Reclaiming My Time - A Journey to Replenishing My Black Girl Magic
When you fly on an airplane, the flight attendant instructs you to put your oxygen mask on first, before helping others. Why is this an important rule for ensuring survival? Because if you run out of oxygen, you can’t help anyone else with their oxygen mask.
The problem is I never put my oxygen mask on before I went off into the world spreading my Black Girl Magic. Work, friends and potential love interests got more time than I gave myself. I was everything to the people and obligations around me, but failed to be that for myself.
One panic attack. Two hospital visits and a host of other things, later I pinpointed the problem. I’ve been operating without my oxygen mask on- all year and it was finally catching up to me. I had given out all of my Black Girl Magic and I had no more to give.
See, change comes regardless if you ask for it or not. Personally I’ve been evolving for a while now, but I never stopped to honor where I was or who I was becoming. So that’s where I started.
Now, I’m becoming aware of what needs to be released, and what needs to be retained. It’s crazy how this realization occurred in the quietness of my home, alone. For me, this is where my self-care journey began. Sitting in the quietness of my home, alone, with candles lit gave me a moment I haven't had all year- To ask myself "How are you doing?”
It took me 8 months to stop focusing on the task at hand and focus on myself.
Self-care was not a priority and as a result I suffered the most. ‘Reclaiming my Time’ is my acclamation to take care of ME! It’s a reminder to love on myself for the day. Reclaiming my time is about respecting my happiness and health. It’s a reminder to take a break from checking in on my friends, scrolling on social media or working on a project. It’s a reminder to unapologetically put me first, and fill my black girl magic back up!
This is the beginning for me. As I discover what self-care looks like I encourage you to do the same. I created two notepads designed to bring awareness to your needs. It helps you to always choose you by mapping out what self-care looks and feels like.
My Black Girl Magic was replenished when I reclaimed my time, now I’m learning to protect it.
