BRIGHT AND BOLD AND BRASH…
Is this thing on? What a year. 2022 felt like a hard slap shortly followed by a kiss. I remember watching telenovelas with my auntie in the early 2000s on our pre-cable television, thoroughly confused by the language barrier and display of passion at a young age. My understanding hasn’t necessarily improved now, I’ll admit. Nevertheless, with the figurative slap and the kiss, I experienced a healthy mix of just enough shock, comfort, and confusion to continue forging on for 2022 and beyond.
Who I am is a state of constant evolution. As annoying and slightly pretentious as that sounds, it is my reality. This year - and the previous ones - with each new environment I immersed myself in, the feeling of forward movement and its necessity persisted. Now, with a little proverbial hair on my chest and literal accomplishments under my belt, it's impossible to miss the connection between major change and my successes.
Firstly, I’m a degreed woman. Accomplishment to some, the bare minimum to others, but definitely an achievement for me and mine. Securing this degree tested my fortitude and purpose, as well as my discipline outside the comfort of familial influence. The degree led to a job, which exposed me to a level of security I had yet to experience. Security means a great deal to people like myself. The new Americans. The refugees. The pursuit of stability is ingrained in us through our experiences - and that of our elders and ancestors. This level of ambition, to me, is priceless. Yes, it’s a load of pressure and oftentimes overwhelming, but I wouldn’t give it up for anything. With the encouragement of my community, quitting or buckling under pressure is unimaginable.
I’ve committed to being more than just a beneficiary of my community. Contributing to our collective betterment means sharing my experience even when it isn’t positive. We all have dispirited moments. Leaning on each other through vulnerability and transparency is something I will work on moving forward. When it's not all rainbows and flowery, I tend to withdraw, all while maintaining a front of composure. This is not only backward and totally ineffective but also a critical reminder. You choose your community. No one is here based on convenience or proximity. Every personality and connection is deliberate and intentional. Abundance for the collective requires full authenticity from each individual involved. I wish I knew that years ago.
What I’ll tell my younger self is to never compromise. A lot of what I do is in reverence to the qualities in myself that stopped receiving the water and attention needed to grow; stuffed deep within out of fear of being too different. Fear of authenticity is a ludicrous sentiment that plagues middle schoolers, pre-pubescents, and sometimes beyond. Don’t subscribe! Every random thought and unorthodox method is important and yours. Take ownership and most importantly - pride.
This year gave us much to think about. In the words of our superstar age mate Koffee, gratitude is definitely a must. The end of the year is characterized by more time for family and reflection. 2022 was bright and bold and brash. So am I. So are my dreams. So are my people. What’s next? No one knows for sure. But I think we’re ready.
