God has an amazing and creative way to share gifts with us. Today, spirit did it again and gave me an abundance of gifts to start out 2016 with. First, I was blessed to see another year (made it to 30, I’m a big kid now!) and spend that time with family and friends. Second, I got accepted to graduate school and started last week. Third, I was in attendance at an amazing and uplifting Queens Round Table conference entitled “Reclaim Your Crown,” which also included two workshops.
From that awesome workshop, I took a lot of important and powerful messages with me today. I was reminded that, in spite of all that I do or plan to do to hold down my kingdom, it is important for me to find balance and take care of myself.
Man, I needed that reminder!
There was also one question that arose during the workshop that I really wanted to reflect on and journal about this evening. That question was, “what are three things you appreciate about yourself?” It’s a very important question and, to be honest, it was a hard one for me. After reflecting on it, I was only able to answer two and that’s okay right now. I’m aware now and will do a better job to think about myself in a positive light and not focus so much on the negatives or what I used to consider to be “weaknesses.” It is absolutely imperative that we understand the importance of growth. However, growth can be achieved in a more positive way, whilst highlighting the best in myself at all times.
What are three things that I appreciate about myself?
1. I appreciate the fact that I’m ever-changing.
For so many years people made me feel like I was all over the place. I was told things like:
“You like too many things.”
“Focus on one thing.”
“Girl, what are you getting yourself into now.”
These few quotes would constantly circle my mental and keep me stagnant. It took me a long time to remove the toxic words out of my psyche and to appreciate this part of me. I’m in love with many things and that’s okay! I’m always willing to learn and grow and with growth comes change. I’m always finding ways to elevate myself. I started out as a blank canvas. As I go through life, I’m adding many colors to my canvas. I started with the basic primary colors. From those primary colors, I’m creating more colors and from that creation, I’m creating more and so forth. Some may interpret my canvas as a colorful mess, but there’s beauty in my mess! There’s an artistic quality to it and, even more importantly, it’s my canvas and I hold the paint brush!
2. I’m in love with love!
I freaking love, love. I love humans, animals, plants, this earth, the galaxy, I just freaking love everything. I also love to forgive. Not only because it’s the right thing to do for the world, but because it’s very important to forgive for myself. Why? Well, I need peace within. We all do. How can I move forward with love and through life when there is no peace within? If there is no enemy within, then no enemy outside of me can interfere with my peace.
Thank you Valencia and for the rest of the amazing women who’ve helped turn this workshop into food for my soul.
Bless Queens
T(HER)APY 