The air was cooler now, and things had changed. Only a few weeks of 2023 remained. I made my way through insanely congested Atlanta traffic to see Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé, on the eve of my 33rd birthday.
Red brake lights shuffled, on, off, on. Lines of toy cars inching their way even closer to their destinations.
Brake lights on.
Pressure to peddle.
I reflected on the Beyonce films and TV specials I had thoroughly enjoyed before. The warmth within the presence of beautiful memories overcame me.
Top and bottom rows of teeth touching.
Full grin exposed.
I shared a moment of laughter with my younger self. I revisited the times I belted out Beyonce’s song “Hello”. My favorite rendition of “Hello” is during her iconic introduction at her intimate Wynn Las Vegas experience. I cannot tell you how many times I played that DVD over and over again.
I took myself back even further and remembered blasting “No No No” and “The Writings On The Wall” while playing Barbies in my lavender-painted childhood bedroom. Destiny’s Child and Beyonce’s music have consistently served as the soundtrack to my childhood, teendom, and emergence into womanhood.
We made our way upstairs, passing Beyhive members in silver and blinged-out looks. This was a fabulous confirmation that our people were here! Walking into the movie theater, I enjoyed an internal moment of celebration at the realization that my birthday was at midnight. Before I knew it, the film had begun. We sang every song together that night like we were at the Mercedes Benz stadium all over again. The positive energy in the theater that night was incredible throughout the entire film.
Arguably, the most impactful thought form that Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour & film instilled in me is the concept of true inspiration. After watching that film, I believe we all felt a nudge to lean into the dreams and goals that we’ve let linger. Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour & film inspired me to complete a loving self scan if you will. I also believe that this film inspired the collective to take a moment to obtain clarity with one’s self. The inspiration to truly identify your way forward, what you want to do with your life, and what the desired outcome of your life is. Beyonce’s Renaissance World Tour and film deposited a fertile seed of belief that all of us can accomplish our goals and bring unspoken dreams into reality. Today, that belief & inspiration transfigures into fuel to excavate & uncover the dreams, truths, and seeds I once planted.
2016 was the year that I released my blog. I didn't take it very seriously, I just wanted to write. My life and career were rapidly moving as I relocated for work annually. I was learning so much along the way. I had so much to say. The truth is, I love to write. Poetry has always been an outlet for me, even as a little girl. An even truer truth is that I came to a place where I no longer identified with the woman who wrote those blog posts during the 2010s. As I aged, traveled, and experienced life, naturally, my opinions changed, and guess what so did my soul. I’m a completely different woman today than I was at 25 when I started this blog. The beauty of those blog posts now that I'm 33 is that I am able to embrace the writer completely. I see the beauty of those thoughts during that time, and the seasonality of where she was. I fully acknowledge myself in all capacities, past, present, and future, and I accept me. I fully acknowledge that it is acceptable to evolve, and by God's grace I'll continue to have the opportunity to do so, daily. My self-love renaissance these past years has given me so many beautiful lessons that have changed my soul for the better.
So, in celebration of my 33rd birthday, and under an undeniably expansive self-love journey that I have been on for about three years now, I have decided that the time has come to re-release my blog and continue this journey with a new post. With that, I have a gift to bestow upon you. I previously wrote "27 Lessons” back in 2017. This blog post featured 27 words of advice for my younger self. Today, I’ve curated a list that I'm calling Renaissance 33. 33 “life lessons” in celebration of my 33rd birthday.
I believe that when we are transparent with one another as women, it aids in our elevation individually and as a collective. You’ll notice that I share lessons that some may find taboo. I would argue that having those “taboo” discussions can save lives. One last thing to note is that these lessons are in no particular ranking order. I pray they're a blessing to you as they’ve been to me.
Renaissance 33 Life Lessons & Thoughts
You don’t chase you attract. Surrender your desires and focus on becoming the version of yourself that is in alignment with them.
You must forgive. If not, your unforgiving heart will infect all of the hearts you come across.
DRINK MORE WATER! ARE YOU DUMB?!?
You will evolve and sometimes people won’t like it. Sometimes you won't like it. But you’ll be better for it. And better will come because of it.
Speak up for yourself, your voice and your worth are everything and are valid.
Accept your parents for who they are, and where they are, it’s their first crack at this also.
If they wanted to, they would. They didn't, because they didn't want to. So now, YOU go do it for yourself!
Take up space, shine your light using your spiritual gifts
Your spirituality is your business, you don't owe anyone an explanation.
Having sex with them won't make them stay & abstaining from sex doesn't make you a holy kept queen. Work against the notion that you can possess people. A true lover will never require your possession in the first place.
You’re exactly where you need to be. Even if you’re terrified and totally confused about what’s coming next. Next will come, so be prepared. Build & heal yourself while you are waiting in the wings.
People around you will marry young, you’re not a failure if you don’t, and they aren’t either if those marriages do not last.
Travel is a must, it will free your soul, and you must live free. Plan and save money for at least one international trip per year.
That skincare routine? Get going pooh they are telling you the truth.
Friendships will change after high school and college and beyond. Some will end. Always wish them well regardless of the situation. Be the one who doesn't gossip, everyone is evolving.
Start a side hustle now regardless if you're a corporate baddie or still slangin' books. Grow your side hustle in your twenties/thirties, and retire young.
Ovulation gets really intense around your mid to late twenties ladies. No one told me. Take responsibility for the schedule and cycle of your womb to avoid unwanted experiences. Track your ovulation and period monthly and be sure to get tested regularly. Asking your partner to get tested is not an invasion of privacy.
Treat your elders with respect & dedicate time to them. They hold the beauty from decades past. You'll learn so much about life. Call your grandparents or another elder in your life, like, today!
Save your fu^k$ng money! You’ll have rainy days and being broke will only make them worse. Build wealth for yourself through real estate and please get that 401K! PLEASE
A hoe season isn’t required, but if you have one, honor yourself and tune in with your body, your heart, and your intentions before taking off your underwear…
Racism & injustice against brown people & ethnic minorities still exist all over the globe. I’m begging you to do your part in the continued fight to end it. Having a best friend that’s brown isn’t enough.
You can do ANYTHING but not EVERYTHING. Set realistic key performance indicators for your personal life as well as your career. Make wise decisions about how you spend your time. FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS.
Solitude is a blessing and a curse, be mindful of the extent of your hermit modes and the seasons of intense self-development that require solitude.
Be selective about yourself, boundaries do indeed protect you from foolishness!
Go outside, put your bare feet on the earth, and breathe. Nature will heal you if you let it.
If you behave with honor and pure intentions, I promise you, 9 times out of 10 your exes will come back. Don’t spend too much time crying over them my love. By the time they come back, you’ll be in another continent reading this blog over a beautiful meal. You’re the freaking prize.
Be gentle with your heart, your mind, and your body. You’re a temple. You’re to be cherished.
Move your body! Health is indeed wealth or it will cost you your wealth instead.
Evolution requires the absence of what was, to become what shall be. Let shit go.
It’s okay to be unique. Naturally, you may be misunderstood, your difference is your calling and those who are aligned with your purpose will learn you and flow effortlessly into your life.
Your emotional intelligence & character will carry you to places where any hate or gossip are but a faint whisper. Be true, don't take them personally. They love you deep down.
Pray for discernment. Let your discernment guide you, your relationships, your career, and the choices you make from this day forward.
Balance can be achieved in any circumstance, discover your path to internal balance and find your way back there each time life tilts and jolts you out of alignment.
And a bonus from Queen Bey… A reminder that no one can break your soul.
Happy Birthday to all of the Saggitarius out there!
More to come.
Kasai Marie