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My Natural Curly Hair Journey
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- čas přidán 17. 08. 2024
- My Natural Curly Hair Journey | Since shaving my hair live on youtube back in 2013 my hair has gone from buzzed, to faded, to bleached, to dyed, to relaxer and now embracing my curly hair long. I don't have any plans on cutting it and am actually curious to see how long it will grow if I leave it alone. I'm sure I left out so much about my hair so let me know what I missed and I'll be sure to address it in a future video.
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⟡ About Shameless Maya Channel ⟡
"What would happen if I shamelessly promoted myself for 365 days?" My channel started out as a social media experiment, and now it's a lifestyle. I hope my journey from shame to shameless inspires you and others not to be ashamed of who you are and to share and celebrate that shamelessly. Here on my channel, you'll find videos on lifestyle, inspiration, fun transformations, techie vids for aspiring geeks, beauty, fashion, and so much more.
#lifeupdate #naturalhair #curlyhair
Aw maya. I’ve watched your old videos for so long and for awhile I had lost all my channels on CZcams and didn’t see yours for awhile and I’m so happy I found you again. Seeing that you’re following Jesus makes me so happy for you. I recently found my way back to Jesus and although I’m so happy and overjoyed that I’m on this path now, I feel alone. My husband isn’t a believer and it’s a struggle when you have almost 4 little ones that you want to teach about Christ but also have to respect your partners beliefs. Just asking for prayers that one day the lord can touch my husbands heart so that we all can walk with Christ together. Watching your videos makes me feel like I have a friend in Christ. I’m so happy for you and many blessings to you and your little family ❤
Keep praying and believing. He is covered by your prayers as are your children. Prayerfully when he see the goodness of God in you, it will cause him to want the same ❤
I’ve finally realized just HOW to let go and let God drive my life. And the ride from the passenger side is so beautiful.
And it’s a continual journey! ✨
HOW?
You were one of the few influencers who I started following 9ish years ago and taught me how to take care of my curls. So thankful I found you then and have followed you and your journey throughout all of these years ❤
Maya, Your hair is absolutely gorgeous just the picture of health.
She’s BACK .. 🤩🤩🤩.. coming back always with the realness 💯 and giving us His word 📖.. being shameless is truly walking with Him 💯.. I’ve been with you since NYC 🤓.. loving this path 😍., I’m 56 going on 57 😱🤪., single .. taking care of one parent while being a very sick person .. however or oh But God 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽😍❤️🩹 healing season coming 😁😁
In my walk with God I'm at a place where I, as a first time mom, just don't know how to get time to read the Word properly. I love to start my days with worship songs, I read a verse of the day (Bible app), but thats not enough. I feel I need my exclusive time with the Lord, just not sure how to organize it with all the schedules, on some days extreme tiredness etc. Beautiful to see how the Holy Spirit works. I'm following you on CZcams and Insta for nearly a decade now. Just beautiful to see what God did in your life. God bless You Maya 💛💛💛
I listen to the scriptures in the shower or just when cleaning around the house here on CZcams. Helps for busy moms.
I feel you! But as the other comments I play the Bible on CZcams when I can’t get to reading. I also pray that God gives me the rest of 10hrs in 4hrs and it works some days like this morning! 🙏🏾🎉
Thanks for being so transparent, humble and yet still, vulnerable. It is a scary place, but so much strength comes from there. I stumbled on your channel not long ago when you were sharing about how to make videos, watched your hair journeys, and saw you battle through the insecurities of life. I saw passed all the fluff, realizing we were on the same journey together, except you were walking it shamelessly. Obviously, someONE else had bigger plans for you. It is a beautiful thing to see how you've evolved and still evolving. Wait n' see what is yet to be revealed; you're seeing just the tip of the iceberg. Sis in my head! ❤KravinRomance ❤
I’ve been in church my whole life and a Christian (of my own accord) for the past 13 years or so. But I’m in a season of questioning. It’s like I’m re-establishing my beliefs because so much of life and things around me are challenging my faith and I really need to be firm with where I stand. It’s frustrating and most times I do lean on my understanding rather than into God. But, it’s a process that I know I will get to other side of. Thanks, as always, for sharing Maya 🩷
Curly Maya just aligned all the decades. You wear YOU (AND HIM) well Maya.
I love the joy you show on your channel. Life has up and downs but you are authentic and enjoy your life. Your curls are amazing.
