This is one of my favorite songs from Sza. “Pretty Little Birds” is so soulful and speaks to me on so many levels. Check out these lyrics:
No matter what is expected of us… No matter how many times we fall.. No matter if it seems like the End is near… there is still someone seeing your beauty, someone is willing to fly with you.
Nicole Cherise ❤️
You say for me to stop making myself a victim. Ok how am I making myself a victim when you come after me?
You see me and say: “You’re pretty for a dark skin woman”
I tell you about my high school education and you said it was so high because of lower standards given to minority students and on other scales, I wouldn’t be considered that smart.
You say I need to have a model physique but my thighs are too thick and rub together. Also, My post-parting belly isn’t ok.
You complain about wearing weaves but yet My hair is too kinky and nappy and should be straightened if I want to be accepted.
I’m too loud and I’m bitch when I discuss things I’m passionate about.
If I wear a mini skirt, I shouldn’t get upset by negative attention.
No I don’t walk around with a sign that says judge me or that I pity myself. However, with your negative comments without even knowingme, does make me wonder “am I truly playing victim as black Woman?”
Thanks,
Nicole Cherise ❤️
I’m a proud black woman. I respect my roots. I appreciate the hard work of my ancestors and all who died in sacrifice so that I can have a chance.
When I decided to “find” myself, it was college. To this day, I’m still growing and creating myself. Everyday I look in the mirror, I see cocoa skin, a broad nose, full lips, dark eyes, kinky hair, curves and scars from the birth of my son. Some days I feel high in my element, but other days not so much.
The battle of acceptance battles with American beauty and Black beauty. I need to conform. I need wear straight hair via relaxer or weave. My kinky roots are considered nappy by blacks and not “professional” by others but how? This is the strands as they grow from my head just like any other woman that has natural straight or wavy hair. So, I only look my BEST when it’s pressed or long down my back?
Now, I can care less about what techniques other black women do to maintenance their hair. I encourage healthy routes regardless of the choice. Even women, play on each other when it comes to beauty. Team this, team that, but getting played by the same system and men.
What you Don’t see when you look at me: A woman of Faith, a Wife, a Mother, a sister, a friend, a Scholar, a woman who battles Multiple Sclerosis and works hard everyday. I also respect and encourage others to do better and find better in themselves.
So I ask you, Ain’t I enough?
What did you choose?
Nicole Cherise ❤
Every day, we are given daily reminders of how cruel and ugly things of this world are. When I was a child, my parents shielded from some things and let me be a child. Now, with the advancement of our youth, it’s hard to NOT explain to them the cruelness that awaits them. I’m saddened that I have to express to my son that to some people he will be considered a menace, some may be jealous, friends will stab you in the back, employment will expect you to work extra hard against your counterparts, and I can go on. However, I can’t focus only on the ugliness. There IS beauty.
Beauty is in the eye of a baby, who is precious and pure. The laughter of children on a playground that gives so much joy to an adult heart. The genuine love and support from your loved ones. The butterfly feeling you get from your significant other. The feeling of inner peace when you pray or meditate in your calm place. That feeling of goodness after helping those who are less fortunate.
The world isn’t perfect, especially the people living in it. We have to decide how we choose to live. Do we want to concentrate only on the ugly? Or could we make things less tainted and paint a better picture? Something to seriously think about, especially now.
Thanks for reading!
Nicole Cherise❤️
I am Nicole Cherise ♥️ 