Embracing You: A Journey to Self-Celebration and Inner Empowerment
Hello, Diamond of the Season,
I hope you’re well. You know, life can feel a little strange these days, with all the AI buzz and the never-ending noise of politics. It’s like we’re all caught in this whirlwind, trying to keep up and make sense of it all.
I wanted to chat with you about something that’s been on my mind – the importance of celebrating ourselves. I know, it sounds a bit odd, right? We’re used to reserving celebrations for birthdays and holidays, but here’s the thing: celebrating ourselves should be a regular thing.
You see, as Black women, we have this knack for putting ourselves last on the list. We’re out here cheering on everyone else and forgetting to give ourselves a round of applause. I recently asked some amazing women in our community how they’d celebrate themselves, and the responses were pretty eye-opening.
Some mentioned resting and cooking a delicious meal – which, by the way, sounds amazing. But here’s where it got interesting. A few said they’d celebrate by exercising or working. At first, I was a bit puzzled. Then, it hit me – we’re so used to doing things without expecting recognition that we’ve started to think everything we do should lead to some kind of accomplishment.
Can you believe that? It’s like we’ve been programmed to think that our worth is tied to being productive 24/7. And you know what? I think it goes way back. Remember our history? We were not only the backbone of labor, but we were also expected to replenish the workforce through childbirth. Those echoes from the past might still be lingering somewhere deep inside us.
But here’s the real kicker: what if we could shift that perspective? What if we could celebrate ourselves just for being alive, for being the incredible human beings that we are? Imagine walking into a room, and people applaud you just because you’re you – no awards, no achievements required.
I know, it might sound a little out there, but bear with me. Think about Issa from “Insecure.” She’s got that inner hype person who lifts her. What if we could be our hype person? Picture looking in the mirror and giving yourself that well-deserved pep talk. And hey, mistakes happen – we’re human. But instead of beating ourselves up, let’s cheer ourselves on for taking risks.
I know, easier said than done. Trust me, I get it. We’re so used to being hard on ourselves, it’s like second nature. But here’s a little exercise I want to share with you. It’s called the “Seven Steps to Self-Celebration.” Grab a journal and pen, and let’s dive in:
- Reflect and Set the Scene: Find a cozy spot where you can be alone with your thoughts. Light a candle, play some soothing music – create an atmosphere that’s just for you.
- Ask for Guidance: Take a moment to close your eyes and say a little prayer. Ask for clarity and guidance as you embark on this self-celebration journey.
- Set the Timer: Set a timer for 20 minutes. This is your time to dive deep and explore your thoughts and feelings.
- Unleash Your Thoughts: Start writing the sentence, “I do not celebrate myself because…” Let your thoughts flow onto the pages without judgment. This is your safe space.
- Keep Writing: Don’t stop until the timer goes off. Let your pen dance across the pages, revealing the layers of emotions and beliefs within you.
- Read Aloud: When the timer beeps, take a deep breath and read your response aloud. Listen to your own words – they hold powerful insights.
- Celebrate Your Courage: Congratulate yourself for taking this brave step towards self-discovery. Celebrate the fact that you’re exploring your inner world with honesty and vulnerability.
You might be surprised by what comes up during this exercise. And you know what? You can do it as many times as you need. It’s like peeling back the layers and discovering what’s been holding you back.
And when you’re done with this exercise – celebrate. Yes, celebrate that you took the time to explore your thoughts and feelings. It takes courage to dive deep like that. Self-discovery is a journey, my friend, and it’s one of the most important ones you’ll ever take.
So, what does your celebration look like? I’m here, cheering you on from the sidelines. Let’s keep this conversation going and uncover more about ourselves. I’ll catch you in the next blog post.
With love and kindness,
Monica Wisdom,
Chief Strategist and Podcast Host,
www.blackwomenamplified.com
Looking for a great journal? Check out this great Amazon find. https://amzn.to/3qdBO3z
