'Afros' by Marc Mayes

I am feeling the reemergence of my former self mixed with the newness of who I am becoming. I lost some characteristics that I really loved about my past self that took work to reacquire. Sometimes, the realities of life can chip away at the most charming elements of our personalities. I’m finding it important to understand that change is good - but not everything has to change. Character building and self growth is rearranging the perfect elements of myself until I feel balanced.

Some new things that have manifested within myself is focus. I used to procrastinate so much, but now I approach things head on. The relationship I have with my intuition is the strongest it’s ever been. My intuition is my guide and my friend. I am less reactive than I used to be. I let people and things shift as they need and I continue on my own wave. I am less hard on myself when I “fail” or don’t meet certain expectations. More grace and patience with human existence brings me comfort. I have evolved into someone who understands that money has to be spent to be made. I accept that my finances ebb and flow - and I no longer allow money to define my contentment in life.

Another thing that has changed is how I seize the moment and CALL OUT joy when I’m experiencing it. Now - when I feel joyful and moved, I acknowledge the feeling and truly savor it. I find it easier to recall happy memories when I am present and genuinely feeling those attached emotions in their entirety. I simply say “I am so happy right now”. This calls power and significance to the moment and gives whoever is with me a suggestive practice of calling out joy.

I have also restructured my relationship with social media - which used to be an obstacle for me. Finding ways to maintain my original thoughts and authenticity on such a superficial platform was DIFFICULT. Now I understand that I can stay true to myself in any entity with self control and real appreciation for knowing myself. This requires standing firm in my personal belief system. I’m also more confident with expressing my beliefs regardless of how I could be perceived by others. I can feel the trueness in some of my favorite influencers, and this brings me peace that others will/can feel it from me.

These images were shot earlier this year with photographer (@thebenchmarc). I love when old projects re-emerge. The Chloe` in these images shot back in April would be so proud of todays July Chloe`.