Category: #30DaysofBlackJoy Series

Posted in #30DaysofBlackJoy Series, Celebration, Resources

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 10-Motivation Saturday!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Some days are good, some days not so good…but through it all, it is important to realize we are the conductors of our life and we have the final say about it!! Considering what we have experienced (and are experiencing) in the past few years globally and personally we could all use a daily dose of motivation. I know for me personally I have dealt with loss of close family members and new transitions, professionally going through a third-year review of my tenure track process, and mentally going through a roller coaster of emotions. You name the emotion and I guarantee I experienced it!! I got to a point where I learned to be selfish with my time and not see that as a bad thing…I learned to step back…I learned to celebrate all wins no matter how big or small!!

I began to give myself grace and latitude…A lot of this was due to self-reflection and support from family and friends. When it is all said and done, each day is an opportunity to start anew and begin fresh.

So today’s #BlackJoy moment is about sharing some motivational vitamins!! Keeping it simple, cheerful, and affirming.

Image Credit: @wholeheartedschoolcounseling
Credit Image: @QuotesByChristie
Credit Image: @WetheUrban

Hopefully one or all of the above messages resonates with you, in some sort of way, and you can take the necessary steps to do what is needed to fill your cup with joy!!

See You All Tomorrow!!

Posted in #30DaysofBlackJoy Series, Celebration, On the Desk..., On The Radar

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 9-Black Music Appreciation-Hip Hop Edition

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

We are back for another week!! And as we continue to celebrate Black Music Appreciation Month, today’s #BlackJoy curated playlist is an ode to Hip Hop!!

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, a musical genre that has become a global and cultural phenomenon. Hip Hop as an art form has touched every corner of our world and evolved into one of the most significant cultural forces today. In addition to being a form of entertainment, hip hop has played (and continues to do so) a role in being a voice for marginalized youth to speak about their frustrations, need for change, and times of joy!! As noted by communications/hip-hop scholar professor Aisha Durham, “some of the most innovative hip hop formations that you see today still come from those communities that may feel alienated, disaffected, or in some ways vulnerable — economically, socially, or politically.” Through it all hip hop has changed the game of life!!

In the great words of the late Notorious B.I.G., “you never thought that hip-hop would take it this far.”

See this week’s #BlackJoy playlist below:

As an extra bonus, check out the recent NPR Music #TinyDesk with Charlie Wilson!!

One last nugget check out this upcoming event “Hip Hop 50 Live” set to take place in the Bronx, NY!!

Don’t forget if there’s a track or two that you think should make the list, make sure to drop it in the comments section!!

See you tomorrow!!

Posted in #30DaysofBlackJoy Series, Celebration, Resources

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 8-Black Joy and Protecting Your Peace!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” -Audre Lorde

The above words from Lorde are true gospel!! In this day and age, Joy and Peace are hot commodities. With so much happening in the world ranging from school shootings to angry Karens to navigating post-pandemic life to systemic racism and trauma finding joy and peace is imperative. As a Black woman, I am constantly figuring out ways to stay grounded and sane. Everyday that I wake up I count it as a blessing and ask myself what’s on today’s agenda for obtaining joy and peace. Now let me also say, there are moments when my emotions are all over the map and that’s ok, but through it all I still find a way to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Today’s #BlackJoy moment is about radical self-care and protecting your peace!! In my almost 42 years on this earth, I have come to learn that it is perfectly fine to give myself permission to sleep in, take a nap, enjoy a long hot bath with five pounds of Lavender Epsom salts, and unplug from technology and social media.

Protect and Cultivate!! Be at peace with the choices you make, because you always have the final say when it comes to your mental and physical well-being. And just in case you need a little reminder see the image below:

As you marinate on the above thoughts check out this powerful message from Nina Simone on “That Blackness!”

And when we put it all together here are some tools to help cultivate Black joy and protect your peace:

  • Breathing and Meditation: Breathing is a natural process that we do every single day, without paying much attention to it. However, breathing is also a powerful tool to calm the mind and body and enhance your well-being. Intentional (or mindful) breathing is a great technique that you can practice anywhere, works for all ages or fitness levels, and an extra bonus no fancy or expensive equipment is required.
  • Journaling: Putting down your thoughts whether digitally or pen and paper is a great way to release. It can reduce stress, encourage space to release negative thoughts, figure out your next step, and create paths of self-discovery. If you are looking for some great journal prompts or books to get you started in your journey, check these out: Diary of a Journal Planner, Tabitha Brown’s Seen Loved and Heard, and Black and Resilient .
  • Yoga:
  • Community Self-Care: Individual self-care is great, but it’s nothing like having a community of people who can serve as accountability partners or physical reminders to make sure you cultivate and protect. Nothing like getting a motivational text, an inspiring phone call, or an in-person visit from someone who cares about you.
  • Creativity as a wellness practice: Celebrate the arts. This can mean taking yourself to a movie, play, museum exhibition, or concert. Tap into your inner Basquiat and gather some friends and do a paint and sip. Or if you really want to get physical take an African Dance class!
  • Therapy: For years there was a stigma that Black don’t do therapy, just pray about it, grow a thicker skin, you should be grateful many people have less, or that we should just get over it…But I must say these thoughts are becoming less of the norm. Therapy is the IN Thing!! Seeing a therapist for Black folks plays an important role in coping with and healing from racial stress, trauma, and PTSD; and how to manage common mental health concerns such as depression, grief, anxiety, ADHD, relationship issues, stress, and so much more. Looking for a therapists near you, check these out: Black Therapists Rock , Black Therapist List , and Ayana Therapy .

When it is all said and done…

What ways do you find peace and joy!!

See you all tomorrow!!