Dear Towanda, I am writing to you to encourage you and to let you know you are enough. Right now you are a junior at Randallstown Senior High School wearing a coat indoors throughout the day because you do not want to be seen. Right now you are comparing yourself to the other girls who seem to be everything you… Read More Dear Towanda, You Are Enough: A Letter to 16-Year-Old Me
When I received an email from Hulu announcing the addition of the Golden Girls as a viewing option I got excited. I recall watching the show as a child and enjoying it. But, it wasn’t until I was much older that I started to enjoy the show at a deeper level. I am quite fond… Read More Dear Diary, Am I Likeable?
When I was younger some of the other children in school thought I was weird because I didn’t wear pants. I was raised with the belief that women are not to wear clothing pertaining to a man, and that was translated to mean women should not wear pants. Honestly, this difference made me feel like… Read More Building Self-esteem: Everyone is Not Going to Accept You
Like most words, reflection has several definitions. There are two that stand out to me; A thing that is a consequence of, or arises from something else, or serious thought or consideration. I made a collage of four photos of myself from 2009 to 2016. In all honesty I was amazed to see that I look… Read More Reflection: Looking Into The Windows to My Soul
Confidence is the state of being certain. When one is certain, the subject at hand is known for sure or established beyond doubt. Regardless of what anyone says, confidence can exist in any body – not just the thin ones. There is an expectation from some people that those of us with body fat should be… Read More Fat + Confident = Possible
“I’ve realized that being annoyed by the positive behavior of others is due to the lack of comfort and happiness within ourselves. Why else would we be bothered?” – B.B. When we are naked we are undisguised, blatant, overt, and possibly vulnerable. Depending on our mental state, being naked can cause some level of discomfort or… Read More Naked and Unafraid
“…for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are thy works..” Psalm 139:14 KJV Over the weekend I watched an episode of one of my favorite classic sitcoms, The Golden Girls. I enjoyed watching this show as a child, but now that I am older I have a greater appreciation for it. There are so many… Read More Marvelousness: This is Why I Shine
About a year ago I learned that I was the subject of daily conversation amongst my colleagues – or at least my clothes were. I was told a group of people would gather and wait for me to pass by to see what I was wearing. I was described as, “that heavy-set dark-skinned chick that… Read More That Heavy-set Dark-Skinned Chick Can Dress – This Should be a Hashtag
Over the weekend I spotted a t-shirt while I was in the mall that I wanted – it read, “Be Who You Are.” The shirt stood out to me mainly because it is my desire that all humans reach and maintain a healthy level of self-acceptance. It also caught my attention because it relates to what… Read More Be Who You Are
“Fear is not real. It is a product of thoughts you create. Do not misunderstand me. Danger is very real. But fear is a choice.” – Will Smith Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. There are several… Read More Fear: Face Everything and Rise
