If you know anything about birthwork, then you know I work HARD. And in light of the past year's highs and lows, I started feeling like I was missing something. Don't get me wrong, 2020 was a great year for me personally and professionally. And while my husband and I are continuing to build our family legacy and raise our son to go after his dreams, we both know all too well that there was was time when we as Black people didn't have the same opportunities we do now (We watched Roots again during Black History Month). And while some things have changed, it is plain to see that some things have not regarding the treatment of Black people and our contributions to this world. In a country where my pain is ignored and I'm considered angry or "too much", I have been treated less than kind on countless occasions. Just in the last few months, I have had some mind blowing encounters that made me want to shout, "I deserve way better than this!"
And truthfully, I do.
*Cue the horn and the choir rock*
"We were deemed to live a life that's beautiful
A life that's full, a life that's rich and plentiful
It is my goal to remind you of this principle
We're redeemed, a newborn soul
Let's get back to Eden, live on top of the world
Let's get back to Eden, live on top of the world
Let's get back to Eden, live on top of the world
Let's get back to Eden, live on top of the world
Our families blessed, finances blessed
Our mind and spirit and our bodies blessed"
Song lyrics from Back II Eden by Donald Lawrence
Back in December, one of my favorite birth workers, Sabia Wade, posted about Black Luxury and bringing it into 2021. That phrase has been ringing in my ears ever since! So what is Black Luxury?
- Quality fabrics and getting dressed just because...
- Fine dining and traveling to exotic destinations
- Making financial investments/Owning land & multiple properties
- Whole body wellness that includes estheticians, chiropractors, dentists, trainers, nutritionists, herbalists and therapists
Black Luxury is things previously denied to us; all things that raise our vibrations and feed our higher selves. Prioritizing our deepest needs to fulfill our purpose. Simply put, it's whatever you need to live the life you desire as a Black being.
Repeat after me: I can and will have all the things I want in addition to what I need. I am no longer living in survival mode-I will THRIVE in all that I do.
Sure, looking good and having a little money in your pocket are important, but I'm not talking about temporary or quick solutions. I'm talking about a lifestyle. The way we were meant to live in this world. We need to normalize Black Luxury.
- Guilt free rest
- Saying no (with no explanation)
- Outsourcing
- Asking for what you need
- Making time to enjoy hobbies and discover new ones and of course
- Getting rid of all the things (and people) that no longer serve us
- No more people pleasing or saying yes because you don't want to "miss an opportunity"
We are walking in our God given authority and power.
We are loving and living on purpose.
We are embracing every ounce of our melanin and displaying it elegantly everywhere we go.
We will no longer accept no for an answer when we shouldn't have had to ask in the first place.
We are making our own tables to sit and eat at.
We are giving up toxic work environments and establishing legacies and generational wealth through entrepreneurship.
We are ditching the grind, hustle and capitalism cultures and RESTING. Period.
We are relinquishing obligations and making room for new opportunities and life to happen organically.
We will travel more and explore other cultures we have influenced.
We are done with a government who treats us like second class citizens & murders us without cause or consequences when our ancestors built this country with their blood, sweat and tears.
Yes. Black Luxury is more than money and material things. It's about confidence. Influence. True, pure love. The power of the Black dollar. Owning our full identities and true selves. Manifesting a life that the history books can't lie about. Black Luxury is the cure for burnout. (Argue with me.)
How will you be incorporating Black Luxury into your life? Leave a comment below.