My path to self discovery started with a decision. I first made the decision to unpack the emotions that I carried from my childhood, I then decided that I deserved better, and then I decided to file for divorce. I wanted to be seen, heard, and loved. But I didn't know how to love, see, or listen to my own self.

As much as I’d love to be a glamorous woman with envy-worthy Instagram pics and a compelling YouTube channel, I am not she. I am phenomenally me in a reserved type of way. An infallible introvert and profound thinker, I can be intense. That intensity can go down a rabbit hole of negativity or sky-high in the clouds of positivity. This is me, and I am she. A natural beauty who values comfort over high fashion and is okay with a bare face, graphic tees, and Chucks. Desperately trying to be someone else has been absolute bondage for me in every single way. I can finally admit this out loud.

Despite progress, we're still miles away from true equality, equity, and justice for women everywhere. Even in the US, the fight for "firsts" continues, and the struggle is even more pronounced for women of color. There's so much more to be done, and the United Nations is pushing hard with this year's theme of #InspireInclusion to close that gap. You can learn more about this year’s theme at International Women’s Day 2024.

You see, I've always lived between worlds. As a kid, I was that girl who loved both the sparkle of girly things and the thrill of tomboy adventures. My room was a mix of nursery dreams and epic tales of power and ambition. Yet, society seemed to whisper that I had to choose one box: the girly girl or the ambitious dreamer.

We all know life is full of changes – new jobs, new haircuts, new workout plans. But is that deep-down transformation we're really craving? That feeling of truly becoming a different version of ourselves? Sometimes, just trying to change external things isn't enough to quiet the nagging feeling that something's missing.

Nurture your inner woman with rest, recovery, and healing. Holistic self-care is the compass to unveil your authentic self. Cultivate within before changing the world. Be encouraged, empowered, and at peace with yourself.

Last week, we discussed the importance of getting to know yourself as an act of falling in love with you. This week, let’s kick off this self-love-fest to acknowledge your core values. Just like any other thing worth developing, this journey requires commitment and cultivation. Cultivation is a thing you do. It requires your action and intention. Let’s offer ourselves, this month, the attention we need and deserve.

Today, I'm sharing from the heart, trying to keep it raw and real without the usual emotional rollercoaster. In the past six months, I've had the incredible privilege of connecting with amazing women virtually and in person through my meetups. Last week's discussion brought to light a common yearning–the desire to step out from behind screens, to crave community, and to find reasons to venture beyond our cozy homes.