Written by Ashley Lopez
Dope /dōp/: fresh or cool
Hi everyone, welcome back to Ashley Spills. Ashley, here. You can check out my other posts here.
I was listening to my favorite podcast this week, Unpack ‘n Bounce Back, and something that was said in the episode struck me: No one can define how dope you are except you.
The episode I was listening to is “Audacity” ft. Rapsody. It’s all about self-confidence and at what age one learns to grow more self-assured. The episode got me thinking about my journey with confidence. Middle school and high school sucked for me in this aspect. I was too shy that I couldn’t even imagine thinking I was pretty.
Though, at one point in high school I did try to fake confidence by wearing different types of clothing that wasn’t necessarily my style. I was trying to be “sexier” at age 15 (*cringing*). Besides that, I never felt genuinely self-confident until college.
My journey with self-exploration
In college, I explored different avenues of self-exploration and certainty of beauty. This included looking up to people who had the same body type as me, realizing people were actually attracted to me, playing with make-up, trying different styles, and more. Okay, so now that I was confident, it was time to feel fully secure about myself.
I tried to fit in with certain crowds more than I should have because I wanted everyone to like me. I found myself awkwardly in the corner of different social settings—quiet and putting on a fake smile for people (aka jocks and sorority people). Now-a-days, when I’m with people I do like and I know they feel the same way, I’m pretty social. I learned it’s best to surround myself with the ones I love because, well, they know how dope I am.
Self-exploration and not caring what other people think
I do struggle with not caring about what people think about me, don’t we all? I’m almost 27 now and I can make a list of reasons of why I’m cool—but I just found out that that list isn’t necessary. Who cares if people think I’m cool or not, as long as I do? But as I’m maturing, I am proud to know myself more and more and know that I am 100000% dope enough for me.
Tune in on Wednesday for tips I use to try and eliminate the amount of care I give to people’s opinions. I’m not saying I’m super successful at it, but I do try so let’s face this battle together.
Conclusion
This week I challenge you to write down 3 awesome things about YOU! Flaunt them and be proud. Don’t let anyone make you feel as if those things aren’t cool because they totally are.
This week is all about you, finding yourself, your dope-ness, and self-love. While you’re doing that, remember that it’s okay to be a little Self Centered. Check out that hyperlink to see some DOPE clothing by a brand that’s all about self-love and self-care. Oh, and it’s the creator’s birthday so might as well check out her work to give her that BIG BIRTHDAY MOOOD.
Thanks for reading, xo.