Yes to an All You Can Be Attitude by Iwancia Middleton

As I sit starring out my bedroom window contemplating on what a” Year of Yes” means to me, I realized that I must first analyze what the word yes means to me.  This is a powerful word.  It has so many different meaning and it changes based on the perception of the person utilizing it.  As I broke the letters down in the word yes, I quickly envisioned how this word will transform the year 2016. 

Y(yielding)to produce

E(exemplary) serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind

S(splendor) magnificent and splendid appearance
                             

Yielding

I quickly envisioned a year where I produce a no limits attitude.  In the past I’ve settled for things in my life that didn’t encourage, engage or enhance my life, but no more.  I had to realize that I’m capable of being the director, the Vice president and even the CEO. I have been my own worst adversary, however today is a new day and Yes I am worth and accomplished enough to be much more.  I will steadily move forward and strive to reach all my goals.

Exemplary

I grew up in an era where young African American women were taught of woman of color whose accomplishments changed and molded history for example:

Madam C.J. Walker (first black self-made millionaire)

Shirley Chisholm (first black woman elected to congress)

Ida B Wells (pioneer in media and communication)

However today we have lost our vision.  We have our female youth saying yes to twerking, low self-esteem and envy.  Now don’t get me wrong we have some amazing woman in leadership, but we don’t talk or educate our youth about them and this must change.  I was fortunate enough to have a mom who was fully engaged in the civil rights movement and consistently reinforced the worth of my culture and presenting as a role model for me and my peers. So, today I am saying yes to education, representation (being a role model), and encouragement of our young female African American youth in the hopes that they will in return pay it forward.

Splendor

Last, we all must continually radiate our own splendor.  How will I do this, you may ask?  First, a splendid appearance comes from within.  It starts with your spirituality and for me it’s my faith in God. Having faith in God, teaches me that I am not perfect, and nor are my peers, family and friends.  With this knowledge I can say “Yes” to transforming my flaws and radiating my beauty out to others.  I will release my critical personality and embrace a more forgiving, encouraging personality towards myself and others. 

In conclusion, my “Year of Yes” will be fulfilling, providing my life with substance and completeness.  I will present an “all you can be attitude” and lastly I will surround myself with some of the most amazing woman of color this world has to offer (for example my fellow bloggers).  May God fill your lives with beauty, grace, knowledge and style.