(In which, instead of a comic, I post a carousel of pics of me living my best life on a 55 degree Texan day, dressed in @fabletics #moveinfabletics #myfabletics) with my mother acting as my spirited photographer & encouraging me to switch up my poses for maximal #blackgirljoy! I felt cute; I won’t be deleting later.)
Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving! It’s my first time back home for Thanksgiving in about 5 years (thanks medicine), and hanging with my family has been so nourishing. I know ShirlyWhirl has been doom, gloom, & Big Discussions lately, but honestly? I have so much to be thankful for. I complain a lot bc I’m overwhelmed, but I also realized all of Young Shirl’s wildest dreams this year! I started Cardiology fellowship, married my best friend sold my debut novel, and shared some of my most vulnerable comics & art to a growing audience.
I want to say thank you to @helmliterary, my industrious literary agent, for being ON ROTATION’s biggest advocate & landing me my dream team at @harpercollins ! Also for introducing me to @rissmneilson, who has rapidly become one of my best friends / soul sister.
Thankful to my lady 🫀 mentors, who have guided me via voice notes, frantic weekend phone calls, DMs, texts, office visits, the works: @drmarthagulati , @heart.beat.doctor , @healthyhearts.md , @daniellebelardo & @amitasingh . Also thankful for @bajsmith6, who has picked up the phone for me on PATERNITY LEAVE y’all, and my program director, who I feel genuinely safe communicating with! Also thankful for @just_ijeoma, who is doing this Black Girl in Cardiology thang with me from miles away and just GETS it.
Thankful for my kinship w/ too many new Internet friends to count- @coupdegracefarris @dottorerusso (who got me the Akira freaking boxset, I WILL send you something once I catch my breath), @mexicanity (CONGRATS AGAIN ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT!), @jakademik_md , @realworldnp, @rantocran, @thenocturnalnurse, @shesinscrubs & so many more (I just don’t know all of your handles 🙈!)
Tag a friend you’re thankful for and why and maybe 😍 I’ll highlight your love on my story!