and had very little time to process. The inner narratives I’d held for so long just weren’t applicable anymore.
You can’t get a job you might really enjoy. Here it was.
Do you think people are really going to come to your events? Sold out two of them.
Staying busy is the only way to be successful. The two weeks off between jobs were the best thing for myself and my productivity.
Your work might not ever get recognized. Please, I am a Nike Well Collective Trainer.
I’d been showered with blessing after blessing, so who was I to believe I didn’t deserve each one? The work and consistent effort were there. This success was mine. As the truth continued to surface, I had no choice but to learn how to feel it, enjoy it, and accept it as my new reality.
While reflecting one night on just how much had changed, and the new direction I wanted to make space for, I realized that maybe I wanted to change the name of this newsletter too…it was just time.
the lesson
Sometimes, you just gotta roll with the punches and thank God along the way. When it’s easy, embrace it. When it isn’t, ground yourself in this truth: you deserve an amazing life, the blessings are here for a reason, and they will continue to flow towards you.
the light
When I realized I wanted to change the name, I explored a few options. But see, the inspiration came from when someone from my anniversary event reposted the photos and captioned it “1-Year of Radiate What’s Real!” It was the perfect mistake, and I couldn’t shake the fact that Radiate What’s Real is what this newsletter should be called. Of course I’m in my 20s and reflecting on this time period, but most of the stories and lessons have no age limit. It’s just real life.
Radiate What’s Real captures the essence of what it’s all about — being honest about the experiences that shape us and owning that shit. Saying it with yo chest, if you will. It might not always feel the best, but what I try to bring to this corner of the internet is the realest, messiest, most authentic version of myself, in hopes that y’all feel more comfortable doing the same. Speaking of, we have guest writers coming soon that I am so excited about.
New name, new chapter, same vision, with a new section too. I hope you love it just as I much as I do ❤️
my matcha moment 🍵
Okokok here’s the new section I’m very excited about. If you don’t know by now, I drink matcha a LOT (with a little drizzle of maple syrup for some sweetness). In the morning, I usually pair my matcha with some form of reading, journaling, or reflection before I start my day. I think about what’s exciting me or inspiring me. During each matcha moment here, I’ll make a recommendation for you to take away. It could be a journal prompt, a book I’m really loving, an upcoming event I’m hosting, anything I’m enjoying that I think you might benefit from too. Sound good? Great. Talk to you soon!