Читать книгу Souls of My Young Sisters: - Dawn Marie Daniels - Страница 10

Yes, I am from the ’hood, but I’m a work in progress and I hope to continue to grow.

—Keyshia Cole

Young or old, who we are is an evolutionary process that can change from day to day. As a teenager you are often told, “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” You also hear, “Wait until you get older, then you’ll understand.” You feel like you know what you’re feeling is real and how dare older women like your mom, aunts, siblings, or at times strangers tell you what you know to be real and how you will feel about your decisions later. We honor your feelings and say it’s okay to feel the way you feel, but we ask that in this moment you keep an open mind and ear to the lessons other women have for you.

When you get into your twentysomething years, it really seems like the reins have been loosened and it’s your time to show and prove. You are given the freedom with what seems like less criticism, and you are ready to conquer the world. You may have some doubts and insecurities, but you’re not letting anyone see you sweat. You may be more open to the advice of your fellow sisters during these years, but you are still firm in the belief that you and only you feel the way you feel. We just want to let you know we understand your feelings and would like to share ours with you.

As you are on the south side of your quarter life and fast approaching what you once thought of as old, you have been through a few things. You have gotten your feet wet—some of us have even been fully baptized in the water of life and think we know a thing or two. You definitely know something at this point in your journey, but there is still so much more to learn.

No matter where you are on your journey in life, getting to know yourself is in every step you take. Part of growing into the woman you will become is looking at other women as examples. The more open you are to hearing other women’s life journey stories, the more opportunities you will create for yourself to understand who you are and where you would like to go as a woman. It is said that the true test of intelligence is not whether you can learn from your own mistakes, but whether you can learn from the mistakes of others. There are women who went before you who have paved the way for your success, whether they knew it or not—it’s important that you know it. The journey to self-awareness, self-discovery, and self-esteem has been mapped out for you.

Whether you have been told you are a queen in the making or you’ve never been given words of support and encouragement, you have the power to shape the woman you want to become. If you are reading this book, the first thing you need to know is that you are making the choice to be aware of the experiences that women have had. The women who have chosen to share their experiences know that you are worthy and ready to receive the lessons that they want you to learn. Knowing who you are at all stages of your womanhood will determine the woman you will be tomorrow. Know that who we are is the essence of our beings, the truth of our intentions, and the substance of our souls, and enjoy the journey ahead of you.