Don't Run From Your Darkness
Chidiogo is not only brilliant, beautiful, and brave; she is also an amazing writer.
When I read her Instagram post yesterday it really struck a chord with me. I’m sharing her heartfelt words below.
They deeply resonate, especially on a day like today when I can’t seem to access my joy. Instead of feeling guilty or broken, thanks to Chidi’s words, I am going to be gentle and patient with myself and embrace these darker colours too.
The following words are written by Chidiogo Akunylii…
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What does it mean to embrace all your colors?
Perhaps what comes to your mind is all the ways you get to trust that you are beautiful, that you are smart, that you are capable, that you ROAR! Amen to that!
However, in owning into my strengths, I continue to realise all the ways I hadn’t fully learned to celebrate the darker hues of my shades. The anger, the pain, the moments when I crumble into a ball and cry — those moments when I want to snap my fingers and the rainbows reappear. Let there be light.
But after years of ‘snapping out of it’, and celebration lighter days, I am leaning more and more into exploring the joys of darker clouds, knowing that they bring rain — tears that nourish seeds that are wanting to sprout.
Too poetic? Let me break it down.
For our branches to grow tall, bold and beautiful, our roots have to dig even deeper into the dark soil from where, if we can truly trust, it can draw so much strength. A wise friend taught me this.
I am learning to snap out of the story that I should feel any one way, and into a more colorful one of celebrating it all, and trusting that with loving non-judgmental awareness, I can stop being afraid of my shadows and step into all my colours.
To ROAR is to be fully in your power. All of you is welcome. All of us are needed.
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Thank you Chidiogo for saying yes to this shoot. For sharing your heart, your light, and your darkness with all of us.
Photos by Darius Bashar
Hair and Makeup by Kelly Davidson
Modelled by Chidiogo Akunyili
WANNA WORK TOGETHER?
For anyone who feels called to working together, now is the time to do so. Follow the link below for all the details on my amazing promo this month while it’s still up. --> www.dariusbashar.com/heart-shots
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