Living Flawesome Every Day
Life isn’t perfect, and neither are we—but that’s what makes it Flawesome.
I remember the moment I decided to accept my flaws. It felt like a weight had been lifted. I knew people would raise their eyebrows, say, “Really? You’re a trip!” But that’s the point, isn’t it? By embracing my imperfections, I was making a bold, declarative statement: You can’t weaponize what I’ve already claimed as my truth.
When I chose the pseudonym “I’esha GaptoothDiva,” I wasn’t just highlighting my signature smile—I was claiming my power. That gap wasn’t a flaw; it was a feature. I thought about my younger self, wishing she had learned this lesson sooner. But like life, it took trials, tribulations, and some heartbreak for me to realize that my imperfections were what God intended to make me stand out. My flaws weren’t a mistake; they were a message—a declaration that others could own their quirks, too.
At first, this journey was about physical flaws. Back then, I was over 300 lbs., rocking my gap-toothed smile loud and proud. But as I grew, I realized the Flawesome lifestyle wasn’t just about looks. It was about the inside—the mental health struggles I’d been ignoring and the emotional scars I’d tried to cover.
For years, I avoided labels for what I was experiencing. Suicidal thoughts? I called it “normal depression” or blamed it on the seasons. I didn’t understand the gravity of what I was dealing with until it hit me: this wasn’t just about physical imperfections. It was about a flawed outlook on life, a misunderstanding of what it meant to love myself as a child of God.
I knew I needed help. Slowly but surely, I worked to get my mind, body, and soul in alignment. I underwent gastric bypass surgery to take control of my health, started diving into scripture and semi-regular church attendance, and entered a mental health treatment plan. This was my road to change—incremental but intentional. I wasn’t just living; I was thriving, pursuing goals instead of dwelling on adversity.
But let’s be real—this fight didn’t come without detours. I got distracted. I lost focus. And yet, God never let me fall too far. Each step forward brought clarity. My faith deepened, and my passion for empowerment grew stronger.
As my mental health improved, I started noticing something: the silence. Where were the people like me? The ones who were struggling, battling insecurities, and hiding their pain? I wanted to hear their stories. I wanted to create a space where we could share openly, without fear or judgment.
At first, I spoke into the void. Talking about my mental health challenges felt like shouting into an empty room. But every once in a while, someone would peek out from their shell and say, “You’re not alone.” That realization changed everything. I wasn’t alone—and neither were they.
By embracing my truth and sharing my journey, I became a peer support specialist before I even knew what that term meant. I was creating a ministry of self-love and acceptance, not just for myself, but for everyone who lacked a role model.
Fast forward to today: I’ve hosted podcasts, given speeches, mentored others, written a book, and supported people as a coach and virtual assistant. I’ve attended trainings and met incredible, resilient individuals who’ve inspired me just as much as I’ve inspired them. Now, I’m stepping fully into my role as an advocate.
I’m pursuing certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist, using my skills and experience to support others living with mental health and substance use challenges. This isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. Every day, I wake up motivated to serve, to listen, and to hold space for people who need someone to say, “I see you, and I’m here for you.”
This work is a blessing. It’s what I prayed for during those lonely nights, what I’ve been building toward in every step of my journey. Supporting others in their time of need feels like a culmination of all the lessons God has taught me.
I’m beyond excited for what’s ahead, and I’m grateful for the community we’re building together. Flawesome isn’t just a word or a brand—it’s a lifestyle. It’s about thriving in your authenticity and celebrating your resilience.
So, let’s keep going, Flawesome Fam. Let’s keep sharing, uplifting, and inspiring each other. Life isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up as you are, flaws and all, and knowing that you are enough.
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