 Classteaching.wordpress.com (Photo Credit) ¨Growth and comfort do not coexist.¨ -Ginni Rometty This is the introduction to a journey of maturation. While making mental notes of this article, I considered taking the traditional route of connecting a seeds growth into a plant. However, as the week went on, I found myself blessed with a more personal connection; my hair. As many of you may not have known, I recently decided to go natural. For those of you lovely humans who are not familiar with the term; going natural is when you wear your God given hair, free of chemical straighteners. My hair was chemically straightened for a majority of my childhood. Completely uneducated on the beautiful subject, I expected my hair to simply spring back to curls. I was incredibly confused when this wasn't happening, so I ran to the internet. After watching many videos on transitioning to natural hair, I found a youtuber who easily and beautifully explained the process. She not only touched the obviously physical aspects of transitioning to natural hair, but also informed me of the emotional process. She used the analogy of a rock tied to a string. In her video, she explained that my hair was like a string tied to a rock. The rock represents the chemical, and the string represents the natural hair. Once you cut the string and let go of the rock, everything will return to its natural state. In the process of cutting my hair I began to understand and feel the emotional weight. I often had short moments of internal panic. During my first week with my natural hair, I was very self conscious. I was used to my longer hair, so I felt vulnerable with my new haircut. In the youtuber's video, she also talked about failing. There will be many times that it doesn´t work out, but that will only make the successful moments greater. Finding the right product for my hair is like trial and error. The most important tip in the video was self-love. As I enter my second week with all-natural hair, I've learned that not everyone will like it, and some even respond in a negative manner. Yet even then, the optimal opinion is my own. I love my hair. It is teaching me to accept myself in a new and natural light. Growth is a major component in life. If you find yourself stuck or too comfortable, you may need to clip off your ends. Cut the negativity out of your life. Here's the best part: once you cut out the bad, you free yourself and allow more room for better things to grow. Life is an emotional journey. It is important that you never give up. Do not settle. Step out of your comfort zone, and embrace vulnerability. Ahead of you may be hecklers, walls, and challenges, but let your desire to be better than before fuel you. There will be times that you hit a wall, and when that happens look at how far you've come, strengthen yourself with self-love, and continue to tackle your dreams. Do not meditate on the words of people who don't believe in you. Love and encourage yourself. Your difficulties and setbacks will only make the breakthroughs shine brighter. Sending out positive vibes, I challenge you to grow! Break out of your comfortable bubble, so that you can rise above all that tries to stop you! Kaci Hollingsworth
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 Unityoftheoaks.org (Photo Credit) "Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; It's when you've had everything to do, and you've done it." -Margaret Thatcher So many people feel that success is only based on being the greatest, the richest, or the most experienced, but the amazing truth is that success comes in many different forms. Success is positively investing yourself into a goal and accomplishing it. As I enter into many great things, I find that the experiences that resonate with me the most are the ones that cannot function without unity and sacrifice. This past weekend I was able to watch success shine in natural light. A group of amazing young women and I came together to host an incredible pageant. During the night of the event, I watched as each component unfolded and played into its purpose. Hosting a pageant is not just the person introducing themselves behind the microphone. It is first made up of an idea and a want and willingness to finish your goals. Next, you gather support. Surround yourself with people who are passionate about this goal. Then there is work. Work consists of sacrifice, training, disagreements, and dedication. There was a major amount of time poured into this pageant. Over the course of six months, we were able to create an amazing opportunity for many girls at our school. The process involved many late nights after school making phone calls, creating programs, flyers, and posters, and encouraging each other. Each girl had her part and together we succeeded. As a result, we taught ourselves and others the importance of unity and support. Everyone who participated in the pageant, onstage and backstage, left with a greater understanding of self-love and loving others. The journey is easier with company. Remember that you do not have to face everything alone. If you have goals that seem too difficult and unachievable, find a support group. Accomplish them through unity! Sending out positive vibes, I challenge you to connect with someone and dedicate yourselves to your goals for this week! Kaci Hollingsworth |
AuthorKaci Hollingsworth 
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