My Personal Manifesto

I often downplay my success and strengths to comfort others, forgetting that doing so is an injustice to myself and them too. And how I feel about me is most important. Even on my rough days, I’m still the shit. I will improve, but I won’t conform–especially out of fear of rejection or ridicule. I’m damn good at what I do, even if I don’t fit in.I have the right to define (and redefine) what or who is deserving of my time and energy. I am love and I accept love, but only the kind that doesn’t have to be convinced or compromised. Rather the kind that challenges me to be more honest, healthy, and happy. I uphold this standard of love in all of my relationships. And out of respect for myself, I speak up for what I want regardless of the consequences.

I am arrogant and humble, timid and courageous, fragile and thick-skinned, all-knowing and forever-seeking. I trust my intuition to tell me when to be which, and when it’s hard to hear from her then that’s my cue to time out to tune in.

Reggae, R&B, and rap are a few of my how-to’s, along with racing to beat my running records, stretching the knots out of my limbs, napping with no timer, locking my door to read, staying up late to write, and scrapbooking with my sun and moon.

I say yes to what I’m passionate about and fully commit to it with girly curiosity and grown-woman courage. I admit when I’m wrong or when I don’t know. And when I need guidance, I resort to resources and not excuses. I surround myself with souls whose values align with mine. Those who love living, learning, loving, and liberating.

The principle of freedom is my purpose, and I use the power of personal narratives to free my people. Through all of my life’s losses and gains, I just wanna roll outta here having influenced many and regretting nothing.