7 Black Women on Things That Bring Them Joy

Published on 3/3/2021 at 6:20 PM

As a Black woman, it took what felt like my entire lifetime to become comfortable with joy. I was so entrenched in pain and trauma that I didn't feel deserving of anything else. It doesn't help that Black women are often stereotyped as being "bitter," "angry," and "aggressive." However, it's imperative we change that narrative by amplifying Black women's joy and giving them the space to express it. As I continue along my own self-healing journey, I acknowledge that I am so much more than my suffering. I deserve to feel and embody joy without guilt! For me, being in nature, listening to music with candles lit, and fresh sheets are at the top of my list.

I spoke to seven different Black women to find out what brings them joy, and their responses filled me with so much happiness. Keep reading to see them all now, and keep spreading that light.

Gatherings

"I love gatherings of any kind — especially small. I love doing a really nice dinner with decor for close friends and family." — Avis Milton, 38, hemp store owner

Yoga

"My family, close friends, yoga, and my plants." — Aressa Burton, 38, mental health therapist

Career

"My family and working in a career I love!" — Kimberly Sinclair, 39, HR manager

Parenting on My Terms

"Defining motherhood and womanhood for myself and disregarding what anyone else has to say about it." — Samantha Moore, 31, doula and reproductive justice advocate

Journaling

"Anything that involves self-care! I find that I'm a more 'fun and energetic' mom and daughter after I've had some time to myself to enjoy what I love, [like going to] an intense fitness boot camp, a nail/hair salon, and [spending] time alone journaling my random thoughts." — Brittney McGriggs, 33, clinical auditor

Cooking Myself a Nice Meal

"Me time, in any form. As Black women, we always take on so much responsibility trying to prove our worthiness in society, as mothers, wives, girlfriends, employers, students, etc., that we hardly have a chance to just breathe. When I get some me time, it's truly the best feeling to me. Sometimes I cook myself a nice meal and have a bubble bath, get a massage, go shopping, take myself out for a drink, or binge-watch my favorite shows and have a bottle of wine in my comfiest clothes." — Andrea Holmes, 32, nurse and military police in Army Reserves

Enjoying My Loved Ones

"Focusing on all the blessings around me. Living in a pandemic will have you thinking about the negativity and sorrow around, but I choose to focus on all that has brought me light, joy, and a great spirit! For me, that is enjoying each day as it is given. Enjoying my loved ones around me and the fact that I get to spend the majority of my day learning with them and loving on them!" — Janetta Dismuke, 46, higher education professional and business owner