Revolutionary Self-Care: Redefining Caregiving for Women of Color

When my son T.J. was diagnosed with autism, I didn’t know anyone who looked like us. Here my son was with a diagnosis I knew nothing about, and I had no one I felt I could turn to. 

What did I do, you might ask. I learned everything I could about autism, special education, and how to be a parent advocate. I mean I went all in. I joined groups and attended classes and meetings. I learned what he was entitled to under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). To my own detriment. 

I spent years focusing on TJ’s needs. People told me elementary school was the hardest, things would become better once he was in middle school, and high school would be a breeze. 

Things didn’t work out like that of course. His entire educational career was tough. But we made it through. T.J. graduated with a 3.0 Grade Point Average. Can you see me doing my happy dance?  

After T.J. i graduated, I was all happy because he was settled. His adult services were set up and I could focus on myself. Or so I thought.

Then my parents became ill and needed my help. I spent all these years taking care of a son who might never be able to take care of himself. Only to find that my caregiving journey wasn’t over. 

One day, I snapped at my son. 

“What did I do, Mom?” he asked in a small voice. The look in his eyes nearly broke my heart. 

I didn’t have the wherewithal to explain to him the way I felt at that moment wasn’t his fault. It had nothing to do with him. 

“Nothing, baby,” I said and gave him a hug.

Snapping or yelling at my son was not a behavior either of us were accustomed to. There was something going on in my life that I needed to correct. Soon. 

What it came down to was that I wasn’t doing a lot to take care of myself. I was taking care of everyone else – except me.  

Truth be told, I had put my own self-care on the shelf and forgotten about it. Buried beneath layers of responsibility. 

Taking care of others seems to be the destined role for women of color.

Let me be radical here. You can prioritize yourself and still be an extraordinary caregiver to others.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be unveiling the techniques that helped me rediscover myself, to truly engage in my own self-care. Together, we’ll rewrite the narrative. 

Welcome to “Revolutionary Self-Care: Redefining Caregiving for Women of Color.” It’s time to embark on this transformative journey together.

Remember, you are deserving of every beautiful thing life has to offer. Let’s make it happen! 🌟

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Need more self-care tips including info on incorporating more laughter into your day, head on over to A Cup of Positivity on Facebook join the discussion.

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