Afropean explorer

Thoughts, findings and observations of a black British professional seeking to authentically express her cultural, local and personal identities.

[onlinecounsellingcollege]

“Don’t be afraid to start over. It’s a chance to build something better this time.”

— Unknown

[afropeanexplorer-blog]

It's the first day of a new year, but I have no resolutions. My intention is #non-striving

[nichollekobi]

[afropeanexplorer-blog]

I know this will be a fabulous year! Welcome 2019

[afropeanexplorer-blog]

4c natural hair library

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/funkster123/afro-hair-styles/

This is where I have complied the styles I have worn or might wear in the future with my 4c natural hair. I don’t get my hair done more often than monthly. 

Each month I will post how I’m wearing my hair. 

[afropeanexplorer-blog]

Introductions

It's important for me to explain who I am because this blog is the microblog I wish I had. I'm a professional (doctor), born and raised in London to Ghanaian and Nigerian parents who schooled in England. I have always been interested in self development and personal growth. In recent years this has been centered around my identity and how I express myself in the world courageously, yet thoughtfully. I have dipped my toe in and out of what it means to be a black professional woman in the Britain. While I don't walk around constantly aware that I'm a black woman, I have been reminded by circumstances and people's comments and reactions since I have lived outside of London in a range of places in England since 2000. I frequently feel unsure what someone means when they ask where I'm from...where I live now, where I grew up, my heritage or the origins of my name (Yoruba). Furthermore, on a practical level I still travel back to London to get my hair "done" which requires planning. In addition to working as a medical doctor I love to express myself through music, mostly singing and dance. I am currently renovating my 1880's house and writing a research thesis. So why am I blogging now? While medicine has provided a challenging learning and growth environment, I find most of my personal growth has happened outside of medicine in my extra-curricular activities. Despite my thoughtful and introspective nature I recognize that I learn best and grow from action or activity. I want contribute and add value for others and am at a place in my personal journey where I should jump in. I don't have a passion for writing, far from it, but a few of my strengths make this blog a good starting place: 1- honesty: I have typically been brutally honest, but have recently I've been considering honesty as what what someone needs to be told rather than bearing all. I'm the friend who will tell you your skirt is tucked into your tights at 1500 when you last went to the toilet before lunch. Either way you needed to know that! 2- Questioning: I generally research in immense detail. It can take me weeks to buy something because I like to get the best value for money. The less that is said about that the better. 

3- Practical... The posts will be short and sweet, but if you are who I am writing for I know you don't have time to read a mini thesis, but know deep thought, research and consideration has preceded each post. This is a lifestyle blog of tips and hints from a woman with a busy professional life and a classical style with African accents. The tribe I contribute to shines a light on those entrepreneurial creatives who speak to my situation and afroeuropean style. I hope this blog gives others the gift of time to spend on fruitful activities that bring joy!