1. I will use the word "finna".
I am finna learn you a thing. I'm finna write an article about whatever I so choose. I'm finna use language that colors my vocabulary. Yes, I sure am smart enough to know that "finna" is not a word. I am also smart enough to not waste my life away battling grammar nazis who are smart enough to understand what I'm finna say.
2. I will use the word "ain't".
Yes, I am from the south, and stereotypically we are unintelligent hillbillies. "Ain't" is a word, though; it's in the dictionary. It is a contraction for "Am not".
3. I will wear leggings as pants.
Okay, I get this one. There are so many people who don't understand the difference between leggings, tights, and panty hoes. Obviously, panty hoes are the sheer ones. Tights are see through too. People wear tights and call them leggings all the time. I understand your confusion. Leggings aren't see through, and you put your legs and bum in them; therefore, they are pants.
4. I will clothe myself how I like.
While we are on the subjects of pants, we can dig deeper here. I can not only wear leggings as pants, but I can wear whatever clothes that I so choose to put on my body. I can wear a crop top, a bikini, camo, jeans, sweat pants, and leggings. I also realize that there is a time and place for certain outfits. As long as I deem myself as publicly appropriate, there should be no debate. I'm not naked? Then we can move along here.
5. I will wear my hair how I like.
As for my appearance, I can choose to have long locks or a pixie cut, natural color or purple, curly or straight or no hair at all. I will be the beautiful that I choose to be with or without your approval.
6. I will wear makeup how I like.
So many people put an emphasis on that beauty comes from wearing gobs of makeup. They bake and cake their faces until they don't even look like themselves anymore, but if that is what makes them happy, then they should go for it. On the other hand, if I want to go bare face, then dang it I will! A problem lies where a woman is shamed for not falling into the peer pressure.
7. I will love myself.
No matter how many times you insult me and put me down, I will not believe you. I am smart, I am kind, and I am important! I have to remind myself every time these voices of family and friends emerge from the past. With or without you I will be successful and happy.
8. I will exercise when I want.
Soon there will be a time where many people begin their New Year's resolutions. I will be one of them, at the gym, and yes it will only last a few months. That's my prerogative, though.
9. I will travel.
My bucket list includes traveling to a number of places. My goals may be different than other's; nevertheless, it's time to silence those who discourage you. Whatever life dream that you have, finish it. Live it. Love it. Do not let anyone stop you.
10. I will go to school (or not).
What is your mode of transportation to living the life that you dream? Is it University, trade school, or can you start without any training? Whatever it is, do not let a family member, friend, or special someone discourage, or even prevent, you from reaching the stars.
11. I will control my finances how I please.
I make my own money; therefore, I spend my own money. Money can vanish at the snap of a finger or a swipe of a card. It's so replaceable, though.
12. I will put art on my body (or not).
This goes back to the claim I made earlier. This is my body. I will put what reflects me on it, whether that be in temporary or permanent form.
13. I will have the career that I choose.
You can't tell me that I can't become something. I can choose whatever career I so please. If I want to go to the moon, then I will. If I want to be a broke writer, then I will. If I want to be a broke teacher, then I will. I have the ability to be whatever the passion in my heart leads me to be, and I don't need your approval.
14. I will have whatever life that I choose.
People are born to be different than each other. You and I may not always agree on things, and that's okay. A problem occurs when your well-intended advice turns into trying to contol my life.
I understand that the choices that I make earn consequences perceived as good or bad. Therefore, I plan to sit pretty and happy in the world that I have created for myself with or without your approval.
