#tgif practice

Hey there! It’s the first Friday of August, and that inherently means it’s time for another group of TGIF moments! *Even though at this point, it’s the first Saturday... but we’ll let that one go. :)

TRUST

As I go into the last couple weeks of summer leading into my senior year of college at Miami University of Ohio, I trust that what’s for me will be for me. One of my favorite mantras is, “comparison is the thief of all joy”. Not only does keeping that in mind keep me from wondering why I’m not in the same places as some of my peers, whether it be financially, mentally, or physically, it also keeps me sane because I’ve grasped the skill of how to truly be happy for those around me when great things happen for them. My good things will come along, and they aren’t the good things that we’re destined to happen to anyone else. 

GRATITUDE

This time around, I am grateful for my dad, Jermaine Sr. and his soon to be wife, Felicia whose big day is tomorrow, August 3rd. Felicia and my father have been utterly, and completely supportive of me throughout these last few months. I’m grateful for the wholehearted and authentic conversations we’ve been able to have over the years, too. They’ve taught me how to respectfully voice my opinion kindly and clearly in a way that opens the floor up for dissonance. And dissonance is required for growth if you ask me. 

INSPIRATION

This fine Friday, I am inspired by all those folks out there who have planned and executed a successful wedding & reception ceremony. Because I mean... whew. 

FUN

Following the wedding theme that we’re on, I am quite excited for the ceremony and reception tomorrow. Just being around family and friends, the joy will be contagious. And I’m a cry baby, so I have to be sure to pack my kleenex in my tuxedo jacket. Sounds fun, right? 

Remember to be thankful for the little things! #TGIFpractice

Happy Friday! I would like to start a little monthly tradition for this blog called “First Fridays”. In the vein of my ~favorite~ author Brené Brown, the first Friday of every month I will share my TGIF moments. TGIF stands for Trust, Gratitude, Inspiration, and Fun! 

TRUST

In this space of being my whole self for everyone, I trust that those who love me unconditionally will continue to do so. I trust that I am still worthy of love and that I will be able to live just fine without those that do not love me unconditionally. I’m looking for that “because of” love, not that “in spite of” love. 

GRATITUDE

I am grateful for the weekend I got to spend with Connor! It was so great to have a piece of home in the East Bay. While spending 8 weeks at Berkeley is a great time, I miss the fully grown and matured relationships I have with all my friends and chosen family back at home. Hiking up a giant hill to the “Big C”, the Khalid concert and the SF PRIDE festival & parade were definitely the makings of a weekend to be grateful for. 

INSPIRATION

I am inspired by all my friends and acquaintances from all around that are using the summertime to continue moving forward. I have friends that are doing internships, taking extra classes, studying abroad, shadowing and pursuing growth in whatever way they saw fit for themselves. 

FUN

For some reason, a lot of cities were having fireworks displays yesterday, on July 4th. Wasn’t exactly sure why, but I figured why not go into San Francisco and watch a display at Fisherman’s Wharf. It was quite entertaining. 

Happy July, and don’t forget to take a moment for self-reflection!

Entering into our second full month of quarantine, I don’t think there has ever been a better time to practice TGIF. In a span of time where so many things have been taken away from us, let us not just focus on the negative, but focus on the bountiful blessings that we CAN count. Let’s get into it! 

TRUST

Trust. Trust. I am making the choice to trust the decision-making skills of *most* people in power because they are informed to make those correct decisions. And I have to trust most of them for my mental sake because the power is more than out of my hands. So what else is there for me to do? Now, don’t get it twisted, honey. We’re not here for blind trust. We need to read up and then read up some more to ensure that we are getting the correct news, not the corrupt news. Okay. 

GRATITUDE

I am incredibly grateful for the time I’ve had to spend with my Spring Breakers throughout the month. When classes were canceled, my 7 friends and I made a pact to be each other’s quarantine group, I am so glad we did.  This last month has been full of joy, laughter, and tears alike. And I wouldn’t want to spend this time with anyone else. 

INSPIRATION

Class of 2020; High School, Associate’s, Certificates, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D, and anywhere in between. I am inspired by you. COVID has ravaged our final semester, and here we are. Still grinding, still working hard and making our final strides to that heavily-weighted piece of paper that we put in hours for. Congratulations to you. Congratulations to us. 

FUN

I celebrated my 22nd birthday in part with my quarantine group. Fun is an understatement. Whenever we get together it’s always a good time. My friends put together some fun games to play, Gabby made a wonderful Oreo Cheesecake and I was able to enjoy their company. Fun is always on the ballot when we are together!