After my surgery in 2018, I was hoping never to have to write another personal story about fibroids again. But here we are. For the last five months, I've been having a period every two weeks, and for some reason, I thought it would just go away. Fast forward, I have a new doctor—a Black woman—and underwent a series of tests that told me what I already knew: I have a new fibroid smack dab in my uterus.
Thinking back on the years since I had my laparoscopic myomectomy, the changes I swore to make to my diet just didn't happen. Not saying that's the total cause of this new fibroid, but one sure thing is our diets have a lot to do with our overall health. And the pandemic didn't do my eating habits any favors. So with this news, I'm making small but impactful changes to my diet based on research I've done.
Keep reading to learn more about the small changes I'm making that I hope will impact my overall and reproductive health.
Golde Original Turmeric Superfood Latte Blend
Golde
Inflammation in the body can cause all types of issues, and one thing that is clinically proven to help is the curcumin in turmeric. I used to try to whip up my own turmeric concoction until I found this superfood blend from the Black-owned wellness brand Golde that is made with organic turmeric and ginger. I've added this to my nightly routine, and I can report anecdotally that it's helped with my cramps and gives me a better night's rest.
Retrospec Beaumont Step Through 7-Speed City Bike
Retrospec
You might be wondering why a bike is on this list, but let me explain. Because I work from home, movement is a much-needed part of my life, even on days when I don't want to move. Additionally, excess weight can increase the risk for fibroids because fat cells produce more estrogen. Research also links high blood pressure and the lack of vitamin D to fibroids. So biking helps me get some sun, fresh air, and exercise while keeping my blood pressure and weight in check.
Oster Versa Professional Power Blender
Oster Versa
Getting enough veggies isn't always the easiest thing for me, but now I can dump all my spinach and fruit into one place and blend it into a smoothie. My recent test results show that I'm anemic again, so getting iron from spinach and leafy greens is important. And vitamins and minerals from fruits and veggies are impactful for hormone balancing.
BLK & Bold Matcha Powder
BLK & Bold
Green tea is small but mighty, and studies prove it. A study done at Meharry Medical College found that the bioflavonoid in green tea called EGCG could help reduce the size and number of fibroids. Matcha and green tea bags are already in my cabinets, but I can't say I've done a great job drinking daily. Now, I am making it a point to have matcha each morning. For sweetness without refined sugar, I add Zoe and Zach's Wildflower Honey with Lavender.
Aroma ARC-914SBD Digital Rice Cooker
Aroma
These days, I'm giving up take-out and leaning into cooking my meals at home. My cabinets are now full of organic oats, beans, and brown rice. Because I'm more of an "it needs to take less than 20 minutes" at-home chef, rice bowls are my go-to. And having a rice cooker on hand has made putting my rice bowls together a breeze. I load my brown rice up with organic sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, and any other veggie I'm craving for lunch and dinner. I know that may sound boring, but for now, that's what I'm committing to ensure I'm doing my part.
KIND Dark Chocolate Protein Granola
KIND
Sugar is my weakness. And refined sugar is not good for inflammation. Giving up sugar is a slow grind, but one thing I've found helps is granola. I love this one from KIND because it has protein that helps curb cravings and isn't loaded with sugar. I also realize that I love food with a crunch, so I run to this when I feel myself craving sugar, potato chips, or any sweet dessert I can order to my door.
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Having a community of people who I can share memories with, lean on in times of need, and inspire each other is something I always valued. I took a moment to truly center in on what I desired from the new friends I would make. Then I realized it all would have to start with me. I had to be centered and confident in who I was to attract who I desired to be aligned with. As someone who moved to a new city and established quality friendships, I gathered these six tips that helped me feel grounded and create community in hopes that it will help you, too.
6 tips to start building community and making new friends in a new city:
Sean Anthony Eddy/ Getty Images
Be true to yourself
Do you know who you are? If someone asked you to describe yourself in three words, what words would you use? In order to develop deep friendships, you must be a friend to yourself first. Know what refuels you and what zaps your energy. Self-study your habits and why you do the things you do. All this will be important to keep in mind when looking to create bonds with others. Every day there’s all kinds of people telling you who you should be, how you should act, or what you should wear. At the end of the day, the only opinion about yourself that truly matters is your own. Spend some alone time with yourself indoors or out at an event you like to truly discover who you are in this season of your life.
Pray about it
Before you step out into the world and cross paths with all kinds of people, it’s important to pray about building your community. God outlines what true friendship looks like in numerous Bible verses such as "Iron sharpens iron." - Proverbs 27:17 and “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. If you desire friendships that last, pray about what you seek in friendship. I remember praying for mentally stable, happy, and whole women who moved through life with abundance mindsets. Take a moment to journal about the community you want to build and then pray on it.
Go to fun events to meet people who share your interests
Most metropolitan cities like Washington, D.C., New York City, and Atlanta are known to have strong young professional communities and events where you can connect with others. I highly encourage you to attend events in or near your community to see what the city is like and meet people. It’s likely that the people at the event have the same interests as you, which is a great way to start a conversation. You can start by searching for events on Eventbrite or following Instagram pages that highlight events happening in your city.
Carlos Barquero/ Getty Images
Accept that you won’t be compatible with everyone you meet
While living in your new city, it’s likely you’ll meet a variety of people. Please know that everyone you meet will not bud into lasting friendships, and that’s okay! You are uniquely created and not made for everyone. Then you’ll meet people who are good for only surface-level connections, and then you’ll have your girls who you can get deep with. I think sometimes people can look down on surface-level friendships, but not everyone needs to fully know you. That’s a privilege to have and to accept within yourself. Continue to check in with yourself and be real about who you crave to spend more time with and who is nice to see for a monthly or quarterly catch-up.
Join Facebook groups & GroupMe chats
If you haven’t used Facebook in a couple of years, it’s time to dust your profile off. Facebook Groups is a great place to join online communities for people who just moved to a new city like you. Typically, you have to agree to the group’s guidelines, and then you can join. For example, you can search for groups in the Facebook app by using keywords like women, Black girl, or [the name of your city] foodies. With the GroupMe app, you’ll have to be invited to join an already existing group. While you’re out and about networking, don’t hesitate to ask if they’re in any online groups/communities they recommend you join too.
Be friendly to folks in your neighborhood
When I first moved to my new apartment, I spent the first week walking around the complex and working in the community spaces to get a better feel of it. I was able to meet people in my neighborhood, enjoy small talk, and learn more about what the community has to offer. Step outside of your comfort zone and work in your apartment’s community space or a local coffee shop to connect with others.
Overall, you may feel alone in your new city, but I guarantee you’re not. There are other people experiencing living in a new city too, and all you need to do is find each other. I hope these tips help ease the nervous feelings you have about building a new community and inspire you to make a new friend today!
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