The "Arrival" of Anxiety...

So, it’s week 27 and we are now entering the THIRD TRIMESTER!! While the game of NBA is played in four quarters, this championship game is won in just three!! Trust and believe I am ready for my championship ring!

The last few weeks have been filled with its share of physical changes, such as my growing “bump”, the increased need to properly manage my work-life balance, as well as some health challenges. But know that as we tend to do in Melanin and Motherhood, I made sure I rose to the occasion.

As the reality set in that I am truly getting closer and closer to “Showtime," some other reality set in as well… For some, the all familiar anxiety. There’s no shame or reason to sugar coat the true feelings I started to experience. Point blank, period, anxiety is real!

While it was less difficult to combat the other changes and challenges, this anxiety proved to be a little more difficult.

I began to read various maternity blogs and publications and realized that not only was I not alone, but this can be common in pregnancy. From my difficulty with falling asleep (not just due to physical discomfort), to my EXTREMELY vivid dreams and last but certainly not least my fears of labor and delivery this all comes with the territory.

Knowing the commonality alone, was very helpful in my coping and strategic in the management of my anxiety. As a means of restoration, I pushed myself to hit my stride professionally by effectively managing my work life balance. Persevered as an activist, by attending the organization in which I hold a leadership position, national conference, allowing me to become reinvigorated to continue to serve my community. As a therapeutic measure, I made sure I took time to incorporate my love of Salsa by attending my dance school’s Saturday night social. Wow, did I have a ball that night! And began to distinguish my fears from reality.

Becoming a first - time mother, certainly comes with plenty of unknowns, but it is those unknows that at times may bond us and other times are what make our paths very different. This journey includes some “bumps,” (pun intended), scrapes and bruises but for me they are honorable sacrifices and the rewards are plentiful!

Until the next time... Be courageous, be encouraged, MELANIN AND MOTHERHOOD is BLACK GIRL MAGIC PERSONIFIED!

For more tips on managing anxiety during pregnancy, please click the link below!
https://www.babycenter.com/0_managing-stress-and-anxiety-during-pregnancy_1683.bc

Yours on this Journey,
Crystal