the story
I remember this time last year like it was yesterday. The very first edition of this newsletter was launching on August 7 (tomorrow!), and I was more than prepared. I had my little video on deck to be posted on that Sunday morning right alongside the scheduled email that I’d read over and rewritten a million times. Most importantly, I had the unwavering support of my community. Over the past two months I’d casually slipped my idea into conversation with some of my closest friends, and the resounding answer was yes, absolutely yes. I needed to create this. It was the kind of project that would make an impact, and they were here for it.
A large part of our 20s is dedicated to figuring out who the eff we are and what we love to do. It takes so much exploration and often extends well past this decade, but in that moment I felt sure of one thing: re-launching Bright-Eyed Joy as a newsletter and diving into my passion for writing was exactly what I needed to pursue. So I did it. The morning my first newsletter went out felt like Christmas, I kid you not. I was so excited I damn near skipped through my whole three mile walk that day — the public response was incredible.
One year and tons of supportive messages later, I’m sure that following my heart and doing this was one of my best decisions yet. In a world that’s one endless conveyor belt of curated life, I wanted to talk about the real thing. Apparently, so did each and every one of you. I get to write about things I care about and share it with people who actually want to read what I have to say (!!!). On top of that, quite a few of you have devoted time and energy to being a guest writer and contributed some of my absolute favorite pieces. The feeling is priceless, and the overwhelming amount of support I get from you all means more than you’ll ever know. One year in, and there’s still so0o0o much to talk about. Let’s get to these lessons first…
the lesson
Give yourself your flowers. Awhile back, a friend of mine told me that her man was shocked at just how much I do outside of my 9-5. Her response?
“Uh, yeah. Black girls WILL do the most. Always.”
And she’s not wrong. But one thing I realized I didn’t do enough of was acknowledge and celebrate my hard work. Have you ever hit a huge milestone and the moment just got filed under things you already expected from yourself? I be doing that entirely too much and I’m sure a lot of you do the same. At the very least, you have to rest in gratitude (shoutout Big Sis) even if it’s just for a few moments. What I’m highly recommending to myself and you all, is taking intentional time to celebrate and acknowledge your hard work. You not only deserve it, but you need it to keep going.
Trust in your divine timing. A lot of you don’t know this, but BEJ is actually six years old. The original version was launched in 2017 when I thought that at the ripe age of 20, I knew all there was to know about self-care and wellness. Naturally, I needed to spread the good word to those who would listen. Then I realized I literally didn’t know anything at all and felt no desire to act like I did. I would stop and start and then stop again, until I realized that I’d be okay if I never picked up BEJ again. I surrendered to my truth at the time, and over a year later the Universe casually dropped the idea for the newsletter into my lap. If I hadn’t stopped holding onto V1, I would’ve never had the breathing room to think about V2. Trust that what’s meant to be yours will always find you, and if it ain’t sitting right in your spirit? Release it.
Remember why you do it. Side hustling ain’t for the weak. But funny enough, every time I’ve gotten overwhelmed or been down on myself, one of you has reached out and told me how much impact a certain newsletter has had on you. It’s always been right on time, and a reminder that there’s a larger purpose behind this. Trust me when I say I know how it feels to want to curl up and hide from that big thing you said you’d do. If it’s really something you’re passionate about, try to go back to moments where people celebrated and gave you praise to push you through the moments of doubt. It helps, promise ❤️
the light
I’m so happy, y’all. I’m grateful for this first year, grateful for how much people stand behind this project, and grateful for what’s to come. Some of you feel like this newsletter is the black, mentally healthy version of Sex and the City and I absolutely love that. I always want to hear from you, so if you have something to say, just know I’m here to listen. If there’s any topic you’d like to hear about or if you want to guest write, reply to this email or shoot me a DM. Let’s keep growing, learning, and thriving together.
If you’re in NYC next weekend, there are just a few spots left for our first ever community event next Sunday, Radiate What’s Real. Make sure you sign up ASAP before they’re gone. I can’t wait to host y’all ✨
One year down, and I just know year two will be even better. But first, my flowers.