Be Willing to Embrace the “Challenges of Self-Care” Too

In recent years, the concept of self-care has become an essential part of the conversation around mental health and well-being. It has become a buzzword, a trend that has seeped into every corner of social media, wellness blogs, and even professional environments. Yet, while the importance of self-care is undeniable, there is a deeper layer to this practice that is often overlooked. For Black women, the journey of self-care should not only be about maintaining our bodies, minds, and spirits, but also about challenging and unpacking the things around us—our circumstances, our beliefs, and, importantly, ourselves.

Self-care is, of course, necessary—it’s essential to our survival. As Black women, we have long been the pillars of strength in our families, communities, and workplaces. But self-care shouldn’t stop at simply rejuvenating or maintaining our well-being; it should also serve as a catalyst for personal transformation. It is time to go beyond the surface level and ask ourselves, "What are the deeper challenges I must embrace within the practice of self-care?" How can we use this time not only to tend to ourselves but also to evolve?

Questioning the World Around Us

Consider this moment—a time when so much is changing in the world—as an opportunity for introspection and growth. Take a step back and reflect on your life, your experiences, and the world that surrounds you. What do you see? Are you satisfied with where you are and where you’re heading? What aspects of your life or society do you wish to improve? As Black women, we know how to be resilient and to press forward despite adversity. But in order to continue thriving, we must ask ourselves the hard questions. We must be brave enough to face the truths we may have been avoiding.

If your first instinct is to say, "nothing needs to change," I urge you to dig deeper. What parts of your life have been neglected because you’ve been too busy or overwhelmed by the demands of life? What dreams or passions have you pushed to the back burner? Self-care doesn’t only involve rest and relaxation—it also calls us to look inward, to confront the personal work we have put off, and to challenge our own boundaries and limitations.

Radical Selfishness: A Path to Healing

The journey toward self-care is also a journey toward radical self-empowerment. This means being unapologetically selfish—in a way that fosters growth, healing, and transformation. We must be willing to be radically selfish with our time, our energy, and our resources. This is not a call for selfishness at the expense of others, but rather an invitation to prioritize our own well-being and development in a world that often asks us to put everyone else first.

Radical selfishness requires us to be intentional about how we spend our time. It means creating space in our lives to focus solely on our needs, desires, and goals, without guilt. It’s about understanding that in order to be the best version of ourselves—for our families, for our communities, for the world—we must first invest in ourselves. We must be our own greatest priority.

The only way we can create real change—not only in our personal lives but in the world around us—is by first healing ourselves. This healing begins with centering ourselves as women and girls, acknowledging our own needs, and actively working to meet them. True self-care involves confronting our inner wounds, recognizing our pain, and actively engaging in the practices and therapies that will help us heal.

Envisioning a Different Future

The world is changing, and the future will look radically different from today. The future will be shaped by the decisions we make today, by how we show up for ourselves and for each other. As Black women and girls, we have the unique power to influence that future. But to do so, we must first envision what we want it to look like.

Take this time to imagine your best life—not just for today or tomorrow, but for the long-term. What do you want for your future? What is it that you’ve been so busy with that you’ve neglected your dreams or ambitions? What goals have you put on hold for too long because you didn’t feel worthy of prioritizing them?

This is the perfect time to tap into your creativity, to ask yourself, “What do I truly want?” Dig into your passions, your dreams, and your desires. Write them down. Journal them. Create a vision board. Think about the life you want to build and the person you want to become. Whether it's furthering your education, pursuing a career change, starting a business, or simply taking more time for yourself, this is the time to reclaim that vision and make it your reality.

The Power of Self-Care in Our Journey

Ultimately, self-care for Black women is more than just physical maintenance. It’s about reclaiming our power, embracing the challenges that come with growth, and using those challenges to fuel our healing and transformation. The act of self-care should be an ongoing practice—one that helps us evolve, heal, and grow stronger in our identities as women, as daughters, as sisters, and as leaders.

So, take a step back and reflect. Embrace the challenges of self-care with courage and curiosity. This is your moment to get better, to improve, and to be radically selfish with your time and energy. Only when we center ourselves can we truly create the future we deserve—one that is rich with possibility, purpose, and unshakable strength.