JustLj in April PART II

The Blog Post of Momentum

This season of renewal is a poignant reminder of how momentum manifests in our lives, both literally and metaphorically. Just as the world around us springs back to life, I find myself in a space of transition, bidding farewell to my fellowship program while also stirring with anticipation for the new journey of graduate school ahead.

Spring is that beautiful time of year when everything seems to awaken from its slumber—flowers bloom, trees bud, and the days grow longer, symbolizing hope and resilience. In the same way, I am moving through my own cycle of endings and beginnings. Ending my fellowship program feels bittersweet; I’ve cherished the connections and experiences that have shaped my path. Yet, as I say goodbye, I also feel the undercurrents of momentum pulling me toward the exciting prospect of further education—an essential step in my personal and professional growth.

Momentum is often defined in physics as the quantity of motion of a moving body, but it also represents the drive and energy that propel us forward in life. It’s that powerful force that keeps us moving, especially through times of uncertainty. As Arthur Ashe famously said, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” This embodies the essence of momentum. It’s not always about being at full speed; sometimes, it’s about taking that first small step, even when it feels daunting.

I’ve sensed this struggle vividly—the challenge of starting something new often feels heavier than the act of keeping it going. The inertia of beginnings can be overwhelming, as we contemplate the vast terrain of possibilities that lie ahead. Yet, once we begin, once we harness the energy of our intent, the sheer act of engaging pushes us forward. Like Newton’s first law of motion states, “An object in motion stays in motion,” this principle resonates deeply; once we find that initial push, momentum carries us with grace.

As I move through this transitional period, I am learning that the power of momentum is especially vital when motivation wanes. There are days when I might not feel inspired, or the weight of uncertainty clouds my perspective. It’s during these moments that I rely on the momentum I’ve built through focus and dedication, reminding myself that even small strides add up. The slow build to action is just as significant as leaps forward; every step nurtures the growth I seek.

The intersection of goodbyes and new beginnings can be emotional, but it’s also rich with potential. Each farewell carries with it the lessons learned, while each new endeavor is filled with hope. As I reflect on my journey, I’m grateful for the support of friends and mentors who have fueled my momentum, encouraging me to embrace change with open arms.

I encourage you all to consider the role of momentum in your lives. Whether you’re ending a chapter or beginning a new one, recognize the energy that springs forth in these transitions. Allow yourself to feel the rhythm of motion that invites growth, and remember that while the start may feel slow, the journey often gathers speed over time.

What I’m Currently Working on

These days, my schedule feels like a careful balancing act as teaching, writing, and refining my craft take center stage. With testing for middle schoolers beginning, work has slowed down a bit, but it remains high maintenance as I navigate these critical weeks. As I look ahead to the end of my one-year contract on June 13th, I have only 6 working weeks left. I’m eager to share my plans and the progress I’m making during this time, such as my acceptance into UNT for graduate school this fall. To stay updated on my journey and what I’ll be working on next, feel free to visit the Works in Progress Page or follow the Facebook Page, where I share daily updates and fun tidbits.

Poem of the Month

by me

First Push

Person Pushing Vector SVG Icon - SVG Repo

It’s not the motion.

It’s the moment before it.

That stillness that

sticks to your skin.

That breath you hold

because starting feels

like breathing something.

You don’t want to fail.

You don’t want to fly either.

Too much wind

It’s just as scary as the wall.

But then–

A toe shifts.

A breath, let’s go.

A truth unclenches.

And the body remembers

what the spirit forgot:

How to move.

Not fast.

Not clean.

But real.

You don’t need speed.

You need the push.

You need the nudge.

You need the small voice

That says,

Go.

That’s momentum.

Not magic.

Not easy.

But alive.

And already in you.