Self Care Is Political Warfare

As we begin each year, there is a renewed cultural focus on self-care, wellness, and habits. This year I invite you to consider this focus from a different perspective. We will explore self-care from the lens of the Audre Lorde quote:

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

This quote is one of my all-time favorites. It speaks to the necessity of good self-care and adds another level of meaning. It specifies that as Black women, our ability to not only survive, but thrive, is defiance against sociopolitical norms that try to threaten us. Simply put, being healthy Black women who live loudly and well is a power move.

Dr. Amy at the APA conference rooftop in DC overlooking Capitol Hill

This series will include tips on self-care (e.g., gratitude, self-compassion, rest, nutrition) with connected tips on how to engage in advocacy in various settings (e.g., workplace, community, government). We will explore how to optimize our personal well-being and our well-being as a collective and culture.

To get started with this mission, let’s get reacquainted with the Win With Black Women initiative. Many of us probably first heard about it during the recent election. However, it was founded in 2020 and their primary goals are: eliminating the racist and sexist attacks on Black women, working within our personal capacities to support the historic number of Black women running for elected office at the federal, state, and local levels, and elevating the agenda, image, and collective power of Black Women. This initiative is a perfect example of how collective advocacy can amplify our voices and create meaningful change. If you’re looking for a way to get involved, this is a great place to start.

Remember, prioritizing yourself is a revolutionary act, and small steps can have a profound impact. Let’s commit to thriving unapologetically—individually and together.

In solidarity,

Dr. Amy

This is part of Dr. Amy's Self Care Is Political Warfare series. Read the entire series here!