Self Care Takes Time

We live in a world where nothing and everything belongs to us. We could have anything at a cost. This is a time of grind. But all grind all the time time is definitely hazardous to our health and well-being. We see the hustle towards manifestation but what about the moments when you are out of breath while running the race? Exhaustion is not glamours. Its mental break downs, physical break down and the break down of significant relationships. The exhaustion could lead to isolation, depression, and escapist behaviors.

Yet, I am not exactly sure if exhaustion is avoidable for certain segments of the american population. We live within a society which dehumanizes brown- black people. Poor people are being devalued in the labor economy in a way that has never been seen. We have decreasing jobs and increasing populations. The cost of living in increase but pay is not. Its important to understand that institutionalized oppression influences many people’s experiences in the labor market. As black and brown women earn so much less than white men. We live in the country that was built on the exploitation of black women’s labor and body.

We often labor on multiple levels. We are almost always someone’s unofficial therapist, or prayer warrior on call. We become lead strategist for relationship and professional crisis. We show up and work the door for a community event. Set up tables and wash dishes at the church’s dinner. This is labor intensive work. And intense labor over a period of time accumulates. I looked into the eyes of a sister, seven months pregnant, and she expressed her lack of energy to deal with working. Yet, she was taking my order at Starbucks and is registered in college courses at the local university.  I realized that we are all tired. Folks use to say how black women had to work twice as hard. Its not an easy thing to do.

And sometimes, you must take your time. Disengage with the world and pull back on your availability and your labor. Self care takes time. Time to be given for yourself. It requires time everyday. Self-care must be an intentional ritual in those in between moments of our day to day activities. It is the moments of serenity, and taking several deep breath to draw yourself into the moment, that we connect to our source of power and pleasure.