I have to start this post by first saying thank you to my friend Tara Pringle Jefferson. Tara is the creator of #HereWeGrow a National Self Care Retreat that happens yearly. She is the reason that I was in New Orleans for 5 days, thus the reason for this change that I feel. So, Tara, THANK YOU for your hard work, and commitment to giving black women a space to BE, and for reminding us the importance of taking care of ourselves.
I have so much to say about this weekend, but I am going to use a filter (some stuff is too personal to share) and I am going to try and keep this as short as possible.
Preparation:
Leading up to the retreat, I was all over the place. I just could not seem to get it together. Life was really hitting me hard. The week of, I had at least 2 breakdowns, there were a million things to do in order to get my children settled, and I was nervous about flying Spirit (which was actually ok). I wasn't able to take a deep breath until I to the airport. Maybe this was a sign that what was coming would be life changing, you know, the storm comes before the rainbow, so maybe my spirit was being prepared for all that I would take in
Arrival:
When I stepped off the plane I had a burst of energy. It was my first time in NOLA, and I had only heard amazing things about the place, so I was excited. I purposely had no agenda, everything in my life is planned and on a schedule, I wanted my time here to just flow. On the ride to the hotel, I got a glimpse of the Super Dome, and was immediately saddened and reminded of the horrific events that took place there during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Something hit me in that moment, and I would that something again and again through this trip.
Bourbon Street:
I am not a party person. I like to go out and have fun, but I don't really frequent clubs, BUT when in NOLA, you must visit Bourbon Street. I was a little disappointed because there is currently a lot of construction happening, so moving through the streets wasn't as easy as I would have liked, however, I must say, I had an AMAZING time. Everyone was friendly, and nice, and respectful, and just wonderful. We met a guy was worked at a club and he showed us around, and helped us really have a good experience. We spent Thursday and Friday on Bourbon, and then we were tapped out. It was great to be able to let me hair down, and just have fun. I will be back for sure!
Beignets:
One word...AMAZING! I went to Cafe Du Monde 4 times in 5 days. Think it's safe to say I enjoyed that cafe.
BlackWomenAreForGrownUps:
FRIDAY! What a day this was. This is when the change began to happen. We started our day with our fearless leader Tara helping us evaluate how well we care for ourselves. We were reminded that we cannot run to fix everyone else's problems, because the likelihood of someone coming to fix ours were slim. This was a wake up call for me. I am a natural "helper", I try to make everyone's life easier. I realized that I was doing this to the determent of myself. I have to make a better effort to take care of myself first, this is the only way to adequately care for others...you can't pour from an empty cup.
On Friday, we were also introduced to the powerhouse Stevona. She is the brains behind #BlackWomenAreForGrownUps. She is simply amazing. It was absolutely awesome to see a young black woman stand in her power without apology. My friends and I talked about her for hours after she spoke. She woke something up in all of us. She reminded us, that black women may be girlfriends, but we are not girls. We helped us to remember that we are complex yet beautiful, and that w have to show up for ourselves! Check out her work, I can assure you won't be disappointed. Every black woman needs the reminder from time to time just how powerful she is, and Stevona delivers!
Bayou Road and the Lowe 9th Ward:
My roommates and I were determined to take some time to learn the history of New Orleans and the impact of Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath. We went to Bayou Road for a #BWAFGU pop up shop, but discovered a street of store that were all black owned and thriving. We talked to some great people, got some great products, and learned even more.
We wanted to take a city tour, but they were way too expensive and would not give us the hands on history that we desired. So, we created our own tour, and in doing so we stumbled upon the Lower 9th Ward Living Museum. OMG! There are too many words to say about that place, so I will sum it up by simply saying JOB WELL DONE! The thought that and dignity that was put into the exhibit was absolutely wonderful.
I walked away knowing that Black people are powerful and resilient and I owe it to those who came before me to live my best life to my fullest potential!
#921:
Ok, so for me, what left the biggest impact were the young women I took this trip with. This year, I roomed with 3 ladies, Erika, Chic, and Leena. You ever not realize how much you need someone until they show up for you in a way you were not expecting? That's what these ladies did for me. I surely thought we would just have fun together, I was not ready to be encouraged, checked, prayed for, and motivated the way I was. They challenged me to be better, and to believe for greater. The conversations we had in our room, can't be shared here, but I surely will never forget them. God sent me those ladies, and now we have a bond that is not easily broken. They helped me clear my mind and get my life back.
