We must stop feeding into this cultural idea that there is only one standard of beauty for women — I almost drank the entire bottle of Apetamin when I was 10 or 11 because I was tired of people telling me I was skinny. I have a fast metabolism. …

But my desire to be a happy wife is much stronger — I wasn’t prepared for that encounter. As each word cut deep into my heart, it felt like I was leaking drops of blood into my stomach. I was sinking into his backseat as he went on and on. It was unlike anything I’d experienced before. No matter what I said…

I don’t want to forget my life — Last night as I lay in bed reminiscing about my life, unable to will myself to sleep, the term ‘memory hoarding’ kept ringing in my ears. …

#1. You're important but not that much — 1. You’re Important But Not That Much I still remember the time I fell flat on my face in front of everyone at school. Well, it wasn’t everyone but it felt like it. I’d never been so embarrassed, and I was sure people would never ever forget it. …

Starting was the most difficult — After taking Clifton’s StrengthsFinder test, I found that my top strength is Achiever, which didn’t come as a surprise to me. I have always been driven to work hard and accomplish my goals. This strength has helped me on my journey, allowing me to achieve remarkable things in a relatively…

In a world that often glorifies conformity, it takes courage to celebrate your oddity — I accepted my friend’s invitation to join the old student’s WhatsApp group two years ago, knowing it wasn’t for me. I didn’t fit in back then and I wasn’t going to now. In the group, people often shout others out on their birthdays and other important days and everybody chimes…

How a game became a metaphor for the struggles and triumphs of life — I’m at a level in my life where I’m excited and exhausted all at the same time. As I grow older, I have more responsibilities, complexities, and uncertainties. All of that can easily make a strong woman weary. At the end of a great day of work, I know I…

I heard it told so many times I knew I would someday tell it — Once a heavy smoker, my dad’s addiction to cigarettes had taken over his life. He smoked countless cigarettes each day and felt like he couldn’t function without them. His lips were dark and the smell of smoke had permeated his skin. …

My life is my race and I go at my own pace — 1. Materialism Certain things no longer resonate with me. Expensive cars, fancy outfits, and other flashy possessions no longer hold the same appeal. That’s why I decided to loc my hair and embrace a much simpler lifestyle. It surprises people in my hometown when I reveal that I’m American. Unless I speak…