journalism, self-development
Alyestal Hamilton Thomas
Wild Wild West

This year I have been challenged - daily - to grow into the woman I know I am capable of being. In less than eight months, I went from birthing my baby at home during a pandemic lockdown, to speeding out the door (sometimes girls in tow) to get to campus. J-School is not how I envisioned maternity leave…

Wild Wild West
self-development, journalism
Alyestal Hamilton Thomas
Making Moves

Dressed in white, standing waist deep in a community pool, I made the first major adult decision that changed the course of my life. It was June 2007 when I decided to be baptized and officially become a Christian. The second major adult decision was marrying my husband. This decision resulted in not only becoming a wife, but a mother. With so much at stake and a lot to sacrifice, I decided to bet on myself once and for all. My third major adult decision came…

Making Moves
self-development, think differently
Alyestal Hamilton Thomas
Future Ancestors

In these times of uncertainty, we can easily become swept up in the fear and panic swirling around us. But, we must remember we are currently living out history. While we are always future ancestors, this particular moment will be marked in history. Which has raised these questions for me – how will we remember and be remembered for this time?

Future Ancestors
think differently, motherhood
Alyestal Hamilton Thomas
A Force to be Reckoned

When I learned I was pregnant, I did not feel blessed right away. But I knew, that regardless of how I felt about my pregnancy (which was unexpected) or the gender of my child (I wanted a boy), I was privileged. Not only to be with child, but with the honor of birthing and raising a black child. With the current ways of the world, being black can be challenging. But with the way my ancestry is set up, being black is a blessing.

A Force to be Reckoned
think differently, self-development
Alyestal Hamilton Thomas
Create a New Story

If the me 12 months ago could see the me now, she would be (in two words or less), beside herself. I have journeyed these last 12 months toward this point in my life with a new understanding, open eyes, and a healed heart. On this day 12 months ago, Reynold and I celebrated two months as newlyweds.

In early celebration, I may have indulged in one too many glasses of prosecco so I was not feeling too well that morning. But, I had a strong inclination it could be something more that left me feeling off kilter. And with bated breath (how cliché right), I purchased a pregnancy test and a package of mints (hopefully the cashier wouldn’t notice), and headed home with a Popeyes lunch (because fried chicken makes everything better).

Create a New Story

The Musings

Fresh Starts & New Beginnings

September I like to start thinking in fresh new ways to start “my year” off right. “My year” begins October 6 - my birthday. I like to pick 3 -5 goals for the 365 days until my next birthday, a theme to keep me on track and focused, and kick it off with a great celebration just like New Year’s.

To get me ready for the new year I have to start now. Why? To evaluate the successes and lows of the past year, determine the successes I’d like to achieve in the upcoming year, and really get down to what had been motivating me. Ultimately, I am taking inventory of my life and seeing what it is that I like and dislike about how things are going.