Hey lovelies! Happy Women’s History Month! Our focus, in honor of the month, is on the phenomenal quote that has been heavy on our minds lately from one of our beloved black queer womxn activists, authors and educators, Audre Lorde: “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” – Audre Lorde.
In a world that forces us all to show up, be resilient, strong, and constantly push forward in our efforts to create the changes we wish to see (and that are definitely needed in this world), it is so easy to forget to give ourselves the care that we need, especially as black womxn. Yet, it's not only our socialization to constantly work hard that forces our self-care to the back burner, but also our socialization to believe that we can only enact self-care through luxurious means.
To put it simply, you don't need to spend a ton of money, or wait until you're in the perfect setting, to practice self-care; and the Getting Back to the Basics Series is specifically made to showcase how Azé and I take care of ourselves with accessibility. ease and affordability at the center.
In full transparency, it has been difficult for me to focus on my own care and my own well-being because I can’t seem to balance grinding for what I want with being present and giving myself what I deserve now. In times where I’m struggling mentally and experiencing burn-out, I remind myself of the aforementioned quote from Audre Lorde because it is not only the most powerful act of radical resistance black people can participate in, but it also encapsulates everything we promote here on JFBG: Radical Self-Love, and the importance of self-care as an act of refusal. In a world that makes it difficult for black womxn to survive and thrive and have love, it is so important to give ourselves the love, rest, and care that we need and deserve. Right here, right now, with what we have access to, which we also discussed in a previous blog post on how we can romanticize our lives with accessibility at the center.
We invite you all to join us in this journey on our Youtube Channel and right here on JFBG, as we'll be posting videos and blog posts that discuss everything from sharing our skin care and hair care routines, to how we take care of our mental health, to talks about how to embody radical self-love in a world that constantly spews hate towards us as Black Womxn. For us, taking care of ourselves includes, but is not limited to, taking care of our bodies & minds; taking care of our hair; celebrating our accomplishments: how far we’ve come and how much we have triumphed over; reading and learning more about topics that interest us; building community with you all; and prioritizing our joy.
Since Azé and I constantly need to be reminded of the need to really take care of ourselves amidst showing up for everyone else, that's what we're here to remind you of. Take a break. We need you to remember that you are worthy and deserving of the self-care and the self-love you effortlessly pour into others. You deserve to show up for yourself just as much as you show up for everyone else. Pouring from an empty cup is not only tiresome, it is also doing yourself a disservice, as you are keeping yourself from showing up and shining your light at full capacity.
We need you all to show up in full, and sometimes the best way to do that is to give yourself the care and time you need to rest, recuperate, rejuvenate, and reset so that way you can continue your efforts in ways that are healthy and best for you. We need you in your fullness and sometimes that means that you have to Get Back to the Basics and focus on giving yourself the love and care you need. Me and Azé are getting back to the basics, really honoring our self-care and we encourage you all this month, this day, and everyday forward to do the same.
In getting back to the basics, we want to remind you all that whatever you need to do to take care of yourself is worth making the time for. Always remember that, “your survival is both revolutionary and magical”.
Your self-care is not selfish nor self-indulgent, and you taking care of yourself is what will also allow you to implement your extraordinary vision for yourself, your family and your community.
We love you, and we need you here!
Please see the end of this blog post for other ways to keep up with Azé and I as we run JFBG and provide this online, safe space for free and would appreciate your support in any way possible. Thank you so much in advance.
Love,
Sierra
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/@sislays
Donate and Show Your Support to the Direct Mutual Aid Project For Black Womxn Who Struggle With Their Mental Health Here: https://www.patreon.com/itsinthestars
Follow Azé Here: instagram.com/mynamesaze
Follow Sierra Here:instagram.com/xo1_sierra
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