Hey girl! Long time no see!! Today, I want to touch base on a topic that very few will converse on in public, but what a LOT of women know way too well- trying to overcome roadblocks that allow you to be sexually empowered. Embarking on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment hasn’t been straightforward. Like many of you, I’ve faced numerous obstacles that made me question my sexual self. Societal norms often felt like chains holding me back, dictating what I should feel about my sexuality and desires—mostly that I should not explore or embrace them. Now add being a preacher’s daughter to the mix- phew!! It was tough trying to explore anything about my sexuality. In school, sex education was either a joke or non-existent in my school years. There’s sooooo many things I wish I knew earlier were learned through my own research and, let’s be honest, a bit of trial and error. Discussing what I like or want out of my sexual experiences used to make me nervous- if I ever got bold enough to even discuss it. It felt like something society branded as taboo, especially for a woman. And please, don’t get me started on body image. Like many women, I’ve struggled with body image issues. A lot of mine started from college, after I had what was once considered “an ideal body”, but then seeing what a real woman’s body was as mine steadily progressed, and at times, feeling super uncomfortable with it.

Instead of staying stagnant in my journey and choosing to stay in the dark, I turned my knowledge gaps into empowerment by devouring books, credible online resources, and even attending a workshop. When it came to sexual empowerment in my marriage, opening up to my husband about my desires, insecurities, and boundaries was a game-changer. I learned to question and then slowly peel away the layers of societal expectations that didn’t serve me. Embarking on a self-love journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth every step, from trying positive affirmations to simply learning to appreciate my body’s strength. For those deeper scars, speaking to a therapist specialized in sexual health and trauma was invaluable to me. Surrounding myself with a community that uplifts and understands the journey toward sexual empowerment made a world of difference.

My journey to sexual empowerment is ongoing. Some days feel like a backward step, but it’s all part of my path. I’ve learned that it’s not about perfection but progress. By sharing my story, I hope to light a spark in someone else—maybe a fellow woman of color struggling with these same roadblocks. We’re in this together, it’s tough, but hey, aren’t we tougher? So yes, whether you’re at the start of your journey or somewhere in the middle, keep going. Our sexuality is a beautiful, complex tapestry that’s uniquely ours. Let’s embrace it, one step at a time.