Destination Peach

Where Reality and Inspiration Meet

Destination Peach LLC Presents: Vision and Vibration

Hey Beautiful People. Hope this week has been kind to you and that you are being kind to yourself. Wanted to let you all know I am hosting a vision board party. If you are in the Arizona area Feb. 8th you should definitely attend! Event details are listed below.

To purchase event tickets visit: www.vv2020.eventbrite.com

About the event:

**Limited Seating Available**

Destination Peach LLC Presents: Vision and Vibration. Vision and Vibration is a vision board workshop series. In this installment of Vision and Vibration, we will strategically manifest our goals for the New Year!

Now that the holidays have settled and before your New Year resolutions fade…it’s time to gain ‘clear vision’ on how to live the life you desire in 2020! To make 2020 your best year yet…it’s time to shift things up!

To make shift happen, it starts by understanding your vibe!

This event is perfect for you if…

  • You want to cultivate community with like-minded people.
  • You need time to reflect for the upcoming months.
  • You are interested in learning how energetic vibration impacts goal manifestation.
  • You would like clarity/guidance on how to go after your goals in 2020.
  • You want to develop a goal setting action plan for your 2020 goals.
  • You want to create a vision board that will actually work!
  • You understand you are worth and are invested in becoming the best version of yourself.

Tickets Include:

  • Vibration awareness and manifestation workbook.
  • Vision board materials and supplies.

*Feel free to bring personalized materials to level up your vision board .*

  • Individual keepsake to commence the new year.
  • Healthy refreshments.

Come celebrate the new year, add purpose to your life, and get crafty.

See you soon!

– Peach

For questions email: info@infodestinationpeach-com
For tickets vision: www.vv2020.eventbrite.com

When I Fell in Love With Black Women

This past weekend I had the honor of attending the event, When I Fell in Love With Black Women. The event was presented by Venus Clapback. Venus Clapback is a podcast hosted by Muse and Coco. The event was beautiful! I felt save and celebrated in this curated space! The event left me thinking about “when I fell in love with Black women”?

When I fell in love with Black women, I want to share about an experience from three years ago. Three years ago, I was at my lowest point. I remember the day when I realized I needed help! I called my mom sobbing. In a faint voice, I said to my mom “I need help”. My mom said, “baby it’s okay to seek help”. The comforting sound of my mom’s voice was the reassurance I needed to find a therapist. I am thankful to my mother because she was the sound voice I needed to get out of my own way.

Fast forward, I started working with my therapist. I chose a Black woman therapist. After years of working together, my therapist was moving to a new state. Prior to her move, we decided to break bread together. One final meal to celebrate all the great work we completed together. After our meal, we said our good byes. Immediately when I got into the car and cried.

It was in that moment, I fell in love with Black women for the umpteenth time. This woman played a significant role in my life. I am forever thankful for her grace. I get teary eyed thinking about the impact she had in my life. She allowed me to attend sessions when I couldn’t afford to pay. She arranged her schedule and made time to meet with me. She answered my calls at random hours of the night. No matter how depressed, anxious, or problematic I was she never gave up on me. Knowing that our relationship forever changed with the move, I had to mourn the relationship gracefully.

I knew that our work together was done and served its purpose. I knew it was time for her to go-fourth and help other Black women. The space and time we shared could never be duplicated. I am grateful for our frequencies crossing paths when they did. Black women are dope and beyond magical. Between the support of my mother and therapist, they showed up for me when I could not show up for myself. The support I received was the embodiment of love. This is when I fell in love with Black women.

I love Black women. I am a Black woman. I come from a strong lineage of Black women. And I will forever support Black women.

Until Next Time…

-Peach

Doctoral Life: The Marathon Continues…

Five years later and I am still in school. Still trying to graduate. I never imagined it would take me this long to graduate. When I started my doctoral program, I had no clue what I was getting myself into. The doctoral program and dissertation takes marathon energy to successfully graduate.

When I last wrote about my dissertation, I had passed the Institutional Board Review and was ready for final dissertation approval. When I made it to final review, I was told by my committee that I wasn’t ready to go to the next step. When I found out the news I was devastated! Really devastated! Devastated like my first romantic relationship heartbreak. I was so devastated, I had to take a break from working on my dissertation to restore my mental health and live life. In the process of restoring my mental health and living life, I took a 9 month break from school. In my break, I even thought about quitting school and going ABD (all but degree).

While trying to figure out if I was going to finish school, I pray-fully asked God and my ancestors what to do? Do I finish school or not? Please send me a sign. A day later, I received an email from a research participant with access to additional participants. This was the affirmative sign I needed to move forward with my doctoral journey.What I learned from the experience is that school is not worth the mental distress. When I read an article about a doctoral student committing suicide, I empathize because that could have been me. My extreme devastation was a red flag. Speaking on behalf of many doctoral students, these research projects become our livelihood and we sacrifice a lot!  

