dailyprompt | Life with EssieB

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. 🎯

Hey!

Posted on May 31 by EssieB

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.🫶🏾

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.