It’s been a tough couple of weeks, hasn’t it? Especially for Black people. Especially for Black women, in particular. Rising COVID cases, the systematic dismantling of our constitutional right to safe and legal abortions, the racist shooting massacre in Buffalo … I could go on and on.

It’s been a lot! I don’t know about you, but these days, just one news cycle alone can make a sista want to crawl under the covers and sleep for a month! Most of us don’t have that luxury, though. No matter what else is going on in the world or our personal lives, Black women will always still have to get up, show up, and make the magic happen.

Sisters, as you get ready to face another week of the same old battles, arm yourself with the knowledge that, God willing, you’re going to be all right. You have already survived the very worst that life has thrown at you, even when you thought you wouldn’t. But you’re still here, aren’t you?

Remember that person you thought you just couldn’t live without? Well, look at you: living, surviving, and even thriving without them! Remember that promotion you wanted but didn’t get? Turns out that so-called rejection pushed you to set and reach new goals that were better for you in the long run.

Every setback, heartbreak, disappointment, and stumble has worked out in your favor. Even if you’re less financially stable now than before the pandemic; even if you’re carrying an extra few pounds that has impacted your health; even if you’re not where you thought you would be at this stage in your life … you’re STILL better off now. And here’s why:

Everything you’ve suffered through, endured, or struggled with has left you wiser, stronger, and more compassionate. Hopefully, you’ve learned from your mistakes and will make better choices, so things will continue to get better for you. Not only that, but your testimony will serve as someone else’s roadmap to success! Your experiences have put you in a position to help others avoid some of the pitfalls you encountered on your journey. You’re now in a unique position to lift others as you continue to climb, and that’s a real gift!

Keep all of this in mind as you embark on a new week. After all, you may not yet be where you want to be, but at least you’re not still where you used to be.

That bears repeating. You may not yet be where you want to be, but at least you’re not still where you used to be.

Take pride in the journey that brought you this far, and know that you’re stronger, wiser, and more capable than you’ve ever been. You can handle anything this upcoming week throws at you because you’re a total badass!

So, get as much sleep as possible and drink plenty of water. Prioritize your well-being, including your mental, emotional, and spiritual health, and get some exercise. Then go out there and conquer this upcoming week like the amazing woman you are.

You got this, Sis!

Photos courtesy of Unsplash: Jessica Felicio and Chayenne Rafaela