Mental health issues in doctoral programs is a real thing. To the doctoral students out there…whether you are just starting your journey, in the middle of your journey, or at the tail end of your journey, seek support! The doctoral journal cannot be accomplished alone.  Find your tribe! For those wondering, I still work on my dissertation. I will graduate! Now knowing what I know, I work on my dissertation in a more tolerable manner.

Let’s continue the conversation below…for those of you who have been enrolled in a graduate degree program, how have you overcome the mental stressors of school?

Until next time…

-Peach

DOCTORAL LIFE

It’s been a while since I felt like writing. Truth be told the only, the only written work I have done has been towards my dissertation. Today is the official day! The official day that I can now say that I only have two months until graduation. Two months away from change the title of my name.

Yesterday after having a conversation with my committee on changes I needed to make to my dissertation. I began to wonder do I have what it takes to make it to the finish line? The dissertation process is like being blind folded in a maze, stuck in the dark, trying to find the exit successful. And in the maze, I keep channeling my inner Kanye West by asking…HOW SWAY? For every step, I have made in my dissertation moments like yesterday made me feel like I took another 10 steps back.

Feeling defeated, I took a break from studying to binge watch YouTube. To my surprise the universe provided me with the vibrational energy I needed to push through. The MazeLee family posted a YouTube video titled Day in the Life of a Super Mom: Getting A PHD With 6 Kids. Alena Maze is an amazing woman! From watching the tribute video…I felt all of her emotions as she spoke to her professor, spoke about needing to finish her dissertation, and not having enough time. At to that, Maze I would just like to say I feel you! Thank you for providing light and encouragement.

As I ponder on my next plan for dissertation execution, I will continue to trust the process. For those that may feel like giving up today, DON’T!

Until next time…

-Peach

How To Survive Graduate School

Today in casual conversation, a person asked me how have I been committed to my doctoral program for so long? It took me a while to give a response, considering that I didn’t want to go into Kanye mode and respond with, “it’s because I’m great…that’s HOW”. As I pondered for a moment and gave my humbled response of, “GOD, my parents, my older brother, Essie Mae, all my ancestors, and therapy”…it dawned on me.

It dawned on me that I have been enrolled in universities as a full-time student since 2005.  In the 11-year time span, I completed my bachelor’s and master’s. And I am several months away from completing my doctoral program. From the many blog posts I have written about my education journey, being a graduate student is not easy.

For those of you on the higher education journey, I wanted to share some tips that have helped me make it this far…in hopes that it can help you to!

21 tips to survive graduate school:

  1. Be intentional– Know your degree program, and set your intentions on the bigger picture of degree completion.
  2. Stay organized– Keep a planner, and write memos in your phone.
  3. Have a support system– Family, friends, instructors, and cohorts can help you persevere when the struggle gets real.
  4. Understand you will lose people– When you embark on the graduate school journey, you will learn rather quickly who is worth your time.
  5. Schedule self-care– Schedule time to take care of yourself. If you fail to take care of yourself, you won’t have the stamina you need to take on the challenges of graduate school.
  6. Life Happens– Know that everything will go wrong at the wrong time, staying calm and centered will help you tremendously.
  7. Study often– Procrastination in graduate school is deadly. Make the most of your time and study. You can’t wing your way through graduate school.
  8. Make studying a priority– Schedule days and times for when you will study. Let no one interfere with your arranged study time.
  9. Network– Instructors and students can connect you with amazing resources.
  10. Ask for help– You don’t have all the answers. When you ask for help, be explicit with the questions you ask.
  11. Get into the habit of collecting references– Collecting references will come in handy for future courses and dissertation research.
  12. Start thinking about your dissertation topic in advance– The more you ponder your topic, the less stress you will have about selecting a dissertation topic.
  13. Read and read some more– Reading should be your favorite hobby as a graduate student.
  14. Write for your life– Enough SAID!!!
  15. Get rest– You can’t operate effectively when you’re tired.
  16. Say no– Don’t feel obligated to do everything.
  17. GPA’s– GPA’s don’t carry much weight once you graduate. Focus on the learning process, instead of a grade.
  18. Make a commitment– Commit to yourself that you will graduate no matter the circumstance.
  19. Don’t take a break– Avoid breaks at all costs! The chances of students actually returning to school after a break is very slim.
  20. It’s not easy-Know that graduate school is not intended to be easy for a reason.
  21. Get in-Work Hard-Get Out…Then save the world! – Words advised by a phenomenal professor.

Hope this list helps #happystudying.

Until next time…

-Peach

Library Chronicles: The Doctoral Journey

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Every Sunday morning like clockwork I am in the library. I’ve always loved the library as a child because I could read books, write in my journal, and let my imagination run wild in the stillness of a silent library. As an adult I still find myself in the library doing the exact same thing. The library has been my biggest liaison in helping me work through my doctoral classes and write my dissertation. Although I graduate in 2017, the end goal seems so far away.

