For the past week or so, I’ve been feeling not so great. It’s been a roller coaster of emotions trying to come to terms with the end of a relationship. Although I was the one to ultimately end things, finding out that my ex is definitely in a relationship with someone else made me feel both hollowed out and brimming with pain. But most insidious of all, I felt wholly insufficient. Deep seas of tears were made. Adele was sung.
In sum: things felt painfully unforgiving.
It was in this context that I went on a quick work trip to DC, my old stomping grounds. To say my heart immediately felt lighter would be an understatement. It surprised even me. To return to a place that was familiar and full of memories was exactly what I needed. Even better, I used as much of my limited free time to reconnect with friends that have come to feel like a second home. Friends that continuously inspire me with their intellect, compassion & general bad ass-ness.
I was instantly grateful that this trip landed in my lap when it did. I left home feeling truly beat down and emotionally hollow; I returned feeling like I’d caught gratitude in a bottle for the first time. I was present and appreciative. I was open and engaged. And it felt authentic.
As I walked back to my hotel on my last night there, it was chilly and the city was relatively quiet. With a moment to reflect, I realized how deeply full I felt, for the first time in a long time.
I would like to continue that walk, metaphorically and otherwise.
“I give myself a good cry if I need it, but then I concentrate on all good things still in my life.” ― Morrie Schwartz, Tuesdays with Morrie
black girl magic & meditation 