Lessons of 23

I'm a Christmas baby, a Sagittarian, born December 15th, 1995. Sometimes it's not fun having a birthday so close to the hustle and bustle of the holidays. But I love being born so close to the new year as it calls for reflection.

S/O to Kristina and Sade for the birthday photoshoot.

Each year, I learn new lessons about my womanhood and purpose. This year my major lessons were about investing in myself. As I moved through my Jordan year, I discovered what true investment looks and feels like from myself and others.

Lesson #1: Know Your Worth

This year I believed in myself like I was getting paid to do it. I learned that believing in yourself is the best way to invest in yourself for free.99! And when the going got tough, I leaned on my relationship with my higher power to recharge my energy. Bonus lesson: Anyone that questions or negotiates your worth on a regular basis needs to be cancelled. (Sorry, not sorry.)

Lesson #2: Look Good, Feel Good

This year, I felt 100% Grown, but my look wasn't meeting me where my mind was. So I committed to my look, got a Rent the Runway subscription, and found an excellent hairstylist. Finding your style is a huge part of investing in yourself!

Lesson #3: Self-Care is Crucial

I know it's cliché, but it's true! Your physical, emotional, and mental aspects of health are all connected. When I neglected one arena, I neglected myself all around. This year, I encountered challenges where I confused my self-worth with my "productivity." I learned that relaxing is one of the most productive things I can do.

Lesson #4: Define Your Spirituality for Yourself

As I've entered adulthood, I've taken the time to discover what I need my spirituality to look like for me. It's great to adopt the principles that your family instilled in you or cherish the values you share with your friends. However, this is just a foundation, it cannot define your spirituality! My spirituality, just like my life journey, will never look the same as anyone else's. My spirituality will also evolve over time. This year, my spirituality was about understanding my roots and manifesting my future.

Yes, I definitely moved this gate to take my birthday pictures. Yes, I got in trouble with security.

My 23rd year took me on a ride, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. I'm ready for 24, the year 2020, and the decade to come!

xo,