Since I started my doctoral journey in 2018-19, I have had the pleasure of coming across some of the most influential individluals that I have ever met in my entire life.
The message to my doctoral sistas read:
I was just sitting back and reflecting on the life that I current live and would not want to image it without any of you. You ladies has really added value to my being. I have come to realize that it DOES NOT matter how successful or prosperous you are in life, with being black individual will look look at you differently. I have come to realize that no matter your relationships status or affiliation that individuals will see you as being black and less than human even when youre in an interracial relationships. I really appreciate your definitiveness when it come to colorism, ageism, educationalism, employisms, societial acceptablisms, humilitiisms, and humanism. I love how you have allowed me to be authentic regardless of mircroaggressions. You have value me. You have treated me as an equal. You have inaugurated me into being a straddler, or being in an interracial relationships, whereby refusing to take side and to say that one race is more dominant over the other. Humans are all equal in my purview. I want to take the time to acknowledge the loving, caring, empathy, compassion, resurrection, and modesty that all of my doctor sisters, bothers, and others have added to my life. Without you, life would lack meaningfulness and purposefulness. This goes to all that persons that are right-sidedness and not wrong-sidedness of which shows their outer beauty rather than the authentic inner beauty. God Speed to all of us and I pray that we continue to be blessed and provided the strength to move forward in the midst of wrong-doers, oppositionists, and insurrectionists. Continue to live by the laws of the LORD and anyone and anything that come against you will be annihilated and reprimanded, whereby facing judgment on judgment day.
I meant every word of it from the bottom of my heart.
Most of my life, I have never been an extravert and have always been labeled as an introvert, but have tapped into the interversion side of my life and it has worked out for me. I didn’t now that most meant by these personality terms and had to experience them for myself. Some extrovert are a mere fabrication of who they desire to be. For me, I was tight-lipped, never spoke up, and never realized that I have to really express my feeling no matter how it may affect others to show who I really am and to reach the goal of desire. So, in that case, I took the bait and released my extravert inhibitions and HERE I AM… Surprise…
Love it or Hate it, you opinion does not really matter as I am going to continue to be true to my authentic and realistic self. You should do the same. I mean its 2021 and we have already survive months of a pandemic. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, irrespective of demographic backgrounds, socioeconomic status, or age. Live for today and U and all things will work out in Your favor.
Shouts out to IG groups: doctoralwomenphds, doctoralwomenacheivingphds blackdoctors, blackdoctorsinaphdprogram, and doctoralmeninphds among other doctoral who or actively engage or who have succeeded. I salute you.
I am sitting here praying that this new mutation of COVID does not overtake the new year, whereby resulting in a longer prolongation of this pandemic. Yes, if you have not heard, there is a new COVID (trying to have a stake in the game becoming COVID-20/21), one the vaccine was not designed for. Better yet, one that is making the vaccination obsolete. If it is, what would the world do? How will this impact the persons who have taken the vaccine already? To date, there are still a lot of unanswered questions that we as the general public will never get the answer to. I mean they have seniors who are extremely excited to take the vaccine as a way for life longevity but how effective is the vaccination in keeping them from contracting the novel mutation. Investigative research has started back at square one to understand how such novel infection can spread so rapidly and now affect even the youngest generations, those young adults, 20 and younger. This goes to show you the powerful impact that this virus has. It was highly doubted from the beginning and most people of all ages, mainly younger generations did not take it seriously. Now, look. COVID 20/21 is on its way to create a potentially new pandemic where those of younger demographics will lose their lives, as they are the ones that are more likely to violate social distancing restrictions which results in them contacting it through friends and associates and spreading it to others, namely family members.
I sit back and hope and pray that all goes well. I sit back and pray that this does not become our new normal, of wearing masks, confinement, continuous sanitization (though it’s necessary from here on out), restricted travel, meaning no vacations, and inability to physically connect with loved ones, and lack of jobs and employment. another pandemic will send the world from shock to shit. Relationships and friendships have been challenged like never before. The rates of mental and physical abuse have increased. People are consuming toxic beverages, alcohol (raising my hand – wine-o, there is nothing wrong with wine if taking in moderation – wait, what is the definition of moderation, LOL), unhealthy foods, drugs, and marijuana, more than ever before just to help maintain/sustain a sense of sanity and flow. I must say, that I have not used Social Networking Sites (SNSs) in years and this year, I created an account. To my surprise, there are some people that like me. For example this blog site. Never in a million years would I have thought about blogging before a pandemic, yet, here she is, blogging.writing.self-expressing. Still figuring it out and how it works to increase traffic but I have to start somewhere right. Rome was not built in a day. Each post is considered brick laid. Here you go, an added brick to the mansion to be erected. One stone after the next. Self-made.
