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        It has been a few weeks since the last blog entry, and that is for good reason. There are times that we, as Black women, fail to indulge in a little thing known as "self-care". As you can see, this particular entry is a little personal. For the past two years, I began a wonderful journey of full self-discovery, which included the purchase of a new home, and starting a master's program. What is interesting is the fact that people were very supportive, until the relationships that were so concretely established, began to show cracks. I wasn't showing up for them in the same way. I wasn't being that friend that would drop everything, and rush to their aid. I became that friend that understood that my peace of mind was first. As my needs changed, the care and nurturing I gave these interpersonal relationships evolved. Evolved from a more dependent connection, to one that required me to detach, or lengthen, the cord. It was necessary, very necessary, in order for me to preserve my mental health. Often times, we feel guilty when we choose to indulge in ourselves. And as activists, we berate ourselves, telling ourselves that we must continue to fight, that we must continue to pour into whatever cause ignites our passions. We fight and give, and pour into, and spread ourselves thin. We fail to stop and smell the sage, and live in the moment. We forget that we are not robots, but humans who feel deeply, and that our emotional and mental immune systems are being tested.
        In the evenings, when I enter my home, I ask my Google Home to play either John Coltrane or Erykah Badu. I light candles, burn incense and sage, and listen to the small water fountain that sits in my living room. This has been my mental escape for almost two years. I zone out my daughter on more than one occasion, and enjoy the quiet moments after bedtime. Understanding that if I am not okay, then we are not okay, is the very foundation of the self-care that I choose to implement. Living unapologetically means that when I am in indulging in self-care, others need to respect the boundaries. How are activists supposed to be strong enough to carry the weight of the community, while tired and worn? As we journey through this new administration, working to preserve our rights and rebuild our communities, maintaining our mental health is crucial in the fight for justice. As we teach our students and our children, emphasizing the need to cancel out the noise, meditate, and self-indulge.  As classroom activists, impart in your students the importance of self-care, and how fragile mental states are detrimental to social justice. Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to indulge in my self-care, and giving me the space to restore the connection of my mind, body, and spirit.
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