graduation

30 Affirmations at 30

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Year 30 has been a year of transformation for me (transform — that’s also the word I chose for my 2021 mantra, too). Good things and bad things have really pushed me to evolve and reflect deeply on the life I’ve lived and the life ahead of me. Yoga and meditation have also been a big part of my life as of late. With all these things considered, I have been putting together affirmations during my entire 30th year to help me in my journey. I figured these may be helpful for all you ladies turning 30 soon (or any age really) or those of you simply going through your own transformative times.

Write some of these on your bathroom mirror. Meditate on these words in your quiet time. Do whatever works for you! I hope these affirmations help to keep you grounded and in touch with yourself, no matter what life throws your way.

  • me, meditating
  1. I’m getting older and it’s a blessing.
  2. I’m capable of much more than I give myself credit for.
  3. I’m okay where I’m at; 30 isn’t the magic number for having my whole life figured out
  4. My mind/body/soul is my canvas. I can re-invent myself as many times as I wish.
  5. My authentic self is enough. Every time I hide it, I really cheat myself.
  6. I have so much to be grateful for. I actively practice gratitude.
  7. I won’t be afraid of the pipe dream. Even if it feels like the scariest thing ever, I will go for it.
  8. My failures and mistakes are lessons. I bask in the learning, not in the loss.
  9. It’s a pleasure to be in my own presence, alone with myself.
  10. I forgive myself for treating others badly; I can authentically apologize and change my behavior.
  11. I forgive myself for treating myself badly; I can authentically apologize and change my behavior.
  12. I will stop living in the past. What’s done is done.
  13. I know how to prepare for the future without unhealthily obsessing over it.
  14. It’s okay for me to be open and honest with myself about my own mental health.
  15. It’s okay for me to reach out for help with my mental health.
  16. It’s okay for me to rest, but rest and laziness are 2 different things.
  17. I teach people how to treat me and stay true to my standards always.
  18. When people show me who they really are, I always listen.
  19. I open up my mind to learn new things.
  20. I provide space for my thoughts and my emotions.
  21. Negative emotions won’t live rent free in my mind for too much time.
  22. Luxury is worth it because I am worth it.
  23. I can reflect on the past and learn from it without living in the past.
  24. I am both humble and proud of myself.
  25. Maturity is important now more than ever; the people around me including myself need to be mature.
  26. I listen when people tell me or show me who they are.
  27. Working on myself — by myself—  is always okay.
  28. Life isn’t a group project. I will run my own race in my own lane, because it’s mine and no one else’s.
  29. I am here for a reason. My purpose is grand, even when I question it.
  30. My grass is as green as I want it to be because it’s up to me to water it.

College is Not a Team Sport

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Me, graduating from my undergrad alma mater, University of Richmond

BY KIARA
When you’re in elementary school, you’re with the same people for every subject. You don’t even leave your classroom.
When you’re in middle school, you eventually befriend kids that look and feel just as awkward as you do. And in your shared awkwardness, you may ride the same bus, eat in the same lunch period or even study in the same classes.
When you’re in high school, you may find a clique with people who are starting to find themselves at the same pace that you are. You may go out together, dream about your futures and at last, walk across the stage together with diplomas in hand.
But after high school, school is no team sport.
In college, your friends may be with you at the party on Saturday, but they probably won’t be with you studying for your midterm on Sunday. Or at your job with you bright and early Monday morning.

 

Life can’t always be done in groups, so you have to get used to being with yourself.
Too many of us miss being with the group so much, we sacrifice ourselves. We let our grades slip to party with the team. We ignore our goals and dreams and take on what the team wants to do. Our lives and our souls get lost and confused in the team.
Don’t do it.
Don’t get me wrong — college, young adulthood and adulthood in general all have their times for the team…for the party. But it ain’t all the time.
If you play school as a team sport, the fouls will add up. In college, these fouls may be in the form of low grades, missed opportunities and even a missed degree.
Play smart. Most of the time, you got to be your own team. And there ain’t nothin’ wrong with that.

meblacklipstick
KIARA LEE is the founder of #SCHOOLGIRLHUSTLE. She’s from Richmond, Virginia and she’s passionate about education and social justice. Two of her research interests are colorism and parental incarceration. In fact, she’s been featured on CNN’s Black in America for her work with children and colorism. She’s a writer before anything else, with a blog (theBlackertheBerry.org) and 2 children’s books surrounding social issues. She often says “education can be the best thing and the worst thing at the same time,” referring to the many layers of education that can make or break a student — particularly young girls. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Richmond and a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia. She’s currently working on her PhD in education at Virginia Commonwealth University — she’s an aspiring college professor. In her free time, she likes to dabble in spoken word, write and vent about the wrongs of the world on her blog, theblackertheberry.org, shop in thrift stores, eat delicious foods, travel to new places and spend time with family and friends.