Girl, I chopped my hair after seeing your big chop over a decade a go and I have never looked back! I cover my head all the time now so i have time in the morning to read my bible but my hair it's so beautiful now because you gave me the strength to get rid of my fried dead hair and my obsession with weaves!
I remember watching you in the beginning when you were washing your hair in the shower with shea moisture and I watched you buzz it off and grow it out. I was so excited to finally find someone (you and Alba Ramos) who looks like me with my hair type that helped me to try products with my hair. And now my hair is to my butt lol! I also wear my hair in buns, twist or fluffed out because my curls lock up after a few days too now that it’s long. You’re are truly a positive influence! 💜
I have been waiting. You been walking around with this glowing crown and I always wanna know what you shine yours with ughh! I have not even watched yet and I’m geeked!
I been here since the early days of curly hair about 10 years. It’s so good seeing you pop up on my feed. I instantly watch when I noticed it was you. My sister in Christ!! One love ❤️ & one body of Christ 🙌🏽 and praise God for your journey sister.
Mya, your throwback video of shaving your hair gave me the courage to shave my hair I been here since 2015 for sure I miss your NYC days. 🤗💯💜
My relationship with God is becoming more present as I'm talking to Him more throughout the day and learning to trust Him more with my feelings and decisions. I would love content on how to surrender more to Him. Your curls are beautiful and thanks for sharing your hair journey ❤
Maya I’ve followed you since you first took the risk to be shameless ❤ even though you believed differently then I loved your personality and your authenticity and your willingness to dive in head first without having it all figured out; it’s been inspiring to witness. Since sharing your walk with Christ, I only love the content more ❤ thank you for sharing pieces of your life with us 🙏🏾
Your hair is sooo beautiful and I love what you said about your walk with Christ. The no makeup look is great as well, go girl!
I remember watching you buzz your hair live from my job and everyone in the office was watching in awe haha It was like an office party for us.
I love that I’ve been here throughout all these hair transformations!
Your smile made my day; I’m so happy you found your way. I left a very long message on your video years ago or I may have emailed you. I was encouraging you in your walk with God.
Thank you for this message! Really needed to hear this in a world that is full of so many distractions and need for possessions, I truly appreciate you being so candid and honest about what is TRULY important. My grandmother is 101 & day and night she gives thanks to the lord. I thank you again for this message as a reminder of what is really matters in this life.
Yes sis! I’ve Been here since “ I don’t care about my frizzy hair!” 😃😃😃❤️❤️❤️
Love this and your walk with God ! That’s exactly the channel I was looking for.
I remember years ago I watched one of your video that broke my heart where you didnt want nothing to do with christianity .. and seeing you now - Soooo happy 🙏🏾 wish you the best!
Hi Maya have been following you on IG but just subscribe to your CZcams channel. Have always believed in God but have rededicated & been baptized for over a year now. Highs & lows but won't change anything & have stopped comparing myself to others. I have recently started to journal because that's my way to pour out my thoughts, my observations, my dreams, goals, giving thanks for what He has done & will do in my life! I can tell you doing this has been a tremendous help mentally and spiritually. You have a beautiful spirit Maya❤... keep going 🙏💐
Hi Maya! I'm glad that YT recommended that I watched one of your latest videos. Hearing your thoughts, right now, is what my spirit needs. Thank you.
I’m here for this version of Maya! I’d love a a bible study!! Show us where you started reading like what scriptures or chapter
Been with you since shaved hair days ! Love your hair now as well it’s fun to have different hair
It’s crazy how long your hair is now. I remember the video when you shaved your head. So happy for your hair and personal growth. Many blessings to you and your family. ❤🙏🏽
This is so cool! I remember when I discovered vloggers on CZcams. Your channel was one of the first I saw passing by. I then saw you getting baptized in Mozaik in L. A and I was like wow, I was there in that church when I visited L.A. I always prayed that you would stay on God's path, knowing the spiritual dangerous out there in Los Angeles. I remember, thinking how powerful it would be when you would be sharing the message to your audience. And look at you know!!!! God is so good!!!!!!🙏🏾❤
I absolutely love witnessing the maturity of your faith. May the Lord continue to use you and may you continue to experience God in your life. Your testimony is reaching many 🥹❤
Maya!! It’s SO good to see you! You look radiant and healthy. We love to see it! I resonate with much of what you said about your spiritual journey. I’m enjoying the experience of real intimate relationship with God. The connection to source is where true joy and peace are realized so I try to remind myself often to be present in the moment to catch the lessons. Sending you love and light as you make good on your divine assignment. 💜✨🦋
You are literally the first creator I followed in here when I was starting my hair care journey. I love your videos soooooo much, I miss the videos you use to do with your cousin!
