CIATA

I am Ciata, the daughter of a teenage mother.  

Life has definitely been an adventure for me in so many ways! As a young woman, I noticed how all of the women in a life were so different- from their relationships, to careers, to fashion sense etc; making them all great teachers.   

After a civil war started in my country, I was forced to come to the USA as a teenager and I still call it my home. In the stages of figuring life , I quickly understood how life lessons can shape a person and how powerful the mind is. In any situation, the body will never achieve what the mind has not yet purposed. I stumbled through my life like most young women from career, love, friendships to everything else in between. I have always worked hard in life to secure my needs and wants; I’ve never been a stranger to work. I did not grow up in a household where I saw love (as I understand now that I am older); I saw people just exist and make a life. Needless to say, this shaped the way I saw love. My belief was I do everything possible to make the other person happy, keep the house running, keep the kids going, all at the expense of not getting even half of what I needed to keep my cup full to pour from.   

Too many women know this script so well. It is sad, but definitely true. I was married for 10 years and finally I had enough to just choose me and my two wonderful babies. I thank God everyday for giving me the strength to do that when they were only 5 and 3 years old.   

As I look back on that now, that was one of the hardest decisions I made. Can you imagine, choosing yourself and peace is sometimes the hardest thing a woman will do in her life! Just think about that for a minute- crazy right? At least all of us women know a sister friend going through this exact thing right now, but can’t find the strength to let go of something that hurts her soul so badly.   

I am a single woman now (you know what they say, if you’re not married you’re single- lol); but all the emotional muscles I’ve built over the years have prepared me for such a time.   

When I was approached to participate in this exhibition, I accepted because of the wonderful woman behind it and what her vision is to bring it to the world.   

As I continue to ride the waves of life, I thank the Lord for allowing me to love myself and be happy in my own company for now as I deserve all the good things this wonderful life has to offer.