The Power From Within

One of the most fascinating things to witness is a magician.  For some reason it doesn't seem all that enticing until you actually see it for yourself.  Before you know it you are staring in astonishment, and just for a moment, think your eyes might be playing tricks on you.  Nevertheless, you can't stop watching, wondering what's getting ready to happen, and if the next trick will be better than the last.  The experience will leave you mesmerized and a bit frightened, because let's be honest, most things we don't understand have a way of scaring us just a bit.  An inquiring mind makes you want to figure this whole "magic" thing out, but it's more complicated than you think. 

As most of us have seen on social media, hashtags are popular, and they either come for just a moment, or stick around for a lifetime to create lasting impressions.  Even if you aren't on social media, what's here to stay will eventually find a way to the big screen, television, or simply by word of mouth.  CaShawn Thompson started a phrase in 2013 called #BlackGirlsAreMagic.  Eventually this phrase would be changed to a shorter and very popular version that is now known as #BlackGirlMagic.  And so it began, something that started as a simple but powerful phrase would create a trend that would launch a movement, a catalyst that would connect women of color all over the world, and yet another reason for women to show their greatness. This movement would encourage and strengthen a force from deep within our souls and turn it into the most powerful magic show you have ever seen.

​The history and culture of black women has always been deep-rooted in mysterious wonder and probably always will.  No one has quite figured us out, as we are ever-changing, and that is what makes our spirits so alluring.  Things that are misunderstood are not always spoken, and with that, silence becomes golden, however that doesn't mean there isn't a story to be told.  Magic by definition is the power to make impossible things happen.  Well, women have been doing that for centuries, with absolutely no sign of slowing down any time soon.  You knock a woman down, she will get up ten times stronger, so you better take notice and clear the path.  Hell knows no fury like a woman determined to rise!  There was a time when it was seen as impossible for a woman to speak her voice and be 'seen'.  I'm not referring to being seen in a physical sense.  Seen mentally, spiritually and emotionally.  There are levels here, and not everyone is worthy to glow up with you.  Choose your path accordingly, and drop the excess baggage that comes with life off at the next stop.  

How many times as a woman have you been told no, or that you can't do something without a reasonable explanation?  How often do you get a side eye from someone when you choose to stand out, instead of standing aside and allowing someone else to claim what was meant for you?  Thoughts and words can carry a heavy load, and with them they can change your life forever.  They have the ability to uplift, inspire, motivate and encourage, but they can also diminish a woman's dreams, cloud her vision, and cause her to give up hope that she can't achieve and have whatever she wants in life. Social standards are often set by whom the media says is beautiful, what the media says is popular and what the media claims the 'majority' is saying and doing.  As a young black girl growing up in the inner city during the late 80s and 90s, I didn't feel I had any of those qualities, so how could I possibly make sense of the grandiose ideas that were always floating around in my head.  It's no secret that black women face challenges in almost every aspect of their lives.  This is not to say that women of color have not seen much success, it is merely stating a fact that no one can deny.  In order to determine your path in life, what truly matters, and grasp onto the information and knowledge that you need to succeed, women must release what society and others say we shouldn't hold onto and begin searching for that special gift we all possess.

So what exactly is this Black Girl Magic, and how do you get it?  It's a total and complete vibe that's 100% free and yours for the taking.  It is a sense of self awareness so strong that others will notice something different about you and say, 'girl, you are positively glowing!'  It's an inner peace that will calm you from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet.  Things that once caused stress, you now release into the universe for her to work out.  Yes, the universe is a woman!  It's being aware that your dreams no longer sound silly, your hopes and aspirations will come to life because you say so, and acknowledging that you are dope just as you are.  It is an understanding that we are all different in our own unique way.  ​It's the way you walk into a room and cause others to stop and take notice.  Your inner beauty begins to radiate so bright from this magic that your melanin has no choice but to pop.  In a world where you can be anything you desire, be inspired to reach high, because reaching low is never an option.  After all, this is a gift!  This magic, while new in today's world, has always been around and I know for a fact it was passed down from generation to generation.  We owe it to our heritage to claim it and wear it proudly!

Back in the day, during the hot summer nights, I remember my friends catching lightning bugs in a mason jar and sitting them on the porch.  This would take place as the sun was setting, and they would make sure to cover the jar with a lid that had holes in it so the lightning bugs could get air.  I was mortified of bugs, so I always kept my distance.  That is however, until they started to fly around and glow.  I was amazed at what I was witnessing.  How could something so small, shine so bright?  You take the most unlikely things, add value, purpose, and faith the size of a mustard seed and before you know it you have created something beautiful for everyone to see.  It's ok to be mysterious, perfectly normal to want something different, just as much as it is important to lead the way for others to follow.  Show them all how powerful and bright our shine glows.  For all the little girls who need your guidance, give them something to look up to and a reason to strive for greatness.  

​​Women have risen to the occasion time after time, and we will continue to do so with a smile on our face and a hope that is never-ending.  The harder the push, the more we grind.  I will always wonder why a being so delicate has to go through so much to prove her worth.  But, no worries, the long years, hard days and sleepless nights are worth it once you realize this was made just for you!  The power from within is magical in itself and it rarely needs an explanation.  From the strut of your walk, to the way you style your hair, this magic is your very own and no one can ever take that away.  For all the women who are just finding this gift, inhale in, and exhale out, and take it all in.  Feels good right?  I know it does!  Keep doing what you do, continue to break down barriers, spread those good vibes, positive energy, and never stop putting your phenomenal Black Girl Magic on display.  We see you!

'Let me tell you a story.  She makes it...The End' -Author Unknown

​~AJ