A Challenge for All Natural Hair Divas!

Kink-Couragement
by Lori

A little kinky curly natural girlie encouragement…

I like to call myself a kinky curly natural girlie. It describes me to a tee. I love my curly hair. I embrace a more natural living; I am a holistic health practitioner by trade. And as of late I’m becoming a self-proclaimed girly-girl (I still don’t like pink, but that’s a different story.) In my “On the Couch,” there were a couple of phrases that resounded with some of the women that commented. One of them being- “There is nothing more beautiful than a confident, natural woman that knows her worth as an individual.” That is one of my many self-affirming mantras. There is nothing more beautiful to me than a natural woman who knows her worth. And believe me, I don’t discriminate- Black, White, Asian, Latina, whoever you are. I see beauty as an individual-specific trait, not as an image based on some one or some thing.

Most natural women have endured societal scrutiny for being natural, whether it is from family, friends, colleagues or complete strangers. And I’m not just talking hair here. If we look different than what society thinks we should, we get the questions, the sneers, and the snickers, often making us uncomfortable in our own skin. But is it really us that has the problem or the world that scrutinizes us for being unique? Unfortunately, we are of a society that yearns for acceptance; which causes many of us to defer our own devices. We succumb to societal pressure, and alter ourselves to fit in.

But what makes natural so taboo? Natural by definition means to have a particular character by nature. So, if it is inherently who we are, why is it so wrong? Is it wrong that one is born with red hair, green eyes and freckles? Or is it the red hair, green eyes and freckles that make one unique? No one else has the same freckle placement, the same exact eye pigmentation or hair color, for that matter. So, that makes one rare; a find, right? Or at least you would think. Moreover, lets take an inanimate object and apply the same principles. The most valuable diamonds are those that are rare in color and clarity. People would spend millions on a one of a kind gem, but discount a one of a kind person? Something seems amiss.

I used to be a victim of this. (Notice I said “used” to.) I used to have clear, beautiful skin, until someone that I “thought” was in my inner circle made me feel bad about the moles around my nose. So what did I do? I tried to cover them with make-up, what did that get me? Breakouts. I’m not saying not to wear make-up (love the stuff!!) But why do we hide what makes us unique rather than enhance it? I love my moles; they help to make me distinctive, just like my curly hair and my big old feet. They are all a part of who I am.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that no one else in the universe is exactly like you? Why does society try so hard to make us all the same? Be an individual; embrace your self. No guises, just you. Beautiful you. Be encouraged. There is nothing more beautiful than a natural woman that knows her worth as an individual.

So my challenge to all of the natural women out there, whether your hair is curly, kinky or froed, if you have freckles or moles, green eyes, blue eyes, brown eyes, whatever. Be who you are. Have the audacity to be perfect piece of art that you are. You are a gem for your uniqueness, not for your conformity. Be that one of a kind diamond, take the time to polish yourself and shine girl, shine!!!!

~Being me and loving it!!