W.A.Y.S

 Let’s delve into the breakdown of the word way. When we look at how the word is used in context we can use the word as a noun or adverb. For this material, how I want us to look at the word way when used as a noun is through the lens of the most common meanings; route, distance, direction, possibility, manner, method, condition, want, and free space. However, when used as an adverb, the word way is focused on emphasis and place. Notice how way as an adverb doesn’t have as many common meanings nor does it go into much detail when used as it does when being used as a noun; yet still requires a level of focus and intention. As we go through life trying to find our way, it requires that we critically think, be accepting of the choices we make no matter the direction life may push us in; the possibilities are infinite, make room to embrace the conditions or new versions of ourselves as a result of the choices we have made, and accept that the route will not be how we sometimes plan or intend for things to go. Do remember that your life is tailored uniquely to you. The common meaning of way as a noun and adverb coexists with one another because we only can get places in life through focus and intention. Where we want to go in life requires a level of focus and intention to be pushed in a certain direction. Life is about perspective and allows us the free space to constantly think. No matter which way life is taking you now, you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Be mindful not to think your way into certain lifestyles because no matter how much focus or intention you may have, how you think or speak will determine how and where life may take you. Flow and not force your way through life.

Lessons Before the Test

 They say life is a blessing, but it’s also your greatest lesson. The thing with life is you’ll receive the test way before the lesson. That’s the truth so embrace it. Embrace it not because the truth is inevitable, but because there is joy in acceptance. I like to say that acceptance gives you the power to evolve into something greater. Acceptance allows you to take back your power in the choices or decisions you may not be too pleased with. Sometimes we find ourselves staying stuck in the lesson of life when the truth is you should embrace it, not because it’s taught you something, but because it’s preparation. Each lesson before the test is preparation for your higher self. What doesn’t make sense in that exact moment eventually becomes crystal clear when the time is right. That’s the truth so embrace it, not because it’s the truth, but because I’m you and by the view of a few, no one can argue that we are any different. Although we may share many things in common, the most important one is life as it comes, and embracing any truths of its lessons. 

Perception of My Reflection

My reflection has become an aesthetic.

 In fact, it is my reflection that consumer consumes to become. 

To become it is to understand where I'm from that leaves me feeling numb. Numb because my reflection is your perception consumed by the world's deception. Deception blinded by your ancestor's misconceptions. 

The type of misconception that can only be healed with a mother's affection. 

The perception that needs correction is not my reflection; it is perfection. 

Perfection feels like rejection when you've lived your life in protection from your reflection; not because you hate who you are but because the world does. 

"Who cares what the world thinks," they say 

I do when it controls my pay that's snatched away if ever threatened. 

Threatened by my reflection the same reflection that has become an aesthetic

The aesthetic filled in a world of cosmetics,  it is my reflection that consumer consumes to become.

How can you become when you don't understand where I'm from.

Freedom from the oppressor? How does one measure? if you haven't felt the pressure 

This isn't dress up; you don't get to be aesthetic in my world. 

Complexion has become earned, learned, or preferred to the world complexion is one-third, blurred, absurd, and a word.

To me, complexion is a struggle something I've had to juggle. 

My reflection is an aesthetic that doesn't seem to fit most molds because it's bold. 

So bold that most fold at my words except I didn't speak I just existed. 

The words scream so loudly except no one can hear instead they fear while they cheer because my reflection has become an aesthetic.

Perception has to be more than what meets the eye but it is my reflection that makes me cry, not because I'm sad but because your perception of my reflection is consumed by the world's deception

and I'm afraid that a mother's affection is not enough to push me in the direction of accepting my reflection.

Correction

I'm afraid that a mother's protection from my reflection is the very thing that blinded me to see just how the world would view me. 

And no degree would force them to agree that I would be good enough. 

Tough 

It's a hard pill to swallow that no matter what my complexion will follow.

Not who I am, what I've done, or what I've won.

You know I think they tell us to achieve all that we can achieve just to put us in spaces where they hold the power.

Spaces where my complexion speaks for me and not who I am, what I've done, or what I've won.

Don't dare question superiority or authority because if you do you're just the "angry black woman." 

Maybe I am angry. 

Angry because being a black woman has become popularized by pop culture.

Culture vultures 

Everything is an aesthetic

But I bet if you had to walk a mile in my shoes you would still choose to be you. 

Luckily you have the choice of choosing 

Me? 

The only thing I can choose is to not be angry because if I don't

I'm just the "angry black woman."