We learn how to advocate for ourselves
When you love someone, you defend him/her. You become a voice on their behalf, especially during their moments of weakness. The same should be the case with our very self! Those moments where people question our professionalism because of our hairstyle are opportunities to educate them.
We would do so in all decency and respect, of course. The point is that our self needs that affirmation and support. She needs to hear that her worth is more than a hairstyle. She needs to be seen for more than the external. When we advocate for ourselves, we are creating an environment of empowerment.
We are also setting the standard that it isn’t acceptable for people to treat us any differently. We are not science experiments, nor are we museum exhibits. We are human beings. Our hair shouldn’t be analyzed, poked and prodded at because it’s “other.”
Similarly, we’ll start to advocate for ourselves in other areas unrelated to our hair. When someone isn’t talking to us respectfully, we won’t just sit there and take it. When we aren’t receiving fair treatment in the classroom, we’ll be more inclined to speak up. We’ll realize that words against us are words against a loved one, our very soul.
So, the next time you feel inferior during your natural hair journey, remember that your soul is strengthening. You’re learning how to take risks, own your decisions and advocate for yourself. But most of all, you’re deepening in self-love: the greatest journey of all.
