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Writer's pictureJermaine Thomas, II

First Friday’s: February Edition!

Updated: May 3, 2020

Y’all know that picture of the black woman in glasses, hinged at the waist with her hands resting on her knees, accompanied by that out of breath look? Yup, that’s me right now. Three months to the finish line of graduation and I would be absolutely remiss if I wasn’t honest with myself about my current fatigue. I’m taking the chance now to tell myself it’s okay to say no, and take a breather every once in a while. With that being said, let’s get into it.

 

TRUST

Trusting myself. Trusting that during this time I am secure enough in who I am to not allow riff-raff no matter the source. Like Amanda Seales says in her book, Small Doses. “Make the decision to stop allowing yourself to be mistreated/abused/manipulated. Learn to spot it quickly, identify it, address it, and if it does not change immediately, discard it.I’m trusting my discernment today and discarding all things that are not passing “the vibe check”, as those Gen-X’ers are saying. 


GRATITUDE

This time around, I’m grateful for my ability to apply practices of self-love and acceptance to my daily practice. I’ve come to realize that sometimes people read books just to pass the time, or to escape their reality and that keeps them from actively digesting the material. But, I’m glad to say that I am able to apply the concepts that I read about. Specifically, when it comes to dealing with the ideas of shame and lack of self-esteem. There’s a lot of things happening around me that would normally keep someone from loving every piece of their true selves, but thanks to authors like Brené Brown and Amanda Seales, I’ve learned to love myself no matter what others feel or are saying.  


INSPIRATION

I’m thoroughly inspired by my LGBT+ brothers, sisters, and siblings, who identify as black as well. As black queer people, on a daily basis, we must deal with discrimination from racial, sexual, and sometimes even gender biases. The bravery that it takes to be true to ourselves is overwhelming. And to others who are on this journey with me as well, I want you all to know that you belong here and you are loved!


FUN

Valentine’s Day is coming up! I’m super excited this year because it’ll be my first time celebrating in a relationship that has been established for quite some time. There are 2 days of fun plans coming up for next weekend! On Friday, we’re going to grab a bite at Penn Station, and then going to see “The Photograph”! I’m so excited to see two regular black people find love on screen. And then on Saturday, we’re going to dinner at Jay’s Seafood and ending the night seeing The Color Purple National Tour at their stop in Dayton! I cannot wait! 


Remember to stay in tune with yourself. Keep up the #TGIFpractice. Talk soon.



Originally Posted: February 16th, 2020

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