So I'm finally back home for the winter holidays and I have to say: I am loving the feeling! It's so nice to be able to sit back for awhile again and not have the stress of finals week or the creeping thoughts that come while exam grades process. I successfully completed the first semester of my college career and I can't express how pleased I am with my overall growth as a person. If anyone were to tell me back in the beginning of 2015 that I'd be a much happier person in the end of 2015, I'd laugh in their face.
Life was so rocky this year. I started 2015 not knowing what the hell I was doing or going-- but don't get me wrong! I still feel that way, I'm just more optimistic and hopeful towards whichever path I'm heading. Before, I was so heavy with burdens and depressing thoughts and feelings due to the things revolving around me. It was almost suffocating because I had to suppress these emotions from people, friends and family. I didn't know how to formulate my anxiety into words or even who to trust and tell my thoughts to. It was a strange, dark and awful feeling, one that I hope to never explore again. But because of it I can now give testimonies to the wonders and miracles God has been known to perform.
I was at a stand-still, immobile and undetermined to move through life again but my circumstances were completely turned around and I was given "new legs" to adventure through life once more. I was at my lowest--physically, mentally and spiritually--yet God still chose to love and shower me with His affection and care. I've not been one to doubt God. I specifically remember being in my pre-teens and vowing to never blame anything on God nor to hate Him. And I've kept that promise ever since. However in early 2015, doubts began to cloud me. I found myself questioning His timing and whether or not I'd receive my blessing(s) on time. I was too focused on when and not on working on my receiving end to be a better follower of faith and express gratitude. I have always been an impatient individual. I'm very much the "now or never, do or die" type of girl. The one always tapping her foot and looking at the clock, first to be ready to leave and move on to the next thing. Summer of 2015, I was on the slowest rollercoaster of my life, riding the wavy ups and lows of deciding which university to attend and how to fund it. I was not myself. I remember not being able to get up in the morning from my bed because I was filled with so much anxiety way before my day could even start. I was an unstable mess but in the end, it was a test to my faith to God. Throughout it all I never cursed Him or myself, I just had to run my faith and loyalty a little longer than I wanted. Eventually, creases began to smooth out and I was given the best blessing in life: an opportunity to study in a well-refined university. And since that day, I've learned that patience is a virtue and so often in my own case, the key to success. It's a trait I'm trying to master and appreciate. I notice that when I practice patience, whether in academics, art, relationships, etc, I gain so much! It's so hard to do at times but I'm constantly reminded of my spiritual breakthrough and re-motivated once more.
WHERE DO I STAND NOW?
I'm not sure if I'm on a new path or simply looking at it from a better perspective. Everything seems possible now. My only obstacle is fear. I'm afraid of so many possibilities becoming a reality. Over the years, my fears have intensified and have been obstacles to my inner growth and block from prospering to my full potential. I feel if I wasn't so afraid and anxious all the time, I'd have the courage and confidence to put myself out there. I'd showcase my artwork more. I'd pursue in the arts more. I'd reach out to people and try to love deeper. I'd say "no" more often and much louder. I'd tell people they're loved without feeling bashful because I know what it's like to feel as if I'm not important. There's so much I know I'm capable of accomplishing but there's this blind tape over me that keeps insisting I'm just being silly, naive or I'm too incompetent for such thoughts. It's not an easy thing to overcome but I'm letting this brilliant moment in my life (college) allow for doors to open and moments to come my way that give me that space to be who I am. I don't want this disadvantage to doom or overwhelm me back into the feelings of doubt again. I know it's something I have to overcome or I won't see my dreams become tangible. I'm done with pain and hopelessness. I'm ready for a journey through positivity.
OUTFIT DETAILS
Throughout the day in this outfit, I felt like an effortless gem. Have you ever seen old photographs of women in their home countries, most likely in their teens, smiling and leaning against foreign cars with their friends around? And have you ever noticed how gorgeous every individual looks, so simple and yet so untouchable. That's the feeling I always seem to get when I look at photographs of my mother (and father) from Nigeria and how naturally iridescent they appear on the film. I often try and mimic my mother's timeless poses: hand resting on upper thigh, one foot gently placed before another, hips slanted, posture erect, and the slightest smile evident on the face. Her looks can always been described as regal. On this day, I wanted an old time feel, something I'd imagine to see in a photograph but with a modern twist. I still stuck to my minimalist vibe and tried to play around with my traditional side as well. If I were to label this outfit like I would title a book, it would be "How to be Minimalist and Still Stay True to Your Roots" (and it'd be a continuous work in progress, haha) I'm often battling between keeping it clean to my aesthetic or going above & beyond like my Nigerian roots have taught me so well. Of course, I'm still trying to master that balance.
BUTTON UP SHIRT - THRIFTED
CROP TOP - AGACI
DENIM JEANS - THRIFTED
STRAP HEELS - OLD NAVY
EYE GLASSES - SHOPZEROUV
BAG, HEADWRAP - FROM NIGERIA
Thanks for reading! Don't forget to follow me on other social media sites including
Hope to be back very soon with a similar post!
2 Comentarios
Love your outlook, sis! Keep moving forward x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much and the same to you! Love seeing Black girls embrace the positivity we deserve!
Delete