“Still, I rise.” I shot this a few months ago, but it felt a bit too raw to post back then! It’s been a hell of a year - another rollercoaster, and I’m glad to be turning the page. I’ve learned so much about myself - that my boundaries have been poor and needed work. That giving them up for others won’t make them love or respect you more. I’ve discovered so much freedom in taking accountability for my issues that require some action - but more importantly, I’ve made sure to take that action from a place of love, self respect and worthiness, not shame and self-loathing. I feel like this has been a really pivotal year - it’s been painful and beautiful and joyful and stressful. I’ve gone so far out of my comfort zone, and yet somehow still felt safe - knowing I have my own back. That, while my feelings will always fluctuate - my base line will always be solid, strong, and good! It’s really great to start the new year feeling steady. This self portrait was inspired by a little excerpt from a Maya Angelou poem - “You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your criticism, But still, like air, I’ll rise.” RIP the versions of ourselves who didn’t feel worthy of love, acceptance, and respect. We’ll take it from here 💪🏼😘