It's been years since I regularly watched
America's Next Top Model, so I'm late to Chantelle Winnie.
A.K.A
Winnie Harlow
I saw Winnie on my (@rhondafull) Instagram feed & was moved.
Something beyond beauty & curiosity captivated me & I was catapulted to a much earlier time in my life.
I never heard I was beautiful, pretty or a good looking child. In family gatherings, I embraced a (perceived or was it self-defined?) position as the smart one; ironically as I envied the "good hair", caramel or brighter skin & light eyes of my relatives.
There were few self-esteem building opportunities for me, enrolled (starting from kindergarten) in majority white educational institutions; wherein (forget feeling pretty) semester by semester even my "smart one" self-identification eroded to zero.
Seeing Winnie produced so many reactions in me I had to pause.
My initial startled response ignited an "aha" (or "duh"?) reminder,
NATURE IS NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL!
What a great opportunity to remember and affirm my unique reality and the limitless uncommon beauty that surrounds me daily.
I am an actress, director, teaching artist & coach.
BTW
& get half off the cover.
wow in terms of self acceptance and mind expansion among other things, I have to share this blog around.
Thanks again Mindy!
Spot on, my dear!...pun not intended, but accepted! ;-)
Thanks Gaye!