Whimsical Women RISE

Amaya Papaya and not letting the world steal your sparkle ✨

Hey Sad Girls!

If you’re reading this, I know you’re like me. Introspective, sensitive, deep thinking, but also weird, whimsical, and…awkward.

I isolate so much, I forget how awkward I am until I’m around other people. How I laugh a little too loud. Or how I get a little too excited about mundane things. Or how I can deflate the air from a room by bringing up strange, existential topics.

And I notice every shift in expression. Every sigh. Every glance that says, “we’ll talk about her later”. But because I’m so…whimsical, they think I’m in my own world, certain that I don’t understand what’s going on.

Prince Bojji & the loneliness of difference.

Imagine having a beautiful, warm light inside you, but you fear exposing it because as soon as it flickers on, someone’s waiting to snuff it out. It’s a lonely experience. That’s why when I see other women like me, I root for them with all of my being!

Like Amaya from the current season of Love Island USA.

Love Island is a reality show where conventionally attractive people are isolated on an island to couple up or face being excommunicated. It’s like the Hunger Games with dates, make-outs, and bikinis. It’s honestly not my usual watch, but Amaya “Papaya” has stolen my heart. She’s goofier and more awkward than she looks. She finds joy in the little things. And she cries at the drop of a hat.

As soon as Amaya enters the villa, she’s desired for her physical appearance (which is the point of the show, so makes sense), and then one of the contestants, Ace, snatches her up, interested in getting to know her. But what he does after coupling with her made my heart sink to the depths of my chest. He picks at her personality, bit by bit…making her feel insecure about her very being.

For the rest of the show, her light dims. She second-guesses herself and spends more time on her own. She asks every man she chats with if she’s “too much” and if she’s crossed any boundaries. And when a new contestant assures her she’s just fine the way she is, she cries. And I cried, too.

Because, as much as we preach self-love and confidence, there is something so special about another person validating you when you need it. It feels like a long exhale after holding your breath for longer than you thought you could.

"You should love yourself first-" 🤚🏾

It hurts me to see another girly be treated this way. It’s a universal experience for us, I think. But regardless of how she’s been ostracized and made to feel small, Amaya continues to push through the pain and be her quirky, whimsical self.

When you’re “weird”, the world will try to whip you into submission. They’ll try to wipe the smile from your face or shame you into abandoning your light. Don’t let them.

So yes, SZA, dress like a bug because you feel like it. Whatever brings you comfort.

Yes, Solange, do whatever creative side quests you want. Whatever feeds your creativity.

Yes, Ayo Edebiri, be as goofy as you want. It’s refreshing.

Who are your fave whimsical women?

My Satisfiction Collab has Been Announced!

A limited edition version of my novel, I Live to Serve the Witch, is coming this Fall to Satisfiction! It’s a hardcover with foiling, a dust jacket, artwork on the inner covers, and decorated edges. LOOK AT IT OMG.

You can join the waitlist here. And learn more about the collab on this post.

Projects to Support!

Here are some cool things that cool people are up to!

• Midnight Mystics is an anthology of fantasy comics by Black Women! They lost a big backer recently and need more support to achieve their goal!

• Hammer Act 1. is John Henry meets an AI apocalypse!

• The Sailor Moon Day party is this weekend!! Drink up for meee

• I wrote a poem…and it’s a topic we shall discuss here soon. I’ve been writing and thinking so much.

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Thank you for reading! If you would like to support me, check out the links below:

Read my surreal novels: Check them out!

Follow me on Instagram!: @Jacqueaye