While acknowledging the necessary change for growth, I’ve learned quite a few lessons on this journey thus far. So I’ll share.

There are some people you can vibe with and some you can’t. Stop forcing energies. I remember having this conversation with my dad about friendships. We shared a common ground on the Law of Attraction and how important it is to understand that everyone won’t be your friend. He gave me some advice, “Everyone doesn’t need to know who you are. There is no need to be in the spotlight 24/7. It’s okay to step back and just be you. DO you. Eventually, the right people will come along.”

Be okay with where you are. When I tell you I know how it feels to want to be constantly progressing, I definitely know. Three years ago was the start of this journey for me; where I became aware of myself, the importance of growth and self-love. At that time, things were good. But right now, I’m not. I expected myself to be a point where nothing or no one disturbs my spirit. Where loving myself was an easy daily task. Where I can stand in what I believe and not be convinced other was. Where I knew where my future was heading. However, every shit upsets and/or makes me cry. Some days, I love myself and some days I don’t. I’m currently pursuing a degree I’m not sure I want to do. So yes, I know what it’s like to be lost and not have anything figured out. But I’m learning that’s okay. And as the days go by, I’m learning to be okay with where I am. I won’t always know what my next move is and I won’t always go where I want to be. That’s the crazy thing about this journey called life; it’ll never take you where you want to go but where you need to go. So less sulking and complaining, more appreciating. It’s all a part of the process.

Keep your peace. What I say to myself is to let folks be. Having my peace is important for my being + staying in toxic environments only deprives me of it. Keep in mind that at some points, you have to be selfish with who you are. Some folks never heard of boundaries. Find your peace and keep it close.

Love yourself. This is my biggest lesson. Now, I’m still learning to. And let me say, there is no right or wrong way to do it. Even when you messed up, love yourself. Love your mistakes and errors. Because they’re a part of you. You can’t only love the good parts and not the bad ones. You were made whole so love yourself in its entire being. Treat yourself to nice things, compliment yourself, and be there for you. Too often, we expect others to do these things for us and when they don’t, we get upset. But if we did them from the start and then they don’t, we won’t feel empty or depleted. Because the love that comes from within is enough. Self-love is enough. I’m learning that it is enough.

It feels good to look back and see where you once came from. For starters, I never thought I’d be as open and honest as I am right now. I’m grateful for the change. I’m appreciative of my journey.

Image: Fo Porter

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Jada Jacinta
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