Shinin'

I thought this challenge, courtesy of Execumama's Akilah was an awesome way to start the week. I hope my list inspires you to unveil and bask in your innate brilliance, as well.

My Shine

Original Collage by T.Allen-Mercado 2008 Copyright by Karma

I love my name/s.

Tameka: teacher artist mother entreprenuer kitchen magician ad infinitum

Growing up, I wanted a more "conventional" name; one people pronounced correctly, one like the other kids at school, a name found on a gift shop mug. Now, I can think of no other me I'd like to be: Tameka!

-I unabashedly-albeit graciously, challenge the status quo.

Grown, ornery, hard-headed becomes free-thinking, assertive, fearless

-I choose love

I can't even begin to touch upon the doors that opened for me when I opened myself to the understanding that love begets love. Love is my religion.

(Starts to feel the sting of "I" statements, but continues...)

-I get it

As an Empath, HSP and someone who lives with the often debilitating effects of depression, I see the world through a different lens. I appreciate the view from here. It allows me a special place in the hearts of the misunderstood; privy to the things they long to tell but dare to speak. I listen with my heart, we communicate through my writing. It's a gift I feel privileged to possess and obliged to share.

-I am beautiful

"Oh no she didn't". Laughs. I have to put this out there because it's the truth. (Perhaps I should have chosen brutal honesty?) Meh, too late now.

I am my mother's nose. High, round behind, thick thighs and broad hips.
My father's almond eyes, crooked teeth and full lips.
My Nana's moles. My Grandma's high cheekbones.
I am the rich brown of the sweetest tea.
Goddess. Lover. Wife. Mother
Beautiful. Black. Woman.
Me.

Show your shine, speak your "peace" [here] or in the comments section.

Inner peace and self-love