A campaign for self-love & self-awareness

I realize I’m flawed and still have a lot of “growing up” to do. Yeah, I said it. But why do I find it so easy to list the things I don’t like about myself than the things I really love about myself? I had to think, do I even like myself?

“I need to do better” was an everyday mantra. I would laugh the negative statements off and follow up with a casual “I’m not shit” when I’m talking with my friends or thinking of a risky thought.

Something had to give.

I’m realizing my mind believes what my mouth tells it, so I needed to speak more kindly. The brain is powerful, and I’m learning that the things I say, come to be.

My lack of self awareness & love prompted my current project: #ILIKEME a campaign for self-love & self-awareness.

The purpose of this project is to document the personal growth of as many people as I can (starting with myself); sparking a conversation around “knowing your worth” while shining a light on how vital self- awareness, and love is.

This project is not an attempt to define a person but to celebrate diversity. People are all different and on different paths to knowing “self.”

The journey to self-love is tough, yet necessary and I’m here not to show people “living their best lives” but to shout out those “learning to love their true selves.”

“I Like Me” learning who you are, how to love yourself so you can too love others (properly). After all, if we don’t know ourselves or love ourselves how we can give love to others?

Know yourself, know your worth

When people talk about “knowing your worth” what does that really mean and is “knowing” enough? I think I know my worth but to believe it and put it into action is a process. The road the self-love begins with self-awareness but is often blocked by the notion that “knowing your worth” is enough.

I started keeping a journal where I would write something I liked about my self every day. I’m ashamed to say that my book isn’t filled up as it should be. I’m a procrastinator; I even procrastinated hyping myself up.

Maya Angelou most inspires me, and one of my favorite quotes from her is ” Love is many things, it’s varied, one thing it is not and can never be is unsure.”

I put my spin on it: A woman can be many things, we’re varied, one thing we’re not, and can never be, is easily defined.

Who am I?

I was so accepting of the labels I was associated with and in a way accepted it to be true. To many people I might just be a “black” girl, an “African, American” girl, a “crazy” girl a “good girl” but I’m none of that.

I’m just Maya, and I’m a woman who actually likes herself; enough to put who I am into better perspective.

I realized the more I thought I knew about myself and the good qualities I possessed, I realized I didn’t know anything at all.

If you Google search my name you’ll end up thinking I’m an illusion:

If you like to refer to Urban Dictionary, you’ll believe I’m “one hell of a person”:

(I actually like this definition, it’s kind of spot on…)

“Maya” in three words or less

Although not easy, if I had to describe myself using only a few words or expressions I’d say:

“No”

I built walls up all around to protect myself. I’m no stranger to heartbreak or disappointment; “No” is a popular word among my vocabulary as a result.

I’ve been accused of being selfish and mean because of how harsh I can be because my whole life I’ve been so sweet I could rot your teeth.

Honestly, I’d rather be ‘selfish and mean’ than a doormat. No more negativity. No more accepting the bare minimum. No more lowing standards. No no no. It takes skill to say It and mean it though.

Friend

Once you start to understand what it really means to be a friend to yourself you’ll learn how to be then supportive and love others.

In the past two years, I’ve learned what being a friend really means. I am continuously learning ways to put myself first, and in that, I am my greatest friend.

I recognize that I love hard, without condition, and support the people in my life without any strings attached. I don’t expect anything in return. I can recognize who is deserving and who isn’t. Friendship skills on fleek.

Spiritual

I am a spiritual person made up of hope and greatness. Deep down I have this feeling of greatness and great things to come although I’m not sure exactly what it is.

I’m waking in faith and following my dreams no matter how long it takes. I believe in myself, my hopes and dreams, and I’m passionate about helping others.

My relationship with God was on the rocks but inside of me that I know I haven’t created all of these blessings by myself; it’s a spiritual thing. God shows me favor every day. My spirit is unique; it’s different, and you know that when you meet me and really get to know me.

The children’s book that started it all

In 1997, I was gifted “I Like Me” a children’s book published by Essence.

As a six-year-old girl, I read this book and saw myself. This is a perfect example of how much representation matters.

All throughout “I Like Me” the main character, “Nia Natasha” displays all of the positive things that make her “Nia Natasha.” She ”likes” herself and along with the encouragement of her family she’s destined to do great things when she grows up.

This was one of my first introductions to self-awareness with lessons on self-love. I received so many books, but this one managed to stay in my possession for almost 20 years.

That six-year-old girl is long gone, but this book is still here.

With all of the changes in my life, getting older and maturing (most importantly) I forgot one of the first lessons I’ve learned but then I found this book again, and it sparked something in me.

Instead of tossing the book away I decided to update it, and I made it better. I took five magazines and clipped them to pieces, vision board style, and made a current “I Like Me” book to reflect Maya instead of Nia.

What I Like Most About Me

I like the way I create.

I made the “I Like Me” book over to express myself. One of my best qualities is my creativity.

I love that I am creative and my ideas come to life through my art, creative writing, and ultimately this blog Young Loud Proud; trying to uplift my people and dismember negative stereotypes.

I made a vision board; I’m writing a book, I used my vision board as the cover art for my forthcoming book “An Ode to the “Good Girl”:

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