the story
It had been yet another wild day, another wild week if I’m being honest. I’d rushed to the G train that afternoon, passing the man I had to block on NYE as he waved to me from a coffee shop window (my life is funny like that), only to find out that the L train I had to catch wasn’t running due to an emergency.
Chile, the way my blood pressure rose as I realized my perfectly timed commute to the Nike Welcome Moment had been ruined. The event POC had reiterated to us that we couldn’t be late and now I would absolutely be late. I shot a quick text to her, hopped off the train, jumped in an Uber, and reminded myself to breathe.
Everything is working out in my favor.
I got a text back — thankfully, my Uber ETA gave me just enough time before the event actually started. Whewwww. Shoutout to those who account for the unpredictable NYC subway system. Crisis averted.
I stepped into the Well NYC and took it all in. The new Nike trainers were being treated to a breathwork and meditation session, hydrating IV drips, foot massages, swag bags filled with things I’d literally always wanted to try and spent the next few hours getting to know each other. The energy in the room radiated so much positivity and enthusiasm, and I connected with likeminded people I otherwise never would have met. It was exactly where I needed and deserved to be. Yet all too soon, I had to skedaddle my way out of there for the second part of my night: the NBA Draft.
“Hold up, we really executed this flawlessly!”
My cousin and I giggled together outside Barclays Center after managing to meet each other right at 7:30. Y’all. This girl literally took the train in from Williamsburg just to grab my extra bag that I couldn’t bring in and help me change in a nearby Shake Shack right in time for the Draft to start. An actual angel human who I am so grateful for.
The thing about my life is that exciting things tend to happen in crazy, exhilarating bursts. V chaotic sometimes but I’m here for it. With credentials that let me go backstage, I met Joakim Noah (one of my favorite Bulls players) and watched the most anticipated draft pick since LeBron, Victor Wembanyama, answer questions in the press room. What is my life?!
I made my way home that night all smiles and full of adrenaline, ordering Thai food after realizing I’d barely eaten that day. Sitting on FaceTime with a man telling me I looked delicious as I shoveled food in my mouth and told him of my adventures, I happy sighed.
I deserved every bit of joy I felt that day.
the lesson
It doesn’t take much time to take charge and turn your life around. This time last year, life had me all the way messed up. Shortly after I managed to pick up the pieces after what had to have been the worst dating experience of my life, I committed to change. Firmer boundaries, shifting my mindset, and building a life I love. Now just a year later, I have a thriving personal brand, a social life and amazing friends I can’t even keep up with, I’m a Nike trainer, and work in a space that has given me access to some incredible experiences. This is just the beginning, and you bet I’m about to take things to the next level, as soon as I take a nap.
Your support system is here for a reason. Lean on them. One thing about me, I will always give credit to the people around me who build me up, keep me grounded, and show up for me in ways I couldn’t imagine. Knowing I’d be in a time crunch trying to make it from one event to the other, my cousin went out of her way just to make sure I’d get to attend both. As someone who’s hyper-independent, I often have trouble receiving favors because I don’t want to inconvenience anyone. Lately I’ve been letting people, like my cousin, show up for me when I know I need it. I love that girl something deep ❤️
Slow down and savor the moment. Here’s a reminder that journaling and being present with emotions isn’t just for when you aren’t feeling like yourself. I have a habit of breezing past the processing and documentation of amazing things happening to me because I already feel so good. That is not the move! Take some time and savor the moments when you feel on top of the world too. Make sure that memory is here to stay and cherish.
There are always more amazing memories to be made. The next time life comes at you crazy, remind yourself: some of your best days have yet to come.
the light
As much as I’m still trying to find a good balance with this whole life thing, I feel so alive. The fact that I can go from feeling like life is opening a fire hydrant on me to pure, overjoyed amazement in the span of one week is beyond me. I’m here for it though. These are the days that remind me I’m doing something right.
Your inner work, your effort, your energy, and your faith are what culminates your ability to see and experience beautiful things (big and small). Nurturing those will forever leave you in a better place than where you started, and summer brings the perfect vibes to start. Enjoy yourself, enjoy this time, and enjoy how far you’ve come. That’s all I got for ya, talk to you in two weeks!