Happy spring friends!
Spring has officially arrived, bringing with it longer days, warmer weather, and a renewed sense of motivation (for me). Even though allergies try their BEST to take us out, there's something undeniably invigorating about this time of year.
Health & Wellness Season
With the change in season comes a natural urge to refresh and reset. Y'all know I'm big on this. I'm keeping the momentum going on my journey to better health by scheduling my essential medical appointments before April rolls around. While most are already completed, two remain on my to-do list: addressing these annoying allergies and starting physical therapy pilates.
Per my dietician's suggestion, I started new morning and evening stretch routines. And bay-bee! My knees! Lord, my knees! It's a humbling reminder that "dropping it like it's hot" requires a lot more preparation for me than it did in the "9-9 and the 2000." Cash Money Records would be ashamed! But thank God I have other motivations these days.
The Power of Black Women's Encouragement
I've been very intentional about the women I choose as my care providers (doctors, etc.) As someone who typically relies on internal motivation (because Philippians 4:13), I've noticed an interesting shift as I've grown older. The need for external encouragement has become more apparent, but not just any encouragement. A Black woman's encouragement. When a Black woman offers words of motivation or support, it hits different, deeper, and more authentically. It resonates on a level that I can't quite put into words.
This isn't to diminish encouragement from others, but there's an undeniable truth: no one understands the unique challenges we face quite like another Black woman. Be it my doctors, coaches, or colleagues, their words carry a special weight because they come from a place of shared experience and understanding. They get it and I know they get it. And there's always a sense of "b*tch get it together" in the most loving and compassionate way. I love us!
Sisterhood in the Workplace
That brings me to workplace experiences. Chile... My professional journey has shown me two distinct faces of Black female leadership. I've experienced both the most uplifting and the most challenging dynamics under Black women supervisors. And by "challenging" I mean that lady tried to destroy me with a smile on her face and a knife in my back. The contrast I've experienced with Black women in the workplace is stark, with little middle ground. Meaning, they try their best to help me or go out of their way to hurt me.
My opinion is that the negative experiences often stem from an internalized belief that there's only room for one of us at the top. This scarcity mindset creates unnecessary competition and tension. When I stepped into my own leadership role, I made a conscious choice to embody the positive examples I'd witnessed. That example was to lift as I climb. I remind myself of this constantly because I don't ever want to be another Black woman's workplace horror story.
My Sister's Keeper
Let's all make a conscious effort to encourage, uplift, and extend grace to one another. That includes those who might not readily offer the same. Your words or even a simple smile may change their tune. There's something magical about receiving that genuine compliment or word of encouragement from another sister.
This weekend, when you're out and about, yell out, "Come through yellow dress!" to a stranger. Maybe not those exact words, but you know what I mean. I know you know what I mean. ๐ Make a Black woman's day!
Spring Forward
In closing, as we embrace these fresh spring days, let's commit to three things:
- Taking care of ourselves without apology
- Being intentional about encouraging others, ESPECIALLY our sisters
- Creating spaces where all of us can thrive
Remember, when we lift each other up, we all rise higher. Love you! ๐
โIngridโ
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