Bold, Soft, & Unapologetically Becoming

It’s been a while since I’ve sat down to write, but today feels like the right time to begin again. This school year has already been a whirlwind—and yet, it’s shaping me into a new version of womanhood.

I’m stepping into leadership, not just as a title, but as an embodiment of growth, grace, and grit.

I now understand:

• Leadership won’t always be comfortable.

• Sometimes I’ll stand alone.

• Sometimes I’ll be doubted, dissected, or misunderstood.

And yet, I’ve learned to embrace the discomfort. Because discomfort is proof that I’m evolving.

As a Black woman, a single mother, and a professional in farm-based education, I’m showing others—Black, brown, green, whatever shade they come in—that it’s all possible.

You can be a mother.

You can pursue advanced education and leadership.

You can be soft and elegant, yet bold and decisive.

Yes, there will be days I want to quit. Moments of exhaustion, overwhelm, and resistance. But I’m committed to growing through it. I’m learning to plan ahead, align my children’s routines, manage finances, and still leave space for joy and the beautiful chaos of life.

And I’m giving myself permission to be human. To laugh. To say “fck it” sometimes. To rebel in small ways and still be polished. To be soft and bold, gentle and unapologetic.

I’m healing—

From society’s rigid expectations.

From my people’s definitions of what a “good woman” should be.

From the fear of being too much or not enough.

Because I’m learning: I’m already what many aspire to be. And that deserves to be honored.

Recently, I was reminded of what I want: peace, ease, conversation, and trust. That’s the template. But now I know I deserve to build it without compromise.

I want more than the bare minimum. And I deserve more than the bare minimum.

I’m proud of myself.

Proud of the woman I’m becoming.

Proud of how far I’ve come.

I finally and truly see my worth—my beauty, my brilliance, my leadership. I was born to lead, and yet I remain humble enough to follow when needed. The potential has always been there—I was just afraid of it.

But now? I’m done playing small.

I feel my ancestors behind me. I feel God pushing me forward. The light at the end of the tunnel is brighter than ever. And this time, I’m walking toward it with my head high, heart open, and eyes wide.

I will make my children proud.

I will make myself proud.

And I will give them what I never had—but always deserved.

---

✨ Smart & Sassy Note to Readers:

Becoming isn’t about waiting until you “have it all together.” It’s about blooming while you’re still untangling the roots.

Sis, stop dimming your light to fit someone else’s shadow—your glow is the blueprint.

👉 Tell me in the comments: what’s one bold step you’re taking to become unapologetically you? And subscribe to join a community of bold educators becoming louder, softer, and freer every day.