THE BLOG: ISSUE 1

Growing up people would always make light of the fact that you would miss something (parents, friends, relationships etc.) once their gone. Yet, most of our lives are lived not thinking about this statement until something happens. This is particularly true of our health. Yes, we all take our health for granite. Its not done maliciously, but it is done without thought. I believe this to be true of most things in life. As women and even more specifically black women and women of color, we do not take the time needed for ourselves. We are always focused on other people and things. However, we do this to our own detriment. It’s not intentional, but nevertheless its detrimental all the same.

Yet, it is time that we as women take care of our health, our financial stability and our mental health. Our failure to focus on our needs cost us so much more than we expect. Is it good to help others – Yes. However, like one on an airplane and the air mask falls out in an emergency, you have to put your mask on first before assisting others. It has been said time and time again to engage in self-care. Yet, what we as women don’t need is another spa day, but consistent addressing and making of health appointments, taking time off, moving more among other things. When we focus on ourselves we can be there for others. When we run around at a 100 mph for everyone else life has a way of stopping us in our tracks and making us take stock of our lives.

Taking stock of our lives in the midst of a crisis is nothing less than a gut punch that sends one spiraling into “what if” and “should have”. It is a hard pill to swallow, especially when as women we are unforgiving to ourselves. Stop where you are now. Take the time to figure out what it is that is important to you and make it a priority. No one else is going to prioritize you but you. So, whether it is your health, the dream you have, the job you want, the family you crave or the freedom you seek, make sure to nurture and enjoy what you have now. Let's start with making you a priority.