The shit that happens varies from person to person, but it most certainly takes place for everyone. Trying to push past said shit is/can be the tough part; some things like to linger to make sure you get a good whiff of it, and other times it's just a slight stench. Regardless of what kind of shit you're dealing with, do all that you can to get on the other side of it, reach for that bed of flowers no matter how long it takes. Don't let anyone dictate to you how long you should wallow, how long something hurts, how long it takes to get out of the heaping steaming pile....just do it, get through it, do it for you and your sake.

I'm pretty vocal and open about some of the stuff I've been going through, but there is so so so much more, and I'm putting forth the effort to acomplish at least one achievement a day....no matter how small, it's the way I'm choosing to deal with all of the shortcomings I have that I can't really control.

Let's be clear, you set the standard for yourself no one else, and you decide what is an accomplishment (even if it's just getting out of bed for the day or taking a walk), especially if you're chronically ill, take those small victories where you can and try your hardest to be your own cheerleader.

And yes, there are days (even weeks) where though I set out to accomplish one thing....I've accomplished nothing (not even getting out of bed...I'm just a blanket burrito) and the guilt and shame sets in, but I'm constantly trying to dig myself out of that habit that has so been ingrained in us by society. I have to remind myself that I'm only human and it's okay NOT to be okay.

This necklace that my homie handmade for me as a birthday gift is a constant reminder, shit does in fact happen, and just like the act of taking the necklace off....you can get out of what ever hole you're in, it may not always be easy but it is attainable (even if you have to army crawl your way to the flowerbeds).

As for the outfit, it's a prime example of not having to spend arms and legs to look fly. Just look below and take the tally.

What I'm Wearing:

Sunnies from Hottopic. $5 (On Sale)
Shit Happens necklace handmade by my homie Evee. $Priceless (Gifted)
Bomber jacket from Charlotterusse.com. $20
Tank top from Rainbow. $7
Skirt from Forever21. $5 (On Sale, similar HERE)
Bracelet from the wholesale district. $5
Flats from Urbanoutfitters, circa 10yrs ago. $12 (On Sale)

Yes, I'm a self proclaimed Bad Bitch, but don't get it twisted....I'm Queenin' always, the two are not mutually exclusive. There's always talk of one verses the other and honestly I'm way too complex to be put in one solitary box. I am both a Bad Bitch and a Queen, A lover and a fighter, etc...

I've had so many moments of re-evaluation and self-reflection over the recent weeks, let alone the past few years, and I found that I often have to remind myself what I'm capable of and what I'm worth. It's not just one of those things where you can just say it once and never have to dip back into the self affirmation box ever again.

But once I say it out loud it doesn't really take much convincing. when I think of all the things I've accomplished, pushed passed, pushed through, rose above, maintained my integrity, lived life on my terms (for the most part), I'm just like....how could I deny my Bad Ass Queenery? And yes, I still struggle and have a consistent flow of existential issues....but I'll be damned if I let anyone take away how bomb AF I am, not even myself.

It sucks, it's as if all we can do in society is compare and have a "me vs. you" mentality. Personally I couldn't give two shits how you're living...unless you're hurting me or someone I love...or being a general douche that needs to be checked, I just don't have time for it. Plus, I'm not into the idea of telling people that their either one way or the other, people are many different things in all of their contradictory glory, a special formula of varying percentages.

I just hope that I can continue to push through to the next stage of my life in the manner of one of those savage AF montages/ walking through flames in slow motion while putting on shades and having buildings blow up behind me, with Nas' "You can hate me now" playing in the background....because bihhhh I'm lit.

And if this outfit doesn't fit the criterea...I don't know what does. Feel every piece of this flyness *Tony Baker voice*

I got this dress a few moons ago and they only have a size 14 left if I'm not mistaken, but the material is crazy stretchy. The jacket was on sale at Target which was a delightful win because I'd been peeping it for a long while and at $50 I wasn't about to cop it if it wasn't on sale. It was meant to be.

I know it's scortching degrees outside right now...but IDGAF Fashion over function is my motto most times (Inset meme of how my jacket is part of the look so I don't care how hot it is...I'm not taking it off).

The booties were from Mandee during a fall sale and I got two pair (one in a beige taupe, and these black pair) and it was seriously one of the best purchases.

Together ISSA looks, ISSA Bad Bitch.

What I'm Wearing:

Bandanna from the 99 cent store. $1
Necklace from Forever21. $6 (Sold out)
Fuzzy Jacket from Target. $15 (On Sale)
Dress from Boohoo.com. $10 (On Sale)
Boots from Mandee. $15 (On Sale, similar HERE , & HERE)

SHIT HAPPENS.

ISSA BAD BITCH.