2023 Back To School Giveaway
Don’t Give up No Matter the Obstacles
You see the smile, yet have no idea what transpired to get here. I am beyond thankful for FINALLY accomplishing this goal. Yet, I wouldn’t be helping anyone if I didn’t share my testimony.
It started back in 2012, yes almost 10 years ago…. It is so important to align your actions with God’s timing. While the spirit was telling me that my mental and physical state was not ready, I acted on my own accord and started the journey anyway. Yet, God has a way of letting you know really quickly. I first started with Thomas Edison online college. After getting sick and deciding to medically withdraw, I felt defeated. I would try to return a year later (2014) and would be told that I would have to start the program over despite the classes I had already taken. Talk about feeling punished for something that was out of my control. I would wait another year (2015) and try with Western Governor’s online college. However, I got very sick again and faced the same outcome. At this point, I probably should have just stopped, but if you know me — quitting has never been apart of my vocabulary. So in 2016, I applied to Southern Wesleyan University. Everything was going perfect until the end of 2017. I had gotten so sick to the point where I ended up needing treatment and answers at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Although a hard decision, in January 2018, I decided to medically withdraw. This would make the third time. But the fight and drive was still in in me. So, I didn’t stop, just paused. In the summer of 2020, I decided to try and go back. In my head, I told myself that if I had to start the program over again like the other schools, it just wasn’t meant to be. But God had a plan. THIS TIME, I was accepted back in with all of previous courses. I only had to take two additional classes. Talk about crying and praising…. Oh yes, I was filled with so much emotion. I was excited, yet fearful at the same time. But I knew God had prepped my recovery for this. Over the past year and a half, I was battling lupus flares and everything else mentally. The typical things you encounter when fighting a chronic illness. But I kept going. I was approaching my final classes towards the end of spring and decided to apply for an advocacy class. Crazy huh??? I don’t know what I was thinking either. Lol! I was overwhelmed and exhausted, but I kept taking everything one day at time.
August hits and boy did the excitement come along with it! I started a new job. And a week later, IN THE SAME WEEK, I presented my capstone project, took my final exam, prepared for my nonprofit’s Back to School event, hosted the event that Saturday, and then got engaged that evening. I was over the moon with joy!!!!!
But a week later, everything caught up to me. I was still in my advocacy class, and little did I know depression was creeping in. I shut down mentally and physically. Only my parents and fiancé knew… And as normal Jade does, I decided to keep uplifting everyone else despite my own trials. I kept my circumstances private so that I could focus on me and not worry anyone. I decided to fast from social media and even stopped posting on my nonprofits social media pages. I completely disconnected so that I could reconnect with myself. So no, I wasn’t ignoring any of you, I haven’t been online. I needed time to heal and recover.
Today, I get to walk across the stage knowing how far God has brought me! Not to mention, I also successfully completed my advocacy class! I’m still fighting a mental battle and utilizing resources to get better. My family and friends are extremely supportive. And I am forever thankful! I say all of this to say: Don’t be ashamed to take time for yourself. Don’t be embarrassed when you’re not okay. Don’t be ashamed to say … I need help. And don’t forget there’s always a reason behind God’s response of “No” and “Not Now”. Happy Friday Everyone!
Making Small Habits the Norm
You hear of small habits so often and some take it likely. But they’re extremely important, especially when battling chronic illness. Small habits help you perform small tasks/challenges with minimal effort. When done daily, it becomes a ritual. That ritual becomes second nature to you and normally replaces whatever you were trying to work towards removing from your daily mindset and/or activities.
Think about it…..
We face so many different struggles when battling chronic illness. From continued doctor’s appointments that may not have the results we prayed for to the roller coaster of pain and emotions, why not find it important to practice positive self-talk? Why not be mindful of who you share your energy with? Why not be cautious of who you allow access into your atmosphere? These things are important. And daily practices of ensuring you protect your mental space and energy have enormous benefits.
For example, if you replace one phrase of negative talk with positive talk daily, it doesn’t seem like much at first. And in that moment, it probably won’t, especially if you’re going through a flare or rough time. But if you keep practicing that method over time, those days become weeks and those weeks become years…. watch the manifestation! Will you still have rough mental moments, OF COURSE! But you will recognize those periods and be able to determine if you need to seek professional help (counselor/psychiatrist) or if you just need to lean on your village a little more than normal.
Battling is hard enough….. But for me, any way that I can help myself, I AM! CHOOSE YOU! YOU DESERVE IT WARRIOR!
The Art of Choosing “You”
When you walk in your light, beautiful things
will continuously happen that outweigh the storms you might encounter along the way.
In battling a chronic illness,
I am perfectly imperfect. I learned from the mistakes of my past and used those lessons to anchor the development of my future. I thank God for my continued growth mentally, physically, financially, professionally, and spiritually!
I say this to say….. DO NOT compare your journey to anyone else’s highlight reel. Take the reigns on your life and let God steer you in the direction designed for you.
Drink your water.
Exercise.
Eat right.
Mind the business that pays you.
Let go of dead weight.
If it or a person does not contribute to your growth, TRASH IT/LEAVE THEM.
Do your self-checks.
Love on your loved ones.
FORGIVE yourself & others!!! I’ll say that again…. FORGIVE yourself & others!!!!
Go after that promotion.
Start that new business.
Embrace that new love.
BE UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOU!
GROW, LEARN, & PROSPER!