Tips for Preparing for a Hysterectomy

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Did you know about half a million hysterectomies are performed each year in the United States and the average age they are performed is around 49? (According to the CDC) However, they can happen much earlier if medically necessary and I just so happen to fall into that category. I’m a 34 year old, African American woman, and a 3x cesarean section patient. Going into this has made me a little nervous but I’m excited to not deal with the painful periods anymore.

After, much research here are a few tips, in hopes to prepare for a smooth recovery.

Pre-Surgery Preparations

Medical Considerations

  • Discuss all medications and supplements with your doctor. You may have to stop certain medications, prepare for that as best you can.

  • Obtain necessary pre-op lab work and tests.

  • Arrange for a pre-op appointment to clarify any questions.

  • Confirm surgical details, including type of hysterectomy (abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic) and recovery expectations.

Lifestyle Adjustments

I am a plus size, medically “obese” woman that was challenged to drop 10lbs to make my recovery easier. Every bit helps. While I didn’t meet this goal, I did move my body and started eating better.

  • Increase intake of nutrient-rich foods to support healing.

  • Begin a walking routine to improve overall fitness.

  • If you smoke, consider quitting to improve surgical outcomes.

Practical Arrangements

  • Pack a bag for the hospital stay including comfortable clothes, toiletries, and entertainment.

  • Prepare your home for recovery: set up a comfortable resting area, stock up on easy-to-prepare meals, and arrange for assistance.

  • Arrange for transportation to and from the hospital.

  • Secure assistance for childcare, pet care, or household chores during recovery.

Emotional and Mental Preparation

Everyone may not be excited about getting a hysterectomy and may have very strong feelings towards the procedure and that’s okay. For me, I know that I’m done having children, but I’m also over the 7-day painful periods. I have stockpiled enough period supplies for a small army.

Give yourself permission to sit with those feelings, for some women the reality of never having children or having them again is painful. Whatever you feel is okay. 

Learn as much as you can, for me, that means, I want to know the good, bad and the ugly. I need to know the best and worst case scenarios.

Understand the Procedure

  • Research the specific type of hysterectomy you will undergo.

  • Ask your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.

  • Consider joining a support group or online forum for hysterectomy patients.

Emotional Support

  • Talk to a therapist or counselor if you are experiencing anxiety or fear.

  • Lean on family and friends for support.

  • Allow yourself time to process and accept the surgery.

Post-Surgery Preparations

After much research I compiled a list of things that I’d need post surgery. Such as medications, pillows and activity sets. I plan to enjoy some reading, coloring, and relaxing! 

You can view my Amazon Hysterectomy Must Haves.

Recovery Plan

  • Understand the expected recovery time and restrictions.

  • Arrange for a designated caregiver to assist during the initial recovery period.

  • Learn about pain management strategies and medications.

  • Some women have reported spotting and/or light bleeding so having panty liners can be helpful.

Home Setup

Post-Op Care

  • Ensure you have post-op appointments scheduled with your doctor.

  • Have a plan for managing any potential complications or side effects.

I will update you all after my surgery is over and let you all know how it goes and if there is anything I would change. Sometime in or after July 2025!


Affirmations for the Newly Single Woman

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All my single ladies, all my single ladies!! Sis, you are okay, even if it doesn’t feel like it. As a newly single person who’s been mentally checked out of the relationship for a long time, it’s tough to embrace this new season. I am constantly flooded with emotions, even ones that I never expected, but I want you to know you’re not alone. We’re in this together, and we can come out on the other side.

Today, I want to share a few affirmations to keep us going during this new season of our lives.

Rebuilding and Rediscovering

Being newly single can feel like navigating uncharted waters. It's a time of change, adjustment, and rediscovering yourself. Affirmations can be a powerful tool to help you through this transition. Repeat these affirmations daily, preferably in front of a mirror, to help rewire your thoughts and build a stronger, more confident you. It’s going to feel weird at first, but you’ll get there. Even put sticky notes around your mirror as a reminder of where you’re going.

Affirmations for Self-Love and Worth

  • I am worthy of love and respect.

