Be YOU.

Happy Thursday, ForevaBlack family! It’s always so lovely to talk to you again. Today, I want us to talk about something real — being yourself.

Back in high school, I used to want to be like everybody else. I’d copy what the other girls wore, tried to act like them, and did what they did. But deep down? I was never confident. I wasn’t comfortable — because that wasn’t me. I hadn’t stopped to ask, “What does Niya like? Who is she, really?”

Now, at 23, I’ve grown into a confident young woman learning to love herself fully. And let me tell you — being authentically me has brought more peace and purpose than pretending ever did.

Trying to be someone else is exhausting. It’s a full-time job with no benefits. You lose so much of yourself trying to keep up, trying to please others. But when you choose to show up as you, that's when life really begins.

✨ "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." — Psalm 139:14

This message is for the guy or girl who thinks they have to perform for love or acceptance. Trust me: the right people will love you as you are. You don’t have to shrink, shape-shift, or pretend. Your realness will make room for you.

And don’t forget — there’s a child, a peer, maybe even an adult watching you live out your truth. They're inspired. They're reminded that it’s safe to be themselves too.

So, I challenge you this week: show up as you. Be bold. Be real. Be proud. There’s nobody else like you, and that’s the magic.

I love you all. Same time next week?