Grief and Joy in a Season of Transitions

Issue #25 of the Chidera Peters Dispatch (CPD)

Hi friend,

I’m in a season of transition, and to be honest, it feels like my heart is trying to hold on to many things at once. There’s a kind of bittersweetness in it that I’m still trying to name. On one hand, there’s deep joy — the excitement of new beginnings, the sense of possibility, of stepping into growth. On the other hand, there’s grief; grieving the things I’m leaving behind, the spaces where I used to feel rooted, the parts of me that won’t look the same after this.

It’s been hard, navigating that tension. I’m noticing it most in my work lately, where I’m slowly stepping back from some core functions that used to define my role. That shift has meant being left out of conversations I once led, not receiving the recognition I deserve, and seeing decisions being made for me instead of with me. And even though I understand why it’s happening, that it probably comes from a place of care, it doesn’t soften the ache of feeling invisible, of feeling like a part of me is being erased.

I think no one really prepares you for how transitions can be both a doorway and a goodbye at the same time 😞. There’s so much to celebrate in what’s ahead, but there’s also so much to mourn in what’s being left behind. It’s a strange place to stand, holding grief and joy in the same hands, but I’m learning that both can coexist, and maybe, they’re meant to.

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OK, now onto something a bit lighter that gave me a burst of joy this week 😅.

For the first time ever, I actually used a warranty on my Google Fitbit of all things. The battery had gone faulty, and I was this close to buying a new one when I remembered it might still be covered. I checked, and it was set to expire in just two weeks. Talk about divine timing! I went through the warranty process and they replaced it for free. Zero extra money spent, and that’s a win in my books! 😂

There’s a money lesson here, and honestly, it’s one I nearly forgot myself:

✅ Before you buy something new, check if you’re still covered. Whether that’s a warranty, insurance, or a consumer guarantee, make it a habit to double-check. Many of us throw away broken or faulty things without realising we could get them repaired or replaced for free.

✅ Advocate for yourself. Companies won’t always remind you about your warranty, so you have to check, chase, and push if needed.

If you take anything from my Fitbit drama, let it be this: protect your money from impulse “replacement” purchases. Things don’t always have to be thrown away. Sometimes, the fix is already there, you just need to ask for it 🛠️.

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Another tiny spark of joy this week? Cashback 🤑

I’ve been using Monzo’s cashback offers on everyday spending, and I’ve racked up about £17.29 so far. £17.29 won’t change my life (I wish it did 😭), but it’s still my money coming back to me, and that feels good! 😂

If you have a Monzo account but haven’t activated cashback yet, here’s a quick step-by-step to get yours rolling:

1️⃣ Open your Monzo app
2️⃣ Tap on the Home tab
3️⃣ Scroll down to Offers
4️⃣ Tap to see what cashback partners are available
5️⃣ Activate the ones you shop with
6️⃣ Spend as normal, and Monzo will track the cashback automatically

It’s easy to ignore these small money wins, but they add up, even if it’s “just” £5, that’s still £5 you didn’t have before - you’re welcome! 😌

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New video this week 🎥

This week’s episode of Fix My Finances hits on another tricky money lesson: how helping a partner can cross the line into financial self-sabotage.

A 26-year-old woman in the UK has been giving her boyfriend £500 every month and now she’s struggling to pay her rent and bills.

If you’ve ever felt torn between helping someone and protecting your own stability, you’ll want to watch this one.

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If you’d like more support on your money journey, I’m building a membership and accountability community designed to help you stay consistent, feel seen, and grow. Members on the waitlist will get an exclusive discount and bragging rights as founding members 🤭. Join the waitlist here.

Until next time,

XOXO
Chidera 🤍