HELLO 2017! OK, y’all…I’ll explain in a minute.
At Blogalicious, I had the pleasure of being part of a group session led by the amazing Ashley Freeman, mental health advocate and creator of Don’t Die Afraid. What I love about Ashley is that she is a beautiful being, but almost every week she hosts a #MentalHealthCheckIn where she takes time to hear from her tribe on how they are doing…mind, body, and spirit. I really had to ponder when was actually the last time I took time to see how my mental health was doing.
When we’re out of alignment with our true selves, we don’t really realize that we cannot change the world around us until we change ourselves within. —Amber Janae
After my world was rocked to the core, I was just winging life. I still kinda am, but perspective is everything now. Mental health and self-care go hand in hand, and I’ve been putting them both on the back-burner. Those who know me know that’s not my style. Don’t get me wrong, when you see me laugh or smile…know that it is genuine. I have found myself in mentally and emotionally draining situations—and I have to constantly CHOOSE joy, laughter, happiness—daily. I was talking to one of my girlfriends the other day, and she told me that I really need to take better care of SELF and start protecting my peace (which is something I have failed to add to the list). *shakes fist* As I playfully rolled my eyes, she said she was giving me until midnight to release whatever I needed to release, because as of December 1…I will be starting a new season, a new month, a new year. Yes, you read that right…a new year!
I’m so OVER 2016, y’all! O-V-A!
If that wasn’t confirmation enough, my friend Javacia, founder of See Jane Write then encouraged us NOT to wait until January 1 to go after our dreams and goals, but to start now! She proclaimed December as the new January—and you know what? I can dig it! WHY WAIT?
After meeting with my Janes for a fun night recapping our Blogalicious conference experience, sharing about life, challenges, victories, make-up, etc…I realized I needed more girl time with them. I need my sisters, I need my tribe, and I need people around me with high vibrational levels. I need people who exude light.
Photo by Javacia of See Jane Write
Starting today, self-care will be a priority, and here’s what I’m going to do about it:
- Identify my own needs and do whatever I can to fulfill them.
- Enjoy activities that nurture me.
- Write out my feelings on paper.
- Be gentle with myself.
- Pray and meditate.
- Protect my peace.
- Rest more.
- Treat myself kindly like I do others.
- Spend time with my tribe and people with high vibrations, especially those who align with my purpose.
Caring for myself is not self–indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare. – Audre Lorde
New year, I gladly welcome you with an open heart and open mind.
LOVE & LIGHT and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Enjoyed your post! I agree that self care is extremely important and I’m learning that I need to improve here. Loved when you said “treat myself kind like I do others.” Yep and Thanks for the confirmation.