Empower

BY NAJAMAH DAVIS-SMITH, MSW, LCSW

What exactly is self-love?

Self-love is healing. It’s a pathway for us to ease into health and wellness In the face of adversity, hardship, and trauma, black women have become accustomed to suppressing their own emotional experience. The doctrine of “praying it away”, “pushing through”, or suffering in silence, persists at the destruction of their overall well-being. Walking wounded while balancing the crown can be exhausting. Let us normalize not being okay, giving ourselves grace, and being vulnerable as we challenge the traditions that do not serve us

The black woman’s burden is deep. Existing in a world that struggles to understand our experience presents challenges that often go unnoticed. Rising to the occasion has been reflective in our history, and is evidenced by how we thrive in the world today. The representation of black women in education, and business have increased despite concentrated efforts keep those doors shut. Our journey has never been pretty, but it is through it we can learn to embrace our scars. You are not only beautiful despite them, you are stunning because of them.

There is great strength in vulnerability. You can only truly begin to know yourself when you fully embrace your emotions. You do not have to be emotionless to be strong.