I feel this temptation coming again. The thought of becoming, in order to succeed or be accepted. “Maybe if I do this or have these things I would grow faster. Maybe more people would gravitate towards me.” I feel overlooked because I don’t fit the mold as the “black girl.” The makeup, wigs, lashes, luxury aesthetic, or latest hairstyles and clothes. But there are so many versions of black women. Women in general! We’re not all the same. Even when I use to have the things to fit into that mold, it never felt like me. And I’ll never fit in because I am me. I was created to stand out and be my own version. God created me to be one of one. Unique. And the temptation to change that is a lie! I don’t need to change myself to fit in or build a community. Honestly, I don’t even want it to be built on a standard I can’t even uphold.
As I dig deeper, I don’t think the wigs, lashes, makeup, etc are the issues. Because I honestly love them, and I use them! I think it’s the mindset. Beauty is a mindset. And knowing where it stems from.
I think the issue is depending on those things for your beauty or sense of identity. And changing who you are to the core just portray yourself a certain way. There are so many black women who wear these things but you still see their uniqueness. Because hair, lashes, clothes, or nails are accessories. They are extensions NOT the base of their beauty.
So if you feel that pressure or temptation like me to change you’re not alone. Even I too have to remind myself who I am. And the position “accessories” play. They are extensions! But not the reason for my beauty. And even with them, you still see “key.” (my uniqueness) And that’s okay. It’s actually good! Because there is not just one mold of beauty for a black girl. We come in all different forms. So shine in your own light. And if you like to do things different who cares! Do it for you. Don’t sell your beauty to be good enough for a world that changes its standards every year(s)!
Mark 8:36 “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”
Beauty comes from within. It’s a mindset. It’s what you make it.
Talk to you soon, Key Lashaye 🖤
