Where are you from, Lesline?
11-17-2022
Every time I hear this question I kinda cringe. And I think I cringe because I feel like I don’t have the “correct” answer.
So you may have come to my website to get yoga poses because you’re a busy mom like me. But before we dive into all things yoga I want to share who the heck I am and why I am so loud in these internet streets lately.
So who am I? Where am I from?
I am Lesline (Les-Leen) a first generation Jamerican. My dad was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica and my mom was born in England. She moved to Jamaica as a child and met my dad.
My maternal and paternal grandparents were both born and raised in Jamaica. So that’s why I say I’m Jamerican. It wasn’t until recently that I was comfortable saying that I was Jamerican, because growing up my parents instilled in my sister and I, well drilled into our heads, YOU ARE AMERICAN.
That’s where the Jamerican comes into play because my heritage is Jamaican, and I recently found out, well a couple years ago, found out that my root roots are Nigerian. So what does that make me now? Nigerian-Jamaican-American (more specifically New York, and no I wasn’t born in a borough, I was born in Goshen, New York).
I feel like that’s a lot, right?
As a first generation, and the oldest sibling (I have a younger sister), my parents took great pride in having my sister and born in the USA. I saw first hand all of the struggles my parents went through growing up.
I remember seeing my dad study for his citizenship exam and all of us packing in the car to go to Epcot to see him officially become a citizen in America at Epcot. It was such a cool day. And just seeing the look on my dad’s face that he finally became a citizen after living in this country for over 12 years, priceless.
I think that’s part of the reason I care so deep about my people. And when I say my people I mean Black people. The amount of struggle we have gone through is well thats a whole ‘nother blog. But just knowing how hard my parents, my ancestors have worked so that I can be where I am at today.
That’s why I go so hard.
But not like I’m burning the midnight oil. Ya girl loves her sleep.
But I’m constantly thinking of how I can share my story, how can I better articulate my story because I know someone needs to hear it so they can move forward in their life.
My story is important because it is multifaceted. Just like the quesiton: “Where are you from” Its multificated because my story is layered with questioning my identity, marrying outside my race, and most recently the want of stepping away from my nursing career all together so I can pursue my passion of becoming a Wellness Enterpreneur.
So where am I from?
I am from many places and I feel like I have lived a couple lives already.
“I am Lesline”
I am me.
Is that the answer you’re wanting?
The next time you ask someone where they are from, specify.
Cause for me its like, what do you really want to know?
Where my parents are from? Where are my ancestors are from? Or where was I born?
You see how this one question can literally go 3 different ways. Face palm.
Or maybe I’m too in my feelings about this question.
Anyways reader, welcome.
Welcome to my world where you will see my unique perspective on what its like to be a mom to toddlers, married, working a full time job while chasing my dream of being a Wellness Entrepreneur.
Sit back, grab a snack, and enjoy this ride.
It’s going to be a good one.
Let me know reader, when have you questioned your identity? I’d love to hear below.
