Look at this video:

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Queen Bey has it right: I totally agree with what she said at the end. It is true that society and images in the media try to hold people captive in a box. However, most times people are held captive at their own accord.

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Yep, that’s right: we hold our own selves in captivity.

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Don’t believe me? Consider these:    

•  Long hair vs. short hair
• Team Natural vs. Team, um…. everything else 🙂
• Skinny vs. Thick/Curvy
• Fashion trends and appearance
• Money: VIP and ‘Baller Status’
• Personality: naughty vs. nice

 

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If you struggle with any of the above, take a moment and ask yourself:

1. What exactly is it that I’m trying to belong to?  –and why do I want to belong so badly?
2. What is my true intention for doing the things that I do, wearing the clothes that I wear, or styling my hair a certain way? What is the intention of my behavior both on and offline?
3. What and/or who are my influences? More importantly, why am I allowing my life to be influenced by the lives, thoughts, and words of other people?
4. If I am trying to prove something—why??

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Consider these Instagram postings from Beyonce:

 

Back in August, Bey posted this super-short pixie cut

Beyonce broke out

Only a few weeks later, she sported a long straight ponytail

Beyonce broke out

…then a shoulder-length wavy bob style

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The hairstyle even went a little shorter with less waves…

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Some days you’ll find Beyonce dressed like this

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……..or even this

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…and other days, she’ll dress like this

Beyonce Broke Out

Over the past few months, Beyonce has been showing and proving the words that she said in the video above. After years of creating an image that won over the masses—even the President—the diva has finally decided to break free from the box that society had put her in. She is finally living for herself and herself alone.

Beyonce Broke Out

Now if she can do it, why can’t you?

Beyonce Broke Out

Let me say this: your life is yours alone. You don’t have to be team anything! If you like long hair, wear that! Do you prefer short hair—wear that! Like to switch it up sometimes: do that too!! Relaxers work best for your lifestyle: why be ashamed of that?? Curls, silky-straight, locs, braids—grow it, chop it, buy it, dye it—whatever you want!! Wanna wear an executive suit and boots on Monday, T-shirt, ripped jeans and sneakers on Wednesday, and a dress and heels on Friday: go for it!!

Beyonce Broke Out 

Your style, your character, your LIFE is YOURS—not the rest of the world’s. You can’t live life at your best if you’re always living for the acceptance and approval of others.

 

“Define yourself on your own terms. There’s strength in being clear about who you are and what’s important to you.”

~actress Phylicia Rashaad

 

What feels good to you? What do you like? It’s time to stop concealing your personal truths just to fit inside of a box. Some people may not like it. Some may even criticize you. But who cares?! When it’s all said and done, you can’t please everyone.

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Stop looking around and take some time alone to figure out YOU. Get a journal, and write everything down that you come up with. Once you have it all figured out, keep your focus. Hold fast to your truths and never let them go; and never be afraid or ashamed to be you on any day, at any time, however you want.

Beyonce Broke Out

I encourage you to do the Beyonce! Break out of the box and be the you that you want to be! As long as you are:

 *Respecting your Divine Creator

*Respecting yourself

*Respecting the personal truths of everything you are

…then you will be alright! 🙂

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photo source: instagram.com/beyonce | instagram.com/houseofmrscarter

video source: YouTube/VIBE Magazine

Beyonce Broke Out