*I wrote this while vibing to some chunes - if you want to set the mood before reading take listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxfWIa8PQ0w*
Before we get into it, how are y’all feeling about fashion recently? I know I need to get over the fact I’m aging and trends are cycling back, but uhh where is the awe-inspiring fashion? You know Mugler's feminine divinity? McQueen's shock value? Let me stop fronting like I know all things fashion, but I do like pretty things, pretty sounds, and putting on a pretty show. I love the dramatic arts.
That being said, I’m noticing that my inspiration is starting to vanish. Maybe vanish is the wrong word. Let me paint the picture: I see my nephews obsess over football, my best mate’s love of art, and it seems like everyone is chasing what they love. Meanwhile, I’m chasing the bag? Don’t get me wrong I love being able to provide for myself and my people. But I read a poem recently that put some things into perspective:
My Wage by Jessie B. Rittenhouse
I bargained with Life for a penny,
And Life would pay no more,
However, I begged at evening
When I counted my scanty store.
For Life is a just employer
He gives you what you ask
But once you have set the wages
Why you must bear the task.
I worked for a menial hire
Only to learn, dismayed,
That any wage I had asked of Life
Life would have paid.
A reminder that life gives you whatever you demand of it. As much as I demand the bag and provision, can I demand a life full of inspiration? To always be inspired and inspiring? A life of rest, enjoyment, and lasting relationships. Ironically today as I was listening to God’s voice, Romans 8:28-33 answered my questions.
Maybe you aren’t a person of faith, but I hope it provokes you just the same. I’ve decided I’m going to ask for everything. I do want financial abundance, but I’m not going to bargain with life, why should I? The divine in me has given me everything I’ve wanted.
However, there has been a fatal flaw in my access to the wage I demand out of life. In all my demands, sometimes I’ve simply backed away from action. It’s a weird thing to come to terms with the fact you self-sabotage. Not just opportunities, but friendships, relationships, and self-improvement. How do I speak so highly and clearly that I want all these things, but when they are laid at my feet I cower? Only stepping forward 20% of the time - and if this is what it looks like to go guns blazing 20% of the time, y’all better be scared of me when I decide to crank it up to 70% (I don’t ever plan on being “on” 100% of the time. I’m working, but damn not all the time. Remember I said rest?)
Life may give you whatever you demand of it, but it’s your responsibility to meet the demand with intent. Action. Care. Immense Gratitude.
So, what are you demanding?
I’ve decided to add discipline to my demands. Discipline to be consistent in the way I care for myself day to day. Discipline in maintaining my relationships with family and friends. Finally, the discipline to delay gratification. I’ve been demanding abundance from life for so long, that it knows to always make sure my cup runs over. But just because the cup runs over doesn’t mean I need to buy every pair of shoes I want. You feel me?
Anyway, as I learn to rise to the occasion, y’all send me your favorite fashion finds as of late. There are a few trends I’m loving now, like:
Baby girl dresses
Patterned tights
Platforms will forever have my heart at this point
Minimalist vibes, with neutral tones and color blocking! Will I ever pretend I am not obsessed with black? No, BUT ya girl loves color
Finally, the mini skirt and mini dress trends are all me. Give me a reason to show off my legs
I want to be dripped out this month since I turn 30.
Wow.
Three decades on this earth.
Thirty revolutions around the sun
Come what may.
As long as I look good and feel good
Aye universe …. Pay me.