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July is Fibroid Awareness Month , and it’s a topic that deserves far more attention than it receives. Did you know that 80% of women will experience fibroids  in their lifetime? Yet, despite being so common, fibroids are still misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and often minimized—especially in the Black community. According to Michigan Medicine , African American women are three times more likely to be diagnosed with fibroids  than white women—and we often suffer more severe symptoms. This is personal for me. I’ve been living with fibroids for the past 2 ½ years, and the toll it’s taken on my body, mind, and spirit is something I never could have imagined. How It All Began At 39, I was balancing motherhood (with three young adult kids), starting a new career in sales, and trying to get my life together. During a routine gynecological exam, my doctor mentioned she suspected I had fibroids. She handed me a few brochures and scheduled an ultrasound to confirm. Tumors? Non-cancerous, they said. But I was still panicked. What caused them? Did my mother have them? Would I need a hysterectomy? I felt confused, scared, and completely in the dark. I didn’t want to lose my uterus or my sense of femininity—I still felt too young. When “Wait and See” Turns Into a Battle The ultrasound confirmed I had fibroids—noncancerous tumors that were growing and causing my increasingly painful and long menstrual cycles. My love life took a hit, and the possibility of surgery loomed again and again. Determined to heal naturally, I threw myself into every article, Facebook group, and YouTube video I could find. I changed my diet multiple times: vegan, keto, dairy-free, gluten-free—you name it. I became obsessed with working out to reduce my “fibroid belly.” I even tried supplements like Myo-Inositol after seeing it promoted all over TikTok. But instead of improving, I felt worse. My cycles got heavier. I was constantly tired, weak, and emotionally drained. The Wake-Up Call When I finally went back to the doctor, my bloodwork revealed a hemoglobin level of 6.8 —dangerously low and far below the average of 8–12. I had been living with severe anemia that could have led to long-term or even fatal complications. I needed an emergency blood transfusion . And that dreaded word resurfaced: hysterectomy . This time, I agreed. Facing the Future with Hope Am I scared? Absolutely. But I’m also hopeful. I look forward to rediscovering life after fibroids. To have the energy to go out with friends, to enjoy intimacy without fear, and to reclaim the parts of myself that fibroids have taken from me. I want to swim again. To dance without worrying. To feel normal. If you're experiencing painful cycles, extreme fatigue, or symptoms that are dismissed by your provider— advocate for yourself . Seek answers. You are not imagining it. Fibroids may be common, but suffering in silence shouldn’t be. Resources: Michigan Medicine – Understanding Racial Disparities in Fibroid Diagnosis and Treatment

Let’s be real— the fashion world wouldn’t be what it is today without the influence of Black women . From streetwear to couture, from the block to the runway—we’ve been setting trends, turning heads, and breaking barriers. It's long past time we got the credit we deserve. For decades, Black women have been the blueprint . We’ve taken even the simplest of wardrobe staples and turned them into looks that exude style, confidence, and high-fashion energy . From bold prints to luxe layering, we’ve mastered the art of blending streetwear with sophistication, redefining beauty standards along the way. 🎨 The Creative Power Behind the Scenes Behind your favorite celeb’s red carpet moment?Yep, there’s likely a Black woman —a stylist, MUA, or designer—working her magic. ✂️💄✨ Yet too often, these creative queens don’t get the recognition they deserve. While others reap the spotlight, we’ve been holding it down behind the curtain , setting trends and turning ideas into iconic looks. But here’s the good news: you don’t need designer labels to dress like a star . That Black girl luxury aesthetic? You can achieve it on a budget, and it starts with thrifting and secondhand style. 🛍️ Bougie on a Budget? Yes, Please! If you’ve ever said “I could never pull that off,” think again. You can slay without maxing out your card . Thrift stores, resale shops, and vintage markets are gold mines for statement pieces , if you know where to look—and who to follow. 👗 Meet the Thrift Queens: 🔸 @_houseofbeverlyvintage A true vintage visionary, this Instagram Thrift Live host has an impeccable eye  for timeless pieces that never go out of style. From 80s glam to 90s chic, her finds tell a story—and trust, the looks are 🔥 every time. 🔸 @theneshantadavis Based in Atlanta, this Fashion + Lifestyle Influencer  turns heads with bold colors, unexpected prints, and thrifted fits that give off major couture vibes. She proves that you can serve editorial looks  straight from your local Goodwill. 💬 Final Thoughts: Give Us Our Flowers 🌸 Black women have always been the  influence, not just in fashion, but in culture. It’s time we continue to celebrate our creativity, resilience, and originality , whether we’re running fashion houses or remixing thrifted fits in our closets. ✨ So here’s to the women turning hand-me-downs into high fashion.✨ Here’s to being bougie on a budget.✨ Here’s to giving Black women their flowers— in full bloom . Looking for more pre-loved fashion inspo that can be styled from day - to night, check out these G.O.A.Ts of the thrifting game : The High-low Fashionista Blueprint DIY and many more ... Happy Shopping! Got a thrifted fit you love?  Tag your fave Black fashionista or drop your go-to thrift stores in the comments! 👠👜💃🏾

Welcome. This blog isn't just a place for inspiration—it's a safe space for healing . Not just for you, dear reader, but for me as well. We're walking this journey together, one post, one prayer, one truth at a time. 🤍 I believe with all my heart that God is the Author and Finisher  (Hebrews 12:2). And as long as I’m walking in His will, I trust that this platform—this purpose—is part of the work He’s called me to do. At the heart of it all, this space is about unlocking your true  self —the version of you that God designed before the world told you who to be. When God Speaks in the Unexpected It amazes me how God can speak to us in the most unexpected ways. Through a quiet moment, a conversation, or even the tap of a keyboard, His voice whispers truth and peace. His teachings are engraved on my heart, and I pray my writing becomes a source of comfort, clarity, and hope  for someone who needs it. 📖 “But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” — Galatians 6:4 This verse reminds us: you don’t need to measure your worth against anyone else’s.  You have your work. Your path. And your joy. The Pressure of Social Media Perfection Let’s get honest for a moment… Have you ever scrolled through Instagram and felt… discouraged? Maybe even defeated? The flawless vacation photos, the matching outfits, the luxury cars, the seemingly effortless success— it’s a lot . You might find yourself asking, “Why them and not me?” Sis, I’ve been there. It's easy to get caught in the trap of comparison. We start thinking we're behind. Not enough. Missing out. But here’s the truth: Comparison is a distraction. It steals your focus, your joy, and your confidence. Run Your  Race I’m not here to judge—so don’t @ me —but it’s worth reflecting on how much energy we give to watching other people’s lives. The Bible warns against idolatry. And no, we may not be worshiping golden statues, but in today’s world, we sometimes idolize curated lifestyles, influencer personas, and filtered realities. And when that happens, we start forgetting the vision God gave us . The dreams are planted in our  hearts. Your Journey Matters If you’ve ever felt less-than because your life doesn’t mirror what you see on social media, take a breath . You are not behind. You are not forgotten. You are not failing. Your journey is divinely designed . It’s not supposed to look like anyone else’s—and that’s the beauty of it. Embrace your uniqueness. Celebrate your progress. Trust God’s timing. Because when your season comes, it’ll be tailor-made just for you, and no one will be able to deny that it was God. 💬 Let’s Reflect Have you been struggling with comparison lately? What helps you realign with your purpose and peace? Drop your thoughts in the comments. This is your safe space, too. 🤍 With love and grace, Shanna B. Writer. Believer. Still becoming.