Celebrating YOU!

Happy July!

It’s the middle of the year, and time sure flies when you're busy being amazing! So, this month, we are going to switch things up a bit. This month, let's focus on YOU and all the amazing things that make you the phenomenal woman you are.

First, may I ask you a question:

When was the last time you celebrated YOU?  

For me, being honest, celebrating myself remains an ongoing journey of growth. Past self-doubt can sometimes get in the way of me embracing my successes and milestones. And in my conversations with other Black women, I've learned I'm not alone. But, every day, I'm learning how to shift my mindset to cherish the process rather than just the outcomes and recognize that true success is about uplifting others on my path, not just reaching the summit. 

I also learned I need to be gentler on myself, including creating a much more compassionate framework for what I deem worthy of celebrating. This is why I love Robin Thede's, creator of Black Lady Sketch Show, words of wisdom in an interview, in which she basically said,  "If your six-year-old self would be proud of you, you should be too!" 

So, what is your six-year-old self celebrating about you today? 

 Now, hold that thought and follow these 3 steps:

1.) Write it down where you can see it (we forget quickly).

2.) Savor it - meaning experience the memory slowly to enjoy it as much as possible. Then, look yourself in the mirror and say, [insert your name], I'm so proud of you! 

3.) Now celebrate yourself, whether it's dancing around your living room, trying a new hobby, or having a solo date at your favorite café; give yourself permission to enjoy the little things that make you smile.

Speaking of celebrations, mark your calendar for July 26th—National Auntie's Day! It's our special day dedicated to celebrating and honoring the love, wisdom, and fun that our aunties, by blood or bond and across all ages and life stages, bring into our lives. Submit your Auntie(s) to be featured in our video montage here for our 3rd Annual National Auntie's Day Instagram Takeover! Our deadline is Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Finally, in the spirit of celebration, I'm thrilled to share that this month, Hey Auntie! is celebrating its three-year anniversary! To honor this milestone, I've decided to celebrate by taking a six-week break. Yes, you read that right—six weeks! From late July to early September, I'll be recharging, reflecting, and reveling in some much-needed rest. And leading up to my R&R break, in our next mid-month check-in, I'll be sharing some of my most profound reflections on my Hey Auntie! journey so far (along with updates and exciting news). We'll be relaunching all of our community-building features again in September.

You're amazing and deserve all the joy and celebration in the world. Thank you for being a vital part of our community and sharing our journey.