This is me
I can remember when this picture was taken, and how I felt around this time of my life. I was 10 years old and just finishing primary school about to embark on secondary school life. I wasn’t into fashion, make-up or looking glamorous but guess what, that’s ok! I used to look at this picture and cringe at the clothes, (which I absolutely loved at the time), and the lack of moisture on my knees. But now when I look at it, I smile because although to some I might not look like much in this photo, I have grown to love it. Why; because this is me and there is nothing wrong with the way I looked.
There are many comparisons I could make with these two pictures, but the truth is that in life we grow, change and evolve. I had no idea when I was 10 that in 20 years I would become the lady pictured on the right – someone who is confident, bold and courageous. When I was 10 years old I saw the world very differently to the way I see it now. However, some of the key elements that make me who I am today were already instilled in me from then. I loved singing, dancing and performing. I was always a very happy bubbly child, a little naïve, even. I still have all of these characteristics to some extent, but I’ve grown and evolved into the lady I am now and I’m proud of who I am.
Don’t be ashamed of who you are and your own personal journey. If you’re not where you want to be in any particular situation in your life that’s ok, just make the decision to change it. Refuse to feel embarrassed about yourself and don’t hide who you are. Life can be full of amazing highs and sometimes lows. How we deal with those circumstances help to shape and mould who we are. We sometimes find ourselves in positions we never saw coming. But I love the way Oprah put’s it:
‘When you know better, you do better’
So, wherever you’re at while you read this, let me be an example for you to see. Take a good look at that picture and know that life is an ever evolving journey, but let’s learn to embrace every part of it.
Big Love
Sharlene-Monique
