May Wrap-Up: Celebrating Wins, Facing Realities, and Kicking Off June!

It’s been coming off!

Whew, what a month! As May winds down, I’m sitting here feeling a mix of pride, relief, and serious motivation. You might have seen my quick updates on Instagram and TikTok, but I wanted to dive a little deeper into what’s been happening on my #tirzepatide journey. And let me tell you, for the first time in a long time, the scale is moving in the right direction, and I’m actually consistent with my weight loss!

The Non-Scale Victories That Hit Different

When I say “great weight loss,” it’s not just about the numbers on the scale, though those definitely hold their importance too. For me, the real wins are the non-scale victories (NSVs). Lately, I’ve had so much more energy. I’m sleeping better, which feels like a miracle some days. And the best part? My clothes are fitting differently! Being able to effortlessly prop up my leg or bend over to tie my shoes without feeling like I’m doing a full workout? That’s gold right there. Those little moments remind me that this journey is truly paying off. It’s about what my body can do now, and that’s a feeling I haven’t had in ages.

The Real Talk: Challenges on Tirzepatide

Now, don’t get it twisted, this journey isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. While #tirzepatide (and #zepbound) has been a game-changer, there have definitely been hurdles. The biggest one lately has been navigating the world of compounds vs. brand name meds. Going from 2.5mg vials of Zepbound to 6mg of Tirzepatide, or dealing with the recent FDA court order impacting compound pharmacies – it’s been a challenge. The worry about having enough medication to get through this and lose all the weight I need is a constant thought in the back of my mind.

Then there are the side effects. Oh, the joys!

TMI WARNING!!!

Constipation has been a recurring theme, and at one point, it swung the other way to diarrhea – both equally discouraging in their own right. And let’s not forget the infamous sulfur burps and delayed digestion. It’s wild how much those affect everything from alcohol consumption to even how my other medications are absorbed. I knew some of this going in, but experiencing it firsthand is different. Thankfully, it hasn’t deterred me from my goals just yet. Staying focused on the positive changes helps me push through those uncomfortable moments. I used products to combat that, and they have been extremely helpful on this journey. I will add links at the end of this post on what works for me.

Kicking Off June: My Fitness “Kick into Overdrive” Plan

So, with May’s wins firmly in the bag, it’s time to shift gears and tackle my #JuneGoal: fitness! I’m planning to kick my activity into overdrive, but in a smart, sustainable way. My main focus for exercise will be walking. The goal is to hit 10,000-12,000 steps every single day. Why walking? It’s low-impact, which means it won’t stress out my body and send my immune system into that unwanted fight-or-flight mode. It’s consistent, achievable, and something I can commit to daily.

I’m also working on building some new #consistency habits around this goal and accountability. I plan to share more about those soon, along with some products I use on this journey that might help others who are also on these medications. It’s all about finding what works for you and building a routine that supports your long-term health.

This journey as a #blackgirlgettinghealthy and committing to #blackgirlfitness is about more than just numbers. It’s about rediscovering what my body is capable of, building sustainable habits, and celebrating every single step forward, no matter how small.

I may fall short of my goal, but I am striving to hit it, so I will end up near it if not meeting it. 🎯

The last day of May😁
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Hey!

Hey folks! Just stopping by to say hi! We got this! We made it through another day/week/month and heck, even another minute! We can make it no matter what.🫶🏾

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AI generated drawing of a black mom and her three boys

Hello World, From My Corner of the DMV! Welcome to LifeWithEssieB!

AI photo created using Leonardo Phoenix 1.0

Hey everyone! If you’ve stumbled upon this little corner of the internet, welcome! I’m EssieB, and I’m so excited to finally be embarking on this blogging journey with you all through “LifeWithEssieB.” For those who don’t know me yet, I’m a proud 3rd generation native of Washington, D.C., a city that’s as much a part of my identity as the air I breathe.

While my roots are firmly planted in the vibrant soil of the District, a significant chapter of my childhood unfolded just across the border in Southern Prince George’s County, right on that familiar DC line. Growing up there was like having the best of both worlds – the close-knit community feel of the county, with the ever-present pulse and energy of the nation’s capital just a stone’s throw away. Those early years shaped my perspective in countless ways, offering a unique lens through which I’ve always viewed the DMV and its wonderful, sometimes quirky, blend of cultures and experiences.

Fast-forward a few years (okay, maybe a few more than a few!), and my life is now wonderfully full, primarily thanks to the three incredible young men I’m raising right here in Southeast DC. Being a mom to boys in the city is an adventure in itself, a constant balancing act of school events, weekend explorations, and navigating the unique rhythm of urban family life. Like many of you, I also navigate the world of co-parenting, a journey that has taught me so much about communication, compromise, and putting my children first. My family is my heart, and you’ll definitely be hearing stories and insights about our life here in the District.

Beyond the joys and occasional chaos of motherhood, I also navigate the dynamic world of DC real estate. Helping folks find their little piece of this amazing city, especially guiding first-time buyers through what can often feel like a daunting process, is a real passion of mine. There’s something truly special about helping someone find their home in the place I’ve always called mine.

So, why “LifeWithEssieB”? Well, for years, I’ve felt a pull to share my experiences and perspectives. As a Black woman who’s lived and worked in DC my entire life, I feel there’s a unique story to tell – one that goes beyond the political headlines and stereotypical portrayals. I want to share the everyday realities, the triumphs, and the challenges of navigating life in this incredible city through my own lens.

This blog is also a space for my personal journey of growth. For those who know me, you know I’m always striving to be a better version of myself. That includes my ongoing weight loss journey, a path filled with ups and downs, motivation and moments of struggle, but ultimately one of progress and self-discovery. More recently, I’ve also come to understand myself better through a late diagnosis of ADHD. This revelation has been a significant turning point, offering clarity and new strategies for navigating daily life, from managing tasks to focusing on my online studies as I pursue my aspirations in law. I’ll be sharing some of my experiences and what I’m learning along the way, hoping it might resonate with others on similar paths.

So, what can you expect from “LifeWithEssieB”? Think of this as your go-to space for a real, honest, and often humorous look at:

  • DC Life: From local hidden gems in SE DC to navigating the city with kids, exploring cultural events, and understanding the unique pulse of our nation’s capital from a native’s perspective.
  • Motherhood: The joys, the challenges, the messy realities, and the heartwarming moments of raising boys in an urban environment, as well as my experiences with co-parenting.
  • Real Estate: Insider tips and advice on buying and selling homes in the DC market, neighborhood spotlights (with a special focus on SE DC), and demystifying the process for first-time buyers.
  • Personal Growth: My ongoing journey with weight loss, navigating life with ADHD, self-care strategies that actually work, and reflections on personal development.
  • My Perspective as a Black Woman in DC: Sharing my experiences, celebrating the richness of our culture, and offering my thoughts on the world around me.

Ultimately, I hope “LifeWithEssieB” becomes a community – a place where we can connect, share our experiences, learn from each other, and maybe even have a few laughs along the way. I’m excited to embark on this journey and share my life, my city, and my experiences with you all.

What are you most curious to hear about first? Let me know in the comments below! I’m looking forward to connecting with you.

Warmly,

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