dear dope chick: this week’s focus word: nourish

Nourish, a verb meaning (1) provide with food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition; and (2) keep (a feeling or belief) in one’s mind, typically for a long time.

One of my favorite influencers, Phylicia Sadsarin, aka @askproy, created a movement called dear dope chick. The motto, we inspire + energize Black womxn to live life on their own terms. One of the motivational tools she provides is a focus word of the week. The dope chicks are instructed to journal, breathe, and apply the word to their week.

Like the rest of humanity, COVID-19 has been such a disruption. I am a preschool teacher and have been home since October 16th. I was exposed to the virus, so I had to quarantine. Because I am an immunosuppressed patient (lupus + fibromyalgia), I have to take extra precautions to protect myself. Because I do not live alone, I also must make sure I protect my family. Through my frustration of the events that lead to this unexpected work break, I have enjoyed taking a step back to rest, reset, reevaluate, and reconnect. I was reminded of projects and desires I tried to start during the initial Stay-at-Home order. I have had to learn how to take care of myself.

Thinking about the word nourish, I immediately think of nourishment or life-giving choices. This week, I will nourish my soul by feeding my spirit. My reality is that not attending weekly church services has forced me to pursue independent study into my bible. I feel that my relationship with God is suffering because my reliance on these regular church exercises has exposed my lack of real connection to Christ. Even though I read my devotionals and pray consistently, something is missing. I enjoy virtual/online services but I miss the community and the fellowship on different levels. During the quarantine, I have wondered about my genuine relationship. I will nourish my spirit by appointing a time for proper interaction and communion with God.

I will also nourish myself by being purposeful, doing things with intent. I consistently make plans in my head about what I want to accomplish each day:

• wake early
• journal and pray
• exercise
• fix lunch
• don’t dawdle over the outfit of the day (this one requires nightly preparation)
• leave for work on time

When I wake up at a specific time, these can be achieved, but I need to go to bed at a decent time (wishful thinking!!) I know writing in my journal is a form of therapy that I need, and prayer changes things! (I am not discounting the work of clinical therapy, and I plan on participating in that soon.) Exercise is just an excellent all-around beneficial activity. I have tried to select outfits the night before, and it rarely works, so we will just table this notion. All of these together will probably help make my travel time to work that much smoother.
Clearly, I know what to do and what it takes to get it done. Now I need to nourish these ideas. I have visualized them—time to make them a reality

What will you nourish? How will you nourish yourself and thereby feed and sustain others?

Give Love. Get Love.