Embracing Authenticity: A Journey of Growth and Self-Discovery

As December 2024 unfolds beneath a new moon in Sagittarius, I find myself drawn into deep reflection. This celestial alignment, accompanied by the retrograde movements of Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter, seems to mirror my own internal journey of introspection. Standing at the threshold of 2025, I'm compelled to share the profound lessons that have shaped my path through both personally and professionally.

The Price and Pride of Authenticity

My journey begins with a truth I've always held dear: showing up as my authentic self. As a curvy, chocolate-skinned woman with locs, I've faced countless challenges in professional spaces where "White norms" often dictate acceptance. The pressure to conform has been relentless, manifesting in subtle micro-aggressions and overt harassment. Yet, through each trial, Tracy Chapman's words echoed in my spirit: "Save my soul, save myself."

These experiences taught me a nuanced lesson about authenticity. While I remained unwavering in my self-expression, I learned to be selective about the spaces I occupy. I realized that true freedom isn't about forcing acceptance in every environment, but about choosing spaces that celebrate rather than merely tolerate my whole self. This revelation has been both liberating and empowering.

The Art of Self-Investment

One of my most significant revelations came from recognizing a pattern: I was everyone's cheerleader but my own. My natural inclination to give and nurture others often came at the expense of my own growth and well-being. Like a vessel constantly pouring out without being replenished, I found myself depleted.

This realization sparked a transformation in how I approach relationships, both personal and professional. I began to cultivate connections that offered reciprocity – relationships where the energy of giving and receiving flowed naturally in both directions. This shift hasn't diminished my giving nature; rather, it's enhanced my ability to serve others from a place of fullness rather than depletion.

Growth sometimes require pruning - removing what no longer serves to make room for what's meant to flourish.

The Power of Release

2024 marked a pivotal year of necessary endings. I made the difficult but crucial decision to release relationships that no longer aligned with my spirit. This included family members and clients whose behavior had become toxic and disrespectful. The process was challenging, but it taught me that growth sometimes requires pruning – removing what no longer serves to make room for what's meant to flourish.

Professional Boundaries and Personal Peace

In the professional realm, I learned the vital importance of boundaries. As someone naturally generous with my time and energy, I often found myself extending beyond reasonable limits – taking early morning calls, working late into evenings, and sacrificing personal time for non-urgent matters. The implementation of strict calendar boundaries has been transformative, allowing me to reclaim precious moments with my son and restore balance to my life.

My worth is divinely ordained and internally realized.

Spiritual Evolution

Perhaps the most profound transformation has been spiritual. My relationship with God has deepened immeasurably, becoming the foundation from which all other growth springs. This spiritual evolution has manifested in a stronger sense of self-worth, clearer purpose, and unwavering confidence in my path. No longer do I seek validation from external sources; my worth is divinely ordained and internally realized.

Looking Forward

As I stand on the cusp of a new year, I envision a journey infused with peace, joy, love, abundance, creativity, and freedom. These aren't just aspirations but natural expressions of the growth I've experienced. Each challenge has been a stepping stone, each lesson a building block in constructing a life that feels authentic and purposeful.

My path forward is clear: continue to embrace authenticity while being wise about where I invest my energy, maintain healthy boundaries while nurturing meaningful connections, and always keep my spiritual growth at the forefront of my journey.

In sharing these reflections, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own journey of growth and self-discovery. After all, every day offers a new opportunity to evolve and walk in our truth.

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What reflections are stirring in your heart as we approach this new chapter?