Keep moving sideways

Jahasia w. gillespie

Mbs class of 2022

Roadblocks … Discouragement … Writer’s block … Disappointment … Sadness … Loss … Stagnant … Lost … Bad days … Delays … Sideways …

To my younger self These words will make you who you are in your better days In the moment it will be the hardest, wondering “why you” … “what did you do” I wish I could tell you how these moments are responsible for molding you These words are a part of your path – your story–your journey

To my younger self The challenges you are about to face All the road blocks ahead Embrace them gracefully – what a bittersweet taste As this will show the perseverance you’ve faced

To my younger self You have big dreams with little representation Choose to look at the cup half full – instead of discouragement A sign to help decide your destination Become what you needed for the future generation

To my younger self Your outlet is writing So its normal to feel overwhelmed and want the clock to stop But sometimes we need a mental break from everything including writing

So appreciate a little writers block

To my younger self Everyone won’t understand your choices So ignore all the negative voices Let the disappointment guide you through it Frustration is normal

The rewarded satisfaction afterwards helps prove it

To my younger self Feeling sad is okay as long as you’re able to pull through it The feelings of sadness will be so helpful A girl once guarded now being able to sympathize and empathize Your Sadness will be responsible for your interpersonal skills When your words are no longer words but what you actually feel

To my younger self You’re not as young anymore Working with people now Understanding and relating to them Caring and helping them in anyway how You’ve seen so much loss Grief is natural whether it be a loved one or a patient you tried not to become emotionally attached to Loss will make you grateful for someone’s dedication Loss will teach you strength, acceptance, and appreciation

To my younger self You’re not as young anymore I know you’re thinking – now is a time for decisions Or how you should know all of your plans by now Or how being stagnant isn’t an option But everyone has their own pace at this thing called life To be successful and happy – there is no secret concoction

To my younger self You’re not as young anymore There will be times of confusion Times you feel Lost These are the best times of reflection Reflect on your positives and keep those up Reflect on your negatives and figure out how to make a better you Feeling lost is natural

As long as you use the time to figure out what you want to do

To my younger self You’re not as young anymore So there will be a lot of bad days As an adult you’re allowed to have one – It won’t last forever A bad day can be setting you up for a great week Sort of like a rainy week followed by a weekend with perfect weather

To my younger self You’re not as young anymore Life may hit you with many delays But those are just roadblocks Temporary stops Stops that may push you sideways but eventually you’ll move forward Stops that help you reflect inward Necessary stops!

To my younger self You’re not as young anymore but keep moving sideways Along the sides of your family Along the sides of your community Along the sides of your patients Along the sides of your colleagues Along the sides of your friends Along the sides of each other

To my younger self Keep moving sideways No matter the struggle to see the achievement in the end No matter the feeling of displacement Or the silent imposter syndrome from within

Keep Moving Sideways Because even if the direction of the steps your feet are taking aren’t of your choosing You’re still moving