SOCIALLY-RESTRICTED HAS LED TO SOCIALLY-ORIENTED TECHNOLOGIES. SAY WHAAAAT?
Humans were not built for this; for social isolation, for social distancing. Humans are social creatures and heavily rely on others, even those outside of their immediate family and circle, to survive. If it is not the coronavirus killing people, it’s loneliness and feelings of isolation, and abandonment, especially for senior adults that are nonusers of technology. Another source of unwilful death has been police brutality among equally human brown and black people or by the hands of others who are jealous or feel threatened by black and brown people’s character and presence. This remains to be the reason why the world continues to be imbalanced when it comes to skin pigmentation and opportunities.
Given that technology is omnipresent, an opportunity should be abundant. It’s not that individuals are not looking for them, it is more so based on the person that makes the decision to give available opportunities. Technology usability is nuanced and socially oriented from a personal, academic, and professional standpoint. Human has never had to solely rely on technology to communicate with others. It has been beneficial for some but detrimental to others. Senior adults have increased their usability and adaptability rates due to the enforcement of social distances and physical contact restrictions. Speaking of which, technology has been found to be exceptionally impactful and beneficial when used constructively and when usage time is monitored. Had it not been for technology, I would not have had a career in IT for over 20 years or I would not have been introduced to multi-geographical persons. So, thank you technology and its socially facilitating components.
Some of the things that I wish to LEAVE in 2020 are:
Negative energy. The energy that you put out is the energy you attack.
negative disposition. If I have something negative to say then I will not say anything at all… Tightlipped for the sake of keeping my sanity.
Naysayers and Nonsupporters. There are individual in your life that wants to see you fail. They claim to be your friend but in reality, they are your frienemy.
Debt (damn, does this mean I have to give up my credit cards? : ((….)
Excessive and Unnecessary shopping (wait isn’t all shopping necessary? I mean it’s a form of retail therapy, right.
Fakeness/Fakery. It’s time that I am/remain true to myself and not live up to what others amount me to be or their standards. I must be authentic-self because I can be authentic to others. There are some people you have to be fake with…just saying.
People who are not trying to do things for themselves but always have their hands out. I support only those who are trying to help themselves.
Self-Uncertainty. Now more than ever, I have become certain about who I am and what I want to do with my life. If others cannot appreciate or accept my candor or willingness to be a better me then you are not, nor have you ever been, for me.
Mistrust/Distrust
10 lbs / COVID weight
Dishonesty
Self-Doubt
If I have the choice, the COVID pandemic.
Some things that I wish to TAKE with me into the new year 2021 are:
Positive influencers
A ‘can-do’ and ‘I will’ disposition
Contentment
Positive emotions
Authentic ties and relationships
Prosperity
Knowledge
Opportunities
Spirituality
Continuing Education
I would say handbags, shoes, and other materialistic things but this year has taught me that none of that matters. All of the mess that you accumulate over the years, you cannot take to the grave unless you purchase a condo-sized plot. Money is like all else, is irrelevant upon death. Share the wealth, but enjoy it while you can.
Giving back and doing more for impoverished communities and senior adults.
Self-Certainty
Self-Determination
Self-Discipline
Self-Embettermemt
Honesty
Integrity
Doctoral Journey
Business Ventures
Public Speaking
Publishing/Publication/Authorship
Blogging
Healthy Mental State
An educated brown girl
A person that will NEVER apologize for who she is
A Natural me
A fortunate me
A powerful me
A selfless me
A loving me
A giving me
A faithful me
A person that does not accept BS
An outspoken me
I am bringing into the new year, a NEW ME
What are some of the things you wish to leave behind or take with you while transitioning over from 2020 to 2021 while moving forward?
Most of us will have the opportunity to look at the lessons that we have learned and be grateful. Others will look back on their lives and say that they could have done things differently. Some will not be able to look back at all, as they have lost their lives to COVID, most of which were the faults of others, or not. In your lively breath, give thanks for making it into another year after being exposed to one of the most challenging years you will ever face.
Just want to take the time to wish all a very Merry Christmas and may your day be Merry and Bright.
Something to remember is to eat until you are stuffed, drink lots of wine and champagne, and don’t forget to appreciate your loves ones those near and far. Don’t forget to look to the skies and say thanks. We would not be here if it was not for God gave us his only begotten son to save the lives of all. Now if that is not love then I don’t know what is. This year in particular is a moment that one must not forget. Any Lord that you serve, or don’t, just give thanks and let it be known that his/her grace and sacrifice is greatly appreciated.
Au'Pearce 