Decolonizing Our Self-Care: Building Communities of Reciprocity

As Black women, we often carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, and too often, we are expected to pour endlessly into others without ever being poured back into. The history of this extraction runs deep, rooted in the colonized systems that have conditioned us to believe that our value lies in how much we can give, how much we can endure, and how well we take care of others. But true self-care goes far beyond the surface. It requires us to decolonize our minds, our hearts, and our spirits.

Decolonizing self-care means recognizing that we are worthy of relationships and communities where there is reciprocity—where we are not only giving but also receiving. This is a fundamental aspect of our self-worth and it's crucial that we are in spaces that uplift us, surrounding ourselves with people who celebrate our essence, and engage in relationships where our emotional, physical, and spiritual needs are met with love, support, and care.

Yes, getting our hair and nails done is part of our joy, but we must also expand our definition of self-care to include the building of intentional, supportive communities. These communities must be places where we are nourished, valued, and empowered, not just seen for what we can offer. In these spaces, we can heal, thrive, and break free from the cycle of extraction that has long been placed upon us.

The shift from a colonized mindset to a decolonized one is not just beneficial for our well-being, it's an act of resistance.

It's a powerful reclaiming of our time, our energy, and our worth. It's a recognition that we deserve to be held, nurtured, and loved in ways that sustain us, and it's a testament to our strength and resilience.

In building communities of reciprocity, we can truly take care of ourselves—mind, body, and soul. Let's commit to being in relationships that pour into us as much as we pour into others. Decolonized self-care is not just about surviving; it's about thriving in spaces where we are fully supported.

Let's recommit to decolonizing our self-care practices by prioritizing reciprocity, creating spaces where we are valued and empowered, and where we, as Black Women, can pour into ourselves just as much as we do for others. May this be our unwavering mission, our steadfast focus, and our resolute determination.

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