Exactly as I am....

So recently, Shaun Robinson's (Spelman College c/o 84) book Exactly as I am hit the bookstores. I rushed out on my lunch break to go buy it! The book promotes self-esteem in young women and encourages women to accept themselves exaclty as they are. It sounds simple, but the road to executing such a simple process can take most people a lifetime to achieve. I'm still a novice in my journey...But there are quite a few things that I have come to accept as a part of who I am...

I am very sensitive....I take alot of things to heart and internalize alot of things that people say to me. Its hard because my feelings get hurt very easily, but because of this I am very cautious and sensitive to other people and the way that they feel. I think this trait actually helps me to be a better person everyday...a more caring person....and a person that is always conscious of the way that their actions affect other people.

I've decided that my body was made perfectly for me, my style, and my personality...As a result of this I don't worry about my weight anymore or feel self-conscious about the way that my body looks...I just make sure that when I get dressed in the morning, what I have on compliments the body that GOD gave me...believe me that's half the battle with body image issues...you have to wear clothes that work for you...Every body is different and what looks good on someone else probably doesn't look good on you. Know what works for you and rock the shit out of it!!!

I am on a lifelong journey to find a job that is fulfilling. This is difficlut for me because I have a vast range of interests that are ever changing...I'm the little girl that wants to be 80 million different things when she grows up. So yes, I'm flighty and scattered...However, I recognize and accept who I am...as confused as I am. A self-proclaimed hippie...I have interests in writing, broadcast journalism, public health, public relations, cosmetology, make-up artistry, and education, what can I say....I even daydream about being a video vixen.lol! I want it all...But I am a woman with a plan to execute any dream that I have ever set forth to accomplish. I've decided that school is for the confused....so I will be in school until I get it exactly right! PhD here I come...

I've had moments in my life where I will have crushes on 5 different guys at one time, and that's my perrogative! In life, you only have to get it right one time in one relationship....that's why they're called THE ONE! I don't beat myself up over failed relationships anymore...rather, I see every past relationship as trial and error...Its like finding that perfect shoe....keep trying different pairs on until you get it right. Oh and its never too late to get it right...

I pay close attention to the way that people treat others. Even if I bring out the best qualities in a person, that doesn't gain brownie points with me. I want to see that you are a good person all across the board...because I AM! I very seldom take into consideration people's intentions, but rather I assess actions. Only GOD knows you're heart. I believe that adults should be held responsible for their actions. I do not care if your intention is not to hurt somebody else...if you do it in the process, you are responsible...I very seldom am willing to budge on this matter and I don't make very many exceptions...When people show you who they are, believe them...

I believe that everything happens for a reason, even if the reason never becomes clear to me...So if something doesn't work out I accept it and I very rarely put up a fight...Now as a result, I can not stand a quitter...I am attracted to men that are persistant and most of my dearest friends have strong personalities...I admire the fight in people....but that's just not my own personal style!

I am not afraid to dismiss a person from my life if I don't think I am being treated the way that I deserve to be treated. I am willing to face the pain head on....I don't take the easy route and deal with a man until I am over him...I will call it off while I'm still in love and I just deal with the excruciating pain of heartbreak. But once, I'm hurt like that...it's over. I never look at that person in the same light. And I don't engage in meaningless relationships with other guys to get over someone...I do it the hard way...so when i'm done i'm done....I don't believe in transferring feelings...that shit does not work for me...

This is exactly who I am...Still a novice in accepting exactly who I am, but I am enjoying my journey!