Aesthetically Dope

What's up! This episode is a collection of free-flowing thoughts straight from my mind — unfiltered, reflective.I’m talking about what it means to be multifaceted in a world that constantly tries to convince people they have to choose one version of themselves. I open up about why I’m able to deeply grasp, connect with, and genuinely love so many different things, and why I no longer see that as something I need to shrink or explain away.I also dive into what wealth really means to me. Because being wealthy isn’t just about money. I’ve realized fulfillment comes from balance — financial stability, physical health, and genuine community. I see it as a triangle: when one side is missing, life can begin to feel incomplete no matter how successful things may look from the outside.In this episode, I talk about:Being multifaceted without guiltThe beauty of curiosity and depthWhy people feel pressured to fit into one boxRedefining success beyond moneyThe importance of community and connectionHow physical health impacts fulfillmentWhy imbalance can leave life feeling emptyCreating a life that feels whole instead of performativeA reflective and honest start to a new season.So lets get into it.

Why does the medical world struggle to treat young people with chronic illnesses? This week, I’m sharing my personal journey through hospitals and doctors’ offices over the last two years.I’m sharing the unfiltered details of my experience with the healthcare system: the doctors who saved me, the ones who failed me, and the systemic bias against young people with invisible and chronic conditions. I’m still here, I’m still fighting, and we’re talking about it all.

Living with Idiopathic intracranial hypertension isn’t easy. No one tells you the ups and downs you go through with this illness. It’s so difficult to describe because it affects each person differently.

I’m so excited to announce my brand, Poppy and Lily is launching mid July!

I have been slammed busy for the first part of the year and I really need to take a break.

Yes! I had brain surgery and I have a cat! And of course the roommate is moving out. I don’t wanna be that person that says I’m excited, but to be honest I am hopeful. There’s an omnipresence with certain people and it can suck the joy out of you. That’s why I’m excited I suppose - because at least I can see a light at the end of this long dark road I have been down.

Recently I’ve dealt with someone who seems to draw out my negative emotions and reactions. I shouldn’t say negative. I don’t think emotions can be negative, I think how we handle them can be. Anyways, this person has accused me of being self centered by saying, “you know not everything revolves around you.” Interestingly enough, they say it during times in which I am unbothered by their life. I have also learned that this type of behavior is common when you are ACTUALLY self centered. Because of this I have found myself doing unnecessary research into myself. I’ve come to realize this person is simply upset because they are not the center of my focus.

Intracranial Hypertension is a rare disease that affects many areas of your life. Today I just want to talk about what I have experienced and others have experienced. You can find out more about intracranial hypertension by visiting Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension - IIH Symptoms https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/idiopathic-intracranial-hypertension/

With the new roommate I have almost wanted to kick him in the nuts everyday. But what I have failed to recognize is that I can be cruel and reactionary while calling it defensive. But at some point, recognizing that the world around you is shaping you to react instead of reflect is how you can combat the feeling of “everyone is out to get me”.

Spent some time getting to know the roommates "friend". She is a very bright lady, but I also feel bad for her. Partly because I'm wondering how we (women) are feeding the ego of my roommate. I wonder how giving out our time is going to play a roll in his villain story. I'm not saying his a bad guy. But damn it if he don't act like one sometimes. As of late, I have found myself over sharing. I'm not one to internalize my feelings. I used to rarely get visibly upset. But since starting diamox for my IH, I am down 23lbs and amy mood changes are noticeable. I go from 100 to 1,000 real quick. Idk what zero is.

Seriously, just vibing today. Woke up feeling pretty chill. Chill AF.

Alright I rambled. But you get the point.

Yeah I was kinda slacking this week because there's been so much going on. Like idk where to start lol

This episode is late so you're getting a two for one.

Sometimes we build friendships with others surrounded by darkness. Ask yourself, is that what you really want? A friend who only sees you in your darkest hour?

I never really put much thought into explaining the depths in which I am a person. That is until someone called me out for being inauthentic. That which I understood wasn't a jab - but a direct result of how little anyone actually knows anyone. I asked my significant other: What are my core interest? He honestly gave me a surface level - literal interpretation of skin. This made me realize that I have spent entirely too long engaging in conversations that serve me no purpose. I spent entirely too long allowing people to only come to know me at the surface. Let's be honest here, most people don't give a shit about you. They don't actually want to know you below the surface. They'd sooner learn about the idea of you that makes them the most comfortable. It is in this fact I have come to find the truth.

