Written by Guest Blogger Kayla Morrison of Moments N Melanin
I’ve always hated the concept of “New Year’s Resolutions”. The idea of a new you just because the Earth has circled the Sun yet again, seems so irrelevant to me. There are a lot of things happening in outer space that most people care nothing about. So what’s makes you new in the new year? I get the idea of a clean slate and a fresh start. But the reality is you can do that anytime of the year. You can start a new whenever you’d like!
Still, like most people, I always take time at the end of the year to reflect on my past blessings and hopes for the future. 2016 was unique to say the least. In politics and world news, it was one of the worst to date. (In #BlackGirlMagic it was phenomenal!) Still, we must soldier on with faith in our hearts, smiles on our faces, and stilettos on our feet! I wanted to share some of my reflections and intentions on how to make 2017 an unforgettable year. I hope you will take this with you as you segue way into the New Year!
New Years Resolutions for Black Women
Don’t Fear in a Trump America
As a generation, we are experiencing a hate towards our people like many of us have never known. Since the height of the 2016 Presidential race, I have said several times that I can’t believe I am actually witnessing the level of intolerance and pure malice that is sweeping this country. I feel like I should be reading about these events in a history book somewhere. Furthermore, it seems almost daily that you hear about black woman being threatened or assaulted by cowardly white men, who have been empowered by the new found “normalcy” of racism in this country, particularly since the election of Donald Trump as President.
Let me be clear, as women of color and children of God, we have absolutely nothing to fear. Stay safe, stay beautiful, and stay covered. Now is the time for us to embrace one another and love ourselves like never before. Proudly, we should be unapologetic about our bodies, our hair, our history, our political views, and our blackness.
Pick a Sister, Love Her, Build with Her
It’s been said that successful women don’t compete, they collaborate. I happen to find this to be very true. Sure, there are successful women out their that have a very competitive, “crabs in a barrel” mentality. But how successful are you really if you can’t show love to your sister? In 2017, I hope you will grab a girlfriend, mentee, co-worker, church member, or neighbor, and help one another on your journey. It may be a professional, spiritual, or health journey. It could even be a simple step towards learning to embracing your sisters in the loving way that most of us aren’t so familiar with. Either way, make it happen!
Support More Black Businesses
It’s a simple as that. Now more than ever, we need to show support to the MANY black owned and operated businesses in our communities and online. Think of them first when shopping for a new fit, buying gifts for family and friends, and even when you go out to eat. Find black owned markets, beauty supply stores, jewelers, cleaners and cleaning services, auto shops, and more. One of the most important ways to be free as a people is to set ourselves financially free from the systematic and skewed “logic” of spending our money primarily outside of out community. No other race does that so ignorantly. You can’t be “woke” and not financially support our community.
Love Yourself a Little More
Most of us are used to being super women! The sense of accomplishment and control can be empowering and healthy. But don’t take it too far. Know that your are powerful and strong even if you are taking some time out to love on yourself. Make more time to pamper and treat yourself. Buy the shoes, change your hair color if you want to! Don’t be afraid to be fierce and fabulous. Work out. Eat cleaner. Jump! Go for your dreams and goals and aim high to accomplish them. Remember, life is short and we should live with no regrets. Never stop dreaming and always believe you can do anything! Thank God for the doors He has a will open for you!
Uplift Our Brothers
I have to say this. As black women, part of our purpose is to uplift out brothers, black men. They need to know that we love them, cherish, and value them. In a world where they can be killed with no consequence, incarcerated by the masses, and pushed to the wayside in a country that has never loved them, we must empower them. This also means challenging them to be their best and working hard to be great. Remind your sons, husbands, brothers, and fathers that you love them and believe in them. Encourage them to be upright and honorable. Let them never forget that they possess the power to be successful and remarkable. Strong men mean a strong family. A strong family helps make a strong community. With that, there is nothing we can’t do!
These are the 5 New Years Resolutions that I think are important for Black Women. I believe that these are resolutions that we can actually commit to. I think that together we can will help bring harmony, commerce and empower our communities! Let’s SLAY in 2017 Ladies!!!
What Are Your New Years Resolutions?
Comments
