I am a bright and shining star – See Me Shine!

“I’m a shining star, shining bright for all to see.” These are the words that popped in my head when I read about the See Me Shine contest hosted by Execumama. This contest challenges every woman reading it to look within herself to find 5 things….5 Things! That she loves about herself and share it with the bloggerverse. This is a challenge indeed, yet one that I am willing and ready to take on.

I find it absolutely beautiful, endearing and inspiring when one can look at herself in the mirror and feel love. This has not always been my case, I was never the young girl walking with her head held high oozing with confidence. Heck! I wasn’t even the WOMAN who had it either. I won’t bore you with my story because let’s face it, everyone has a story to tell right? So lets just say I had some bumpy roads but I think I have finally gotten to the smooth pavement.

So, here are my FIVE THINGS that I love about myself:

First… I love my heart. It makes me the giver that I am and allows me to have much compassion and empathy for others. It often times makes me do a little bit more than necessary, going the extra mile (or two)

Second… I love my hair! It has been the cornerstone of my confidence building. I have always admired the women who wore their hair naturally. They always seemed to exhibit a certain strength that I admired, they felt and looked beautiful no matter if their hair was nappy. I wanted to feel that same way, so I ditched the perms and the weaves and began my journey 7 years ago, never looking back.

Third… I love my breasts, yep I do! I am often heard complaining joking about how they are no longer round and perky grapefruits but small and droopy flapjacks! But the truth of the matter is that I am proud of them, they supplied food for my babies and provided me with mother and child bonding that I will not trade for anything. So, they may no longer be perky but they are mine and I love them for all the good that they have done!

Fourth… I love my thirst for life. I want to live it to the fullest and experience as much as I can take in. I have very few inhibitions and I like it that way!

Fifth…I love my chocolate brown skin. My shoulders and legs shine so lovely when I moisturize it. I feel that my black is beautiful and I truly love the skin that I am in. I am so proud to say that now, because for many years I’m not sure that I felt that way. I can look in the mirror and really like who I see staring back at me.

So, now you know what my five things are…I’m thankful that I can truly see myself with appreciation, sincerity and clarity. Even more so, I’m happy that I am confident to share it with you!