Two women sitting together in a yoga lotus pose with their eyes closed.

The Art of Me-Time: Clearing Your Schedule for Soul-Feeding Self-Care

August 12, 2024•3 min read

Listen up, queen! We need to have a heart-to-heart about something that's been on my mind. When was the last time you penciled yourself into your own schedule? If you're scratching your head trying to remember, then honey, we've got work to do!

It's time to clear some space in that jam-packed calendar of yours for some serious self-care and soul-feeding. And no, scrolling through Instagram while you're on the toilet doesn't count as me-time. We're talking about intentional, rejuvenating, "I'm-doing-this-for-me" time.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Girl, between work, family, and trying to keep my plants alive, I barely have time to breathe!" I hear you, sis. But here's the thing – if you don't make time for yourself, you'll end up running on empty. And let me tell you, burnout is not a good look on anyone.

So, how do we make this happen? First things first, let's reframe how we think about self-care. It's not selfish, it's necessary. It's like putting on your own oxygen mask before helping others. You can't pour from an empty cup, right?

Start by blocking out time in your calendar specifically for you. Treat it like any other important appointment. Would you cancel on your boss? Your best friend? Your hairstylist? (Okay, maybe not the hairstylist – we all know that's sacred.) Treat your me-time with the same respect.

Now, what to do with this magical me-time? The possibilities are endless! Maybe it's taking a luxurious bubble bath with candles and your favorite playlist. Or perhaps it's going for a solo walk in nature, letting Mother Earth recharge your batteries. It could be trying out that new recipe you've been eyeing, or finally picking up that hobby you've been putting off.

And let me put you onto something good – this is the perfect time to curl up with our "Gumbo for the Black Woman's Soul" anthology. Imagine carving out an hour just for you, sipping on your favorite beverage, and soaking in the powerful stories of resilience and triumph. It's like having a heart-to-heart with your sisters, all from the comfort of your favorite reading spot.

Remember, self-care isn't one-size-fits-all. What feeds your soul might be different from what feeds mine. The key is to tune into what truly makes you feel refreshed and recharged. If face masks and mani-pedis aren't your thing, that's cool! Maybe for you, it's shooting hoops at the local park or learning a new language. The important thing is that it brings you joy and helps you reconnect with yourself.

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room – guilt. I know some of us feel guilty for taking time for ourselves. But listen here, sis: you are worthy of this time. You deserve to rest, to play, to just be. The world won't fall apart if you take an hour for yourself. In fact, it might just get a little brighter because you'll be showing up as your best self.

Here's a challenge for you: Start small. Carve out just 15 minutes a day this week for intentional me-time. No phone, no distractions, just you doing something that feeds your soul. Then gradually increase it. Before you know it, self-care will become as natural as breathing.

And don't forget to protect this time fiercely. Learn to say no to things that encroach on your me-time. "No" is a complete sentence, and it's one of the most powerful tools in your self-care arsenal.

Remember, queen, taking care of yourself isn't a luxury – it's a necessity. It's how you refill your cup so you can continue to be the amazing, unstoppable force that you are. So go ahead, clear that schedule, and make some time for you. Your future self will thank you for it.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a date with myself, a good book (hello, "Gumbo for the Black Woman's Soul"!), and a face mask. It's time to feed my soul and nourish my spirit. Here's to putting ourselves first, one self-care session at a time!

LeAnne Dolce

LeAnne Dolce, a certified Wellness Professional, is on a mission to empower Black women to prioritize their self-care and live fulfilling lives. Born and raised in Washington State, she juggled the responsibilities of motherhood while pursuing both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Technical Communication from the University of Washington. Today, LeAnne is not only a mother of two but also a proud grandmother. From corporate communications to IT Project and Program management, LeAnne's professional journey has been diverse and dynamic. However, her passion for wellness and empowerment led her to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. As a certified wellness professional, certified product formulator, published author, and motivational speaker, LeAnne has made it her life's work to champion the power of self-care. Her powerful and authentic message resonates deeply: by prioritizing self-care, it is possible to heal past traumas and awaken each day with happiness, free from guilt or shame. LeAnne's pursuit of promoting wellness led to the inception of the "Wake Up Happy, Sis!" network. A unique platform for Black women, it curates self-care and wellness experiences to help women become happy, healed, and whole. This network has created a supportive and nurturing community where women connect, share their stories, and learn from experts in the field of wellness. The "Wake Up Happy, Sis!" Show, hosted by LeAnne, is an emerging radio show and podcast. Through engaging discussions with experts in the field of self-care and wellness, LeAnne disseminates wisdom drawn from personal experiences, shares inspiring stories of high-performing Black women, and offers tips and advice for listeners. The show empowers women to put their self-care at the forefront of their lives. LeAnne's infectious passion for empowering women is evident in her work. Her vibrant energy and unwavering commitment to the cause serve as a beacon of inspiration for others. Regardless of their achievements or circumstances, LeAnne is a powerful ally for any woman needing a boost of motivation to prioritize their self-care. The "Wake Up Happy, Sis!" network is a dedicated platform for high-achieving Black Women. Its goal is to strike a harmonious balance in their lives by empowering them to overcome past traumas, build resilience, and cultivate genuine happiness and fulfillment. The network offers a wide range of resources, from personal stories and expert advice to online training and inspiring interviews. By focusing on self-love, self-care, and inner strength, WUHS addresses unique challenges like imposter syndrome, stress management, and boundary setting. Through the network's diverse initiatives like workshops, meetups, VIP days, and wellness retreats, WUHS fosters community engagement and provides opportunities for personal growth and networking. WUHS also features a range of exclusive products and experiences, including The Sister Circle paid membership, The Wake Up Happy Sis Show radio show and podcast, and The Soul Renewal Experience Retreats for immersive personal growth experiences. "Wake Up Happy, Sis!" is more than a network; it's a vibrant community and a comprehensive platform for Black Women. It provides essential resources and tools for women to prioritize their wellbeing, heal, and build resilience. By shining a light on the path to self-love and inner strength, it encourages women to thrive without guilt or shame. In the words of LeAnne Dolce, "Wake up happy, sis!" because you are worth it.

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