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#WednesdayWisdom
"Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." —Audre Lorde
Morning Musings
If you follow me on social media, then you already know about my latest "breakthrough," shall we call it? Lately I haven't been practicing what I preach when it comes to self-care.
I’ve been pouring into other people’s cups without stopping to refill my own. I've prioritized other people's wants, needs and platforms over my own. I’ve been overcommitted and stretched thin. My energy has been depleted and my well being has suffered as a result. And then I saw this little reminder:

Long story short, I signed up for a commitment back when I was optimistic about the both the event and the amount of time I would have to devote to it. Let's just say that I may have been a bit overly optimistic on both counts.
Plus, my circumstances were different then. I had a different job. I had different responsibilities. Fast forward to this week and I felt like I was suffocating. Like I was drowning from the pressure to perform, to be perfect, to be the good girl go-getter that everyone knows and loves me for.
But at what cost? My mental health? My physical health? My emotional health? Nope. Uh-uh. Not worth it. So, after googling "how to back out of a commitment gracefully" like any self-respecting millennial, I found this helpful video by Marie Forleo.
After a few days of deliberation (and much back and forth panic texting with my BFF Marissa), I finally bit the bullet and emailed the event coordinator. She responded within minutes saying she totally understand and thanked me for my honesty. Whew! I could have saved myself a lot of heartache if I'd just sucked it up and stood up for myself from the beginning.
I know I said I was going to spotlight Black women writers during Black History Month and this week is no different. Around the time I was having this inner turmoil, I started reading Own Your Glow by Latham Thomas, which has also been instrumental in helping me learn to listen to my gut, trust my heart and, well, own my glow. I pray that you will do the same.
Love,
L'Oreal
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Links I Love
Even Oprah doesn't like saying 'no,' but here's how she conquered her fear
Shonda Rhimes on the one sentence to use when you want to say 'no'

P.s. Did you know Destiny's Child self-titled debut album is 20 years old this month? Man, do I feel old! Learn more at Shondaland and bonus points if you read the subject line in your best DC voice.
My Latest Obsession

I mean, exactly what did you expect me to put here? OF COURSE Black Panther is my latest obsession for this week. Hell, it's my obsession for the entire MONTH! And I'm not really that into superhero movies. But you know what I am into? Seeing these beautiful Black brilliant faces on the big screen! Why? Because #RepresentationMatters. Check out Rolling Stones' interview with Chadwick Boseman here; then read about the Women of Wakanda in Bitch Media; and follow up with this Huffington Post article about the Dora Milaje. And then RUN, do not walk, to the nearest theater to take in all this #BlackExcellence.
Now Hiring
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Chief People Officer for KIPP Public Texas Public Schools
Well, that's all folks. I hope you enjoyed this edition of LT in the City Weekly! Be sure to follow me on the Interwebs using the buttons below or simply click "reply" to tell me what you think. Thanks a bunches!