A verse your vids bring me too is the one where it says to not be conformed by the world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind .. allowing ur self to learn and de program to reprogram to the basic .. n your willingness to learn so inspirational ❤
I watched you since I was in middle school. You made me feel seen when there was no mixed kids with curly hair. You also encouraged me to do a big chop years ago. Beauty was never in our hair. It’s just the cherry on top ❤
I've been here since them early days mama ❤🌻🌞 I'm saving for long hair too 😍
Truly enjoyed this. Thank you Maya. It helped me to think more about how I want to have more devotional time and how to intentionally connect with God in the day-to-day routines.
It so good to see your growth and walk in Christ. I always enjoyed your content but this is heartwarming
Loved this and watching your journey since day one! A Bible study series would be beautiful.
Jesus is the Only Way ❤🎉❤
❤ what a journey called life 😊. And thanks for continuing sharing.
That long natural hair is _magnificent_ 😍
Ive been a fan since the days of you going to NY fashion week with balloons. That’s before I had kids 10-ish years ago!! ❤❤❤ You’re an inspiration. I remember when your walk with God seemed different than now and its been beautiful watching you grow!
Im in a place in my walk where I want to do what God has called me to do, operating in my spiritual gifts, etc. I want to be around people like you who not only love God, but follow him wholeheartedly. Also, have issues idolizing my phone now that you mention it!
Throw back boo!!! Remember those days? Thanks for riding with me all these years and more importantly, I’m so grateful our journey brought us back to God 🎉
I’ve been all over the place with my salvation walk for a little bit, but I’m glad I’m frequently reminded of Gods love and His immeasurable power. Remember the assignment… thanks for the reminder Maya.
I just found you because of Randy Kay. I’m excited to watch your journey. God is so faithful and he will do so much more in your life and to others through you.
I’d love a bible study session, and or group. I’m almost 43 and got baptised at 41 so my walk with God is still in its infancy, but I would love to share experiences. Love from London UK
Btw, I went to Brazil in February, and for the frst time tried their hair products. It changed my entire routine. It cut my washday into half and my hair was much more manageable, softer, and less tangley. I think we have a differently hair texture - you seem to be fairly low porosity when compared to me for example, but you might like the SKALA as a co-wash, deep conditioner or leave in. I particularly like the pink one (SKALA ceramidas g3) bc it makes the hair so soft, manageable and non-tangley. I brought different SKALA tubs to my family in China and one that's both really popular on youtube from what I can see and a favorite of my sister is the blue one (Mais Cachos, portuguese for more curls). SKALA does this chronocapilar system - a fancy name for acknowledging that our hair needs different things at different times. So they have a Hydration, a Nutrition and a Reconstruction phase. I don't feel liek they make their products completely ignoriting the other aims too though. The Pink SKALA Ceramidas G3 is Nutrition phase, the blue Mais Cachos is Hydration and a reconstruction one I really like is divino potao (light pink box). This shop sells 2 of the 3 in Sweden - It's pretty affordable. This website even sells small bottles for about 50 kr, the 1kg tub goes for 219kr: brazilandco.se/products/mais-cachos-leave-in-conditioner-2-in-1-skala-1kg?variant=46803898073419 (They do add 99kr for shipment though) kurls.se/search?q=skala&options%5Bprefix%5D=last&type=product has it too
This is incredibly refreshing. I've been following you for years, since your Frugal Artist days. I even had the pleasure of meeting you at a meet and greet event years ago at Macy's, I believe, alongside ItsMyRayRaye. Witnessing your transformation, not just outwardly with your hair, but inwardly due to God's guiding hand, is truly beautiful! :)As a holistic dietitian who believes in integrating faith in God as the cornerstone of spiritual health, I find your journey deeply inspiring. I'm excited to start sharing the gospel on my own CZcams channel soon,and this video serves as yet another confirmation for me! Keep up the fantastic work, Maya! Hopefully we can meet again over coffee, tea, or a smoothie. 😊 Much love!
You were one of the first CZcamsrs I watched before I did the big chop 10 years ago. I’ve been through a hair roller coaster over the past 10 years 😂 but I’m so grateful that CZcamsrs like you were there as an inspiration.
