My Journey | Life with EssieB

The Matcha-Tirzepatide Combo That’s Changing My Life

So as of this post, I’ve just completed (or am about to complete) my twelfth week on this journey, and honestly, so far so good! For those who are curious, I’m currently using compound tirzepatide sourced from Brello, and I have to say, it’s been remarkably comparable to my experience with Zepbound (sorry not sorry to the brand loyalists! 😉😂😂😂).

It’s actually quite fitting that I’m sharing this update today, as it’s a special day – a very happy 70th birthday to my wonderful mom! There is something planned for her, and it is a slight last minute and a surprise. You will learn soon on this blog, but we hate surprises, so it will be told to her the night before. This milestone has me reflecting on the importance of health and well-being at every stage of life.

My weekend was also a whirlwind of joyful activity. As a prospect for my social club, I had a busy day at the National Harbor/Oxon Hill immersed in doing a photoshoot. Hanging out with this group has left me in stitches and gave my core a much-needed workout. I hope to be able to name and mention them on the blog soon, but until then, know I am having fun. On top of that, I attended a celebration in honor of a cousin in law’s one-year wedding anniversary! It was a beautiful reminder of the love and support I have in my life. It was also so great to see family who I haven’t seen in a long time since the divorce, but who I still love in my heart dearly.

Of course, no journey is without its little quirks, and I’ve definitely experienced the usual side effects – let’s be real, constipation has become a familiar friend (too much information? Maybe! 😉). But I’ve been proactive about it, making sure my fiber intake is consistently on point. My morning ritual now includes a powerful trio: Miralax, collagen, and natural fiber powder in my beloved morning matcha. Speaking of which, if you want to see my ode to this green goodness, head over to my Instagram or TikTok @lifewithessieb for a fun montage! The switch to a matcha latte with almond milk has been a game-changer for my energy levels. I can actually power through my daily tasks now without that dreaded afternoon crash and burn I used to know all too well. As a busy mom of three – a 19-year-old, a 14-year-old, and my energetic 8-year-old – that sustained energy is a huge win, especially with such a packed schedule lately!

Beyond the energy boost, getting my sleep in order has also been a significant positive in this chapter of my life. Since the past five years brought on a cascade of changes, including weight gain and those lovely diagnoses like ADHD, hypothyroidism, prediabetes, and insulin resistance, my health has felt… well, dicey at times. It often leaves me pondering that classic chicken and the egg conundrum: Did the weight gain precede the onset of these illnesses, or were the underlying conditions always there, gradually leading to weight increase? It’s a question I’m still exploring, and I know many of you can probably relate to that feeling of your body shifting and trying to understand why.

This journey with tirzepatide feels like I’m finally gaining some ground in navigating these health challenges. It’s not just about the number on the scale; it’s about feeling more energetic, managing those underlying conditions, and ultimately, feeling more like myself again, especially with the demands of my social life and family. On a completely different note, I recently caught the new movie “Sinners” and will be sharing my thoughts on it in a separate post soon, offering I hope a bit of a different perspective. Stay tuned for more updates on both my health journey and my cinematic reflections!

Almost There! Celebrating Progress, Jamaica Reset, and Spring Break Plans

Posted on April 22 by EssieB

Stepping into Spring with Milestones, Jamaica Vibes, and Birthday Cheers!

Hey everyone! Things have been feeling particularly vibrant lately, and I wanted to share a little life update from my corner of the DMV. Spring is officially here, bringing with it a sense of renewal and a few exciting milestones on the horizon!

First off, I’m absolutely thrilled to share that I’m so incredibly close to hitting my first significant weight loss goal! It’s been a journey of intentional effort, as well as getting my health together in many, and seeing the progress has been incredibly motivating. I am not ashamed to say I am using a medication to help in my weight loss and it has been so instrumental in my progress so far. The recent increase in my Zepbound or compound tirzepatide (depending on when I take it) dosage seems to be settling in well, and I’m feeling really good overall. This whole process has really kickstarted a deeper commitment to my health, and I’ve become a bit of a data geek, diligently tracking all sorts of metrics on my phone through various apps. It’s empowering to see the numbers reflect the positive changes I’m making.

