In this season of lean, I discovered how resourceful and creative I could be. I became my own beauty guru, teaching myself to braid my hair and do my makeup with only a handful of items sometimes without the “main” ones most people would consider essential. It made the process more challenging, but I found a way to make it work. I even figured out how to do my nails and discovered a clever hack: after painting, taking a shower helps remove the excess polish from your skin. These small victories became big accomplishments, reminding me how much I’m capable of.

I can’t help but smile as I think about the skills I’ve honed during this season of lack. I’ve grown proud not in a boastful way, but in gratitude for the crafts I’ve mastered with my own hands. There’s a kind of joy in making something beautiful out of very little. This is a lesson I want to carry with me even when this season ends: the ability to make the most of what I have and see abundance where others might see scarcity. It’s a reminder that creativity thrives when the resources are few but the heart is full.

Reflecting on this time fills me with gratitude. I’ve accomplished so much in what some might call a time of limitation, but for me, it has been a period of growth and discovery. This chapter has shown me that even in moments of lack, I can create something beautiful and meaningful. I wouldn’t trade these lessons for anything because they’ve made me stronger and more capable.