Enough of the “Strong Black Woman” Trope. I’m Now in Relentless Pursuit of the #SoftLife.
You know that “strong Black woman” trope? The one that implies we can and should shoulder the weight of the world? It’s complicated and heavy. We are strong. But we shouldn’t have to always be. Take work, for example: While I have every intention of being a badass at my job, lately I’ve been wondering why I’m not allowed to detach my self-worth from this can’t-stop-won’t-stop culture. I find myself asking more and more often: Can’t I also be valuable when I’m vulnerable? Aren’t I also deserving of peace? When will I be able to just relax?
That’s why, like a lot of Black women (see #SoftLife on TikTok, Instagram and beyond), I’m now in relentless pursuit of ease, rest, and unapologetic joy. It may sound lofty or even lazy, but trust me when I say this isn’t just about lying around and doing nothing (although, I mean, that’s important too). It’s about reaping the fruits of my labor. About intentional happiness in the form of girlfriend getaways, Sunday-scaries-free weekends, and plenty of calming self-care by way of the products you see here. Will they banish that weighty burden? Of course not. But damn if they’re not a great place to start.
Behold, the products that have been giving me soft skin, soft lips, soft curls, and a soft spirit—while I continue to figure out how to soften up my actual life.
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