I am rested, refueled, empowered and forever grateful for my trip to NOLA.
~Lauren
I have so much to say about this weekend, but I am going to use a filter (some stuff is too personal to share) and I am going to try and keep this as short as possible.
Preparation:
Leading up to the retreat, I was all over the place. I just could not seem to get it together. Life was really hitting me hard. The week of, I had at least 2 breakdowns, there were a million things to do in order to get my children settled, and I was nervous about flying Spirit (which was actually ok). I wasn't able to take a deep breath until I to the airport. Maybe this was a sign that what was coming would be life changing, you know, the storm comes before the rainbow, so maybe my spirit was being prepared for all that I would take in
Arrival:
When I stepped off the plane I had a burst of energy. It was my first time in NOLA, and I had only heard amazing things about the place, so I was excited. I purposely had no agenda, everything in my life is planned and on a schedule, I wanted my time here to just flow. On the ride to the hotel, I got a glimpse of the Super Dome, and was immediately saddened and reminded of the horrific events that took place there during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Something hit me in that moment, and I would that something again and again through this trip.
Bourbon Street:
I am not a party person. I like to go out and have fun, but I don't really frequent clubs, BUT when in NOLA, you must visit Bourbon Street. I was a little disappointed because there is currently a lot of construction happening, so moving through the streets wasn't as easy as I would have liked, however, I must say, I had an AMAZING time. Everyone was friendly, and nice, and respectful, and just wonderful. We met a guy was worked at a club and he showed us around, and helped us really have a good experience. We spent Thursday and Friday on Bourbon, and then we were tapped out. It was great to be able to let me hair down, and just have fun. I will be back for sure!
Beignets:
One word...AMAZING! I went to Cafe Du Monde 4 times in 5 days. Think it's safe to say I enjoyed that cafe.
BlackWomenAreForGrownUps:
FRIDAY! What a day this was. This is when the change began to happen. We started our day with our fearless leader Tara helping us evaluate how well we care for ourselves. We were reminded that we cannot run to fix everyone else's problems, because the likelihood of someone coming to fix ours were slim. This was a wake up call for me. I am a natural "helper", I try to make everyone's life easier. I realized that I was doing this to the determent of myself. I have to make a better effort to take care of myself first, this is the only way to adequately care for others...you can't pour from an empty cup.
On Friday, we were also introduced to the powerhouse Stevona. She is the brains behind #BlackWomenAreForGrownUps. She is simply amazing. It was absolutely awesome to see a young black woman stand in her power without apology. My friends and I talked about her for hours after she spoke. She woke something up in all of us. She reminded us, that black women may be girlfriends, but we are not girls. We helped us to remember that we are complex yet beautiful, and that w have to show up for ourselves! Check out her work, I can assure you won't be disappointed. Every black woman needs the reminder from time to time just how powerful she is, and Stevona delivers!
Bayou Road and the Lowe 9th Ward:
My roommates and I were determined to take some time to learn the history of New Orleans and the impact of Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath. We went to Bayou Road for a #BWAFGU pop up shop, but discovered a street of store that were all black owned and thriving. We talked to some great people, got some great products, and learned even more.
We wanted to take a city tour, but they were way too expensive and would not give us the hands on history that we desired. So, we created our own tour, and in doing so we stumbled upon the Lower 9th Ward Living Museum. OMG! There are too many words to say about that place, so I will sum it up by simply saying JOB WELL DONE! The thought that and dignity that was put into the exhibit was absolutely wonderful.
I walked away knowing that Black people are powerful and resilient and I owe it to those who came before me to live my best life to my fullest potential!
#921:
Ok, so for me, what left the biggest impact were the young women I took this trip with. This year, I roomed with 3 ladies, Erika, Chic, and Leena. You ever not realize how much you need someone until they show up for you in a way you were not expecting? That's what these ladies did for me. I surely thought we would just have fun together, I was not ready to be encouraged, checked, prayed for, and motivated the way I was. They challenged me to be better, and to believe for greater. The conversations we had in our room, can't be shared here, but I surely will never forget them. God sent me those ladies, and now we have a bond that is not easily broken. They helped me clear my mind and get my life back.
I am rested, refueled, empowered and forever grateful for my trip to NOLA.
~Lauren
Comments
Post a Comment