Just Be

What would it be like to “just be”?

As in, live “as is”, no changes, as today’s version – the exact same you that exists this second. What would it be like to be completely yourself without striving and straining toward some goal, some other version of you? Imagine it for just a moment. What’s there? What isn’t?

Is it enjoying a social situation freely without the pressure to make a friend, make a deal, be seen, or even unseen?

Is it exhaling and releasing your belly or the folds of your back to unravel, without a care, across the area below?

Is it placing a block on the past – a transparent wall that separates you from a joy, mistake, or trauma where your brain thinks you should live instead?

What would it be like to just be and embrace what is, whatever it is, right now?

Radical (self) acceptance. Would it be so bad?

Imagine that. A moment where everything that’s happened, everything you’ve witnessed, and where you are now has been totally and completely accepted… by the most important person, you. No bones to eat clean. No details to pick apart. Just be-ing.

I’m realizing that there’s so much more to see when I am present here and ok with what is. When I’m not obsessing over what I could’ve said vs what I did say or whether that thing will work out the way I hope or worrying about what new thing aging has assigned to me, there’s calm, silence, rest, and sometimes, if I’m honest, sleep.

Lately, this is where Jesus has been leading me. To “just be” is a whole new world for me… one who is either waist-deep in the past, picking apart the present, or running light-years into the future. To “just be” is radical.

So far, I like that worry doesn’t seem to live here. But I can’t say for certain what does. I’ve only just started to look around.

What about you? What do you see?

Welcome fam!


This blog was created as a way to share my life experiences as a multi-faceted Black woman, daughter, sister and friend who loves God AND struggles with mental illness.

You should know, though, that this thing where I put my business out in the street is completely out of character for me. I am a private person down to my core. So know that every detail that you find here is only shared, not because I have all the answers (I don’t), but so that someone, anyone, can know that they are not alone.

If, like me, you have struggled with insecurities, low-self esteem, and the feeling of not being enough or fought against your own body to let go of trauma, disappointment or bitterness, then the words of this blog are written for you. If you’re still struggling and fighting, then the words of this blog are written purposely for you. If you wonder, given all of your troubles, where you fit in God’s grand plan, then the words of this blog are written especially for you.

You are not alone, my friend. You are seen, known and deeply loved. How do I know? Because despite all that life has been – the good, bad and ugly, I finally know it for myself.

I know that God has watched me, walked with me and persistently loved me, even as I remain a work in progress. I know it like I know my name.

And if God loves me, then I know God definitely loves you.

I don’t know what life looks like for you today. I don’t know what stage or phase you may find yourself in, but if you can at least consider that possibility, of being loved, then I hope you’ll stay a while. And if you can’t consider that possibility, I hope you’ll still stay and get to know an imperfect someone who does. Either way, welcome.



Authentically,

She Who Rises 💜