IF YOU DO ONE THING IN 2022, MAKE IT THIS

“Think highly of yourself, for the world takes you at your own estimate.”

I have no idea where I found this quote or who even said it at the time (Google claims it’s German philosopher Kurt Hahn), but 17-year-old me decided it would be my senior yearbook quote. Even at that age, as a young Black girl growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood who rarely saw myself reflected in magazines or movies, I knew the importance of believing in myself against all odds. 

Yes this is from my actual high school yearbook. Photos with my brothers/ childhood bestie Sarah.

I like to think that my belief in myself is a huge reason why I am where I am today. Along with some other factors like my passion and drive, being self-assured that I can get where I want to go has been a major key in building this life for myself. Yes, there are always bumps in the road, there have been delays, I’ve failed at things—but ultimately I know, if I want it, and I’m willing to work for it, I can get there.

I tend to be an endless well of hope—even while being a realist who can admit when circumstances are less than ideal. Take dating, for instance. I often lament how much it sucks and that it can be really disappointing, but at the end of the day, I never stop feeling hopeful that I will get the ending I deserve. This is not about toxic positivity, it’s trusting that no matter what life throws your way, you will weather the storm. And I’ve weathered some fucking storms, and came out better for it. When things don’t work out (dating or otherwise), I trust that it’s not the end of the world (even if it feels like it in the moment). It’s merely an opportunity to shift focus, reassess, find a different path, or fine-tune something that just isn’t quite working. I make it a point to not be my own worst enemy.

If you’re not where you want to be right now in your career, with friends, or in romantic relationships—how can you support yourself like you support the people you love? 

My greatest wish for you all in 2022 is that you find the unwavering belief in yourself and the compassion that you deserve. I hope that you are able to stay focused on your many strengths, uncover your sources of power (we all have them) — and not let your weaknesses define you or hold you back. 

You are worthy, capable, deserving, and whole. You don’t always have to be the most confident person in the room—but having faith in your own inherent value as a human being is a lot more precious than hitting made-up milestones by the time you turn 25, 30, 40 or whatever stifling timeline you’ve concocted for yourself. Yes, New Year resolutions, manifestations, and visions boards help us get clear on what we want—but the real power lies in your confidence to take action and make shit happen for yourself.

2022 Mantras–Feeling is Healing.

Stephanie Whaley, founder of the astrology dating app Oromoon, is helping us kick off this year with some intentions to help us find joy in 2022. Read for your sun and rising sign. 

ARIES

I will release and surrender control in the challenges of the unknown, reflecting upon my subconscious desires with an invitation to continue cultivating my intuition and spiritual journey. I inspire self compassion in my willingness to explore hidden boundaries, unearthing joy in the newfound stillness of my confidence, where new dreams are awakened with every outdated fear surrendered. 

TAURUS

Focusing on the intention of my dreams, I will find joy in creating stability within mind and soul, planting the seeds necessary for my next spiritual awakening. My upcoming contribution to the world is rooted in my patient determination to connect with my community of friends and allies, putting plans into motion that will inspire those around me to move beyond setbacks and propel innovative initiatives for change.

GEMINI

My brilliance and zest for ingenious ideas and information is both recognized and embraced as I begin expanding my influence in love, business, and beyond. With endearing support from my trusted guides, now is my opportunity to clear the noise as I seek responsibility in becoming my own spiritual muse, taking great pride in my enthusiastic voice and understanding my reputation and ambition is a direct reflection of my genuine joy.

CANCER

I seek the same compassion I provide to the world, for my life’s journey is in finding the power to receive. My spirituality comes from my soul's expansion through experience, where each adventure provides the kinetic energy for the tidal wave of my emotions to reach a cathartic release. I gain a newfound outlook on life that is inspired by my optimistic spirit, where genuine joy and healing comes to me through receiving the same love I give.

LEO

With an independence and warmth that inspires the rest of the world to see their light, I release my inhibitions and focus on developing my emotional intimacy with the unwavering support from my confidants. While the success of my ambitions is inspired by my authenticity and charisma, I seek depth beneath the surface, discovering that the depths of my own emotions allows me the confidence to heal alongside my metamorphosis of love, pleasure, and uninhibited joy.

VIRGO

I inspire others to navigate the world with a deep sense of responsibility, reminding myself to release past hindrances and lead with humility and optimism in the arrival of new opportunities. I am compassionate with myself upon receiving help from those that care for my well being, where my search for meaningful companionship and unfiltered joy lies not in compromising my beliefs, but in deepening my connections and realizing I’m not in this alone. 

LIBRA

Manifesting a life of beauty through my quest for balance, I begin to witness the evolution of harmony in my daily routines. I find encouragement as I engage in rituals that inspire my growth while focusing on my spiritual and mental outlook to improve and sustain a consistent flow of healthy habits. I invite others to reciprocate my emotional needs through the honoring of self, and accepting the same joy I graciously serve to the rest of the world.

SCORPIO

Reminding myself that the universe is not at home without me in it, I find my self-compassion in the depths of my emotional experience and accept its mysterious, sacred embrace. As I learn to love myself in my darkness, I dare to dream with a determined passion and joy that will continue to heal and inspire my creativity through the many phases and transformations that patiently await me. 

SAGITTARIUS

My inner world is blessed with the guidance and support from those that came before me while my emotional and spiritual expansion is influenced by my roots and chosen family. I believe in the value I hold in this life, for understanding my worth strengthens my spontaneous courage and innocent joy to continue exploring. Through philosophical pursuits and sharing stories rooted in truth I begin to nurture my healing, calling upon my past adventures to reclaim my wisdom of experience.

CAPRICORN 

Finding safety in the willpower and structures I set for myself, I guide the universe with my integrity and ambition to not only imagine fantasy, but to provide the tools and blueprint to act upon my loftiest dreams. I’m encouraged to connect through varied methods of communication, for I am reminded my expressions of thought are direct expressions of my creative joy, a necessary motivator when building upon the narrative that inspires the world to climb higher with purpose and steadfast conviction.

AQUARIUS

With a progressive mind and eccentric soul, the more I tap into my joy, the more influential I have the power to become and help improve the state of humanity through giving back. In claiming the abundance of my individuality, I feel secure in my ability to build upon my spiritual and material wealth, acknowledging my ultimate desire to ignite revolutions rooted in faith, self worth, and discovery.

PISCES

With an intuitive sensitivity and understanding of my own self awareness, I honor my self esteem and emotions separate from the crowd and welcome a confidence ingrained in my desire to seek independence. With new beginnings on the rise I begin to rebuild my identity, realizing that my self expression is a testament to my spiritual self development, where my beloved story is rooted in my search for infinite joy.