After experiencing 4 years of sheer madness and mayhem, and having to endure, witness and be held hostage visually and psychologically to an escalation of hatred, ignorance and pure evil, I don’t know about you but I am totally exhausted. Then in the midst of these plagues, 2020 ushers in this deadly COVID19 airborne virus, creating an international pandemic, all of which have paralyzed and polarized the Dis-United States of America. Very sad and trying times. And yes, in this, I know that I am merely stating the obvious.

Thankfully, post the election of 2020, there is a sense of relief within the eyes, hearts, and souls of many which have turned upwards towards hope, healing, surmounting, and creating a better quality of life for the many rather than just the few.

No doubt these years of combat and brutality have worn on us, and we, most especially those of us who are people/women of color have learned to brush the dust off and keep pushing forward. But at this time amidst our celebrations and/or defeats, I am suggesting that we do something different, and that is to take some time to care for the wounds that we have been subjected to. Let us not poo-poo and ignore the bruising, harsh treatment, insults, fear, hurt and mean-spiritedness as if it were not harmful. It was, and it still is. And strong though we may be, it is time to dole out some kindness upon ourselves.

Now I know we know how to adorn ourselves – We sisters put on make-up, high heels, a stylish outfit, get our hair did, and have our nails manicured and polished. But I am talking about a different type of self-love and self-care focused on our performing personal acts of self-kindness. We deserve to not just adorn, but to ardently adore ourselves.

For each of us, this likely will show up in a variety of ways as our needs, experiences, and urgings dictate. And ultimately that is really neither here nor there as this is an individual and private need fulfilling exercise that I am welcoming each of us to. Most important, I would encourage us to go beyond the superficial or more obvious ways of glam and self-care, though that too is important, and really dig in and bring kindness to the surface.

Some things that are on / I am adding to my list are:

1. Intentionally speak kind words to my self - words of truth, love, honor, and power

2. Eat and digest thoughts that help me to further appreciate the woman that I am

3. Give my body proper nourishments and sweet treats - physically, spiritually, and psychologically

4. Rest to revive, restore, reenergize, replenish, and relax

5. Practice purposeful gratitude and find moments for out-loud laughter

I invite you to add, borrow, and share your own personal acts of self-kindness.

#Let’smakepersonalactsofselfkindnessgoviral