26/01/2024
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Day 26 of 365…
I’m celebrating choosing ME!!
Not too long ago I felt trapped. I was working at a place that demanded a lot; bandwidth, energy, justification…
And gave very little in terms of pay, satisfaction, development, peace.
I found myself often racialised either in the forms of wild exoticism or being the easy target for harassment and bullying. I’m no thin skinned wall violet but eventually that s**t wears you down.
The gaslighting, the intimidation, the volatility of my day to day experience of this hellacious place gave me terrible anxiety, made me question my reality and I became accustomed to being treated poorly- tbf, this was common in many work environments for me as a black woman.
But this place took it to the next level. It got so bad, so painful, so isolating I did something I had never ever done before…
I chose me. I walked out.
I was told by my then boss; “it’s not going to be any better anywhere else!” - which I can see now was a projection of her own fears.
Pleased to say, I’ve never looked back!!
It took the last shards of strength and courage I had but took that leap and I chose me!! Everything beyond that was uncharted territory…
But I chose my happiness, I chose respect, I chose self love and I chose not to believe her when she tried to trap me with fear.
Now I get to do more of what I love, with incredible people, in beautiful places whist being respected. Game changed!!
When you let go of what is not for you, you make space for what truly is for you:- be it jobs, friends, family. Connecting with my creativity was a huge part of me understanding this process!!
If it doesn’t bring joy, let it go and go be happy elsewhere.
If this resonates, let me know in the comments. Ad if you’re stuck in a s**tty situation right now, know that it is not permanent. Try to find ways, each day, to choose you- even if it’s a small and simple action, it matters!!
x o
✊🏾