I am homegrown feminist. A free woman who celebrates life, love and self. I affirm the core essence of my being through self-care. Self-pampering, regular medical check-ups, long spa visits, extended vacations, passionate interchange with my partner and doing my life work as my career--these are only some of the ways I celebrate me. I was not always this woman.

I grew up with women who knew and owned their power yet celebrated their womanness. Don't get me wrong, these were sisters who loved the brothers--a few were married to some of the most influential Black men in history. What I loved and admired is that they never lost contact with who they were and what they wanted while loving their mates or their children.

The examples they set for me--accomplishing their dreams independent of their mate, not accepting abuse or mistreatment on any level--it is these and other experiences that would serve as a standard for my own life journey of living life in a female body.

So often we as women relinquish our goals for those of our families and those we love. We are falsely taught that this is our role in society and in love--to serve. For me, finding a delicate balance between caring for family and doing what makes me feel passionate and alive, is paramount to my mental, spiritual and physical health.

I feel fortunate to have the consciousness to praise and honor the yearnings of my soul. I came to this place by learning to ask myself life questions related to my own peace and empowerment.

Questions like: What do I really want for my life? Have I given myself permission to live my best life? What kind of work makes me feel happy and content? If my life could be any way I want it, what would that life look like? What makes my body feel good and alive?

I live by these affirmations: I am whole and complete in and of myself. I deserve peace, love and goodness just because I am child of the Most High. I forgive myself daily in the knowingness of my human soul. And the most important: I am enough.

More about Ifalade Ta'Shia Asanti's work can be found at www.tashiaasanti.com.