Self-Care Sunday
- Vatoyia Gardner
- Feb 16
- 2 min read
Show Up for You!
Today I encourage you to show yourself some love. This month has been one for the books! With everything going on in our society, we definitely need to take time out to take inventory of where we are and what we need to survive and thrive!

I am actively reading A Year of Self-Care by Dr. Zoe Shaw. Today, I was challenged to do a quick 10-minute workout. I have to say that I am breaking away from my workout schedule to hear what my body needs. After completing the 10-minute HITT (High-Intensity Interval Training), I felt rejuvenated! I did this with modifications (I listened to my not 25-year-old body) but still got it done!
Last weekend, I took the time to select outfits for the upcoming work week (time saver and stress-reducer) and got an hour massage! For me, self-care is a must! I must first secure my oxygen mask so I can show up for others! How are you showing up for yourself?
Get Your Hope Up!

This week I had to reread a book that fed my spirit. The book All Hope is Found by Sarah Jakes Roberts is what I needed. After scrolling through social media, catching snippets of the news (trying only to hear what is necessary for me), and different challenges arising in my life, I had to get my hope up! There are certain truths that I highlighted in a previous read that I needed to remind myself of in this season of my life.
There is such a strong upheaval going on in our society today that we need to make sure we are rooted and grounded in real truths. For me, that is the truth of God's Word. I implore you to take time to examine your truths and find literature that emphasizes your truths so you can gain strength and encouragement for the times ahead.
Black History Gem

Reading children's books is a wonderful way to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of our ancestors. The book Blue by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond illustrated by Daniel Minter is a WONDERFUL book discussing the history of the color blue. The book tells the story of how difficult the color blue was to obtain many years ago. The book further discusses the importance of the color blue in various cultures and religious beliefs. "In parts of Africa, some merchants used strips of indigo cloth to buy people and sell them into slavery."
The book discusses how blue is not just a color but a feeling! The illustrations in this book are wonderful! This book would be a great gift to a young person or for someone who loves the color book. The information in this book is timeless and I highly encourage everyone to read this Black History Gem!
Yes, self-care and hope are mandatory for wholesome, healthy living! The world is so unstable right now, but my hope comes from knowing God loves me and will see me through all things. The book "Blue" is a fabulous story and a favorite of mine, not just because blue 💙 is my favorite color, but the author recognized the importance and the impact of writing down history, so future generations will know our stories. The stories that matters to us! I'm proud of you for putting your self-care first, so you have what you need to sustain you and help others. Life be lifing, but God is always Godding! Always in full control and has my best interests front a…