India.Aire hit the nail on the head when she sang I am not my hair. I am not my skin. I am not your expectations. I AM the soul that lives within. And so are you. 

It’s by god’s grace or magic that I’ve overcome the health obstacles in my life: two strokes, two stomach repair surgeries, three lymph node removal surgeries due to a cancer scare, dozens of procedures, miscarriages, back pain, foot pain, knee pain, or hand pain. Add to that job stress, the loss of both parents and other loved ones, financial woes, and rejection as a writer. The list goes on and on. At the end of the day, I am still here.

I am here to see another Christmas, to spend time with those I love and to try to make tomorrow better than today. I don’t need any presents. The gift of living as strong, black woman who refuses to be knocked down is all I need. 

#blackgirlmagic #representationmatters #spoonie #christmassweatercountdown #uglychristmassweater #chronicpain #chronicillness