I'm actually gonna cry Maya...because I'm so happy for you and just knowing where you're at with God. It just brings me joy...
You’ve been an inspiration from the beginning!
This was so refreshing! I've gotten lazy in regards to my walk with the Lord. Whoa you're not lying about the topic of idols. This video was a friendly reminder of what I need to be doing. I'm glad you always tie it back to him, focusing on what truly matters. Oh and your hair looks amazing!
Wow 🥹💖 I just finished watching Nappy Fu’s video “Leaving the Natural Hair Community” and this was the next recommended and it’s funny how neither video was about what I thought it was. Both your video and hers brought me back to the true meaning of everything “our relationship with God” ❤ Your curls turned out so beautiful and it’s so beautiful to witness your transformation in all aspects from when I first subscribed to short hair Maya to now. Thank you for being a witness to what He can do. I feel like as my hair grows, so do I and that’s what your video reminded me of. Where am I in relation to my relationship with God?! Remembering that even when I’m not focused on Him He’ll bring me back to my focus being on Him. 😂 I didn’t realize I’ve made other things my god. TikTok is mine. It’s one of the first and last things I do in a day. I go there seeking to fill a void when I should be consulting God. Even on the app, He’ll bring me a video that brings me right back to Him 😂because He’s loving, kind, and merciful and I’m humbled, honored and so grateful 🥲💖
I'm from Brooklyn, and the men in NYC are definitely way more outspoken and assertive than any demographic of men I've ever encountered
Hair: you have a lovely head of hair. I can relate to your journey, I've had lots of fun with mine ☺️
Absolutely love this and you! Proud of you Maya ❤️ God is good! 🙏🏽
Thank you Maya for sharing your honest experience about your faith journey and road back to God - so relatable!!🙏🏾🤎
Yooo...we're back to where we started (kinda)! And I welcome it! (The hair.) My curls have been through a journey ever since I started watching you years ago as well. EDIT: Been on a walk, sprint, swim, climb, & flight with God & our journey together isn't over yet. I think the point is, it never should be.
So so real with this! The road may be narrow but Lord, it’s twisting and turning 🤯
I found you when I was trying to make sense of Prince's death and fell on you. Because you have been so real and honest, cute, funny and sweet, I just kept watching. I tried getting into the Bible, but it's been hard to figure out It's inspiring to see you and your family living in the word daily. Not an easy thing to do. I've really enjoyed hearing and seeing your vlogs. Thank you!
Welcome baccccckkkk!
Loved the reflection about the story of Moses really makes you reflect who we choose to worship over God ❤️❤️❤️
Your hair is still so beautiful, Maya! I love hearing you talk about your faith in God! I still haven’t figured out how to let go and let God take control. I need prayer on that.
Wow, I was so shocked to see you on my thread. I started watching your channel before you shaved your head in 2013. I’m so glad to see you’re doing well! 🥰
oh my goodnesssss I've been waiting for a video like this.. Your hair is gorgeous.. you actually inspired me to go natural again ❤
Your hair looks great.🎉
Hi Maya thought about binging your content today so here I am , I love that it's a hair video because I'm also doing my hair, box braids.Last year I cut off my waist length dreads in January, finally growing out my hair again and trying to get used to doing it myself.I was used to retwisting my dreads for like 6 years , so im learning how to do loose natural hair again.Love the video.
Keep living your life for The Lord, Maya. He has brought you this far and He has more you to do.🙏🏿🙏🏿
God grace and blessings be with you and your family.
Lots of love from Whitby, ON 🇨🇦
Maya, I absolutely love seeing your growth from your early 30s to now! I’m currently in my early 30s and feel like I’m finally starting to make traction with my own relationship with God (still a work in progress to say the least lol). Out of curiosity, how do you grow in your relationship with God while Max has a different belief? I’m a cradle Catholic/ newborn Christian while my partner is non denomination Christian and it’s been quite a journey respecting each other’s beliefs while also staying true to the Word and how we each relate to God. Thanks and God Bless!
