Black Girls Living Lavishly

It’s no secret that the next four years are going to be a challenge for this country. In the midst of it, Black women have decided to take a step back and focus on ourselves. We’re finally resting and creating the lives we want and deserve. This is a beautiful movement, and I wanted to provide some practical steps to help Black women thrive during this time.

1. Remove every element in your life that does not bring you peace, including people, places, and things. How do the people in your life make you feel? Do they make you feel safe? Appreciated? Understood? Seen? When deciding what should remain in your life, it’s not a hell yes, then it’s a no. If anyone is unsure about you being in their life, it’s a no.
2. Focus on nervous system regulation. Research online and/or speak with your therapist about regulating your nervous system. It’s so important that you feel safe in your body at this time. This will help you make wise decisions and remain steady. Look into EMDR therapy, tapping, somatic healing, breathwork, and grounding.
3. Tap into Spirit, whatever that means to you. A lot of what we’re seeing is beyond the physical. Get tapped in. Meditate daily even if it’s for 5 minutes a day. YouTube has excellent guided meditations; start with this one as I’ve used it many times and it has been very helpful.
4. Learn how to protect yourself. Any means that work for you.
5. Lean into joy! Leaning in to pleasure and joy as a Black woman is a revolutionary act. Come back to the simple things that bring pleasure: plant a garden and enjoy growing your own food. Have a dinner party with friends and savor their presence. Read books you’ve had on the shelf for months and cherish them. Find new hobbies. Speak faith and joy-filled affirmations over your life to amplify joy in your life. Click here to listen to my Affirmations Playlist.
6. Prioritize community. We are going to need connection more than anything else to thrive in the coming years. Take inventory of your connections and make changes if needed. Connect with other Black women who get you, can affirm you, support you, and celebrate you.

Each of these steps will help support your joy and resilience in the years to come.