The doctoral journey has been the most challenging and complex situation I have ever experienced in my life. Yesterday on the way home from the library, I had a mini-melt down. Wondering when will I ever have a normal life. A normal life where I can socialize more often. A normal life where I don’t study every day. A normal life where I am not held to a word count. As I wiped my tears and listened to some Kanye, I quickly gained my composure.

I’m not gonna lie…this shit is hard! But I’ll be damned if I go ABD (All but Dissertation). The doctoral journey calls for a high level of discipline.  A level of discipline that I have been able to maintain and at times exceed. The doctoral process is a lonely. Every time I feel like giving up, I know that I have come too far and spent too much money. I suppose everything I feel is all a part of the doctoral process. Even though I feel indifferent at the moment, I will be in the library this week. The dissertation I am crafting is influential. In fact…the dissertation is bigger than me! I am just the messenger that is called to bring light to the explored narrative.

I will continue to post more doctoral updates, with the assumption that it can help someone in their academic journey. But as of right now…I am literally writing for my life.

Until next time…

-Peach

Destination Series: Valley Of The Sun Peach

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About a day after coming back from Chicago, Ill… I jetted of to Phoenix, Arizona for doctoral residency. Attending residency this year was a surreal experience. Year three residency officially marked the beginning stages of me being very close to receiving my terminal degree (as long as I finish my dissertation). In Phoenix I spent two weeks in class from 8AM-5PM. Being in class for about nine hours a day was not easy. If you’re wondering if I had an off day during the two-week residency the answer is sadly, NO! I have been back home for a few days now and I am still trying to catch up on rest.

I persevered through the two weeks of intense scholarly work like a champ, but there were many moments were I did not think I was going to make it. Thankfully, my family in Phoenix and a visit from my L.A. friend empowered me to push through.

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The new connections I have made with students and faculty members has truly been amazing and unforgettable. I look forward to staying connected with my peers from class as we progress towards the finish line (Dr. Peach coming soon).

If you are in a doctoral program or just going through life struggles…I highly suggest the Seven Habits of Exceptionally Resilient People to overcome any life challenge.

Resilient People:

  1.  Have a strong sense of purpose
  2. Are self-reliant
  3. Have a supportive network
  4. Are accepting
  5. Are optimists
  6. Turn adversity into opportunities for growth
  7. Take care of their health

If you practice the seven habits or have your own go-to mantras, let me know in the comment section.

Until next time…

-Peach

I Quit My Job!

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After three years of being a Media-Technology teacher I decided to quit my job. My decision to quit had been a long time coming. For sometime about year to be exact…I had danced with the idea of leaving my place of employment. But my reality of financial security, bills, health benefits, and my students postponed by decision.

As my happiness and mental health started to suffer I had enough. I knew that it was time for me to make a change. No job is worth loosing your sanity. I started to realize that every goal and dream I had for myself could not be accomplished in my role as a Media-Technology teacher. My growth and potential was being limited and I had to be honest with myself. Being honest with myself about wanting to feel happy and purposeful at work was something I could no longer deny.

I don’t have a plan for what I am going to do next…but that’s the beauty about my decision. For the first time in my life I am taking risks and stepping out on faith. The past 29 years of my life have been calculated and planned. It’s time for me to dare greatly and be brave.

For all the people that have asked me what I am going to do next my response is, “what ever I want to, gosh its coo now”- Kanye West.

So stay tuned as I transition into my journey of the unknown.

Until next time…

-Peach

The Struggle Is Real

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As of lately I have been in hiding but for all good reasons. My dissertation process has started and the struggle has been real.  For the last three years I have been waiting for this moment, and now that the moment has arrived I’m in complete shock. Which is weird considering that I wrote and completed a dissertation for my Master’s program. With being mid-way in the dissertation process I figured I share the top 20 reoccurring thoughts I have while writing my dissertation…

Hopefully some of you out there can relate!

  1. What did I get myself into?
  2. Is this really happening?
  3. I don’t even know how to get started.
  4. Shit, I have writers block.
  5. I can’t find the motivation to even think.
  6. FML!
  7. I don’t feel smart.
  8. Why did I choose this topic?
  9. Why am I second guessing myself.
  10. I’m the Kanye of writing dissertations.
  11. I’m a beast when it comes to finding scholarly sources.
  12. Damn…I’m falling behind the deadline date.
  13. I’ll just pull an all-nighter and get things done.
  14. Who am I kidding…I’m too old to be pulling all-nighters.
  15. I need more computer storage space.
  16. I should buy a backup hard drive for my backup hard drive.
  17. I feel like crying!
  18. Who’s idea was it for me to pursue a doctorate degree? Oh it was mine’s!
  19. Where’s my cohort when I need them?
  20. I got this!!!

For any one that maybe working on their dissertation…remember we got this!

Until next time…

-Peach