Favorite Quotes

“If growing up is painful for the Southern Black girl, being aware of her displacement is the rust on the razor that threatens the throat. It is an unnecessary insult.”

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

"...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you; we are in charge of our attitudes."

“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.”

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

What if my curiosity saves me?

If growing up is painful for the Southern Black girl, being aware of her displacement is the rust on the razor that threatens the throat. It is an unnecessary insult. 
- Maya Angelou | I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

I connected to these words so deeply as girl, teen, and young woman. They lingered within me waiting for evolution in my understanding. Nearly a decade ago, searching for a way to describe myself and my experience, I titled this blog, Unnecessary Insults.

Tonight, I have more clarity about the connection and displacement. I also have more questions. I am reminded of something I read in passing earlier today. I am left with one word:

Investigate
verb
in·​ves·​ti·​gate | \ in-ˈve-stə-ˌgāt \
in​ves​ti​gat​ed; in​ves​ti​gat​ing
Definition
transitive ​verb
: to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiry
intransitive ​verb
: to make a systematic examination
especially : to conduct an official inquiry

Perhaps I was given this curiosity in these specific set of circumstances with my worldview, history, family, strengths, and challenges to birth the desire and capacity to observe, study, examine and, hopefully, know.

Now, I know only enough to know that I know in part. Now, I am curious enough to root around and find out

...

Since I was 17 years old, I've held this week in October in a private vigil, noting the day even without trying. It's been 7 years. 7, I'm told, is a number of completion. Maybe, like the good and faithful servants, I've watched long enough. No more razor or rust. Just the wisdom gained from unnecessary insults and invaluable lessons.
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