I feel like it’s been so long since I’ve blogged, or posted on Instagram that I wanted to check-in and update you all on what’s been going on in my world outside of the Internet my laptop.
WORK
I am still working full-time as a PR Professional for an engineering firm here in Houston, which shouldn’t be news because… I pretty much always plan to work corporate LOL. I have a deep passion for entrepreneurship and do believe I can build businesses outside of my career, but being able to represent women of color within corporate companies is something I truly enjoy. Over the last few months I’ve transitioned into a new role of managing all events, which is a pretty big deal since I am the only person in this role. I also became a manager for the first time, which has felt so weird to have someone report to me. The dynamic of our marketing team isn’t designed to quickly grow managers, so I’m flattered and honored to be in this position. Needless to say, the last quarter of the year is going to the busiest for me. I’ve had event after event, along with training our new team member and being out of town. It’s been a huge reason why I’ve been so quiet on social media so that I could adapt best as I could without feeling overwhelmed, which still crept in. Adjusting your balance when your lifestyle changes is crucial, so don’t be afraid to take breaks in one area so that you can get comfortable in another.
WEDDING
Our traditional wedding is less than two months away! That is so, so, soon. It’s getting to the point where I can’t sleep at night. I wake up in the middle of the night every single night going over checklists, to do lists, something I may have missed or forgot about. And when I finally do sleep… I dream about it. My anxiety is on 10, specifically while I sleep. The planning of the traditional and our white wedding is beginning to overlap and that it’s finally starting to hit me. If anyone has any suggestions on how to curb anxiety before bedtime and/or sleeping through the night – please leave suggestions below! Nonetheless, everything is coming together piece by piece. Up next, finalizing decor choices, cake design and alterations on my gowns for our wedding in March. We’re also needing to narrow down what we’re wanting to do for our honeymoon. I’m stuck between doing nothing in a beautiful destination, or exploring somewhere gorgeous and full of culture. Honestly, I just can’t wait to be married so we can move on with our lives as one! LOL
HOME
We’re pretty much settled into the house and have found a good stopping point, meaning we have everything we need for now and will resume filling the blank spots in after we get all of the wedding stuff out of the way. I plan to add some significant details to our home office, Nate’s media room and our bedroom. I’ve also been trying to be more present while I’m at home, instead of my usual priorities of things to do before I go to bed. Before now, I had never lived with a man. It’s been such a transition having an entire house and sharing it with my significant other. I’m learning that this home is not just mine, but ours, and I play a huge role in how the time we spend there feels. Our home definitely has to be a priority in between everything else I deem as important.
HEALTH
I’m still sticking to clean eating 95% of the time, but with being on the go constantly for work, events, and even outings like birthday get togethers make that difficult. I’m also working out 3-6 times a week, depending on my schedule. I’ve been working with an online trainer who has created custom workouts + meal plans for me to follow so that I get the most out of my efforts. I’m actually planning a blog post to go more in depth about my routine with my day-to-day meals and what body parts I work which days since so many of you have inquired about it. In addition to physical health, I’ve recently decided to start seeing a therapist. Mental health is so, so critical to everyone, not just those people who are depressed, suicidal or crazy. I’m very excited to start some healthy practices and break negative patterns that I’ve been overlooking all of this time. Let me know if you have any specific questions you want me to address surrounding therapy. I’ll let you guys know how it goes!
BLOG + BUSINESS
I’ve visibly had to take a step back from content creation in order to bloom in other areas. If I’m being honest, if it wasn’t for staying connected with you all + creating an additional source of money, I would hardly be on social media. I’m also finding that social media can really take a lot out of you, it sucks up so much of our productivity and forces us to compare what we have going on to others – so we’ve got to be super careful about what we feed our minds and what we allow ourselves to follow. I’ve spent so many evenings, weekends and mornings making sure that I had photos to post, blog posts to publish and brand collaborations in cue so that I could move my business forward and finally, I’ve reached a point where I can relax a little and catch my breath. However, I’ve been working behind the scenes to have a new book out for you all to finish your year strong, and start your 2019 even stronger – so I’m really excited about that! I definitely plan to get back into posting regularly and getting new posts up for you all, but want to make sure I’m creating content you guys feel like you need – so let me know what kinda posts you enjoy the most!
INTENTIONS
Realistically, my life has always been about elevation. I’m always going to want to improve in every area that’s possible but right now, it’s most important that I take time to pour into what means the most to me. For me, that’s preparing for marriage, spending and making quality time for my family and friends, being more present, and doing my very best each and everyday. My sister is pregnant with my third nephew and is set to give birth the day of our traditional, which is also Nate’s birthday! LOL
I’m finally starting to feel like I’ve got a good grasp on everything we have going on and will be needing to take care of for the rest of the year, so I’m really excited to get back into the groove of posting consistently, preparing for the end of the year, and soaking up all these tiny moments leading up to both weddings. I’m so grateful for all of your encouragement and support throughout the years and can’t wait to take you all into the adventures that have yet to come!