Speaking of feeling good, I recently had the immense pleasure of escaping for a second international trip in my life, taken this year – a much-needed reset in beautiful Jamaica. The sunshine, the vibrant culture, and the sheer relaxation were exactly what I needed to recharge my batteries. It’s amazing what a little time away can do for the mind and spirit, and I’m feeling refreshed and ready to tackle what’s next.

And what’s next? Well, for all my fellow DCPS parents out there, you know spring break is just around the corner! While my work schedule means I won’t be taking a full week off, I’m definitely carving out some precious time to spend with my youngest boys. We’re planning a fun day (or at least a glorious half-day) exploring some of the many kid-friendly gems right here in the DC area. Stay tuned for potential adventures!

On a slightly less glamorous but equally important note, my quest for new walking shoes continues! I’ve been putting it off (oops!), but my knees are definitely reminding me that it’s time. My loyalty lies firmly with Brooks – as a plus-sized woman with, shall we say, substantial legs and thighs, the stability and support they offer are non-negotiable for keeping my knees happy. While I sometimes wish they came in a wider array of colors, function absolutely trumps fashion when it comes to comfortable and supportive footwear. If any of you have favorite Brooks models for stability, especially for us curvier folks, I’m all ears for recommendations!

In other exciting news, I’ve been diving headfirst into the fascinating world of AI prompt generation for imaging. It’s like unlocking a whole new level of creative expression, and I’m really enjoying honing this skill. Who knows, maybe you’ll start seeing some of my AI-generated artwork popping up here on the blog in the future!

Finally, and this is a big one – by the time this post goes live, we will have officially celebrated a major milestone in our family! My oldest son will have turned 19 years old on April 22nd! It feels like just yesterday I was navigating those early years of motherhood here in the DMV, and now he’s on the cusp of adulthood. It’s a bittersweet but incredibly proud moment for me. Happy early (or belated, depending on when you’re reading this!), birthday to my amazing young man!

My son’s room decorated, courtesy of his girl bf

Life here in my corner of DC is a beautiful blend of progress, relaxation, family, and new discoveries. Thanks for being a part of the journey with me. What are you looking forward to this spring? Let me know in the comments below!

Warmly,

To Future Me at 50: A Decade of Purpose, Lessons, and Resilience

Posted on April 13 by EssieB

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

To my future self, the woman who has reached the milestone of 50 in (what will be) 2035:

As I sit here in the spring of 2025, 40-year-old navigating the beautiful chaos of life in Southeast DC and DC in general; juggling motherhood to three incredible young men in training; the pursuit of my education with dreams of law school, and the ever-present hum of neurodiversity, I look ahead to you with a sense of hopeful anticipation.

I see us, future me, walking even more deeply into our purpose. The seeds of that purpose, nurtured through late nights studying after the kids are asleep, fueled by a desire for justice and understanding cultivated in my liberal arts journey, will have blossomed. Perhaps you are indeed an attorney, advocating for others with the tenacity I know you possess. Or maybe your path has taken an unexpected, yet equally fulfilling turn, still guided by that inner compass pointing towards meaningful contribution. Your past experience as a small business owner/notary public – a testament to your responsibility and attention to detail – will have undoubtedly informed your professional journey in valuable ways.

I see us leaning even more profoundly into the hard-won lessons of our 20s and 30s. Those years of navigating divorce, raising my children, and the constant balancing act of personal aspirations and familial responsibilities will have forged an inner strength and wisdom that guides your decisions. Even these current 40s, with their own unique set of challenges – perhaps the ongoing management of my ADHD and other conditions, the evolving dynamics of raising teenagers, and the personal weight loss journey – hold lessons yet to be fully understood. But I have faith that you, future me, will have met those challenges head-on, learned from them, and owned those lessons with the same resilience that has carried us this far.

This next decade, the one leading to you, feels pregnant with possibility. I envision significant accomplishments – perhaps academic milestones achieved, professional goals realized, and personal growth that continues to surprise and delight us. The drive that led me back to school, the ambition to pursue a challenging career change, the unwavering love for our sons – these forces will propel us forward.

And through it all, the underlying truth remains: no matter what joys or hardships this next decade brings, good or bad, we will survive it, the Lord willing. We are survivors. We are mothers. We are learners. We are resilient. The spirit that allowed me to navigate the complexities of life in my 30s, that fuels my current endeavors, will undoubtedly continue to sustain us. You, future me at 50, are a testament to that enduring strength.

I look forward to meeting you in the years to come, eager to witness the woman we have become.