A vibrant representation of strength and resilience, this artwork captures the essence of strong black women.
Welcome to “Provoked and Empowered: The Melanated Chronicles,” where we unapologetically transform adversity into triumph.
Today’s entry dives into a powerful theme: “Keep That Same Energy.” This is where we flip the script on those who’ve doubted us, underestimated us, or tried to confine us. It’s about holding onto that raw energy they sparked in us and using it to rise above and beyond.
Keep That Same Energy: How Doubt Fueled My Rise
You see, my story is no different from many of yours. Some of you may already know this, and for others, it’ll be news—but yes, I was a teen mom. But to be real- before the ink had even dried on my birth certificate, people were already writing my story for me. You know the script: raised by a single parent, I was already on a path some people thought was set in stone. “She’ll be another statistic,” they whispered.
The day I found out I was pregnant in high school, it was like I could hear the doubters louder than ever. Teachers, classmates, even some family members—they didn’t expect much. The looks, the comments, the assumptions—I could feel the weight of it all.
They had already labeled me and boxed me into their narrow expectations.
They provoked me.
At first, I internalized all of it. I dropped out of high school, just like they expected.
It seemed like they were right. But one day, something clicked. Maybe it was seeing my baby’s face or realizing I had so much more in me than what people assumed. But I knew I wasn’t going to let their opinions define my path.
I decided to take back my narrative. I went back to school, got my high school diploma, and kept pushing. By that point, I had three children, and people still doubted me. But with each sideways glance, each time someone told me I couldn’t, it just fueled me more. I used their doubt to light a fire inside me.
I went on to get my associate’s degree. Then my bachelor’s. And then—because why stop there?—my master’s.
I took their doubt and turned it into determination. They told me I wouldn’t amount to anything, and that I was doomed to repeat the cycle. Well, I hope they kept that same energy when they saw me walking across that stage with my degrees in hand.
But it didn’t stop there. I was working for the federal government in a contact center. It wasn’t glamorous, but I was just getting started. People thought that was it for me. But every time they doubted me, I dug in deeper. I needed more. I needed to show them, to show myself, that this wasn’t a one-off. Their doubts might have shaken me, but they also built something in me—an unshakable resolve.
I became a first-generation homeowner at 27. I bought my first home and kept proving them wrong, over and over again. And to add another checkmark to the list of things they said I couldn’t do—I climbed my way out of the contact center and into human resources, eventually becoming a Labor Relations Officer. I reached a personal milestone of making six figures, and created a life they said wasn’t possible for me.
I kept proving them wrong, over and over again.
So, to all those who thought I wouldn’t make it, I hope you’re keeping that same energy now. Because every doubt, every provocation, every assumption that I wouldn’t amount to anything? That’s exactly what empowered me to become everything I am today.
When They Underestimate, We Overcome
Let’s be real for a moment: the world can be a harsh place, and it often doesn’t hold back when it comes to underestimating us. Whether it’s doubting our abilities, belittling our dreams, or trying to box us into narrow stereotypes, people can be relentless in their efforts to reduce us to something less than what we know we are.
But here’s the thing: their doubts, their sneers, and their predictions are nothing more than fuel for our fire.
Yes, sometimes their doubts can indeed light a fire under your ass. They push you to go harder, achieve more, and show you exactly what you’re made of. But let’s not forget: proving people wrong isn’t just about sticking it to them. It’s about proving something to yourself. It’s about validating your potential and pushing your limits.
Think about the times you’ve been underestimated. Maybe they said you wouldn’t make it in your career, that you’d be stuck in a dead-end job, your children wouldn’t amount to anything, or that your dreams were too big to ever come true. Instead of letting their negativity weigh you down, use it as a launchpad. Channel that frustration and disbelief into something transformative.
Take their skepticism and turn it into your revolution.
When they say you can’t show them that you can—and then some. Use their doubts as a stepping stone to reach higher, achieve more, and prove them wrong. Their negativity isn’t a barrier; it’s a challenge that you’re more than capable of overcoming. Every sneer, every dismissive comment, is an opportunity for you to rise above and show them what you’re truly made of.
But at the end of the day, it’s about proving it to yourself. That internal drive, that inner voice telling you that you’re more than their expectations—that’s what truly matters.
From Provocation to Empowerment
Let me give it to you straight, no chaser: when people provoke you, they’re not just throwing shade; they’re testing your mettle. They want to see you stumble, to watch you fall. They aim to knock you off your game, to turn your fire into ashes. But here’s the deal: every ounce of that provocation is a spark that can ignite your transformation.
Remember, when they push you down, they’re only fueling your rise. Every sneer, every doubt, every attempt to drag you into their perception of failure is an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to flip the script and use their negativity as the fuel to propel yourself higher. When they go low, you go high, as our good sis Michelle Obama said. Their attempts to break you? Use them to build yourself. Their doubts? Transform them into your power.
Every jab they throw is a chance for you to show up and show out. So, embrace the provocation. Let it be the catalyst for your empowerment. Turn their attempts to hold you back into the very force that pushes you forward.
Their negativity isn’t just noise; it’s the energy that can drive your success. Use it. Own it. And let your rise be the ultimate response to their attempts to bring you down.
Holding Onto That Energy
So, how do you keep that same energy? It’s about more than just maintaining your resolve; it’s about leveling up. When that fire under your ass is burning bright, don’t let it fizzle out. Consistency and elevation are your weapons here. Don’t get comfortable; don’t settle. Keep pushing, keep climbing, and don’t let a single setback keep you down.
When they provoke you, they’re not just testing your limits—they’re trying to push you to fail. But you’re not falling for that. Every challenge, every stumble, is just another opportunity to bounce back harder.
“You could do it first, but I’m gonna do it worse.” – Lil Baby
That’s the spirit. Keep that same energy, no matter the obstacles.
Consistency is your secret weapon. Even when you hit a wall, use it as a launchpad. Failures and setbacks aren’t reasons to quit; they’re chances to come back stronger. Remember, you might win and lose it all, but every time you fall, you rise again with even more fire. Elevation is key. Keep proving them wrong, stay fierce, and let every setback be the catalyst for your next big comeback.
Building a Legacy of Power
So, here’s the final word: when life’s naysayers have tried to provoke you, remember what’s really at stake. It’s your moment to say, “Keep that same energy.” Transform their doubts into your driving force and let your achievements be the proof of their miscalculation.
This is your chance to show that their negativity only fueled your rise. Turn every setback into a comeback that’s bigger and bolder. Embrace the power in their skepticism and use it to build a legacy that shatters expectations.
Your journey isn’t just about overcoming; it’s about turning provocation into triumph. So, hold onto that fire they ignited in you, and let it propel you forward. Keep proving them wrong, keep building, and keep that same energy alive in everything you do.
This is just the beginning. Your story of turning provocation into empowerment is far from over. Keep pushing boundaries, and remember: the only way to truly silence the doubters is by shining brighter than they ever imagined.
Your legacy starts now—make it unforgettable.
🩷So glad you stopped by! We invite you to stay awhile and check out our other posts. Your engagement means the world to us! 🩷
About The Author
Discover more from Shaneatra Jones Speaks: The Inner Thoughts of A Modern Woman
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