Hey Sis. I know. Me too.
The problems of the world have continued to feel heavier and heavier these days. But, this time, we are choosing to prioritize rest.
Mhmm. That thing you’ve been neglecting to do for the past… how many days, weeks and months? Yea that thing. Resting. Because rest is resistance.
As this month to celebrate Black History comes to a close, your focus will remain the same.
Let’s not only continue centering rest, but also celebrating joy, excellence, and culture.
Take moments regularly to inhale the richness of our history, the strength of our ancestors, and the undeniable beauty of our existence. And then exhale the weight of the world, the expectations placed on us, and the idea that we must always be strong.
Black Joy: As a Birthright, Not a Luxury
Too often, we are told that our existence must be a struggle. That our worth is measured by how much we endure. But Black Joy is the opposite. Black Joy tells us that it is okay to create and highlight the positive narratives within our culture. It is okay to show up unapologetically you in all spaces and in all faces.
You may be asking, “Where can this Black Joy that I haven’t been feeling lately be found?” Well let me tell you. Black joy can be found in:
✨ The laughter that fills the room at family gatherings
✨ The warmth of a fresh twist-out, a laid wig, or a protective style that makes you feel like “that girl”
✨ The healing power of dancing to Beyoncé, Megan, or Mary J. on a Friday night
✨ The sisterhood of women who see you, love you, and remind you that you are enough
Prioritizing your joy is an act of self-preservation. We don’t have to wait for permission to experience it. We are it!
Black Excellence: Reclaiming Our Narrative
We have always been, and will continue to be excellent. In every field, in every art, in every revolution, and in every way. Excellence is not just in what we produce—it is in who we are.
Black Excellence can be found in your Black therapist who holds space for you as you navigate life’s challenges, and through your favorite Black musician who continues to shape our culture through their voice and vision, and through our Black leaders who continue to break barriers and create an easier path for future generations.
Black Excellence can be seen through you! The one who chooses therapy over silence, self-love over self-sacrifice, and rest over exhaustion.
Remember, your worth is not tied to how much you work or give. You are excellent simply because you exist.
Black Culture: Our Healing, Our Power
Our culture provides the healing and medicine we need to survive. It is in the songs of our grandmothers, the rhythm in our dances, and the wisdom in our words. It is ultimately in the village that reminds us we are never alone. Whether through prayer, meditation, ancestral practices, or therapy, we continue to find ways to heal beyond our trauma. A home-cooked meal from Big Mama’s house was always more than nourishment and more about our history and our traditions. And then from the stories we tell, we carry our truths through our art and through our words.
In a world that often tries to erase us, Black culture sustains, protects, and gives us a sense of belonging.
So from this month on, know that you deserve:
- Therapy without stigma—because healing is our right.
- Love without conditions—because we are worthy, as we are.
- Rest without guilt—because we are more than what we produce.
Dear Black Woman, celebrate yourself. Not just for what you’ve overcome, but for the beauty of simply being you.
With love, power, and joy,
Your sisters in healing & celebration
-GDC Wellness Team