  • I am strong and capable of handling anything that comes my way.

  • I trust myself and my decisions.

  • I am learning and growing every day.

  • I am proud of who I am.

  • I am more than enough.

  • My past mistakes don’t define me.

Check out these Mindful Affirmation Cards to help you along your journey. They can be displayed on your nightstand or in an office.

Affirmations for Healing and Letting Go

  • I release the past with love and gratitude for the lessons learned.

  • I am open to healing and moving forward.

  • I forgive myself and others.

  • I allow myself to feel all my emotions.

  • I am creating space for new and positive experiences.

  • I will challenge myself to do something that feels scary.

  • I have survived my hardest battles.

  • I am stronger than I once thought.

Affirmations for Confidence and Independence

  • I am independent and capable of creating a fulfilling life on my own.

  • I embrace this new chapter with excitement and curiosity.

  • I am confident in my ability to make new friends and connections.

  • I am enjoying my own company.

  • I am stepping into my power.

  • I am beautiful.

Affirmations for the Future

  • I am attracting positive relationships into my life.

  • I am open to new possibilities and adventures.

  • I am excited for what the future holds.

  • I am creating a life I love.

  • I am worthy of happiness and joy.

Tips for Using Affirmations

  • Be consistent: Repeat your affirmations daily.

  • Believe in them: Say them with conviction and feeling.

  • Customize them: Tailor them to your specific needs and situation.

  • Write them down: Keep a journal and write down your affirmations regularly.

  • Visualize: Picture what it would feel like to embody these affirmations.


Remember, healing and growth take time. Be patient with yourself and celebrate every small victory. You've got this! Our story isn’t over; in fact, a new one has just begun.


Book Recommendations for Your Healing Journey 

  1. The Let Them Theory - Mel Robbins and Sawyer Robbins

  2. Self-Love Workbook for Women

  3. Mental Health Journal - Daily Check In 70 Days

  4. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

  5. Win Your Breakup: How to Be The One That Got Away 

Follow my Self Help Book list for more!


Navigating Divorce: A New Chapter

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Last year, I made the hard decision to end my marriage. I was contemplating this for a long time, but I knew it was time. After lots of prayer and therapy, it was time to move on, and it has been a MAJOR life adjustment.

Divorce is a significant life event, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It's a journey filled with complex emotions, legal processes, and personal adjustments. While challenging, it's also an opportunity for growth and a fresh start. I’m not one to celebrate the ending of anyone’s marriage, BUT if the situation is unhealthy, then by all means, I’m happy when a person decides to choose themselves. 

Understanding the Emotional Landscape

Divorce often brings a mix of emotions, and they can be hard to navigate. As I go through this process, I'm learning that you may see the worst in a person who you thought loved you.

  • Grief: Mourning the loss of the relationship and the future envisioned.

  • Anger: Feeling resentment towards the situation or the other party.

  • Confusion: Navigating uncertainty about the future and changing roles.

  • Relief: Experiencing a sense of liberation from an unhealthy situation.

Acknowledging and allowing these emotions is crucial for healing. Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can be beneficial.

Legal Considerations

The legal process of divorce varies by location, but generally involves:

  • Filing a petition: Initiating the divorce proceedings.

  • Serving papers: Officially notifying the other party.

  • Negotiation or litigation: Determining issues like asset division, child custody, and support.

  • Finalizing the divorce: Obtaining the final decree.

I think it's essential to work with a qualified attorney to understand legal rights and obligations. It is possible to do this without legal help if both parties are agreeable to the divorce. 

Practical Steps

Beyond the emotional and legal aspects, practical steps include:

  • Financial planning: Assessing income, expenses, and assets.

  • Living arrangements: Considering housing options and logistics.

  • Communication: Establishing clear communication with the other party, especially regarding children.

I have discovered that you have to be very adult to handle this. Divorce can bring out the worst in people, and you should plan for the unexpected. Even if you think you don’t need help, you always do.

Moving Forward

Divorce is a transition, not an ending.

  • Self-care: Prioritizing physical and mental well-being.

