A few weeks ago, my world got flipped upside down. I got laid off. You know that feeling - when the noise of your daily grind suddenly goes silent, and you're left sitting there like "now what?"

My first instinct? Sprint toward the next opportunity like my life depended on it. But I chose differently. I chose active recovery.

In fitness, active recovery isn't about being lazy on the couch (though we love a good couch moment). It's about intentional, low-intensity movement that helps your body heal and prep for what's next. I realized I needed the mental and professional version of that - moving with purpose, but without the pressure to perform.

Then I saw a LinkedIn post that put everything in perspective. Since March, Black women have seen a 31% increase in unemployment, while white men? Only 2.78%. Let that sink in. Our journeys aren't happening in a vacuum - we're navigating a landscape with systemic inequities that make our climbs even steeper.

But here's what I know about active recovery: it's preparation in disguise. It's about building a foundation so strong that when you come back, you come back unstoppable.

I've been doing the work behind the scenes, and some exciting things are already in motion. I dropped hints last week, and trust me - you're going to want to stay tuned. 👀

Recovering Workaholic,

Ebony

P.S.  Click here if you want to read the eye-opening LinkedIn post.

Because we know you're busy building your empire and need to know where to spend your precious time. Here's your roadmap to financial freedom and holiday sanity:

The holidays? They're an emotional minefield, bestie. All those old money stories - the ones you absorbed watching your parents stress over bills or hearing family arguments about finances - they love to resurface this time of year.

It's so easy to slip back into scarcity mode, thinking there's not enough to go around. But what if we flipped the script?

Your mind is literally a battlefield between scarcity and abundance. Scarcity whispers: "If she wins, you lose." But abundance? Abundance says: "There's room for all of us at the table."

Stephen Covey called it "the abundance mentality" - the belief that there are plenty of resources and success for everyone. And the fastest way to get there? Gratitude.

Not the toxic positivity kind, but the real, intentional acknowledgment of your financial wins. That steady paycheck. Your growing savings. That small victory you celebrated last month. When you shift from anxiety to appreciation, you're not just feeling good - you're creating space for strategic action.

This is manifestation with substance. It's not about wishing for money; it's about bridging the gap between intention and action. It's about cultivating a mindset that empowers you to make financial decisions that actually align with who you're becoming.

🎓 Class Assignment: Start a "Financial Gratitude Practice" this week. Every morning, write down three specific financial positives from your life - could be your emergency fund, a recent raise, or even just having enough for your morning coffee. Watch how this shifts your money mindset over the next seven days.

Let's keep it 100: The holidays are designed to make you spend money you don't have on people who probably don't need more stuff. The pressure to "keep up" or shower everyone with expensive gifts is REAL.

But this year? We're using our abundance mindset to outsmart those triggers. The goal isn't to be the gift-giving queen; it's to give with intention and protect your peace (and your wallet).

Here's how to move differently:

Don't overextend yourself: Give from joy, not obligation. Everyone doesn't need a gift from you, and boundaries are beautiful things that protect both your peace and your coins.

Give with purpose: Stop giving just to get something back. Focus on experiences or gifts that create genuine connection and reflect your values.

Remember yourself: While you're being generous with others, don't forget to invest in YOU. Your financial security is the best gift you can give your future self.

💸Make This Move: Create your "Holiday Spending Strategy" right now. Set a realistic total budget for gifts, experiences, and holiday activities. Then list everyone you plan to give to and assign a specific amount to each person. Include a line item for yourself - because you deserve to be on your own gift list, babe.

Real wealth preparation goes way beyond your bank account, babe. It's recognizing that your financial, mental, and physical well-being are all connected. Investing in yourself isn't selfish - it's strategic.

Just like autumn air can strip your skin of moisture, the holiday season can drain your financial reserves if you're not careful. Think of proactive skincare like a strategic financial plan - both protect and nourish what matters most.

Consider investing in high-quality products from brands like S'able Labs and IUVO Skincare that nourish your skin while supporting other women-owned businesses. Because when we win, we ALL win.

And let's talk about leveling up your skills. Learning about trends like AI or investing in new capabilities? That's not just personal development - that's positioning yourself for opportunities that haven't even shown up yet.

💅 Luxe It Up: Choose ONE area of self-investment for this month - whether it's upgrading your skincare routine, enrolling in an online course, or booking that massage you've been putting off. Budget for it, schedule it, and treat it as non-negotiable. Your future self will thank you