I do not fear the sun darkening my skin. I fear colonialism damaging my self-worth with bleach.

I can listen to what my elders have to say and still do the opposite of what they think is right. It is my life to live. I am responsible for it.

I embrace and celebrate the color of my skin. Why should I reject the skin color that reflects the work my ancestors did tending to their harvests, creating homes for their families and protecting their lands?

I define my roles as a woman, whether that means a mother at home, a CEO, both, neitheror more.

I forgive myself for not being who I wanted to be in the past so I can focus on being who I want to be now.

I am short. I am smart. I am strong. I am hilarious!

I will not be guilted or shamed into being something I am not.

My nose does not look like Barbie's nose and that's perfectly fine.

I face my trauma because I believe in breaking cycles, not repeating them.