Embracing: The Colour of My Skin

Now let me tell you about Chandi Rae. She is one of the most dynamic women I’ve met. She walks boldly in her calling and is the visionary behind the Tell Your Story Conference, Vanish Board Healing Retreats, and Grown & Global Travel Group.

I’ve known Chandi for almost 8 years now, and as a speaker and coach, she helps people overcome emotional barriers that hinder them from living life to the fullest. She has a powerful story of her own that we shared here back in 2018.

So I reached out to her to ask if she would be willing to participate in the month’s topic, and she gladly said yes.

What is something about yourself that you once wished you could change, but you now embrace as part of you?

Something that I once didn’t like about myself was the colour of my skin. I remember being teased at an early age about it, I believe, as early as 9 or 10 years old. They called me “Blackie Number Two” because I was the second darkest kid around.

It’s definitely something I can laugh at now. Back then I was glad to be called “Blackie Number Two” because I thought, ‘At least I’m not the first one!‘

The Dark Side of My Knees

How Did You Deal with It?

Honestly? It’s crazy because back when I was young, Ambi was a cream that people used for skin lightening. I actually used to use it.

Although I used it faithfully to lighten my skin, I didn’t understand the depth of what I was doing.

What was the turning point?

As I started getting older, it seemed like dark skin became more accepted. More songs came out about chocolate skin, and I was like, “Oh, I have that kind of skin!”

My mom also gave me something to say to people who teased me about my skin, and that made me feel better. Today, at 47, I love my skin colour, and I have embraced it for so many years.

Embracing: My Name

Want to share what you’ve learned to love about yourself this April? We’d love to hear it! Email us at info@theweightshecarries.com.