Beyond The Magic: A.Nicole
This is part seven of Beyond The Magic. The purpose of the Beyond The Magic storytelling project is to highlight the full experiences and humanity of Black women; beyond our magic and beyond the expectations of others. Interested in contributing to this project? Let’s connect!
How do you define "Black Girl Magic" ?
Excellence at a level that only a Black girl can do.
How do you define "Black Excellence" ?
Black people achieving, not surviving, but thriving, and living their best lives individually and for their community.
What does it look like to hold space for grief?
Allotted time to feel what it is that you need to feel. When the emotion overcomes you just sitting there and saying to yourself, "I need to feel this right now." And actually doing it. Grief comes in waves. It comes in moments and we need to acknowledge that so that we can immerse ourselves into the whole experience of it. It is indeed a part of life and so making sure we feel it is essential.
What does it look like to hold space for joy?
Right now, it's watching Ms. Shirleen or Tony Baker animal commentary videos, but in general, it's first understanding that you deserve joy. Joy is not too good for you. On any given day, it could be taking time to intentionally laugh about something. Remembering the Lord's faithfulness, hanging out with a friend, or writing a funny story, There is a lot in this world to cry about, There is also a lot to laugh about too. We should always be actively finding those things because we deserve them. We should also be active participants in passing joy to someone else. We hold space for joy by creating and finding it.
Pause and think about all the stereotypes, expectations, or assumptions placed on Black women. What do you want to say to counter those stereotypes/expectations/assumptions? What's your truth?
I am a whole person. I live a whole life. I bring my whole self to the rooms I enter and the tables I sit at. I will not be anything other than my whole self. I may be loud, country, have a unique laugh, but that's me. I also may second guess myself and/or you. I get angry. I yell and sometimes cuss, but I love the Lord, He died for me and so in that, I can show up as my whole self daily.
"I am home when..."
I am home when I'm in a good book, with a sincere friend, and/or traveling to some place new.
"Justice is..."
Justice is love in its fighting stance.
"Love is..."
Love is an action word. Love requires that we show it. We should be able to see the love we have for someone or something. Anything less isn't love.
What words of wisdom would you give to your childhood self?
You have been in a rush because your life has been in a rush, but it is okay to slow down and sit in enjoyment.
What words of wisdom do you think your childhood self would give to you now?
A lot of things I needed then, you don't need now. Be thankful for that.
What songs do you have on rotation now?
P.T.L by Daton
The Lord is My Shepherd by Cissy Houston
Devotion by Tone Stith
Complicated by Leela James
What's one interesting fact or quirk people may not know about you (that you don't mind sharing)?
I talk to myself pretty often because I need an expert's opinion lol.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Living fully as you are is the magic.
Learn more about Beyond The Magic and follow Living Well on Instagram @amlivingwell
