Unapologetically me...

Microfiction

Jul 13, 2024

Taking a walk at the Navy Pier in Chicago.

No more hiding. I slide my feet into my favorite Jordans and head towards the door. My dark sunglasses cover my eyes but I don’t hide behind them like I used to. But I have a real problem…feeding a chronic habit of keeping myself insignificant while dismissing the dreams I desire.

Walk like this and talk like that.

Be grateful.

Have dreams but don’t dream too big.

Be a normal person that does normal shit.

A language that has been spoken to me for far too long. Carrying these words for so long that I don’t know how to let them go. Why? Aren’t I allowed to live a fruitful life? Aren’t I allowed to feel the rush of excitement from chasing my dreams? My desire for more had been buried deep because I was afraid of what they could blossom into and how people would accept me. I catch a quick glance in the mirror once more and smile. I tell myself “Go get what you want and just be you.” Believing my words this time. Keys in my hand I walk out the door. I’m stepping out unapologetically me.

The inspiration…

I hope you’re showing up for YOU when you get up every day. I hope you’re accepting the REAL you, flaws + all. I hope you’re giving people the version of you that’s not camouflaged, watered down or censored. I hope you recognize that you have a purpose even if you haven’t discovered it yet. I hope you don’t downplay your skills + craft. I hope you’re showing up on the days when you’re scared, lonely + uncomfortable. I hope you stop keeping your BIG voice small. I hope you slip through the backdoor when you can’t get through the front - you deserve to be seen no matter what. I hope you stop listening so closely to the naysayers - they always talkin shit and can’t mind their business. I hope you’re making time for the things you want because time waits for no one. I hope you silenced the voice that told you what you wanted is impossible…because you proved them wrong.