I realized about an hour ago that I’ve been creating and figuring things out on my own for 24 YEARS!
One idea, one project, one request at a time.
I don’t give myself enough credit for how much work I’ve put in since my first logo design in 2002. I’ve created so much—from logos, to ceramic sculptures, books, websites, jewelry, handbags… I’ve pushed myself to try things I’ve wanted to do forever—I learned to sew, to ride a bike, to ride a horse. I’ve pushed myself to give in ways I felt scared to pursue—read my children’s book in person and online, appeared on podcasts, been interviewed on a talk show, participated in workshops, spoken at events. I designed my own line of products to promote natural hair and self-love, created a greeting card line for people who have awkward relationships with their moms, shared my stories honestly and vulnerably in over 400 podcast episodes.
I have challenged myself over and over to figure out how to do the ideas that have come to mind. I have shown up and done so much, including publishing two books of my own (nope 4), 2 for my dad, and his first album. I’m a recognized publisher and songwriter with BMI. My publishing company is recognized in Bowker’s Books In Print. My podcast is available on Amazon Music, Audible, SoundCloud, Substack, YouTube, Spotify, Buymeacoffee…. I have published an online communication course for parents.
I have done so much stuff and don’t typically acknowledge OR celebrate any of it, because all I see is what I haven’t done, what I don’t do, and what I can’t afford. I have reduced all my goodness down to the dollars and cents I have currently available and that’s so sad. Look at all I’ve done.
I needed to have this moment that caused me to remember all I’ve taught myself, fought through, figured out, and honestly trusted myself with. I needed to remember all I HAVE done. I needed this moment to pause and take inventory of all the reasons I get to be proud of myself. And I’m placing here because I don’t want to forget again.
Thank you for reading. Celebrate your accomplishments and your small wins. Look for the good in yourself. Notice how you have shown up and the good you do. Become your own cheerleader. You deserve it. And so do I.
I know this is a risk. But I’m so tired of seeing women getting duped while it’s men out here being the problem. (I’m not talking about all men. I couldn’t possibly know all men. And I’m not talking about all women, or “side chicks.”
What I will say is that my take on this is the more likely scenario that no one talks about.
TV and movies create this image of the harlot that came after the sweet, innocent, singularly focused loving man. When the truth is a lot of men are still out there shooting their shot, often just to see if they still got it. It’s a lot of them out here fooling women. They think he’s a traveling business man and that’s why he’s only available sporadically. While he’s got a whole wife and kids at home.
So many women are out here hating women who were actually misled by the so called good men who lie and mislead for attention, adoration, opportunities, and that new feeling that’s missing in their long term relationships. Side chicks often don’t even know that they are and far too many have been convinced by these men that the women at home are so horrid and mean and inattentive and cruel that she feels no girl code loyalty to that horrible woman who’s mistreating this good man.
Reality is that many women who hate side chicks (because they feel threatened by the possibilities of them) don’t realize they’ve probably been one, unknowingly. Often (maybe even more often than not) those going nowhere relationships, where you can’t seem to figure out why he won’t take the relationship to the next level of commitment and those situationships that we settle for while we wait for him to be ready, are often not going to the next level because he’s already got a woman and YOU are the side chick.
And full disclosure, I’ve been on both sides (the “wife” and the “side”). I fell for the same game. No ring. And when I found out we were so deep in, that I that being told she was a horrible woman that was cruel and didn’t appreciate him eliminated all woman code loyalties. I was convinced we were better suited, a perfect match and I was saving him from that horrible woman. Thought I was the exception and not like the typical hussy. “That’s other women, but we are truly in love.” Whole time I was just being duped so he could give 40% to two women, while receiving 100% from both. I was silly, and naive, and 100% in the wrong for continuing in it. AND I would’ve NEVER started it, had he been honest and upfront about his relationship. I was the queen of the “I would NEVERRRR” club. And I compromised my values after being misled.
Did I have to tell you that? No. But I care more about the lesson than your opinion of me. I have personally supported and heard stories of so many women who found themselves in a similar situation because some man misled them into thinking he was available, when he was actually attached. So I know what I’m talking about.
