11 years after starting med school. 3 years after becoming board certified. 2.5 years after practicing in the second largest jail in this country. 6 months after a research/policy fellowship. 2 months into my first “real” job after training. (all things that felt impossible). im still trying to figure out how im supposed to fulfill the purpose that i am convinced i was put on earth to do. today i wanna thank my lil sis @biehare for refusing to hear my jail stories and encouraging me to start this blog. i dont know any other reason why i have been given the privilege of these experience aside from sharing the wounds of vulnerable individuals and communities to speak to the hearts of the majority and move us all towards collective action and healing. #immakingthisupasigo #trustingthejourney http://jailmd.home.blog

#35

I woke up today and as I do most days, I reflected on my past. I can remember from 2years on pretty clearly. So today at 35, I continue my tradition and give you 35 lessons from E. (Built on previous years)

1. In life you get assigned people who will be there for you forever. Sisters (siblings) are the best kind of assignment. @Biehare Biehare
2. People cross your path daily- either for a reason, season or a lifetime. You never know the lasting impact they will leave, but embrace it.
3. Create a network for yourself, but don't forget to return the favor and be there for others.
4. Listen to as many people's stories as you can... within them are lessons you don't have to re-learn. Check out my blog JailMD.home.blog
5. Live by this "Give without remembering and take without forgetting" - Elizabeth Bibesco
6. And live by this too "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away" - Picasso/William Shakespear (they dont know who said it, but I just did)
7. Ask for help the worst that could happen is everyone says no and then you learn to help yourself.
8. People you admire will disappoint you, but cherish the moments that you held them on a pedestal. Try really hard not to let that disappointment leave you bitter... use that extra energy for good.
9. Write your dreams and aspirations down because that sets a plan in motion that makes obstacles easier to overcome.
10. Honesty and integrity is all you got. Don't let either be compromised... ever.
11. Failure is the key to success. Every time you get knocked down- learn from it, get back up as quick as you can, and work to be better.
12. Be silly and have fun as much as you can.
13. Take lots of selfies! Love yourself even when it's hard to. OH and be so fly-- get your hair and nails done as frequently as you need to look and feel amazing!
14. Loving hard can sometimes lead to heart ache but your Prince Charming or Princess will come when you least expect it. @MesheChonde (now fiancé)
15. Food is love. Cook and eat what you love- that's basically chocolate for me. ***If you have a health issue that prevents or makes your disease worse this then this is not medical advice.
16. When you walk down a hallway or in an elevator, smile and say hello/good morning/good bye to strangers. It will change your day and theirs.
17. Be kind always. Please and thank you go along way.
18. Surprises are fun to be apart of whether you're the giver or the receiver.
19. Always say what you mean and mean what you say. Having no filter can get you in some trouble, but often opens doors.
20. It's ok to say out loud that you want to change the world if that's what you want to do. It took some time, but I say it all the time now.
21. When someone tells you no... ask why not? (every single time!)
22. Chose your life soundtrack. Mine consists of "heal the world" Michael Jackson, "win" Brian McKnight... ask and I'll tell you the others.
23. Routines are good! At Starbucks I was known as the Venti English breakfast tea with a splash of lemonade.... now im known to find some hipster cafe and get a macadmia nut latte (fancier times).
24. Never forget where you came from... it shapes the core of your being.
25. Find a way to record your history- fb/IG post, journal/diaries... or start an autobiography (I'm on page 831)
26. Be ok with how others perceive you because what matters most is who you know you are.
27. Emotional intelligence. Find comfort in your feelings and addressing/interacting with other people's emotions.
28. Practice makes almost perfect. Failing at trying to be perfect can be paralyzing but damnit you should still try to do things right so keep practicing.
29. Speak up when you think things/ people are wrong. Always!
30. Disparities exist. Equity and social justice can happen if we all talk about, acknowledge, and celebrate our differences.
31. Laughter is medicine. Crying sometimes helps too.
32. Use your power and privlege to amplify the voice of the unheard. Probably the most fulfilling thing I have ever done.
33. Life is short. Make every second about your own mission and the people you love (whatever/whoever that is)
34. Embrace the uncertainty of life; and make sure to live in the moment (we’re in a $@%* pandemic and though it didnt have to be this way)- be a 🦄, buy that Tesla, remodel your patio to be the oasis you need, be a virtual audience member on @TheView... but also wear a damn mask and VOTE.
35. Celebrate the hell out of life. Each Birthday should be like a worldwide holiday... mine is! 🤗

On my 35th birthday, I want to thank each and everyone of you for contributing to my life lessons in small and big ways. I look forward to what the future holds...

Love always,
Etsemaye