  • Setting goals: Defining new aspirations and directions.

  • Building a support system: Connecting with others who understand.

  • Celebrate: You’ve made a tough decision and if a divorce party is your thing - DO IT!

It's a time to rediscover oneself and create a fulfilling future. This has been the most challenging but rewarding part of this process. My divorce should be finalized soon, within the next 30 days (fingers crossed), but this has felt like I’m living a nightmare some days. 

Feelings come up that you least expect, and you start to question everything, or at least I have. What has proven to be the most helpful for me during this time is to seek God and lean on those who truly want the best for me.

At the end of the day, only YOU know why you chose to end your marriage. It’s okay to choose yourself. It’s okay to start over. It’s okay just to be.

Resources

Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or professional advice. You can consult with qualified professionals for personalized guidance. I’m just sharing my experience in hopes of helping someone else. 


Real Tips for Making Money With the Amazon Influencer Program

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*I am an Amazon Influencer,  you can view my storefront here. If you make any purchases I will receive a commission. 


If you’re here then I’m sure you want to get started and make lots of money, but I want to tell you a little truth about how to make the Amazon Influencer program work for you. The Amazon Influencer Program is a way for content creators and social media influencers to monetize their content by promoting Amazon products. Influencers can earn a commission on any products that their followers purchase through their affiliate links. BUT it’s not as easy as you may think. Oftentimes, people glamorize this journey and it’s not that easy for everyone. There are several factors that play into your success with the Amazon Influencer Program.


How to Become an Amazon Influencer


To become an Amazon Influencer, you need to meet the following requirements:

Once you meet the requirements, you can apply to join the Amazon Influencer Program. The application process typically takes a few weeks.

My experience with the Amazon Influencer Program as a Small Content Creator 

I have been a part of the AIP for 3 years now and never really knew how to make it work for me. It wasn’t until a year ago that I decided to get serious about Amazon. Like many of you, I kept seeing people online saying they were making 100s and 1000s of dollars a week or a month in passive income from Amazon and I’m like huh? How are they doing it? 

While some people have good resources, no one ever really talked about the real work that goes into it. You’ll constantly here “be consistent” post several videos, read guidelines, blah, blah, blah. You can be consistent but if you’re not promoting, consistency will only get you so far. 

As of November 2024, I’ve noticed that Amazon is heavily pushing their “shop by interest” or Inspire content. Those videos are what I consider to be “social media” style videos. Short and entertaining. Then you have your longer review style videos that would appear on product pages. I have yet to figure out how they decide which videos go where, I’m still playing trial and error.

I am proud to say I’ve officially made my first $100 after being consistent for 4-5 months. I didn’t see the uptick until I started sharing my own content. I did this by adding it to other social media platforms such as Pinterest and Youtube and finding ways to incorporate the products I was promoting into my content and letting my audience know where they can find them.

I do believe that if you’re already a large creator or review products with an active and engaged audience you’ll be able to thrive with this program, but if you’re a newbie give it time! 


Are you ready to get started?


How to Promote Amazon Products as an Influencer

Once you're approved for the Amazon Influencer Program, you can start promoting Amazon products to your followers. You can do this by creating content that features Amazon products, such as product reviews, tutorials, or gift guides. I have found that short videos and aesthetic photos work the best. Users want you to get straight to the point while being honest.


When you promote Amazon products, you'll need to include your affiliate link in your content. This is the link that your followers will use to purchase the products and you'll earn a commission on any sales. Always follow FTC guidelines or you will be penalized. 


Benefits of the Amazon Influencer Program

There are many benefits to joining the Amazon Influencer Program, including:

  • The ability to monetize your content and earn a commission on sales

  • Access to exclusive Amazon products and events

  • Support from Amazon's influencer team

  • Opportunities to collaborate with other influencers

If you're a content creator or social media influencer who's passionate about Amazon products, the Amazon Influencer Program is a great way to monetize your content and reach a wider audience. However, this isn’t a get rich quick type of thing. It takes work. If you have any questions or tips drop them below, let’s chat!