Happy (almost) Birthday...

Ok this is it. The week of my birthday blog post. I always do a birthday week blog post reflecting on the current year and celebrating the grace GOD has shown me by blessing me with another year of life. This ritual is a must for me, so I am forcing myself (in the midst of a hectic end of the school year schedule, trying to plan SoulFLY events, and meeting application deadlines) to sit down, calm down, and reflect. It puts things in perspective as you embark upon a new year of life.

Here's a baby picture of me. The last time I was at my grandmother's house I took a picture of this picture that she keeps nestled on top of her very large chester drawer and mirror set in her front guest room. I look so happy right? Smiling from ear to hear. Mealnin poppin' and eyes twinkle twinkle little starrin'. My saliva is giving me a glossy lip beat and I am clearly red carpet ready in my good ole Baptist church dedication dress. Something about chocolate skin in white clothing. Those ribbons and barrettes are barely holding on to my inch and a half natural very new growth.

But look closely at the bottom right corner.

There's a hand there.

I never asked whose hand that was because I am pretty sure it's my Mommy's. I could be wrong but I don't think I am.

This picture to me speaks to this year perfectly.

I have laughed. I have cried. I have been excited. I have been disappointed. But no matter the life event (and there will always be many) I looked to the right and my Mommy was right beside me holding me up. She let me go and just be and create and live my dreams but she never let me feel like I was alone.

But it doesn't stop with her.

My family showed up this year for me in a big way.

Mommy was on the right and my brother Andrew was on the left. Making me laugh and getting on my nerves simultaneously but always working on my dream with me.

My aunts have all motivated me this year, showing up, working my shows, buying tickets, reposting my work, and celebrating my accomplishments. Whenever I felt the least bit discouraged I would receive a random message from my aunts that would give me the push I needed.

I have a small but very loyal group of friends/framily who not only support me but motivate me to dream bigger. This year I also made a few new friends who I feel like I have known for a very long time.

This year I watched GOD put together the pieces in my life that were broken and made sure I had a solid support system to help move me to the next level.

To the little girl in the picture I want you to know in this new year of life that:

• The woman you have become...I am fighting for you. 

• You are not alone.

• I won't give up on your dreams.

• I won't deviate from the path towards your purpose. 

• I won't let fear deter me from your promise.

• I will not be afraid to trust and lean on family and friends but I will be confident enough to maneuver through life on my own.

• I will speak positive things in to existence.

• I will lead a life of humility.

• I will continue to support others.

• I will let go of expectation.

• I won't let disappointment hinder fortitude.

Happy (almost) Birthday!

I love you.