Hey Reader,

Happy FriYAYYYYY! 🎉

Nine months ago, I was in one of the most vulnerable moments of my life — giving birth to my third child.

Today I’d like you to introduce you to a new friend – and someone who brought me so much JOY and comfort during (what could have been) one of the most stressful days of my life – my Labor & Delivery Nurse, Melissa.

I hope today's JOYrney Mail™ serves as a reminder of how simply caring as you LIVE OUT YOUR PURPOSE can transform the lives and experiences of others around you. Let's dive in! 😊

Though this was my third pregnancy, it was the first time I truly felt advocated for (and fully prepared) in labor.

But before we go forward, we have to go backwards.

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The Fear That Lingered Before Birth

I should’ve been excited—but instead, I was anxious.

During my first pregnancy, I switched my doctor seven months in because I didn’t feel safe. I didn’t feel cared for. I didn’t trust that my OB would advocate for my best interest if something went wrong.

Thankfully, my next doctor was incredible. But by the time I was pregnant with Kaiya, I had moved, and I found myself once again in a season of researching, questioning, and hoping I’d find a care team that made me feel protected.

This time around, it just felt like there was so much more uncertainty.

❓ What would life as a mom of three look like?
❓ Would my new doctor’s care be as thorough as the one I trusted for years?
❓ What would delivery day be like?
❓ And in the time since my last birth, Black maternal health statistics had only gotten worse…

The biggest question I kept coming back to was:
​Who would advocate for me?

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Then Came Delivery Day.

I did everything I could to prepare:
✔️ Bags packed
✔️ Birth plan printed (and saved digitally in the DRIVE, of course!)
✔️ Postpartum plan in place
✔️ The Hubbae fully briefed on all of the above

The only thing left to do? Stay calm and do the thang.

We arrived at the hospital, got checked in, and were told our nurse would be with us shortly.

Then walked in Melissa.

She greeted me warmly, just as I stepped out of the bathroom in my cool new maternity fit (tacky hospital socks included – which I quickly removed for this picture, lol 👉🏾).

After quick introductions, I nervously said:
​"I have a birth plan…"

And without hesitation, she lit up.​
​"Ohhh that’s great! I love it when there’s a birth plan!"

Me: “Oh yeaaaa?” 🙌🏾
​"Is it okay if I go through it with you?"

Her: "Yes, please."

And just like that, we went line by line through my birth plan.

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This Is What True CARE Looks Like.

Melissa:
✨ Listened intently to every detail.
✨ Answered my questions and explained anything I didn’t understand.
✨ Brought up proactive points I hadn’t even considered.
✨ Never once rushed me.
✨ Made me feel like I was a priority, not an inconvenience.

And when we finished, she said something that instantly gave me peace: "May I keep a copy of this? I’m going to attach it to your chart."

I nearly screamed YES! as my husband handed over our extra copy (because of course, I came prepared! 😂).

The relief I felt in that moment transformed my entire labor experience.

Melissa not only honored my birth plan, but she also silently advocated for me throughout labor—even in moments where I didn’t know I needed it.

Though she wasn’t working when I delivered, she called to check on me. And when I was being discharged two days later? She came to visit me and the baby.

Melissa Is Living Her Purpose.

She isn’t just a nurse—she was someone who saw me, heard me, and cared for me in one of the most vulnerable moments of my life.

And while Melissa gave me amazing care, I couldn’t help but wonder…

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Who Takes Care of Our Caregivers?

Nurses are the backbone of healthcare. Yet, every day they navigate:
⚠️ High-stress, high-risk environments​
⚠️ Exhausting professional & emotional demands​
⚠️ Challenges balancing work and personal life (especially as many are mothers and caregivers themselves!)

We expect them to show up for us, but who’s showing up for them?

This is why I care.

And it’s why I’m so passionate about bringing JOY into the healthcare space — to help nurses, doctors, and care teams feel seen, supported, and valued.

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So Here’s My Question to You…

Who’s someone that’s made a major impact in your life, just by showing up with care?

I’d love to hear your stories. Hit reply and share them with me! 💛

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On the JOYrney™ together… ONE feel-good thing at a time,
Erica

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P.S. If you’re in healthcare (or know someone who is) and you’re seeing burnout firsthand, let’s talk. I’d love to explore how we can bring more JOY to the people who care for us every day. I’m conducting a personal survey to hear more about your experiences and how together we can better support you as you care for others!

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The JOYrney To Purpose® Podcast​
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Are you subscribed to the podcast? If not, you’ve probably missed a couple of our recent episode!

Not your jam? Listen to ​other past episodes here (or watch on ​​​​​YouTube​​​​​).

P.S: if you haven’t already – please take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast! It helps more than you know! 😊

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Work With Me!

If you're ever curious or in need, here are other ways I can support your JOYrney™

Bring the JOYrney™ to your organization or workplace! Book a JOYrney™ vision workshop or speaker series for your organization! Let us know a little more about your organization, and a member of our team will reach out with the next steps. ​Learn more & book a workshop​ ​

1:1 coaching/consulting support Are you a female executive, or C-Suite leader in a transitional season of life (i.e., motherhood, divorce, career pivot) and needing tailored support in rediscovering JOY for “what’s next”? Please complete the form below to see if we’re a good fit! ​JOYrney™ coaching application​

Reflect on your JOYrney™! Align your personal/professional goals with intention and FUN. Use the JOYrney Daily™ Planner to clarify your purpose and implement a solid strategy for bringing your vision to life! Then share your favorite features and leave a review on Amazon! ​Order JOYrney Daily™ Planner​ ​

Have a great week, Reader and remember –

We’re on the JOYrney™ together …ONE feel-good thing at a time!

Xx,

Erica

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