My Superpower is…
Subscribe to get my Sunday newsletter, Contrology Freak™️ Chronicles for self-care tips & free classes.
Sign me up! »
S.I.T. Day 6: Sister-Friends & Self-Care Rituals
There’s this “strong Black woman” trope that hovers over me like an unmet expectation. Yes I am a strong, powerful, and resilient Black woman. I was even raised to project that image. But sometimes a sista gotta feel her feels and fall apart. I need the time and space to give into the tears, fears, and frustrations without pretending like I’ve got my sh*t together all the time. ‘Cause I don’t! I need a safe space for vulnerability, realness, and honesty. And for that, I treasure my sister-friends and my self-care rituals; deep and meaningful connections with a select few and my (higher)self. That’s where I got my support in 2021.
S.I.T. Day 5: Buh-bye 24hr News Cycle
The best decision I made to protect my sanity was giving up the 24hr news cycle to live in a bubble of blissful ignorance. Sad but true. But I could no longer handle the onslaught of click-bait headlines and graphic imagery of violent racist attacks, repeated injustices in our criminal justice system, school shootings; Covid deaths, overwhelmed hospitals & healthcare workers, conspiracy theories; corporate greed, global warming and the global spread of political polarization. As a highly sensitive person, every headline felt like a personal attack on my soul. It tangled me into a a tight ball of chronic anxiety in ways I’ve never experienced before.
S.I.T. Day 4: A Sad Goodbye to My Dog
My most sobering moment in 2021 was watching my 17 year old Boston Terrier decline, and making the heart-wrenching decision to let her go on 12/13; peacefully and compassionately, at home and in my arms. And even though I knew I was doing the most loving thing for her, there was something about making that decision that felt completely unfair. I mean, who am I to decide her fate? But she was ready. We both knew she was ready. And so we cuddled endlessly, clinging to every moment together, until she fell asleep forever.
S.I.T. Day 3: Stillness at Rancho La Puerta
My most exhilarating experience in 2021 started with an N95 mask, a face shield, a cross-country flight and a bus ride across the Mexican border. My destination? Rancho La Puerta, where I was the Guest Pilates Instructor for 1 week. Yes, it was a work trip. But the Ranch always makes sure I’m blissfully cared for.
S.I.T. Day 2: F**K Unhealthy Fear!
Something I learned about myself in 2021 is that, in some areas of my life, I still operate from a place of unhealthy fear. And when I operate from that space, I make unhealthy choices for myself. Ironically, FEAR is one of my greatest motivators. I’m an aerial artist that’s afraid of heights, for god’s sake!
S.I.T. Day 1: Play Harder!
PLAY! That’s it. That’s my theme word for 2022. Why? Because Covid has turned me into a middle-aged recluse who’s grown quite content in the bubble of her diminutive NYC apartment. Becoming a couch-potato in overpriced athleisure-wear has become my default mode, despite my inner-child’s guttural scream, “Let me ouuut!”