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Juneteenth Remembrance -Rest
Juneteenth remembrance should be a day of rest. Rest is something that I have had problems with. Burned out does not even begin to describe how I felt being an educator and a business owner. The bags under my eyes, my skin, and my body all told the story. Trying to be my Ancestor’s wildest dreams I forgot that their major dream was to rest. To have a choice on when to work. Working hard is ingrained into our DNA. I am making a choice to not only rest in remembrance of Juneteenth, but to rest when my body tells me to.
Our Ancestors wildest dream was to rest.
Our Ancestors wildest dream was to laugh without punishment.
Our Ancestors wildest dream was to create just for themselves.
Our Ancestors wildest dream was freedom.
When we hustle hard, push through, and make a way we are only honoring one part of our Ancestors dreams. Today take time to rest in their honor. Take time to call family and friends to check in. Take time to create. Take time to do anything that gives you pleasure.
How are you honoring your Ancestors today?
The Juneteenth Affirmation is from Julia Mallory, Black Mermaids
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Radical Self Care as a Black woman
Radical Self Care as a Black woman. You know how you never realize you need something until you actually experience it? Like you never realize how heavy the shit is you are carrying until someone else brings it up. I decided to take this vacation because little by little I was slowly falling apart. My body, my spirit, and my mind were all in flux. I had so many ideas running through my head and felt like I couldn’t decide on anything. So many projects happening at one time and I decided to just lay my burdens down because it was getting too heavy.
The relief I felt was like, when you gotta pee and you finally make it to the commode. That intense relief that almost feels like an orgasm (or maybe it’s just me 🤷🏾♀️). I felt that as soon as I made it to my room. That relief intensified the next morning as I sat on the balcony and just breathed. My shoulders relaxed and I felt peace. No dms, no notifications, and no emails. Peace like I haven’t felt in since I was in Mexico in August .
That peace allowed me to focus on myself,my vision, and my wins. I was able to block out all distractions and just be. Nothing else mattered but my wants, needs, and desires. It was transformative and very much needed. I have been told many times that I do not celebrate my wins. Like a machine, I keep moving to the next thing. No more.
Almost 6 years ago I reinvented myself and I have not looked back. I authored a workbook journal telling my story to empower others and the reviews make me shed a tear every time. I have created virtual workshops for Black women and femmes to see themselves as the standard of beauty and celebrate their sensuality. I have created spaces for other amazing talented Black boudoir photographers to showcase their work. I am surrounded by other womxn that want to see me succeed beyond my wildest dreams.
I am extremely grateful for what I have and for what I am creating for the future. If you want to take this healing, loving, and affirming journey with me make sure you sign up for the newsletter and get a copy of The Reinvention Workbook Journal. Remember self-care is not selfish, it is selfless. Radical Self Care as a Black woman.