Hi my name is Nelle.
You know that one friend you like to call because you know she will encourage, uplift you, and give you that BOMB advice?.
Well, that’s me, and I became so good at it that I made it my profession and became a THERAPIST.
Yup, that me, in a nutshell, a therapist by day, free spirit in life, a love of travel in my free time, and a lover of all things Sci-fi at night. And let me say WELCOME to Embracing Nelle, a safe haven for women such as yourself to access the tools you need to embrace that journey of self-love and discovery.
Three years ago, I started this blog to share my journey of self-love and discovery. A journey, I began to learn who I was, overcome my childhood trauma, heal from my parents, and simply learn to be my authentic self.
I couldn’t find any other black women on the net who were sharing their own journey. Not one was sharing how difficult and challenging this self-improvement journey was. So I knew that I had to share and be a voice to help others going through the same struggles. And girl, this journey is not easy. Trust me, my journey has well been over five years and counting.
In my five years as a therapist, I have worked with dozens of women who struggle with self-esteem, depression, anxiety, toxic relationships, and other obstacles to living their best life. Using my own journey and therapeutic interventions to help them heal and discover a path to happiness and fulfillment.
Through this blog, I want to teach you the exact strategies to help you on your journey of healing. I use a holistic approach to uplift, empower, and propel you forward as you strive to live life to the fullest. Because I know that the most powerful thing you can do for yourself is to take responsibility for your happiness.
I have pooled the best resources for self-improvement, healing, and growth to help you step into the best version of yourself. Years as a therapist and my own journey of self-improvement led me to create Embracing Nelle. Sharing my experience so you can see the journey firsthand. I hope to be your friend and confidant on this journey of self-love and discovery.
Why I started the journey.
Five years ago, I was overcome by anxiety, held down by depression, and had no clear purpose of what I was doing in this life. After college, I had no clear vision for my life because no one told me that I needed to have one. So I did the most logical thing I could think of.
I graduated with my bachelor’s degree and moved to Taiwan to teach English for a year. One of the best decisions I ever made in my life. It was so much fun.
But of course, nothing lasted, and I found myself moving back to the states and back in with my parents.
The expectations that I was running away from came crashing down. The stress and pressure of choosing a career, being an adult, and paying rent sent me into an anxiety-filled depression that almost suffocated me.
I kept asking myself, “how can I continue in this life and do all that is expected of me if I did not love myself or know who I was.” My world was closing in on me, and the pressures from my family, friends, and childhood trauma were too much to handle.
To make matters worst, it didn’t help that I was financially in a bind and did not have any money to my name, solely reliant on my family and friends. Needless to say, I was miserable.
I was stuck. I couldn’t get a job, and because I had no clear direction, I took the only job I could find. Working at a glasses factory tracing glasses, making 10 dollars an hour.
IT WAS THE WORST JOB OF MY LIFE!
I worked there for what felt like a lifetime, but it was just 6 months before realizing something needed to change. So I left the job and went to school to get a master’s degree in Social Work. Something I always wanted to do since I was young.
Although I was on my way to fixing my job and education. I was still living at home with my parents in a toxic unsupportive, environment.
My anxiety was through the roof, and I would forget days at a time. (Like yes, I would forget days and have a lapse in memory). To make matters worst, I was super depressed, and I was losing my sunshine.
The feeling that I hated life and everything about it lingered around me like a dark cloud. I had no sense of direction, and I was crying every single day. Needless to say, I was depressed, anxious, and lost. I knew it was time for a change.
So I buckled down, went to therapy, started setting goals for myself, and began to really spend time with myself.
And the best way I could think to spend time with myself and genuinely discover who I was was through travel. I started to get out of my comfort zone and see the world. Living in Taiwan was a big help in my love for travel.
I took advantage of that nomadic desire to step out, and in the process, I learned that I did not have to live a life based on others’ expectations. Traveling helped me develop a vision for my life and discover what I wanted to do.
I went to France, Scotland, The Isle of Man, Houston, Chicago, anywhere that came to mind. Giving me a clear picture of what life is all about and who I wanted to be in it.
And five years later.
I am happy with who I am. I am no longer lost; as a matter of fact, I am traveling more often, learning to truly embrace life and my journey. Although it took a little finessing, I eventually moved out of my parent’s house, let go of others’ expectations, and learned to be secure in who I am.
Now I wake up every day, go to a job that I love, come home, and enjoy my dogs, all while sitting on my couch. My anxiety is under control, and my depression is almost nonexistent.
My master’s degree allowed me to become a therapist, and through all of it, I gained the tools I was searching for to heal my trauma and myself. Tools that I now share with women like you. The best part is that I have discovered my purpose in life. I can’t wait to help you discover yours. Welcome to the journey.