Up Is Not the Only Way: Just Get Out!
Black Girls, I have something to tell y’all. This week was a lot of things and now another Black Girl’s post has me really reflecting on it. It is ending with a charge from my husband and motivation from my sister friend, Avery, this morning.
My husband had the unmitigated gall (borrowing from my former pastor) to tell me the truth this morning. He told me that my vision was too small; that I’m shortchanging my dreams and denying them their full potential for manifestation. He reminded me that we have every tool we need to create all that we desire. I really had/have forgotten that. And, if I’m totally honest here, I’ve been operating from a spirit of lack. I’ve been acting like I’m not as dynamic as I am, and it has been detrimental to my spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being. I’ve been afraid to ask for what I want out of life, from my family, friends, and even here. I’ve become defensive when others remind me of who I am, instead of grateful.
The false feelings of inadequacy are burying me. I’ve felt this way for quite some time, but this past week, from the declaration of the new membership subscriptions for Black Girl Speaks to the submission of one more payment through our BGS Emergency Relief Fund to help one of our own this morning, has shaken me a bit. I know that I’m doing what I should be, but I’m still afraid to take leaps and shift as necessary. Now, I feel very uncomfortable dimming my light all of a sudden, but I don’t know how to pull myself up out of the darkness. Then, here comes Avery telling me that “Up Is Not the Only Way,” referencing a book she was gifted. And, it got me to thinking about the spectrum of ways to shift your circumstance. Sometimes, you can’t go straight up because there’s a boulder blocking your path. You have to go left or right, or around, but you just have to find your way to get out.
I’m encouraging all of you to GET OUT of the cells of your mind and the tombs of your own digging. I’m reminding you that you’re worth every single thing you’re bold enough to ask for in this world, despite what anyone else has to say about it. I want to inform you that our collective freedom isn’t free and you’re not the only one that must pay the cost for it. We all should share that burden. Let’s find our ways back to our brightest, most fulfilled selves together. No more fear, not even of ourselves.
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Thank you for sharing! I needed this reminder as well.
Thank you for reading Shelton and I hope the reminder helps you in some way.
This.Right.Here! I have never been used to having to ask for assistance, but I recently had to. ? Once I finish this last hurdle with dissertation, all bets are off for what I might do. Thanks for this one.
Thank you so much for always being so supportive Leslye, and I’m glad you did SPEAK and ask for the assistance you needed.
Very powerful! Thank you for always being so transparent so others may be lifted by your words. I am continually inspired by your truths. Much obliged!
Thank you so much Khadidr. I really appreciate you reading the blog.
Thank you! I needed this.
Thank you for reading and SPEAKing!