Maya, I love your truth. I am an ordained pastor. I have my doctorate in theology. With that said, sometimes I am preaching to the preacher. I tell my congregation all the time how I mess up. I was just like you and would never write in my Bible but I got over it! Lol. My Beautiful Bible is filled with notes, questions, comments etc….its my faith journey. Someday when I’m gone…I hope my boys who are now young men read my journey.❤
You’re welcome here pastor ✨ It’s not an easy task being a shepherd so my prayers to you and your congregation 🙏🏾
The hair is giving me Amel Larrieux vibes, love it! Thanks for the talk, very insightful. I consider myself Christian, baptised & had my confirmations. I own the Bible and occasionally go to church, but I definitely could be more aware and practice my religion. I feel like therapy has replaced spirituality. I still pray and speak to God when I need answers.
Love your curly hair
Your hair is so beautiful, long and thick!🤎🤎🤎🤎
I first came across a video of you on IG whining in Trini carnival and you had such a vibe I began following you. Fast forward to now, and we are both on a journey of walking closer with God. Ain't that something!
Yooooo…I low key wanna do a video on why I stopped doing carnival but alas…we on the straight and narrow
@shamelessmaya, I've was raised in church, all of my life, a Seventh Day Adventist Christian, but admit that my personal journey had really just begun, think mainly around pandemic. I had time and reason to read His word and
devotionals. I truly want to live a life that's according to His will and, as you said 'assignments'. Like many others, I've been a fan for years and am happy 4 you and looking forward to your shares
Oh Maya I love that you found Christ and the true gospel. A bible study is nice added touch to your current content. I watched you from the early phase of CZcams.
I haven't started watching yet but I must say I have been waiting for to touch on your hair, it's been looking so lovely and long!
This is what I’ve been waaaaitiiiiing fooooooor! Thaaank youu
I’ve followed you for probably over 10 years! And this was so nice, ofc you have many great videos. Thanks for sharing and I would love a bible study!!❤
Miss you !!🎉❤❤
This was so refreshing to watch! The hair, the topic, all of it!!!
Hi Maya. I've NEVER done this before. But I absolutely love how you just love up on Jesus. I've been a Christian 43 years and He gets sweeter and sweeter. I just did a big chop and I have a whole lotta grey hair so I feel very conscious. But God doesn't want me to dye my hair. My hair is about 2 to 3 inches right now. Well I can't wait to meet you in heaven. God's blessings on you and your family.
This was Beautiful...TFS! The first video of yours I saw was when you shaved your hair. 2024 has started off challenging with an unexpected loss and if I'm honest I don't know what/where my relationship with GOD is but I'd like to figure it out....
I was trying to explain to a friend the other day how influential your big chop was when you did it! I’m like y’all don’t understand- she was truly the start of the shaving head era!
I’m Muslim and ever since my crazy car accident last year I am more connected to God than ever before. Sometimes He puta us through these trials just to bring us back to him ♥️
I’m loving this version of you.. Max is killing it with editing and all that video wise.. you 😂😂 me when you brought out the colander for your hair 🤣🤣❤️ from Toronto 🇨🇦
Hello Maya. I have been watching both your channel and the one you share with your husband since 2022,and I must say you have been such an inspiration in my life. My walk with God hasn't really been good,I kinda went into a loop hole into spirituality and I am so confused ryt now,but your video has really inspired me to keep focusing on one thing. Thank you ❤😊
Funny cuz I find myself struggling sometimes too. Sometimes I get called back to “new age” and I’m like nope nope don’t do it lol it’s satan. Stick to JESUS! he’s the only one that will guide you on the right path ❤
@@vickys4431 awwww thank you so much
Comment before watching can’t wait to watch later. Happy Easter 🐣 the video I requested. Thank you 😊love the thumbnail. I listen to worship music every morning. I used to listen to medication music but switched it up. At night I use my phone. But now I am thinking to start winding down with relaxing worship music or reading a chapter in the Bible.
I think if I could sum it up, God has just been so so good to me along this process of sanctification. The past couple of years God revealed to me that I needed to learn how to trust Him again, and though I’ve made so many mistakes along the way, I wouldn’t change the journey. It’s only helped me to learn who God truly is, and I’m still learning more about Him each day. But through it all, He’s been patient in loving me back to a place of healing. He’s helping me see that He’s always been the better choice time and time again. I love your transparency and how God’s using you for His glory. Keep shining His light for the world to know that He is who He says He is. Love you sis❤
Oh my gosh Maya where have u been love I missed ur channel what the heck. I remember the big chop the hacks the editing and fashion videos. Girl am I glad to see ur videos again I turned on all notifications bc omg. I’ve been on my Godly journey this past year getting closer over the years. I woke up telling my son the meaning behind Easter n everything went bad one after a next. From breakfast to snacks to baskets to the bath trying to relax to listening to gospel n my music cutting off I got back in my bed n said not today lord the devil is a lie. Not only did I find u n ur spiritual joy ur on but girl every video I’ve watched has mentioned God. Ain’t he good even when the devil trying u God is right there. Omg ur hair wait ttyl 😂😂😂.
