Jasmine* sat on the couch, her eyes glued to the TV as the news segment aired. A famous musician named Tyla was being criticized for referring to herself as a 'proud coloured South African woman.' As someone of mixed racial heritage herself, the comments struck a chord with Jasmine.

Growing up in Peachtree City, Georgia, Jasmine had always felt like an outsider. Her mother was white, and her father was Black, and she never quite fit into either community. She was often called derogatory names and made to feel ashamed of her diverse background.

This news article triggered painful memories for Jasmine, reminding her of the confusion and discrimination she had faced throughout her life. She couldn't help but wonder if Tyla had experienced similar struggles, and if she had found a way to embrace her identity.

Jasmine's husband, Marcus*, could see the distress on her face. 'Are you okay?' he asked, putting an arm around her. Jasmine shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. 'I just... I've always felt so lost when it comes to my identity,' she confessed.

That night, Marcus and Jasmine decided to explore the Stepping Into Action program offered online. They hoped that by working through the materials and exercises, they could find a way to understand and celebrate their unique backgrounds.

'I don't want my children to grow up feeling ashamed or confused like I did,' Jasmine said to Marcus one evening as they worked through the program. 'I want them to be proud of who they are.'

As they progressed through the program, the couple found themselves diving deeper into their family histories and exploring the rich tapestry of cultures that had shaped their identities. 'I never realized how much strength and resilience our ancestors had,' Marcus marveled. 'We come from such a diverse and beautiful lineage.'

Some experts praised Tyla for embracing her mixed heritage, arguing that terms like 'coloured' should be reclaimed and celebrated. Others, however, criticized her for using a term that has been historically used as a slur, particularly in the United States.

Conflicting opinions abounded, with some arguing that racial labels were outdated and divisive, while others believed that acknowledging and celebrating diversity was essential.

Through it all, Jasmine and Marcus found solace in the counseling program, which helped them navigate the complex terrain of identity and self-acceptance. They learned to embrace their unique backgrounds and to instill a sense of pride and belonging in their children.

As they looked to the future, they realized that their journey towards understanding and self-love had been a difficult one, but it was a path worth taking. 'I'm so grateful we found this program,' Jasmine said, squeezing Marcus's hand. 'It's helped us learn to love ourselves, flaws and all.'

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