#monispeaks

[ayymmmonnayy]

when my girl @mollysnotmeek asked me to do an episode of her podcast @hermindmatters_pod, i couldn’t say no. we talked about how i gained the confidence to truly love myself, but most importantly talked about my experiences as a lao american woman growing up in the states and all the struggles i’ve faced. it’s a very empowering episode and i’m extremely honored and humbled to be a part of it, using her platform and to raise awareness on #stopasianhate, which is still very much alive. link is in the bio, along with her bio and i hope y’all take the time to listen. 💛 #monispeaks #moniwore #moniexplores (at Columbus, Ohio) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSAFjLELETG/?utm_medium=tumblr

[ayymmmonnayy]

as a child, i remember being in a bubble of safety with my parents. as i grew up, i started realizing how different i felt around my surroundings. as i grew older, i understood the sacrifices that my parents went through to escape a war torn country. we were taught to work hard, keep to ourselves and be good people, dealing with subtle/blatant racism along the way. i knew taking care of my parents as i got older was inevitable, but i never anticipated it to be this soon and in this matter. i’m genuinely scared, worried and protective of them now with these hate crimes increasing in our community. i have so many emotions and i can’t even express the amount of anger, sadness, anxiety, everything that i’m feeling.. i just know that i would be DAMNED if anybody ever did these attacks of hate towards of my family. we’re screaming for support. we’re screaming for empathy. we’re screaming and nobody is listening.. enough is fucking enough. when i collect my thoughts and feelings, i plan to write a more detailed blog about everything going on but as of now, i’ll leave it as this: we matter too. #stopasianhate #stopaapihate #immigrantsmakeamericagreat #tbt #monispeaks (at Columbus, Ohio) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMk602uB3nJ/?igshid=13ira909z2yg0

[ayymmmonnayy]

new year, new blog post! it’s been a hella long time since i’ve posted something on #monispeaks, but thought i’d share my insight on how my 2020 went down. it’s exciting to get back into posting and i plan to work on posting content more consistently. click the link in the bio to read! appreciate y’all in advance. 💛 #monispeaks #moniwore photo credit: @_brookenicolephotos_. (at Columbus, Ohio) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJpWTt3hnPL/?igshid=zep28vw03j29

[ayymmmonnayy]

2020.. what a wild ride. this was the world’s longest year and i’m shocked it’s finally the last day. i’m sure i’m not the only one who feels happy this year is coming to an end. as i sit here and reflect, there was a lot of eye opening moments and events this year. i learned a lot more about others, bust most importantly i learned a lot about myself. i’ve worked on a lot within myself and it just keeps going up from here. the feeling of hope definitely was tested amongst other things, but hope is what kept me going. i’ve been writing a little bit about this, which i’ve been thinking of sharing in my blog.. stay tuned. 🤘🏽 #tbt #moniwore #monispeaks photo credit: @kristenjonesboudoir, @tariqtarey, @_brookenicolephotos_, @worldwideo.g / @lifesupplyworldwide, mani pannu photography, @ceasar614, and @midmacvisuals. (at Columbus, Ohio) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJeuPsbhk95/?igshid=2cj1mtrb5hld

[ayymmmonnayy]

these were taken two years apart, which i’m around the same weight in both (180-185ish). it took me a long time to learn that the number on the scale doesn’t mean shit, as you can see the difference in how much more muscle mass i’ve gained and how toned i’ve become. i not only went up in weight but in clothing size. i used to beat myself up because of the immense amount of pressure i put when i wasn’t a certain size or weight. slowly i started to love the skin i’m in, although it’s a process. it’s been a minute since i’ve posted on my blog, but i’m thinking of posting something personal about things i’ve learned fitness wise. should i do it? 🤔 #transformationtuesday #thenandnow #monigyms #moniwore #monispeaks #nvgtn #alphalete (at Columbus, Ohio) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJaEgrwBuRe/?igshid=1db5tmjeg8gw2

[ayymmmonnayy]

my culture is the core of my identity, my heart and my soul. without it, i wouldn’t know who i would be. growing up it wasn’t easy realizing this, battling my laotian heritage and my american surroundings. this is the story of how i reconnected to my roots, link is in the bio. #monispeaks | photo credit: @worldwideo.g. (at Watt Lao Buddhamamakrama) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAbvQP5BOF3/?igshid=1vi0jlulsq89z

[ayymmmonnayy]

this was not an easy post to write and took me weeks to put the words i needed together, but i open up about my journey with mental health and some insight on the subject. it’s very raw and real, but i hope you guys enjoy this post. link is in the bio. #monispeaks | photo credit: @worldwideo.g. (at Otherworld) https://www.instagram.com/p/B79ytZOh0v5/?igshid=xb8ivf1blpua

[ayymmmonnayy]

i finally did it.. in addition to #monieats, i have decided to launch #monispeaks. i’m excited for you guys to view this outlet of my thoughts and share my journey of my personal growth. initially, i was terrified to put my vulnerability out on the line, but i’m so proud of the events in my life that i went through to become the woman i am now. i’m proud of this blog and i hope help inspire or motivate if all possible. link is in the bio (monispeaks.webnode.com). 🤘🏽 | photo credit: @_brookenicolephotos_. (at The Scioto Mile) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7ezzGyhgb5/?igshid=12j4bccg69g6