MY 2021 RECAP: YOU CANNOT BREAK DOWN WHAT CAN’T BE BROKEN

From the outside looking in, my 2021 looked like it was all a dream

“PK doing BIG things, covered in all the magazines”

But the #Allure was at times silent scream

A scary dream with no escape to simply open my eyes and leave 

My father-in law died, he was like a dad and I could hardly grieve

Or attend his funeral because my own husband fighting Covid, could hardly breathe

My year started in an ER –  pleading to God, hysterical and afraid 

Ray was fighting for his life – he was weak…hearing angels call his name

When it all falls down – it’s hard to see through the smoke and mirror windowpane

For the 1st time I could feel the angst that rises right before a widow’s pain

But thank God he made it - and all I know is

…You Cannot Break Down What Can’t Be Broken

From the outside looking in, in 2021 I was breaking down doors - because frankly I was for sure 

Launched the 1st ever curriculum for Ulta to style Black girls on salon floors

Did it again for Dyson Hair Globally plus True + Pure Texture promoted at Sally Beauty in over 700 stores

Even Issa Rae had to rock it on the last season of Insecure

“PK Girrrrrl You Made It…looks like you on a world tour”

But what fun is tripling sales when your body is dividing at the core

“PK You Look Great” – Gucci down to the feet

All the designer was fragility in armor to disguise my physique

Anxiety and panic attacks - at 115lbs ,  I was weak

So when you said “PK You Look Good” – I was thinking “that’s odd, cause I might not be here in a week”

But when it’s heavy and hard- through the fire all I know is

…You Cannot Break Down What Can’t Be Broken

When I thought the storm was over and I could roll tide

I drowned as my brother slipped into a coma, soon to permanently closed eyes

When he passed away it hurt so bad that my soul cried

I hadn’t felt pain that achy and deep since the year that my Mom died

This is what it sounds like when every dove cries

Purple rain every damn day when someone that you love dies

God, why has thou forsaken me now?

I can’t bear anymore – do I throw in the towel? 

I then heard, “This too shall pass my beloved child”

“For I am King of Kings, and for you I’ll #ProtectTheCrown”

In 2021 I discovered self-love is the ultimate wealth

Making millions from grind culture is no replacement for health

A Queen’s throne is only as strong as the care upon self

The new normal is yoga, stretching and meditation that’s felt

Re-establishing that “No” is a complete sentence in and of itself

Higher Learning that courage is being vulnerable enough to ask for help

So sure this year I got verified with a blue check on IG

But it was weird af cause it’s when I felt like was losing Pekela Riley

So I had to fight for myself and show up as Pekela champ “Ali”

An unapologetic higher-ego for becoming the greatest Pekela I can be

When down and hopeless- through the fire all I know is

…You Cannot Break Down What Can’t Be Broken

Despite whatever you have been through, or whatever lies ahead that you will go through – trust that …

YOU CANNOT BREAK DOWN BECAUSE YOU CAN’T BE BROKEN! 

Happy New Year – Happy New You

#ProtectTheCrown In 2022

Love Ya,

Pekela