Make Your Self Care Intentional: A Word from our Editor in Chief

Here at WCA, we find it very important to encourage our Bosschiques to continuously take care of themselves. Sometimes I speak to so many of my sisters who are burnt out almost every month, myself included because some of us work 13 hour work days between our 9-5s and our businesses and taking care of children for those of you who have children, life doesnt seem to cut us any slack. But as we progress in life Self care is a proactive exercise and one we must be intentional about.

At times between our jobs, businesses, families there is basically no time left for us to just take for ourself nurturing. Every month we believe business owners should set aside at-least an hour in the day for themselves, this time is not for work, or family just for yourself.

Whether you take a book to read, or call a sister of yours you haven't spoken to in a while to catch up, or spending time in prayer with God, find those things that nurture your spirit and make sure you do them often.

This month my  self care practice revolves around re-reading some old favorite African literature novels, and indulging in more praying and meditation. My reading pick for this month is The Thing Around your Neck by Chimamanda Adichie, there is something about this book that is so comforting for me that I felt it was the perfect book to pick up when I want some down time. In addition I will be indulging in prayer and meditating on the verse "Trust in the Lord with all your heart lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge him and He will direct your path" Proverbs 3:5 .

We hope you take some time to take care of self, nourish your spirit and be at peace. This will truly help you remain rejuvenated and energized to be your best self for your self, your family and ultimately your business.

Ankara Covered Journals+ Soy Candles: How Creative Writing is a form of self care

I have had an infatuation with Ankara covered journals for a very long time. Being that I live on this side of the globe where access to such items can be so daunting, I had given up the idea of even looking for one, after I tried creating my own and massively failed at it. In continuing my tips on self care, one of the most revolutionary acts for me when I am feeling really stressed out and just need an escape is writing. Not only do I love to write about African women and all things #Afrifem, but I also enjoy writing very fluffy things about love, life, travel, and some heavy things about pop culture an social issues etc. I have always found writing as my escape. What I did realize however is that any form of mundane rehearsed writing takes away my creative spirit, and from then on have learnt that I must write as my creative juices flow.

Cecret Candles by Sesima Kamara 

My writing gathered much strength when I got connected to my African Women Writers Community in Entebbe Uganda in 2014. I began to write and publish more than I had ever done before and in my lowest moments, and have found solace in writing in journals. Writing also has helped me to put my thoughts on paper that sometimes gather in my head which then ultimately gives me a release to clear my head and focus on other things. Now let's talk about setting the state and how energy is so important for one to destress. One of the things I enjoy doing is setting the scene before I begin to write. Whether it be with candles from my favorite candle make  Cecret Candles or  utilizing my favorite Ankara covered notebook from one of my favorite female owned brands in Sierra Leone Afrilosophy, the mood has to be right. And then I can write, write, write my heart out and reduce the stresses of the day or the moment. This month as we continue our self care series I urge you to think about the things that help you release stress and do them, even if you have stopped it is okay! Develop a promise to take better care of self this year. In the spirit of Valentine's day, what types of things do you do to balance out stress in your life and to show yourself love and care?

Ankara Journal from Etsy online