Tiny Violences

Affirmations for Black Girls

Repeat After Me | Image Courtesy of Getty

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I am deliberate (on occasion) and afraid [of nothing].

I am tired (but I’m pretending I’m not, because actually displays of fatigue are not cute).

I am hungry (but only for “healthy,” “whole,” “culturally-relevant,” foods that look good on Instagram).

I am OK (ahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahaha).

I am worthy (of discussions that argue my worth, especially on social media).

I am happy (enough, considering).

I am a boss (ahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahaha).

I am a leader (unless I am a boss).

I am real (until my hair, nails and purse are questioned by a stranger in a public setting).

I am grateful for my circumstances (unless those circumstances have led to poverty).

I am grateful for my [chosen] family.

I can say no (ahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahaha).

I wish a bitch would | for those who are sincerely looking for bitch to wish.

I wish a bitch would | for those who are likely the bitch who would.

I wish a bitch would | for those who think AAVE and its usage are a personality trait.

I have agency (depending on the setting).

I have abundance (that is student loan debt and worries).

I have the right to choose (unless six people in black robes say otherwise).

I ask for help (with online purchases and online purchases only).

I offer help (even when I am beyond my own capacity).

I love my body (despite the gnawing disassociation I feel in the mirror, in the dressing room, when I look at pictures, when I see other bodies that resemble mine).

I love my life (especially when it’s being celebrated).

I choose freedom (because I like mysterious concepts).

I choose me (unless something comes up).

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