It's Been a Long Time... (Part 2)

It is odd to know something is wrong, yet not have it validated for so long. But information leads to empowerment. I was no longer fighting against myself, and I was gaining tools to thrive in the life I have. The term "disability" is not a bad word for me, nor is it a badge of honor. It's a reality with opportunities and limitations. As a former foster child, I held the same perspective. I was thankful for my new families while mourning the one I lost - all at the same time. This duality and self-awareness continued to echo throughout my life. As I grew older, I noticed highs and lows occurred nearly simultaneously. Whenever I said "goodbye" to one thing, I inevitably said "hello" to another.

I cannot say that change occurs at the most opportune of times. Sometimes, we have to jump without preparing, and that's not cool! I want to peek over the cliff and see the landing area... Do a couple of run-ups to the edge and stretch. Map out a plan and have notes on my cell. Go shopping for the right outfit or read a self-care book about courage. Situations, however, do not come packaged so neatly. We can have all our ducks in a row, and BOOM, something out of our control happens. My body went to the point where I could no longer function without medical intervention. I couldn't do what I used to and had to find something new. I have never accomplished anything without resistance, so despite the unknown, I persisted.

We don't stop; we pivot. I've learned to bend but not break.

My decision to return to school was to remain competitive. One day, while sitting in the office, I noticed that every new hire was younger than me, regardless of their role (some were above mine). This was an eye-opener, as I thought, "They don't have the experience I do!" I also wondered why I was being overlooked for specific promotions. I realized it boiled down to two things: I was at the top of the pay bracket for which I was hired, and (most importantly), I earned my degrees before the internet boom. The internet changed my field. On paper, my credentials were old and outdated. It was enough to remain a "worker bee" but not enough to be promoted over those learning about tech, data, AI, and other relevant factors in today's marketplace. Life has its way of pushing you so that you do not remain stagnant. But, again, self-awareness and a willingness to learn something new are key.

I regained control of life's steering wheel and started driving in the direction of the vision I held close to my heart, which was my GPS.

Change has a way of being constant. We fall behind if we are not open to change or aware of when it happens. If we get stuck in templates and processes that loop us into old habits, we miss the beauty of what's new today. Although often mundane, the routine becomes a safe comfort zone, and we will fail to see the opportunity in change. When we focus on the goodbyes more than the hellos, we face the wrong direction.

I earned my second master's degree from American University during the COVID-19 pandemic, graduating in 2020 with honors. My experience was not unique. I saw loved ones sick through the hospital glass, and experienced allergic reactions to the vaccinations. I began treatment for my disability during this time, as well. It was tough. The graduation was contactless, with as many efforts as possible to be special. I celebrated with family and friends. Then, I decided to continue—I wasn't getting any younger; my goal was always to earn a Ph.D.

Earning my Ph.D. was a physical challenge, not mental or emotional. To fulfill its requirements, I had to sit for long hours to conduct research, typing with tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, nerve issues, and more. These were not like regular work days - they were extended, arduous, and often in addition to work. So what got me to the finish line? In Part 1 of this blog, I mentioned my 5K journey. I would walk up the hills, then jog down them to maintain my momentum. I used momentum to my advantage! I sought new ways to accomplish my goals. I had to think out of the box and find a new normal. I could not run the entire race, but could pace myself, one day at a time. I gave myself the grace to try something new and the space and time to do it well.

I'm a humanities girl, and momentum is a physics term. I know that momentum is mass in motion, and momentum is neither created nor destroyed. Newton's Third Law of Motion explains it so plainly: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

There goes that "hello" and "goodbye," again! If you are discouraged by change, I hope this blog empowers you to keep the momentum going. Don't stop; keep moving. Your momentum and direction will align with your vision to reach the finish line. If you keep moving, you can course-correct. It's been a long time since my last blog, but I pushed back against what could have stopped me and used it to propel me to what's next. Don't be distracted or discouraged by change; use the momentum you've got to your advantage!

I want to reintroduce myself as Dr. Chinua Joi Ivey. Welcome to the new and improved Ivey Media Agency, LLC!

Blessings,

Dr. Ivey