I started over

I’ve been getting a nudge in my spirit for a minute, and it’s been confirmed several times, that now is the time for me to branch out and start writing. I’ve been podcasting for a few years now (be sure to check out the Brown Girl Self-Care Podcast) and though it has helped me use my voice, I’ve been hiding behind the mic. It’s the introvert in me mixed with my childhood trauma.

So, here I am.

A Black woman. Mother. Single. Never married. Zero family ties. ZERO. I'm questioning my faith—yes, I still believe in God, but I no longer identify as a 'Christian’. Trying to build my brand even though right now I’m so exhausted. Getting in touch with the natural rhythms of life. I'm rediscovering who I truly am and who I was before racism, capitalism, and generational trauma shook me up. Entering a new season by moving from Cali to Arkansas and also a new decade (will be 50 this year).

On top of that we are enduring another four raggedy ass years under a man who not only isn’t a good leader but more importantly is not a good person. Sigh. I can’t even think about that right now.

What I know for sure is that many of us are shouting out to the damn void, wondering why the world is still spinning and everything is still business as usual. Coincidentally, while scrolling on IG I came across a post by someone (ugh! I will do better next time to credit resources I find/things I come across) who mentioned a documentary called Hypernormalization by Adam Curtis. In a nutshell it’s about how all this stuff, terribly extraordinary stuff happens and continues to happen yet as a society it’s just…normalized. I have not watched yet so I can’t provide an opinion, but it’s on my list so I may circle back.

There is going to be so much happening personally for me as well as collectively with and for other Black women and so I wanted to carve out a little space on the interwebs to share, connect, release, rage and learn. Yep, I will still be talking about self-care but I feel like I’ll be able to share on a more personal level on Substack.

Anyway, this is much longer than I initially expected or anticipated. Much more to come. In the meantime, here is a micro list of the things I’m currently doing (as much as I can) in resistance of systemic fuckery. Oh yeah, I will be cussing over here.

Here is the list:

keeping my hair natural

supporting Black businesses (need some Black owned teas stat!)

eating/sleeping well (get you a weighted blanket, sis!)

entering my next decade with joy

reading (current book is Sister Citizen by Melissa Perry )

creating (baking bread, writing)

sharing resources

living a cozier life

learning new skills (herbalism, crochet)

releasing shame

laughing, laughing and more laughing

I’d love to hear how you’re resisting—drop a comment and share your thoughts! If you’re a Black woman navigating life in this world that doesn’t honor our humanity, this substack is for you. Subscribe for more.