Sep 3, 20234 min read

5 Lessons From the Past Year...

Hey, y'all! Honestly, I don't even know why I have not written here in over a year. I would like to say it's because of the busyness of the past year. The truth is, I get so stuck in my own fear and overthinking, that sometimes it is just easier to not write at all, but chile, here we are, and I'm back! 💁🏾‍♀️✨

Over the past year, I have been in the whirlwind that is life. I have finished, graduated, and started my life post-law school. #lawyerbae I have spent a lot of this time in reflection and strengthening my faith. Spending time reflecting and studying God's word has allowed for me to really rest and restore parts of me where the light was just not as bright as it used to be. Here are "5 Lessons From the Past Year."

Lesson #1 Rest

One of my favorite quotes/posts on rest is, "What if our ancestors wildest dream was to simply rest."

Screenshot of tweet that says, "What if our ancestors wildest dream was to rest."

I am often reminded of the importance of prioritizing rest. This summer, I prepared for the bar exam over the course of two months. This 10-12 week process completely shifted the ways in which I approach my day-to-day life. I learned the importance of taking breaks, breathing deeply, moving my body, and feeding my body the types of foods that fuel me. In this "rise and grind" culture, rest is truly a radical act.

Lesson #2 Letting Go

Image of Teryn in a black tank top and leopard print skirt standing in front of a Volkswagon Van holding up a peace sign.

New beginnings require letting go of what was. For me, I really struggle with letting things go, whether its memories, the way things make me feel, or literal stuff. In this season, letting go means starting fresh, shifting my perspectives, and stepping into who I know that I am and can be. Letting go also means doing uncomfortable things and unlearning and relearning things, ideas, and ways of being. This message from Steven Furtick really helped me to remember the importance of letting go of what was so that I can truly step into what is and what will be. Toni Morrison said it best, "If you wanna fly, you gotta give up the sh*t that weighs you down." Simply put, let it go. What are some things you are letting go?

Lesson #3 Radical Reflection

Radical, as Angela Davis described it, means to grasp something at the root. Reflection, as dictionary.com defines it, is the relating back or the mirroring of an image. Generally, many who truly know me might say that I am an overthinker. I like to think of myself as very reflective. I am often thinking of what ways I am presenting myself to others. Am I weak? Am I pretty? Am I smart enough? It is only when I begin to really unpack those questions and insecurities that I am able to see myself for who I really am and who I am meant to be. Which is all those things and more! Reflecting radically helps me to recognize and acknowledge my insecurities and to use them as my superpowers, to push myself beyond my comfort zone, and most importantly to do the self-work. I am strong, beautiful, and more than enough and so are you. ✨

Lesson #4 Grace

If you have not watched Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts' message on grace, what are you waiting on? Grace can be defined or recognized as favor.

Portrait of a yellow flower — Image courtesy of Teryn Denae

The thing about grace though, is that we all need it. We all face challenges and no one can ever truly know what all a person may be living through, so at the very least we can and should extend grace or favor toward one another.

Beyond extending grace to others, I am often reminding myself and my friends, to extend that same grace to themselves. I can be my toughest critic, again, that is the overthinking, but sometimes instead of criticizing, I realize that I should celebrate myself, whether its for completing one task that I'd set out to do or several.

Lesson #5 Fasting

Fasting has many benefits for the mind, body, and soul. There are many forms of fasting and it can be implemented to obtain health and wellness benefits like clarity, weight management, and better moods. Learn more about the benefits of fasting here and more at YouTube University.

Image of green juice in a glass jar held by a brown arm in front of buttons and a plant.

I had been fasting for several months and as I began to get deeper in my faith, I felt that I wanted to include those who I loved and who I communicated with often. From there, I urged my family to do a corporate fast. We did this fast leading up to my taking the bar exam, the "kids" in the family going back to school, and overall health and wellness for all of us.

For me, fasting births so many truths about yourself and others. It also opens your heart and mind to the million little miracles that are happening around you daily.

Y'all, I have declared and received this new season as the time for me to shine! I am stepping into who I know that I am. I am holding myself accountable to my goals by putting my work, thoughts, and creativity into the world (for others to actually see) and I am going to keep going even when it is hard and scary and new and especially when it is something that I have never seen done. Believe in yourself, and in the words of the great Aaliyah, "dust yourself off, and try again."