Learning to be selfish has been very daunting. Not selfish in the sense of not caring for others, however, deliberately taking care of myself without feeling guilty. Many may think I’m immensely selfish and perhaps, mean as a result. This is the thing about me that so many judge inaccurately. People see an undeniably large stature, confident woman and some probably think, “she thinks she’s the shit” or “who does she think she is?!” or maybe even, “this bitch”. However, what they don’t know, and what many will never know is the pain and struggle I have had to endure and persevere to get here - confidently holding my head high. They don’t know the abuse, the rejection, the sabotage, the betrayal and utter lack of support that I have had in my life. My story was nearly a complete destructive journey.

I have fought insanely hard to maintain my sanity and I am still unlearning some awful examples that were set before me whilst holding on to the virtues that I have absorbed. What I struggle with the most is not understanding what it is about a confident woman that people are so afraid of. Why does strength and confidence, in a woman, make some people immediately think negatively? If I see a strong, confident woman, I am curious to learn more about her. It excites me because there are so few confident and strong women that are AWARE of what they are. It’s so important to find yourself as a woman. It is the greatest gift you can give yourself. Knowing your worth is extremely important to face this world and it took me, what felt like ages, to find mine. Personally, I found mine in myself through my journey to peeling the painful layers away. I hate to be cliche, but, I AM unapologetically me. I don’t know how to be anyone else nor do I want to.

I challenge you to say to yourself right now, “ I AM WORTHY”. Because you simply are. You are because you deserve to be mentally free of all the stigmas and pain that have been placed on you by family, friends, and society. When you see a beautiful woman or a woman that is doing something you admire, compliment her and receive a smile in return. Be charitable, even if only by making someone smile. You don’t know the darkness that some people are living in. Learn not just a sanguine approach towards others, but start with yourself.

Thanks for stopping by,

Kaloni

Dress: Eloquii, similar here; sandals: old, similar here; clutch: Khan Al-Khalili (market in Egypt) similar here; earrings: Katerina Makriyianni; similar here and here.