Earlier this week I spent time watching Sarah Jakes-Robert videos on YouTube, I was transfixed by her life, not because of her story, but because of her ability to own up to all her mistakes honestly. They key word for me was honestly. She made mistakes in her life and she didn’t shove them under a carpet, but in actuality she made sure that every mistake was a lesson. That she was able to fully heal and share her story in the most honest, open manner possible. She did not only share her story openly, but with the world. It struck me that we all have skeletons in our closet, many of us would hate to admit it, but they are there.

The reality is that each and every one of us have insecurities. Although, I would never recommend that that be the basis of your self-acceptance, it makes us feel less insecure, because everyone has their own personal issues. However, in modern day, there is a great sense of prying on self-loathe and the beauty and cosmetic industry is thriving off that very fact. We are made to believe that if my contour kit is not popping, there honestly is something wrong with me. If my waist is not sporting a waist trainer, I am simply not trying hard enough. It has become near impossible to meet the requirements for the definition of beauty, but who is to say that my body type is defined by you?

You know that moment when your skin is glowing, your edges laid and your smile is radiating love. Here’s the best part, it is not because of a man (regardless of whether you have one), but because you are happy being you.

Authentic is a word that means, “of undisputed origin and not a copy”. The true version of yourself that is untainted and not lying in limbo. I am talking about the true authentic self that lies behind the heart-break, the torture of an unjust world and the queen who believed herself worthy.

One of the most profound questions I have been asked is, “why do you do charity work?” For so long I had the classic yet predictable answer, that it is where my burden is. It is what I am most passionate about, and I have a burning desire to see change in my community. This comes with a responsibility to play my part. I was satisfied with this answer, the only problem is that over time the answer became inadequate.