Dark skin is a trend?

So this just occurred to me, its now trendy to be a dark skinned black woman. A feature I grew up loathing (and later learned to love of course) is now admired and swooned over. Its funny how society has all these trends. Don't get me wrong, I am very appreciative of this new found love for darker-toned women, I'm just in awe of how perceptions change in our society and how one thing catches on and everyone follows suite. One thing I am loving however is all the love and appreciation dark skinned women are receiving. This is so much bigger than just loving the skin you're in, it extends to a shift in what is portrayed as beautiful.

The fact that a darker skinned models can be cast in a photo shoot or music video to finally represent us, women who are much more melanated than the average. This is when you realize how much representation matters. I don't know how many times I have thought to myself that I wish I had seen this growing up. I grew up in the era of "light skin is beautiful and dark skin is ugly." The media simply perpetuated the feelings of self hate I had and further instilled the notion that something was wrong with me because I was so dark. The constant hate and wanting to be lighter  really wears down on your self esteem. I am so glad younger girls of today at least have the opportunity to love themselves and feel appreciated. I find peace in knowing that if I had a little girl she would grow up feeling included and beautiful.

I went from being teased about my complexion to being complemented on it. I feel now I am in a place where I am entirely comfortable with my skin tone and it has taken me years to get to this point. One thing that has definitely helped is the gorgeous melanated women in the social media spotlight such as Nikki Perkins (A major influence over the way I feel in my skin) and Khoudia diop to name a few. These are women who have broken the age old stereotype of having to be light skinned to be beautiful. I admired the confidence they carried and the message that came with it. The message that this shade is just as beautiful as the next. It definitely redefined my perception of beauty. I doubt this is a trend that will simply pass by, it may fizzle down a little as people become more conscience and aware of dark skinned beauty.

This is a trend it seems I have waited for my whole life. Its about damn time we dark skinned women are celebrated, its been far too long! I am so proud and now do not want to be a single shade lighter as I am comfortable in my skin and most importantly have accepted who I am.

Healing

Underneath the moon and stars I stir gathering broken pieces. They told me broken hearts heal in time, but no one told me of broken souls. Of the strength required to re-collect pieces of yourself to simply feel whole. I wept as I stitched myself back together. The moon and stars bared witness as I struggled to find myself in the darkness. As I wept for my innocence and resented myself. As I drowned in my pain and found companionship with my demons. I wish I had been told of how healing comes in waves. How each new wave is stronger than the last. How sometimes the most intricate pieces of your soul drift the furthest. How in the morning once the moon and stars have gone, I have to gather my emotions and begin again at dusk. ~K

2017 Theme: Manifestation

This is very overdue but happy 2017! I am hoping that 2017 is a year of growth, fulfillment and manifestation. This brings me to my resolution, wait....no theme of 2017. To manifest. I first sought to understand the true definition of this word which I thought I understood, but was surprised to find I had misinterpreted.The word manifest is defined as clear or obvious to the naked eye. Synonyms for manifest include; clear, apparent, obvious, palpable, distinct, perceptible, undeniable and recognizable, to name a few. So I was thinking how do I apply this to my life in a more figurative sense?  So, one can manifest in different aspects of their lives whether it be in their personal, professional or spiritual lives.

I looked at these three categories and came up with what I would like to manifest in these three areas of my life, Firstly I would like every aspect of my life to be distinct, obvious or apparent. Gone are the days where I simply muddle through without a clear idea of what it is I would like to achieve. As I continue to evolve as an individual and attain a better sense of  my goals and how to achieve them, I want my growth to manifest. I want it to be apparent that I have grown, if not for anyone then for myself. In terms of my personal life my goal is to be content in who I am, to be happy with my achievements and not undermine myself constantly. I want to grow as an individual by taking necessary pauses to reflect on my mistakes and instead of chastising myself for them, instead think: How can I do better? I feel as though once I am secure and content within myself and this is evident, I will be able to attract a like minded individual as a spouse or life partner. To be able to manifest your confidence and certainty in yourself as an individual is important in various other aspects of life.

In a professional sense I aspire to be good at what I do, be passionate about what I do and simply be happy with what it is I am doing.Without passion there can be no purpose, as without intent we can not manifest. I aspire to work hard, which in of itself sounds so cliche, but I would like to grow as a young professional and simply work to my full potential. At the end of the day its more about your drive and interest in your job rather than how much your earning. With this being said I would like to manifest an intellectual mind and a determined persona, an inquisitive thirst for knowledge and cultivate an urge to strive towards an  indelible career.

Last but not least is spiritual manifestation. This is one aspect I feel needs the most reconstruction, if I can put it that way. My relationship with God and what purpose that serves in my life. I believe He keeps me centered. I have faith in his timing and the plans He has for my life. I intend to be clear in my relationship with Him, to praise Him in times of crisis and in times of joy. I aim to be spiritually centered. I feel as though once you have found that calm in your spiritual life, other aspects of your life stay in tune. Your spiritual life is the center around which everything else evolves.

And so let 2017 be the year of rapid growth, May every goal and aspiration come to manifest, may we find what it is we have been searching for in our personal, professional and spiritual lives. And most importantly may we be happy with the our intent and subsequent consequences of our choices.

Here's to 2017!