Discovering this Intracranial hypertension hasn't changed me, but the stigma around any illness is problematic. Being a black woman, I'm supposed to be strong and happy all the time and it's just not happening.

I've had a busy few weeks. I'd like to thank that's a good thing, but it could be avoidance. I'm really good at that.

Had my spinal tap and other life stuff!

Nothing of value have really happened this year, outside of expensive medical bills, my mother move, doing taxes, and the occasional creeps who masturbate to my voice. You know normal things.

Yea. My ex's are like cockroaches, if a nuclear explosion were to happen I'm pretty sure they would survive.

It's been such a long year

It's one of those days y'all. I'm tired so excuse me lol

It's one of those random days because I got stuff to do. I have also come to realize that you don't need to have stuff to talk about each day. Sometimes just chill.

Today is the first episode of Aesthetically Dope. Let's vibe, and rant lol 🤣

Well this is the last Wednesday Beat! I didn't plan to be this busy this year and I wanted to do it before the end of the year but life happens you know.

I’m rambling on cause nothing happened this week. Well several things happened I’m just avoiding it. Lol

Working with my first major client has been a challenge but I get it. 

Late. Yes I know but becoming me is becoming a balancing act.

What's up! So I went on vacation which was pretty cool! A cruise nonetheless right before a lovely hurricane decided to make it's way to my home state (booo). While all this is happening life goes on and I'm still kicking.

Don't forget to check out my designs at shedesignsthings.com

My sister was a really good person. She suffered in this life like many do. Visit siearaproject.org to learn more.

Don't forget to check out my designs at shedesignsthings.com

If you'd like to read the opinion here it is https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/19-1392_6j37.pdf It would be laughable if it weren't so serious. 

Hey hey hey. I know I've been gone but not really! I've just been busy living life and honestly forgetting lol. Focusing on my business mostly.

In short I'm cheap. Shedesignsthings.com

Hey There! Just wanted to list where you can find me and my businesses:  shedesignsthings.com - Web Design Templates, Graphic Design Youtube - She Designs Things Youtube - Aesthetically Dope - mostly neon tutorials Website: https://shedesignsthings.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/shedesignsthingsco Photography Website: https://thebokehlens.com Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SheDesignsT...  Blog and Personal Aesthetic: https://aestheticallydope.com/

I need to clear the air in case I kick the bucket. lol 

I went to Jeep Beach! While I had fun, I do notice a problematic trend in Jeep culture. It's not everywhere, but I did notice it!

As always, I don't plan anything when I make my podcast just be chilling, lol. Anyways, I've come to realize that I have outgrown certain things in my life, and that's not a bad thing.

Some people be reaching.

Today's beat is just random. Lol 😂 I'm tired AF.

As a creator, what would you want to see, what would you want to do, if you had a space to be unapologetically black? 🤔

Didn't expect to make this a tips and tricks podcast lol. But anyways you can pickup my designs at shedesignsthings.com or head over to my personal blog, aesthetically dope. You can even Google me lol 🤣

Sometimes you leave a place and they think that you're gonna do something to them. I'm a black woman - go try somebody else with that nonsense.

I'm feeling pretty good! Lol I made blog post about my resignation - you can read it on aestheticallydope.com.

This is the part about resignations that no one prepares you for.

I resigned and it was kinda like breaking up with someone 😂 I had mixed feelings. Like do I fear the unknown or do I stay her with the abuse lol 🤣

I loved my job. I loved having a sense of purpose. I loved being able to have a different day everyday. But as time went on my job demanded more from me than I could give them. They had these expectations that I could do everything. I kept telling them I couldn't do it. I kept telling them, my plate was full, I kept telling them I needed more support. I spoke out and advocated for change. I tried my best to stay positive. But the excuses became too much. Sometimes you gotta letgo and move on.

I'm always willing to talk. I'm not gonna advertise when I'm feeling some type of way. Sometimes the noise and self deprecation can become so loud that you don't know how to handle it. Sometimes can become the last time. It's important to recognize that this too shall pass. But it's equally important to acknowledge that it shall comeback. It's when it returns and you aren't prepared. So what do you do? Make a PLAN. If you're struggling with something make a plan to let someone know that you need help. This might be asking a friend if they can be your lifeline. Your lifeline is a huge responsibility. It's like being a godparent - but more of a guardian angel. They aren't a therapist or doctor, just the person you can text a keyword to and they know you need help. ❤️ Making plans saves lives.