Dr. Jessica LoPresti, Ph.D.
Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer
Over the past year, I’ve frequently heard from Black friends, colleagues, and clients expressions of deep exhaustion from feeling like they are “carrying the weight of the world”. As a community, as people, we are facing the stress associated with lack of access to many of the things we need in order to survive and thrive including education, healthcare, food, clean water, safety, housing, pay equity and more.
The ever looming question: Who’s responsibility is it to address these challenges that we endure, but did not create?
We often receive the message, directly or indirectly, that if we don’t do the work ourselves to address these issues then no one else will. In response, we take on the work of challenging oppression everywhere. We do this work at our places of employment, in our communities, in our schools, in our healthcare environments, in local/state/federal political arenas, and the list goes on. We sit on boards, start non profits, run for office, sit on committees, raise awareness on social media, march, protest, speak up in meetings, and so much more.
After all of this work, day in and day out, what is left in the tank for us? We must prioritize ourselves.
While we are changing the world and caring for others, who is caring for us? This work starts internally by clarifying the things that are most meaningful to us. Our values. Once clear, make a list of behaviors you can engage in daily, weekly, even monthly that are in line with your values. If you value family, make sure you are present and spending time with them. If you value health and wellness, carve out time to do the things that soothe you, for therapy, for walking, dance, or weight lifting. Plan some meals weekly that fuel you. Carve out time to engage in the spiritual practices that support your wellness. Prioritize the things that make you feel strong, whole, and cared for.
We of course must continue to fight for equity, justice, and inclusivity. AND, it is okay to rest. Distribute some of the weight you have been carrying to others who have a lighter load.
Our stamina to resist is dependent on our aggressive pursuit of wellness.
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” - Audre Lorde
How will you care for yourself today?
As always, the WhiteFlag Community is here for you.
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