Meet Marea [marr•ayy]

We recently connected with Marea [marr•ayy] and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marea, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Being an Aries I’ve always had a lot of confidence and courage. My impulsive nature didn’t allow me time to think about what I was about to do, I’d just do it. However my self esteem and self love was not where it needed to be at all. I found myself unable to be alone and looking for lost parts of myself in other people. I recognized this and decided to take time to myself. In that time I read a lot of books about personal development and growth. Spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. I did a lot of self reflection, affirmations, and delved into shadow work. I looked at the parts of myself I would hide from in the mirror. The versions of myself that others perceived, that didn’t sit right with me. Because of my people pleasing tendencies. I looked at all my ugly and forgave her. I accepted her, then I loved her. I embraced her and integrated her into my daily, showing her unconditional love. After completely letting go of anything others perceived of me and allowed myself to be fully me. My self-esteem and confidence skyrocketed, and I then was able to proudly and lovingly me my fullest self.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am an Artist. Now the most common question following that answer is, what type of Artist? I am a musical artist, though I am a jack of all trades. This life is literally my canvas, and I am Picasso. Lol but on a serious note, I have many gifts and talents. I like to paint, sculpt, make music, do nail art, decorate hotel rooms, make bouquets, I’m a DIY girly. The list truly goes on, and so because of this I say that I’m an Artist. Nothing more and nothing less. It’s funny because I show this in the way that I make my music. The question after ‘what type of artist’ usually is, “what genre”? I honestly don’t like to claim any Genre. Because I rap, sing, song-write, and produce. To me music is music, music is art and I like to make abstract art. There is no true form or genre to the music I make. If I did have to give it a genre though lol, it would be alternative rap. However I don’t just rap, I produce my own beats. So how I look at music is literally art, I make/create what I like. ‘MAREA’ is what/who is in my music.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I know some may not be Spiritual or Religious, but truly I feel the number one. Most impactful thing in my Journey has been my walk with God. I am not religious, but I am spiritual. Without putting God in the center of my life, I truly would not have made it this far. Or learned how to embrace and love myself this much. I also feel Journaling, and finding/creating new hobbies has been most impactful. When you’re sitting with yourself, no one around, pen in your hand. You are able to freely express your most deepest self on that paper. It truly changesyou for the better. Finding new hobbies, really helped me find myself and who I am. For example, I love to play golf. I would have never guessed that golf would be a sport that I’d find so much joy in but it does. Growing everyday and living with God has opened me to so many possibilities and doors. The best advice I could give to those early in their journey would be. I understand that it is hard looking at and accepting the worst parts of yourself, but listen. It’s okay.

I’d like for you to do this exercise

As your present self right now. Close your eyes , and go back in time with your imagination. Go back to that version of yourself you were most embarrassed of. Go back to that moment in time you were most embarrassed. Look that version of yourself in the eyes. Tell them, it’s okay. Hug them, then repeat. It’s okay. Tell them “I forgive you” and continue to hug them. Then tell them “I love you and I forgive you”. Continue to hug yourself until you feel a release. A burden off your shoulders.

What I want you to you take from that is, it’s okay. Nobody is perfect, we all make mistakes. It’s about recognizing it, correcting it, and loving YOURSELF through it. God loves you, and your future self loves you for seeing the truth and becoming better. Don’t give up on yourself. Keep going! If anything, think back on the version of you a year ago from today? Would you switch places with them right now? No? Then I’d say you’re doing pretty damn good!

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

My biggest area of growth has been my self concept for sure. I feel that since I’m turning 25, my frontal lobe has fully developed lol. I see lots of things different in the world now. Mostly things about myself though. I see many areas I’d like to improve in. I feel I’m growing more into myself everyday. I’m going through a metamorphosis and everyday I’m discovering new things about my self. Beautiful and ugly. I’m realizing how important family and friendships are truly. How living in your Devine purpose and not just to pay the bills. Brings the most joy you’ll ever feel

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