One trend that I have noticed is that black and brown people often spend a lot of emotional cash on proving our worth to everyone just to be seen. This is an exhausting and unfair burden that we carry, and it's time for us to recognize the joy, celebration, and struggles of pouring into ourselves.
For generations, black and brown people have been told that we are not good enough, smart enough, or worthy enough. We have had to fight for every opportunity, every job, and every chance to succeed. This constant struggle has taken a toll on our emotional well-being, as we constantly feel the need to prove our worth to others. We use so much energy in this pursuit, that we often forget to take care of ourselves and our own needs.
However, it's time for us to shift our focus and recognize the joy and celebration that comes with pouring into ourselves. We are worthy simply because we exist, and we don't need to constantly prove ourselves to anyone else. We should take the time to celebrate our accomplishments, our strengths, and our unique identities. By focusing on our own self-worth, we can break free from the cycle of constantly trying to prove ourselves to others.
That being said, it's important to acknowledge the struggles that come with taking the time to pour into ourselves. We live in a world that often doesn't value our contributions or our perspectives, and it can be difficult to prioritize ourselves when there are so many other things that demand our attention. We may face push back from others who don't understand the importance of self-care, or we may feel guilty for taking time away from our families or communities.
But we must remember that taking care of ourselves is not a selfish act. It's a necessary step in ensuring our own emotional well-being and allowing us to show up fully in our relationships and our communities. We must prioritize our own self-care and support each other in doing so.
So how can we correct this pattern in our community? It starts with recognizing the inherent worth and value of every black and brown person. We must reject the narrative that we are not good enough, and instead celebrate the unique strengths and contributions that we bring to the table. We must also support each other in taking the time to pour into ourselves, whether that means setting boundaries, practicing self-care, or simply acknowledging and celebrating our own accomplishments.
In conclusion, black and brown people should not have to spend so much emotional cash on proving our worth to everyone else. It's time for us to recognize the joy, celebration, and struggles of pouring into ourselves, and to support each other in doing so. By prioritizing our own self-worth and emotional well-being, we can break free from the cycle of constantly trying to prove ourselves to others and live more fulfilling and authentic lives.