“What’s going on with you?” Have you been asked that question lately? Doesn’t it feel *extra* loaded these days? Like, Fam…
With an upcoming presidential election and an unprecedented war that has drawn lines in the sand, it very much feels like the world is spinning a lil too fast right now. And that’s just what’s happening outside the doors of our home.
As mamas and mama figures, we’re also running homes, raising and influencing kids, and supporting partners. Then we’re stepping into the office to wear 10 more hats. If it feels heavy, it’s because it is. Let’s not downplay it.
And yet, society constantly asks you to smile in the face of this stress. But this stress awareness week, happening now through November 7th, we encourage you to step back from the stress that may be wearing down your magic. The stress of:
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Having to succeed.
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Being expected to look like Beyonce on the best night of her Renaissance tour
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Maintaining our health as we get older
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Being the Pinterest-perfect mom
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Having bills to pay or tuck money into the savings while also constantly wanting and deserving to treat yourself to a Caribbean vacation
This week, you’re encouraged to be more mindful of what may be pushing you beyond your limit. Instead, nurture your physical and mental health, and find more ways to maintain it.
“Freeing yourself was one thing; claiming ownership of that freed self was another.”
— Toni Morrison
Sista Spotlight
Last week, some of the Sistas of 1M4 traveled to Chicago for Bilal Entertainment’s Black men’s event: Confronting the Stigma. To put it mildly, we showed up!
With over 300+ attendees, we sat in on conversations about supporting our brothers’ mental health. We went to work volunteering, handling the red carpet, and speaking on their panel. We were literally touching every part of this fantastic event, and it was such a great way to close out October!
Case Update on Terrence Richardson & Ferrone Claiborne
Terrence’s innocence hearing was Thursday in Richmond, Virginia. His attorney, Jarrett Adams, presented the facts with passion and provided a compelling argument to the seven justices in attendance. Watch it here.
We now wait for their response. Continue supporting the exoneration of these two innocent men alongside us.
Election To Watch:
This Tuesday, November 7th, the state of Mississippi will vote for their next governor. This election is crucial.
Why does this matter to 1M4? One of the cases we support, Marlon Howell, has been wrongfully incarcerated on death row for over 20 years and he could be freed easily with the support of the Governor.
Watch closely what happens in Mississippi this week. A family we support will be directly impacted by the results.
Article of the Week
Check out what we’re reading and make sure to hit reply and tell us your thoughts!
Every election matters. As we shared above, elections outside of the Presidential election have consequences and directly impact community members’ lives.
Leave No Power on the Table: Your Guide to Local Elections
Check out this guide detailing the importance of local and state elections. Anything in this article surprise you?
A Mental Health Tip For You!
Talks on mental health and wellbeing are still relatively new. But we have to say it: Black women are starting the conversations. We’re living in a moment when we’re standing up and letting out a collective sigh as we make it known: WE ARE TIRED. But what steps should we take after that, Sis? Once the word is out, how do we take action?
While the next best step is to address and heal your inner struggles with a mental health professional, taking charge of your day-to-day well-being is also vitally important. One resource we’ve found that makes this easier is the Exhale app. Created specifically for Black women and women of color, this app provides guidance and additional resources on coping with your unique stressors by helping you destress, get grounded, and use effective tools to carve out space to pause and breathe.
Spread Some Blessings!
The consequences of police violence extend far beyond the loss of life. For families affected, it’s the loss of income, the sacrifice of basic necessities, and the start of a high-cost legal fight. If you have the capacity, consider donating to 1M4. Proceeds help support impacted families and sustain the work of 1M4 toward ending police violence for good.
Not all of our stressors are recognizable. Some of them are embedded into the very fabric of our lives and will take a keen eye to peep. But this week, let’s do what we can to source them out.
Walk with a journal and jot down whenever you feel your heartbeat pick up, notice when you lose your appetite, get jittery, or otherwise don’t feel like yourself.
Play around with turning the TV off a little earlier or switching off the news. Say “no thanks” to situations that steal your energy. Be mindful of what’s asking for more of you, internally and externally, and be sure to choose your well-being when making your choices.
Your Sis In All Of This,
