So earlier today I was taking a shower, and happen to read the back of my body wash bottle. I’ve been using this brand called alaffia which I came across in whole foods one day. It’s winter time, and the fact that the products had shea butter sold me. So far I’ve used their coconut and lavender scents. The smell is so fresh and clean, and the lotion is light. I also love that they have an all in one body wash which can be used as face cleanser, shampoo, and body wash all in one. Similar to Dr. Bronners All One magic soap. For those interested I will link the product below.

a•laf•fi•a \ ah-la-fee-uh \ noun. A common greeting or valediction originating from central Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. Alaffia means a state of peace, health, and well-being.

https://www.alaffia.com/pages/alaffia-history

Anyways, I came across the meaning of the bottle and it said alaffia is a common greeting or valediction originating from central togo, Benin, and Nigeria which means a stay of peace, health, and well-being. This got me into some deep thought ( 9 times out of 10, I was high as hell). But to stay on topic it made me reflect on my past year. 2022 was mentally draining for me. I can admit that I have not been the best girlfriend, friend, student, etc. My emotions were all over the place. It all started when I lost my grandmother. I can honestly say now that I was not grieving properly. Losing her has been one of the hardest things I have ever experienced. Alaffia; a state of peace. This is my word for 2023. Could’ve been the weed, could’ve been the word but in this moment I realized that I fully need to get back on my happy train.

I mean, I was a wreck last year. Lashing out, not wanting to go to class (which I am surprised I even passed my classes), and just not wanting to get out the bed and take a shower. etc. I was damn near depressed. But I refuse to let that take over me this year. I am going to make it my duty to restore my peace, health and well-being. This shouldn’t be so hard as I have returned to the gym and changed my eating habits for the better.

Now to surround myself around people I love. I’ve been closed off for the latter part of the year but I couldn’t stand to feel pity, or felt bad for, I had attitudes, it was just a lot. But there are numbers in strength. Virgos always wanna seem as though we have it together, and that we don’t need anyone else. But I am learning that it is okay to count on someone. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. And so to my village, shout out to you guys. We are making up all the lost girl dates, brunches, vacations, etc. But most important, shout out to my village for never pushing me to do things I didn’t want too, for checking up on me and for never taking my distance for disrespect.

As I continue to work back on myself I urge everyone to be kind to themselves this year, laugh out loud, and turn to people in your corner when you feel alone. Life gets hard, we cant stop tough times from happening. But we don’t have to go through things alone. You are not weak for asking for help. ❤

Much love, much blessings, and alaffia to you all.

Here is the link to the site below. I am not sure if I mentioned but Alaffia does have a child care line and they are plant based. Ingredients used are natural such as shea buyer, coconut oil, charcoal, mint and others. https://www.alaffia.com