Don’t get distracted by my story. The whole purpose of this post is to dispel this myth that the other woman is singularly to blame. Of course, once she’s aware of the situation (that he’s attached), that’s the time to end things. I’m not condoning cheating, sticking around, none of it. I am saying that this one directional hatred of the “other woman” is… wrong. She’s not the one in the committed relationship. Her truly loyalty is only to herself. I honestly believe that more often than not “side chicks” are just regular women, who would NEVER, that developed a relationship with a dishonest man who wanted two pieces of cake.
Our society doesn’t hold men accountable for manipulating women for their gratification, and automatically blames women both for their actions and their ignorance. It teaches us all that self-control is only something women have. So if a man behaves inappropriately, it’s the woman’s fault.
That’s complete bull.
It’s just ridiculous misogynistic patriarchal conditioning that we have allowed to dominate most cultures. At some point we have to start thinking for ourselves and realize how disproportionately the scale is balanced against women.
This may seem a “bridge too far” to add “side chicks” into the conversation around misogyny and patriarchy. But I want you to go there with me for a sec. Don’t just take my word for it. Ask yourself how many times you’ve heard/known of a woman who wa really excited about a new relationship, thought this guy might be the one, only to later find out he was already in a relationship?
If you’re in a relationship, isn’t it customary to share that and not start a new relationship? Or am I missing something? So did she lie to herself or was she misled?
The reality is that happens all the time. Unfortunately, there are men out here acting single, not honoring their relationships by expressing they’re in one upfront (or when it seems like the other person wants more than a friendship). Let’s stop excusing this kind of behavior and viewing these women (who often didn’t know) as if most of them went seeking out these attached men. More attached men need to start acting like it and stop entertaining extra women for an ego stroke. And more attached women need to place the majority of the blame on the one they’re actually in a relationship with. That man likely was not manipulated into anything. He more likely blurred the lines of fidelity for the sake of his curiosity, ego, and greed.
Just sayin’ what I’ve been wanting to say for a lonnng time. I’m finally in a place where I don’t care if anyone knows this story.
And if my admission bothers you, please keep that to yourself. I don’t care. 😂 You can work out on your own what that’s about. Check out another post. It will likely be more your speed. 🤣
So I just watched this video and I completely agree with what she said. Let me explain.
Take a sec (well, a minute and 19 secs). Watch this video. Then read my thoughts about it below.
Tap the image below to watch the video or go to https://www.facebook.com/reel/894812597004147 then come right back so I can finish telling you what this sparked for me. I think it may support you.
Tap the photo to view Gabrielle Union’s post on Facebook. (No copyright infringement intended. Just sharing her positive message.)
I agree. When I play with those filters, as I’m switching between them and see my real face, I feel so insecure… about stuff I’m never insecure about. But those filters erase so much of our reality, and convince us that the “light” adjustments will make us look better or just be fun. But what they do is create and reinforce our feelings of not being enough. They’ll have you thinking, “Damn. Is this what I look like all the time?”
It’s all a game, and we’re getting played… on some level. Whether it’s a burger you weren’t craving until you saw it in your newsfeed, or the norm shifting from saving to buy one house, fixing it up, and appreciating it for life, to now everyone buys a starter house then upgrades a bigger house. Our “needs” are constantly shifting because they are feeding them to us on every device. But we don’t even notice it. Me included.
I literally wrote I’m Proud to Be Natural Me! I gave up wearing makeup as part of my daily routine at least a decade ago. I teach workshops about embracing our natural selves. And I still find myself feeling insecure when I use those filters.
One thing I know is that advertising (I have a bachelor’s degree in advertising), is that it’s core is centered in convincing a person that they want/need something that they don’t necessarily truly want/need. And they do it by selling you the solution to an emotional problem. They present perfume and cologne as cures for loneliness, not by saying that, but by showing attractive and attracted people in connection with fragrances. They sell community and bonding and fun times with friends and loved ones. They don’t just sell beer. And the filters sell perfection which is a really great way to cause makeup looks that used to take 5-10 minutes now take 1-2 hours because it takes 7 or more products, plus contour to make you presentable, beautiful, lovable.
Just some thoughts after watching this video. Thought I’d share. What are your thoughts on this? Comment below.
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