Let's Face It
I was always taught that to be the epitome of a so-called 'strong Black woman' I needed to have a stiff upper lip, my game face in tact, a polished demeanor, and most of all I was never ever allowed to let 'them' (whoever that may be) see me sweat.
As I look back over various times and spaces in my life, I wonder if that sentiment has actually done more harm than good?
Why should I walk around as if everything is ok knowing full well that inside...I'm dying, literally. Who made the rule that in order to be society's definition of strong, that I had to show absolutely no emotion in the face of adverse situations? Why do my Caucasion counterparts get a pass when it comes to having an emotional breakdown? When will I be afforded the same opportunity to just go into the ladies room and have a moment?
I'm realizing that I can't continue to hold the weight of the world on my shoulders and be expected to give 100% to work, family, school, etc. I can't internalize my struggles and put my game face on any longer.
So today, I'm gonna face it.
Whatever' it' may be...insecurities, past failures, current defeats, the fear of not 'having it all'...Whatever 'it' decides to manifest itself as, I'm going to face it.
I won't be bound by 'it.' I won't hide 'it.' In fact, I might even talk about 'it' with my girls the next time we have one of our waiting to exhale/conquring the world/being all that we can be sessions.
I don't have to hide behind a facade of so-called grace under fire. My emotions were given to me for a reason. So, who am I to hide what I'm really feeling on the inside? Why wait for the next installment of PMS to have a melt down?
I can be strong and weak at the same time. Vulnerability doesn't mean weakness. In fact, there's a strength in having the ability to be real about where you are in your journey.
So, starting right now, from this moment on...I'm facing 'it'...
Join me!!
PosB
As I look back over various times and spaces in my life, I wonder if that sentiment has actually done more harm than good?
Why should I walk around as if everything is ok knowing full well that inside...I'm dying, literally. Who made the rule that in order to be society's definition of strong, that I had to show absolutely no emotion in the face of adverse situations? Why do my Caucasion counterparts get a pass when it comes to having an emotional breakdown? When will I be afforded the same opportunity to just go into the ladies room and have a moment?
I'm realizing that I can't continue to hold the weight of the world on my shoulders and be expected to give 100% to work, family, school, etc. I can't internalize my struggles and put my game face on any longer.
So today, I'm gonna face it.
Whatever' it' may be...insecurities, past failures, current defeats, the fear of not 'having it all'...Whatever 'it' decides to manifest itself as, I'm going to face it.
I won't be bound by 'it.' I won't hide 'it.' In fact, I might even talk about 'it' with my girls the next time we have one of our waiting to exhale/conquring the world/being all that we can be sessions.
I don't have to hide behind a facade of so-called grace under fire. My emotions were given to me for a reason. So, who am I to hide what I'm really feeling on the inside? Why wait for the next installment of PMS to have a melt down?
I can be strong and weak at the same time. Vulnerability doesn't mean weakness. In fact, there's a strength in having the ability to be real about where you are in your journey.
So, starting right now, from this moment on...I'm facing 'it'...
Join me!!
PosB
posted by PositivBlack at 4:48 AM
3 Comments:
Diva Feva I am right here behind ya - joining and supporting ya!
Let's support each other through this!! I gotcha girl!! =)
You sure can. Our 'it's' are all different...brothas can have them too! All are welcome! =)
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