Career & Money
It's one of those days: your boss is on your case, someone stole your lunch out of the fridge, gas prices have lost their mind, and your twist-out is not poppin'. You are somewhere in between wanting to smack someone and needing a long hug.
In the midst of working so hard, it's only natural to have off days and question our purpose. Am I doing enough? Am I appreciated? Should I continue? Doubts are often the first to rise to the surface and sometimes we just need someone to remind us why we're pushing so hard. Black women in particular are notorious for carrying everyone on their backs, prioritizing everyone else's needs before their own, and the pressure can become a lot.
But, there is sunshine amidst the clouds. Even on our worst days, we can look up to strong women of color who have paved the way for us to even encounter a number of the challenges we are up against. Their strength, perspective, perseverance, and words of wisdom can be our life raft in situations where we feel like we can't push forward.
Because of them, we can.
Here are 8 quotes from Black female extraordinaires to keep stashed away for a rainy day.
When You Question Your Impact...
Humanitarian & OG First Lady, Michelle Obama
"You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own." – Michelle Obama
You're here. You're doing this. Take a deep breath and remember that before you can run a mile, you must stretch and finish one lap at a time. Acknowledge your small wins on the way to achieving the big one. And never forget that while silent, there are people around you cheering you on, or at the very least, observing your progress. Your persistence can inspire those around you and sharing rather than hiding your struggle can humanize the process.
It will get done. You can do this. Keep pushing.
When You Question Your Beauty...
The greatest athlete of all time, Serena Williams
"I am worthy of love without effort... I am beautiful, that the texture of my hair and that the shape of my curves, the size of my lips, the color of my skin, and the feelings that I have are all worthy and okay." – Tracee Ellis Ross
"Since I don't look like every other girl, it takes a while to be okay with that. To be different. But different is good." – Serena Williams
If it means writing self-affirmations on sticky notes, treating yourself to weekly me-days, or getting that haircut you've been eyeing for months, remember that in a world with over three billion people… there is only one YOU. There simply cannot be one standard of beauty, and sometimes, you just have to block everything out, look in the mirror, and remind yourself that you're poppin'. Also, beauty is so much more than likes and followers, so focus on the things that make you feel beautiful inside too.
When You Question Your Foundation...
Xerox CEO, Ursula Burns
"Dreams do come true, but not without the help of others... a strong work ethic, and the courage to lean in." – Ursula Burns
It takes a village. Your village can stretch and evolve, but you are standing on the shoulders of those who lent a helping hand along the way. While money, recognition, and accolades can make life a lot easier, they are not a solid foundation and can be taken away.
Don't forget your roots and don't forget to pour into those around you. The benefit is both tangible and spiritual.
When You Question Your Status...
Media mogul, Oprah Winfrey
"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." – Oprah Winfrey
"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." – Maya Angelou
Sometimes, it the simple things. It's easier to pine after the things we don't have than celebrate the things we do. The bar will only raise higher and higher. Definitely don't low ball your aspirations, but on an off-day, it can go a long way to reaffirm and acknowledge the journey that brought you there. Do you like what you do? Do you like who you are? Do you like where you're going? Keep your priorities in check.
When You Question Your Worth...
"You've got to learn to leave the table when love's no longer being served." – Nina Simone
"I think any black woman is a queen. It's just, do you know it? Do you see it in yourself? Do you recognize it, do you abide by that, do you define yourself as that? Based on who we are and what we've been through and how we survive and where we stand, we are on kind of sacred ground. We stand on the backs of our ancestors." – Ava DuVernay
You is kind. You is beautiful. You is important… and you is worth it. Period. Don't let anyone, anything, anywhere convince you otherwise.
Keep your head held high, so your crown won't fall.
Featured image by Maskot/Getty Images
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