Thank you for always being so transparent!! I’ve heard wedding planning can be a big boar….I would say limit your screen time before bed, chamomile and lavender baths, and wine….always wine 🙂
Hey Bri! Thank you for always reading 😉 I definitely need to try and limit my screen time before bed because I’ll scroll IG until my eyes close, but Lord knows red wine ain’t on my wedding diet! LOL
You got it girl, just keep on pushin!
Thank you Amber! I can see the light now! LOL
Girl you are my hero! As a fellow busy body, it’s always refreshing to hear from others with packed schedules who are getting it all done. Try an oil diffuser with eucalyptus or lavender oil or a cup of chamomile tea with cbd oil about an hour before bed to help with sleeping and anxiety. Hope it helps!
Thank you so much Desi! I actually have an oil diffuser that I’ve only used a handful of times so I’m gonna get that going this weekend. I’ve also been hearing great things about CBD oil, let me know where I can come across summa that at LOL! xx
I completely understand the anxiety before bed. I just started my real estate classes and my mind is all over the place lol the biggest thing that’s helped me is not using my phone, laptop, or tv at least an hour before I go to bed. Instead I’ll use that hour for some sort of self care. That could be reading a book, bubble baths, taking my time with my skincare routine or drinking a margarita (because what is life without tequila?). It’s helped me sleep so much better at night!
Giiiiirl! All of that sounds incredible, but a margarita a night will not compliment me on my wedding day hahaha! Thank you for the tips boo! xx
I sometimes have problems sleeping at night, so the best thing that works for me is taking Melatonin. (Take 6 hours before wake up time) Wine is great as well but if you want to save the calories try this option. I think what you are doing is great and keep up the great work. You inspire me to become a better me and to always elevate myself. Thank you Courtney.
I’ve tried taking 2 5mg melatonin before bed and STILL had my mind racing throughout the nate. I opted for Valerian root and that’s helped me a bit better, just in case you ever need to try ’em!
For help with anxiety prior to sleep and to sleep better, try an adaptogen blend for a night beverage. You can drink an adaptogen nightime cocoa with Rhodiola, Ashwaghanda, Raw Cocoa, Turmeric and a plant based milk (i’ll send a recipe). Or try a nighttime blend already concocted (moon juice and Anima Mundi has one that i LOVE).
Good Luck, you got this!
Girl this sounds hella holistic and all naturale, count me in! LOL
Courtney,
Let me begin with, you got this! Obviously, you’ve been an inspiration to many for many reasons, but one that’s so ideal is your ability to plan and conquer realistic goals and make it look effortless and flawless while doing it (finger snaps in the air)! Wedding planning is what you make of it but stress does eventually sneak in, regardless. My best advice is to remember why you’re getting married and remember that the two that matter most on your wedding days are you and Nate! The small details that matter and may be causing stress now won’t be recognizable to your guest if anything goes wrong and you more than likely won’t notice them because you’ll be on such a high from all the sweet memories you and Nate will be making on each wedding day! As for anxiety and nightmares, give yourself time to actually wind down for bed. The times I had wedding dreams when planning my wedding occurred often when I went to bed after becoming overwhelmed over multiple tasks and all the wedding scares. So, maybe give yourself an hour before bed to have time to yourself to relax and clear your mind of wedding planning. It’s a very special day but you also have to take very special care of yourself, and sleep is one way to do so!
Anyways, I’m very excited for all that God has blessed you with and look forward to your upcoming experiences and posts!
Love,
Angel <3
Angel, thank you so much for this beautiful message and reminder! You’re absolutely right – the most important things surrounding this wedding are me and Nate and the love we share. Everything you’re saying is so true! I’m gonna try and take it easy moving forward. Special congratulations to you and Tony for your biggest blessing yet! <3
Thanks for the update Courtney! I would recommend writing down scriptures that relate to overcoming anxiety and read/meditate on them before you go to bed. Here are a few of my favs: (Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7). Hope this helps!
Thank you so much Ashley, this is a great idea! Praying is one of the few things that grants me a calm feeling. xx
Lavendar essential oils at bed time is relaxing for me. I would also suggest drinking a hot cup of tea to relax you as well.
I’ll definitely have to try this. Thank you Janoah! <3
I just joined your blog email list so excuse the long comment. Its my first lol.
I appreciate your transparency. Great update and it seems we have few things in common. I too would like to continue working corporate while building my own brand- someday 🙂
Wedding stuff……whew! I don’t know what that’s like yet, but my sis gets married next May and she’s driving me nuts lol. I’m a bit of an introvert-she is not. What I have found to help with being overwhelmed is frankinsense essential oil. It calms and helps with focus.Its the bomb at bed time!
I’ve never lived with a man…until recently. I moved in with my father to help with a few things. OMG……men can be gross.
I am SO looking fwd to your health post. I’m interested in your routine bc you are in great shape!
Hahaha the last sentences of your comment have me cracking up! A lot of these ladies suggested essential oils and I actually have frankinsense oil that I’ve never experimented with and now I think it’s time. Thank you so much for the advice!