Doing it for the right reasons!

Well what IS the right reason? Earlier this year, I completely lost it, must've had a mental breakdown at some stage, and got myself a malu. Yes, a MALU. Nydia, who can't speak Samoan worth a damn, can't do a siva samoa to save her life, and knows fuck-all about the culture. Well I beg to differ if that's what you think. I can speak Samoan worth a damn, I live here dammit! I speak it every day. Tell me to make a speech and that's a different story :) And the rest of it...yeah I can do that too. Under the influence of alcohol. Lots of it.

I have actually wanted a malu for a very long time. People say "as long as you get it for the right reasons". My reasons? It further connects me to my culture. To the Faasamoa. To who I am. To my identity as a Samoan woman. All that bullshit? It actually means something. Ever since I got it, I have been extremely proud to wear it. This is my journey to discovering myself and my identity. I am more appreciative of my culture because of it. I have more self-esteem even. There is something about having a malu which gives you more of a sense of self worth. I can't quite put my finger to it.



It's not as symmetrical as it could be, there are flaws, but that epitomises me & my culture. Nothing perfect :) But who cares, I love it & have NO REGRETS!