Love , Unity and Natural Hair

When I tattooed love is life on me, I was aware of the judgment I would receive. To many the tattoo seemed impulsive and naïve. I just wanted to shed some light on my perception of life and hopefully alleviate any misunderstanding.

I have always questioned the purpose of life and my own. My curiosity predates back to the days when I had the overwhelming responsibility of deciding a career path, a career that could potential determine my overall happiness.  What I realized my decisions revolved around money. Money would ultimately determine the course of my life. That realization did not settle well with me. By American society the cultural norm is to get a job, own homes and cars; A lifestyle that is operated by money, making money a prime motivation many of us in our lives. We all wish to live secure, comfortable and even luxurious lives. So I don’t believe that many of us aspire to become what makes us happiest but what will allow us to live comfortably. Stopping many of us from reaching our full potential or purpose in life.

To write a focused piece on money is impossible, so I’ll merely discuss the thoughts that had brought me to my conclusion.  In my opinion our need for money is exploited through advertisement and consumerism. We’ve been taught that we need nice houses, fancy cars, great hair, fine dinning, name brand clothes, and the list could go on. We go to school for a career that will provides us substantial incomes but using loans because in most cases we don’t have the money initially. We invest into homes and cars that are more so property of the bank but are illuded with the thought that it is ours when we make our monthly payments.  What I see are luxuries being perceived as necessities and diluting dreams and passions.

Then there are those who are not born in to wealth or middleclass households. Whose social status or the environment that they live in decreases their access to an education or job opportunities. When money has been exercised to be the foundation of life the way it is, it is only natural we see crime, drug trafficking etc., in less wealthier environments. They want the same thing that we want, money. The saddest part is that we can hardly escape this life I only hope to find balance.  Consumerism is essential to economy and how we survive. It’s what creates jobs.

Love is life is my little piece of sanity, how I find balance in corruption. To live for the things I love for the most.  I was never told to do what makes me the happiest. In retrospect I was told do what will make you the most money then buy your happiness. I feel the most gratification when I am able to give and inspire. It is why I chose the Child and Youth program in school. It why I am honored to be apart of a network that is dedicated to uplifting and restoring black women to their natural glory. I am willing to adjust my lifestyle for to do what I love. I also preferred that memories of me be recognize for actions rather than my posessions. But! I will not pretend that I don’t give in to the allure of money and luxury from time to time. It’s hard not to after its been drilled in to your head but again I hope to achieve balance. My only regret is that I got the tattoo on the side of my rib cage, instead of wearing it proudly on my chest.

Love is Life

Chantal G.

Stay tuned for my more Love, Life and of course Natural Hair