It has become part of our DNA as black women to put those around us ahead of ourselves. We often live in the shadow of the superwoman, striving to be the person that heals all and yet we do not find time to heal ourselves. We like others, feel hurt and pain and often feel weary after doing so many tasks. We must remember that self-care is an essential part of survival.
Audre Lorde once said “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” It is important to our own survival that we indulge in acts of self care. It is not selfish to think of ourselves, it is crucial to our survival and the survival our our people to find one thing that calms us when we are overwhelmed with life.
Noire Care is “the act of the black woman giving a few less damns about everybody and everything and loving on herself regularly, intentionally.” Instead of being fully immersed in the affairs of others we must choose to make time to love and center ourselves. It is vital that we create a routine of self-care, to nurture ourselves after taking on the daily burdens of the world around us.
Noire Care is a space where black women can rejoice in a space that is dedicated to self care. Here, black women share stories of personal acts of healing. This platform offers readers the opportunity to learn from those that excel in self-care. Some women find their calm in yoga, meditation, painting, or journaling. Readers are also welcomed to join a support network of sisters dedicated to encouraging you in your journey of self care.
If you don’t have a self-care routine in place or are looking for more ways to put up with the crazy you deal with, Noire Care is a great resource. The articles shared by other women are inspiring and encouraging. One of my favorite self care pastimes is reading the experiences of other black women and this site offers great incite, reminding us that we are more alike than different and we need our fellow sisters to survive. “Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” – Eleanor Brownn.
How do you practice self-care?