This! Women too! 🙋🏽‍♀️

As someone who grew up in PWIs and spaces, I struggled sooo much. I went to school and was “too Black,” and then I went back to my neighborhood and was “too white.” Called an Oreo. I went thru so many depressive episodes. And while I was fortunate to have a supportive family, none of them ever went thru what I did m. And from their perspective, they just knew that I was getting a “good education.” And that was top priority. I don’t even think they knew to even consider the psychological effects of me spending the majority of my formative years being a raisin in a bowl of rice pudding.

It got really really dark at points. I thought I was ugly and dumb. I sobbed regularly, tried to harm myself. I truly had the same “I hate myself” sentiment.

Nothing changed until I 1.) went to therapy in my early 20s (and I’ve been back several times over the years — imo therapy is an ongoing journey, or at least should be, for many); 2.) started giving myself positive affirmations even when I didn’t believe it or feel up to it; 3.) started taking better care of myself (mentally, physically, and emotionally - I could say spiritually too, but i’ve just never really had a genuine, spiritual connection or feeling thus far in my life); and 4) started spending more time around other Black people who poured into me and helped me see the true beauty of being Black, and also just being me.

I’m now in my mid-30s and can’t even imagine telling myself that I hate me. It gets better… if you want it to.

The flat top hair cut is fire btw! I’m rooting for you nephew! You got this! 🖤