Thank you, Jazmine Sullivan.
Last year, I attended an event about self-care and self-love for Black women in Detroit. It was everything. During the talk, the hostess played Sullivan’s song, “Masterpiece”. The song concludes with a freeing realization:
And now I see the pretty colors on my canvas
I’m a work of art, a Mona Lisa
I’ll share my picture with the world
Not afraid to let it show anymore
Not exaggerating, I listened to that song at least once a day for the rest of the year. I also began memorizing Psalms 139, a Bible chapter in which David praises God for knowing him so profoundly and creating him so wonderfully. In November 2017, I began a “60-Day Self Love Challenge”. I was determined to sincerely love myself!
Literally everyday, I have to remind myself that I am a masterpiece. I have to hold myself accountable to living out that belief. I am so imperfect in the process, but I have to keep pushing. Inwardly and outwardly, all my features uniquely shape me. I can first perceive them with love. Then, I can be encouraged to set personal development goals and follow through. I can share my gifts and talents. I can be my authentic self. I can feel gratitude for being created exactly as I have. I can better walk along my own path. It’s all a process, but I am determined.
Roots & Hope 