Mommy Monday :Michelle Kusi on God, Motherhood & being a Scholar
Here’s a little background on Michelle and I meeting. I met Michelle through a mutual friend Wynter Parham. She and the Teens from the Boys & Girls Club spoke highly of Michelle as she shared poetry at a workshop. Michelle was also honored as one of the Women of the Year March 2018. We spoke briefly about pregnancy and ‘all day sickness’ as I called it at the time. Funny enough, Michelle and I are both creatives, we are both women, we are both single mothers, and Christians at the same time. Little did I know, her struggles with being a single mom would resonate with me as much as it did when I was still in a relationship as I am now a single mom.
I have a village and am co-parenting, ya’ll he’s not a deadbeat, he just wasn’t my soulmate.
It was like God ordained us to meet at the time that we did so We could connect and frequently uplift one another by just living a positive life.
Thank you Michelle for joining me on RaveledinBlessings today.
As mothers we tend to look over ourselves and are looked over because everyone is worried about the baby. So my first question is :
How are you, today?
I am blessed!
In the dopest way possible, ‘introduce’ us to your baby boy.
I can easily write a dissertation on my son, lol ! EJ is a happy, lively, lovely ..he’s so amazing! He acts just like me. He smiles like me. His personality already is me. Like, he’s my twin! Looks exactly like my baby picture.
What would Single Mom Michelle say to Michelle 7 months ago?
Single mom Michelle would tell pregnant Michelle to just breathe. Stop overthinking; everything will work out. Seek God, don’t stress, chill out, it will be okay. Your son will love you despite how he got here.
Can you share some of your gems with other women as it pertains to self-care during pregnancy and now at the postpartum stage.
I actually just finished a week and a half of eating all the stuff I want lol. Ain’t gain weight though. While I was pregnant, I lost weight due to my severe morning sickness. All I could eat was bread. After birth, I lost a good 20 pounds. Eat healthy but, do Indulge every now and then. Do not focus on your weight gain or weight loss but, do take care of self. Your mental space is just as important as your physical space. I just signed up for the gym. I don’t want to gain weight and open the door to depression. Keep a sane mind , guard your peace. Whatever person place or thing that takes away from your peace, cut them off immediately! The Bible says for the arm of flesh will fail you. Trust, through your pregnancy journey and, afterwards you’ll see how humans can let you down. Don’t let it consume you. Forgive, forget and live.
In your interview on popdust you said “Now I live the life I Speak.” Can you explain the significance of this comment as a Queen informing other Queens.
Well basically, before I got pregnant, I was telling my following as well as those I mentor. to be celibate. While as you can see, I wasn’t lol! So, basically, live the life you preach. Don’t preach gold when you’re living dirt…if that makes sense. I’m a Jesus lover through and through and ! feel God allowed certain things to occur before, during, and after my pregnancy for His Greater glory.
How has your life as a creative changed since having EJ?
I’m not accessible as a creative as far as performing and attending events. As for writing, I write at least twice a day. I’m collecting thoughts for my book about my journey into and during motherhood. I’m on a performing hiatus until the book release and I don’t have the zeal to attend events I rather be home with my son. I get separation anxiety if I leave him too long.
You are 28 and Ph.d bound, What advice can you gives us about staying on track or even getting back into the school scene? And just know, I can’t wait to say Dr, Michelle lol!
Lol Ayeeee! Thank you! I don’t know if I can say it but, if I can…just do that shit! I was in labor doing research so ain’t no excuses! My son is my inspiration. I’m a single mom and although I pray for marriage, if it isn’t in my immediate future (2-3 years), I want to build a life for my son like my parents did for me. I wanted and needed for nothing, I don’t want him to have to take out student loans so that thought helps me stay the course of school and, I don’t plan on going to full time work till he’s 2. Those refund checks are lovely!
Last but not least, I’m going to give you a few words. Tell me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word.
God- Omnipotent
Woman- Power
Sisterhood- Support
EJ- My everything
Family- Strength
Motherhood- Divine
Thanks so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with me! Drop your social media so the Ribbies can follow you.
sC:TribeCalledKush
Unitl the next one, Ribbies!
Xoxo,
Shay Nefeteria