Tag: journaling

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., On the Desk...

Reclaiming Her Time: The Book Journey…Rest and Recalibrate!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

So I completed a 2-week Writing Sprint retreat last week, and boy was that an awakening experience. Nothing like working in a community with others who have similar goals and pursuits. I also enjoyed the accountability of making sure I stayed on task. I will admit my body was in shock considering I had just finished the semester and jumped right into this retreat, but needless to say, the benefits outweighed the very minimal cons.

So for a couple of days this week, I took a few days of reprieve and chill time. I honestly needed to just take some days to do nothing, I had been on 100 for an entire semester, that I just needed a break. Lord knows I felt some guilt for not doing work for those few days, but it also felt good to just wake up with no agenda.

So often academics do not give themselves time to recalibrate and reset, but trust when I say it so necessary! It’s no point running on fumes and expect to be productive. And especially as a Black woman in the academy, I gotta make sure to take care so that I can make sure to tell my story and ensure that others can do the same.

This week I’ve been getting back into the groove, and it feels good to get back into the zone! Back to the Sister Night chapter, and grinding out these episode breakdowns. As I noted in an earlier post, this summer I am primarily dedicated to writing for the book and a couple other projects that are in the works. Everyday that I put pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard), I am getting one step closer to the goal.

I’m feeling good, I’m feeling excited, I’m amped for this journey! Well let me get back to it!

See you on the next round! ~Dr. G

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

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!!