Black Women Talk About What Brings Them Joy

Gatherings

Image Source: Courtesy of Avis Milton

"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

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Yoga

Image Source: Courtesy of Aressa Burton

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

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Career

Image Source: Courtesy of Kimberly Sinclair

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

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Parenting on My Terms

Image Source: Courtesy of Samantha Moore

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

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Journaling

Image Source: Courtesy of Brittney McGriggs

"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

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Cooking Myself a Nice Meal

Image Source: Courtesy of Andrea Holmes

"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

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Enjoying My Loved Ones

Image Source: Courtesy of Janetta Dismuke

"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

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