Beyond Busyness: Embracing Rest and Reclaiming Freedom for Black Women

Hey lovelies! I've got something on my mind specifically for Black women, and while I totally vibe with all the learning and growth happening on Hillmantok University, I've been thinking about this: what happened to us just resting? Not just physically, but stepping back from doing all the things. Don't get me wrong—I love that we're sharing our vast knowledge and skills, and making our wisdom more visible. But, is this work really what we need right now?

I've been reflecting on Tricia Hersey's manifesto of Rest Is Resistance, and it strikes a chord. What does it really mean to rest, to nurture ourselves no matter what's happening around us? After seeing 92% of Black women show up and show out for this past election, saying we need a break and be hands off, it feels like we're doing the opposite.

Here's what's been on my heart: To be truly free, especially financially, we can't rely solely on corporate or organizational roles. True freedom comes from building something from our own gifts, talents, and skills. It's how we'll move forward, not just for ourselves but for our community. It breaks my heart seeing so many offer their invaluable skills for free. Y’all, it’s time we value our offerings just as much as we value nurturing others. Don’t give away your gifts; this is our chance to secure our bags and build wealth before extending our generosity to others.

This brings me to the powerful words of Audre Lorde from her essay "Sexism: An American Disease in Blackface" in Sister Outsider. She pointed out that Black women in this country have often cared for everyone else but neglected to care for themselves. This notion that we must always be everything to everyone else, advocating for all but our own, is exactly what's unfolding now.

Our ancestral practice of lifting ourselves and our community is deeply ingrained. It’s how we connect with our purpose, and it’s always been a part of us. Historically, whether in African-American contexts or back in Africa, we built our skills and shared our gifts through apprenticeships in trades or family specialties. This organic way of learning and passing down knowledge is essential, yet in the U.S., it’s been seen as a threat, leading to structured education systems designed to limit our access and instill fear of inadequacy.

Now, as we navigate today’s avenues of learning and sharing, like on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media, I believe we must embrace resting and nurturing ourselves, so we can better serve our community. This isn't just about taking courses; it’s about recognizing and valuing our innate gifts and ensuring we’re also resourcing ourselves.

As I write this, I’m also reflecting on my own journey. My full-time consulting job with federal clients is hanging by a thread due to executive orders affecting our contracts. For the past few years, I knew I needed to pivot to my purpose-driven work. Last September, I made that leap and am now actively building my business as a psycho-spiritual life coach, using ancestral healing to help others step into their purpose for financial freedom and abundance. This is my commitment with Rooted In Glow.

This reflection isn’t just about sharing thoughts; it’s about sparking a conversation on how we, as Black women, can truly honor ourselves and our legacies while forging paths toward genuine abundance and freedom. Let’s chat about this, lovelies—how are you nurturing your own gifts? Message me if you want to chat more. ✨