Simply put, radical self-care is a practice of prioritizing one's own well-being and needs, even in the face of societal pressures to put others first. It is a means of reclaiming power and creating a space for healing and restoration.
Women, especially Black women, are often expected to be strong and resilient, which can lead to neglecting their own needs and sacrificing their mental and physical health. Radical self-care involves setting boundaries, saying no to things that drain energy, and seeking support when needed. It also involves engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment, such as practicing meditation, spending time in nature, daydreaming, nurturing creative pursuits or simply to a break and doing nothing.
Prioritizing radical self-care as a Black woman is an act of resistance against the societal norms that seek to diminish and devalue our worth. It is a way of reclaiming agency and creating a space for self-love and acceptance. By making self-care non-negotiable, we can cultivate a sense of empowerment and resilience that is necessary for navigating challenges as well as reveling in the beauty and wonder of everyday life.
“When a woman becomes her own best friend, life is easier.”
~ Diane von Furstenberg
At the core, radical self-care is not merely a buzz word. Instead, it is a call to a complete mindset shift. It is shifting the mind into believing, without doubt, guilt, or shame, that caring for ourselves is a divine right. We don’t have to work for it, earn it, or be given permission to experience it. It is ours and it belongs to us.
Take care of yourselves;
Without negotiation;
Always.
xo,
