With March and April being the months where we celebrate women, I wanted to write this article to make sure that while we are celebrating others, we remember to celebrate ourselves.
One of the biggest mistakes I have made in my life is simply not taking the time to celebrate me. So many times, we are consumed with doing things for our families, work, friends and community, that we totally forget to take care of and celebrate us. We tend to be the cheerleaders for so many others, but who’s there for us?
I’ve recently discovered that celebrating yourself as a black woman is an important aspect of self-care and self-love. It involves recognizing your worth, embracing your strengths, and practicing self-compassion. Here are some tips I recommend to celebrate yourself:
1. Practice self-care: Take time to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This can include activities such as exercise, meditation, journaling, or spending time with loved ones.
2. Embrace your uniqueness: Celebrate the qualities that make you who you are. Whether it’s your creativity, intelligence, or resilience, acknowledge and appreciate the things that set you apart. God made only one of you. There’s no one else in this entire world like you, so celebrate that.
3. Set boundaries: Learn to say NO to things that drain your energy or do not align with your values. Setting boundaries is an important part of self-care and self-respect. Sometimes, people take your kindness for weakness, so as little old, Nancy Reagan, once said; Just Say No!!!
4. Surround yourself with positivity: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Cultivate relationships that bring out the best in you and make you feel valued. I have a very small circle of friends that understand who I am and are very supportive of where I’m going.
5. Practice gratitude: There’s always something we can give thanks for. Sometimes, we look at our situations and not our blessings. So, take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. Gratitude can help shift your perspective and focus on the positive aspects of your life. Give God thanks for everything!
Remember, celebrating yourself is not selfish – it is necessary for your overall well-being and happiness. Embrace who you are, celebrate your accomplishments, and continue to strive for your best self.
Written by C E Moss
