After becoming a mother, I went back to the basics to get to know myself all over again. As I went through this process I noticed how beneficial it was on a mental and emotional level. I had this new task that I wanted to honestly be the best at, perfect even. I was in a space where I was trying to prepare for something I was already in the process of doing. First, I had to understand and come to terms with who I was now being someone's mom. Having the privilege to carry her in my womb. To now see and hold a piece of something that was once living inside of me. I knew no one in the entire world would ever love her the way that I did.
For me personally, the love I have for my daughter I've never had for anyone else. My own mother means the world to me. She has to be the one person, my whole entire life that I have always loved in such a manner it's almost indescribable. Simply, because I have never loved anyone the way I love my mom. Which I'm sure a lot of us can identify with. After meeting my daughter I was overwhelmed with this instantaneous unconditional love. A love completely different from anything I've ever experienced. I love my daughter more than I love myself. Trust me I am a person who truly loves me. So it was earth shattering in a way to have someone in my life that measured up past that. I guess in a way, I see her as apart of me so it makes sense. Especially, with this part of me being now a separate entity. Experiencing that type of love can almost cause you to loose yourself completely. You become so engulfed in this perfect little human that is honestly a miracle.
Since my college days, which now seem like a lifetime ago. I've always been big on self care & self love. I spent a few years dating and getting to know myself in the most selfish ways. To truly find an understanding of the things I liked and didn't like. I had reached a point in my life, where I needed to start that process all over again. But this time I wasn't alone. I had a child, significant other, and two other children that now had a new sibling. Believe me it was extremely tough. I needed to reconnect with myself. While also learning as much as a could about my baby. Not to mention giving birth to my first child at the beginning of a global pandemic.
Irregardless of the challenges at hand, I worked a little everyday to understand who this new person I was either becoming or already was. Wether my thoughts and feelings were appreciated or understood by others, it honestly didn't matter. It was my journey that didn't have a handbook. As a mother, I had to do the work. I had to learn from my mistakes and celebrate my wins. I had to cheer myself on when it was only me and a crying baby. I am a very strong person, my mother raised me to go after everything I wanted without any regrets. I had made it my mission at the young age of 17 to live my life to the fullest. Now I had reached a point where it wasn't that simple anymore.
I spent ALOT of time self-reflecting on various aspects of my life both past and present. I went on my own self-love journey that benefited me as both a mother, woman, and business owner. This journey, that I'm honestly still on inspired me to create a shirt that screams, I unapologetically love myself. No matter how hard things got I never gave up. I did the things that needed to be done for my child, myself, and our family. I love myself because of the support system I had during the hard & good times. I love myself for doing the work only I could do. Your support system during challenging times can be a life saver. However, you are the only person that can get up everyday and put in the work to overcome life's challenges. You are the only person who can choose to let life either break you or make you stronger. I will never apologize for being the person I am today. Without the joy's and challenges I've experienced I may not have gotten to the place I am now.
Authenticity is key when it comes to doing the work. It can be hard to take a look at who you've grown into over the years. From the traumatic moments to the most joyful moments in life. They can shape who we are at our core. I want to encourage others to overcome and never give up. I want others to understand if you don't know who you are and accept who you are. You will never be able to evolve. By no means do I want anyone to think, I did everything perfectly. What I want others to understand is that without my mistakes, I would not be able to value the lessons or do better for myself. Think of it this way, if you think you're doing everything the right without any mistakes. What sense would it be to change?
I am all for apologies, because apologies when sincere make you take a second look at yourself. But when you are unapologetically yourself you are walking in your truth. You can firmly choose wether you want to be the best version of yourself or the worst.
As a brand we want to encourage you to embrace both your flaws and strengths. No one is perfect. However, living in your truth enhances self pride. It is my hope that our Authentic Love shirts encourage someone else on their self-love journey.