Welcome back! And yes to alignment ✨
So good! So much wisdom.❤
The ‘Twist Out’ song has lived rent-free in my head forever😭
Beautiful locks girl!! I've been watching you since your buzz cut, so long time. I just chopped off all my hair, so this makes me miss my long hair ☹️
LOOK AT U BOO......... GAWDDD DAMNNNNN. You looking noice. so glad to see ur video pop up on my feed today. hope ur living ur best life. xoxo
I really enjoy this video I’ve been watching you from the start and so glad to see where you’re at now ❤️🥰
I loved the outro! I started praying more this year. Been trying to make it nightly but I miss some. I’m kinda interested in maybe reading The Bible??
How does someone look AMAZING at every hair length!!?? I can only dream of going short.
I love that you are sharing your faith and it’s like both my worlds have collided in the best way.
Would love to know how you study the Bible and if you separate it from devotional time. It’s been really hard for me to really get into straight Bible reading these days. Devotionals are what I’ve been doing but long term need more word. Just been really hard!
I used to live on devotionals but I haven’t done one in a year. Just straight Bible and letting the Holy Spirit guide me. I usually read one book from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament
You begin to realize that life truly is a journey and seeing you on yours has always been beautiful. I’ve been working through viewing my spiritual walk with God as an embodiment. Spirituality is not something I practice. It’s who I AM. I AM a mirror of God. Working to not think of God as this entity that is outside of myself. ❤
👍🤩💝 OMG I love this. I’ve been here since the beginning when you were in NY. You could just come on and talk to us while you do whatever you do. I know you’re living in / on the countryside of Sweden & life is different now. You’re evolving & so are we. Just turn on the camera and talk to us - we’re here.
You are a beautiful & inspirational person in every way. Be bright & shining.
⭐️This is not a criticism, it’s just something I noticed / an observation …You used to wear more colorful clothes. I’ve been to Sweden & Norway (over there in that part of the world) on business and I noticed that most people are not fashion conscious? I think you’ve adapted to wearing some of the less colorful & more the dreary colors they tend to wear over there. You look good in anything but knowing how psychology works, I know it impacts us as people. Just something to think about.
⭐️I can’t really talk about my journey with God. I know he’s there & we love each other. He will never forsake me, nor will I ever forsake Him. With His help, I’m trying to figure out some “life things.”🙏
⭐️Max did a great job editing the video.
🙏Bless you, Max & Saga. 🙏💝🤗
Hey! I've been following you on an off for about 10 years now. Close to the very start since I was about 17 (We have the same birthday btw :p). Your videos have always inspire joy and kindness in my life and often it was just great to have your energy around. To your question: My mom raised me catholic, but since I was about 9 years old I and tried to pray, I realised I just really didn't believe in God. I went most of my life going by "Agnostic", stating that whether there is or isn't a God doesn't make all that much of a difference to me and moved on. Yet, I always found religion important. It's a spiritual home for contemplating our purpose, kindness and how we treat each other. think there is a good reason why, in most cultures, religion plays a significant part. I was always concerned about the hole it left where people decided to leave it behind. Lately, I have been thinking about God and religion again and just find that I miss it. I feel like I would benefit from haing God in my life. But I can't just magically make myself believe in the bible and in a figure in the sky. I do feel that plays a similiar role in my life like he does in other people's. I got a friend who is a priest and he said: "God speaks to you, but only when your quiet enough to listen". To me God is intuition and mindfulness and the feeling of doing the right thing, compassion for the people around you, joy in everyday experiences but also experiences of nature. This is really real to me. I am in a really weird place right now where I am scared to offend or put off believers with my perspectives on religion and god but at the same time not be understood by atheists and agnostics, many of which are actively against religion and will start pointing to the damage that institutionalised religion has done (I don't want to get into all that but would just like to encourage people to separate conversations about your personal relationship with god from conversations about relationships to wider religious communities and cultures). I'd like to find a way to understand and strengthen my relationship with God in a way that feels authentic to me, it's just been hard for me to find a place that feels right for this.