This term “adulting” is now quite a popular term, typically seen on mugs, t-shirts and hashtags on IG. What does this word even mean? I guess it means someone is a productive citizen with a 9-5, a mortgage and finds more pleasure in purchasing new furniture and leaf blowers than tickets to a hip-hop show or some new lipstick.
During childhood, many of us were given the space and time to explore interests and try new things. I was blessed to have parents who allowed me to practice karate, play the cello, take art classes and much more—I was a gymnast and shot putter too, LOL.
Whatever I wanted to do, my parents let me try it and encouraged me all the way. They were also cool if I decided a particular activity just wasn’t my thing—Nothing new, we all know children thrive when exposed to new things and activities. To this day (because my parents supported me in my endeavors), I truly believe I can do anything.
I guess when you grow up and start “adulting”, the need to explore new interests disappears, right? I say no. Actually, I think it’s a bad idea to stop exploring new interests. Just because you are an adult with more responsibility, it doesn’t mean your personal development is over—Far from the truth. Souls and spirits should be nourished always—that’s how we meet people, learn about ourselves, create wonderful memories and maintain a healthy self-esteem.
Recently, I decided to explore the industry of skin care, wellness, beauty and fitness. I’ve always had an interest in these industries and I wanted to be a small business owner in these arena.
With the love and support of my family, I enrolled in beauty and herb school at the School of Medical and Botanical Aesthetics and Herbalism Roots. I learned so much about skin care, herbalism and wellness. After a lot of hard work and long hours, I became a licensed esthetician and herbalist in 2017. I recently launched a new business, Just a Pretty Face Skin Care and Wellness and I am so happy—I’ve even made some money, LOL.
In addition to loving the beauty industry, I also LOVE the fitness industry—I’m a 14 year runner. During that time, I’ve run two full marathons, three half marathons, a bunch of 5Ks and ran while pregnant. Some of the my most memorable times—happy and sad– are connected to running and the music listened to on those runs (especially the long runs—Sade’s “Never as good as the first time” helped me push through the last six miles at the KCK marathon).
About a year ago, I developed really bad runner’s knee (poor stretching and old shoes) and I had to take a break. During that break, I started to experiment with weight lifting (in an attempt to rehab my knee).
After months of strength training, I noticed drastic changes in my body. I saw cuts and definition. I saw a six pack! I saw better looking calves, Angela Bassett arms and my clothes looked phenomenal on me…no turning back.
My knee got better and I started to run again, but I limited (the runs) quite a bit. I’ve seriously weight trained for two years now and during the time of perfecting my form, I always noticed the bodybuilding ladies (in the gym) either going hard or posing in the mirror—It was clear they were preparing for something. They looked awesome!
After watching a zillion YouTube videos on female body building and the various divisions and talking to folks in the gym, I decided to embark on the journey of competing in a Bodybuilding Bikini competition–April/May timeframe. The bikini division is not about huge muscles—it’s about presenting a tone, lean physique.
I’m excited, I’m scared, but I have great support—My mom was unsure about the whole thing, but she came around, LOL. This journey will be hard and different, but it’s another opportunity to experience something new and challenge myself.
I’m no different than my 9-year-old. I need to continue to grow and develop. Yes, I “adult” hard—One of my most favorites places to go is Lowe’s Home Improvement and I like learning about the various components of my health care insurance plan; however, I don’t neglect my “non adulting” interests—I need that balance. That balance makes me a happier woman, a better parent and a more productive person at my place of employment.
I encourage everyone to pursue their interests…whatever it is—I knew a lady who loved Scrabble and had a dream to play in a national tournament. She pursued that shit and was so happy—Not sure how she did, but just having the confidence alone to pursue that is totally “winning”.
Whatever is it that you’re passionate about…make it a permanent part of your life. Your spirit and soul require that of you 🙂 Thanks for reading my stream of consciousness.
