So November is officially official and that means Christmas is literally around the corner like for real this time. I saw Kev On Stage posted that as soon as Halloween is done, out comes the Christmas decor. And honestly, why not? I'm all for it. Especially cause this year has been A LOT for many. 'Tis the season to be jolly, cause we're kicking stress to the curb! We're exhaling stress and inhaling self-care.

I know Christmas is a hard season for many, but I don't think it beats what March-October brought us. So hopefully everyone's able to find a bit of cheer in the 60 days that are left in this year. Personally, I can't get enough of Christmas and although I was very tempted to put up my tree this past weekend, I've decided to wait until December. I know plenty though who went ahead already and put it up. My tree will STAY up though once it's actually up. It won't come down until well into January. Being that my birthday is January 9th, it deserves the little extra sparkle the tree-lights bring. All in the name of self-love.

Something for Your (Future) Self.

Speaking of self-love, my prompt for y'all is to do something for the rest of the month that brings you joy. It doesn't have to be immediate gratification, but something that you'll thank yourself for either now or later. Women, and in particular moms, are quick to make sure everybody else is ok and find their solace in that. However, I'm kicking off the "Do something your (future) self will thank you for" challenge. Lol, I know...could the name be ANY longer? Haha.

It can be anything to feed you mentally, emotionally, intellectually, or physically. And if you need any ideas, I'll be posting prompts on my Instagram (make sure to follow here). Don't feed into the frenzy that is 2020 and the election happening south of the border. I know it's hard to be in a “bubble”, and you almost can't help but get sucked in. But I'm telling you, it's possible to limit outside noise and chaos when you're intentional about it. So schedule it! Plan for it. Because "someday" isn't a day of the week.

Self-Care Isn't Selfish.

Self-care is not selfish. I know you've heard this before. This isn't new. But with so many other things, we hear it so many times, that it just becomes another phrase. Something that sounds good. A proverbial phrase we say cause it sounds good. But do we ACTUALLY practice self-care? Moms?!! I'm talking to y'all.

This post is going up late on November 2, so might as well be November 3. And the "perfectionist" in me would have liked this challenge to officially kick-off early on a Monday, or on the 1st of the month. But I just thought of this today, in the middle of the day, so here goes. Done is better than perfect. Another one of those proverbial phrases for you, lol.

[Also Related: How We’re Maintaining Good Vibes in 2020]

Self-Care Challenge Prompt.

Ok, so for anyone who needs prompts to actually help you DO this, I will be listing out and posting daily suggestions. But it doesn't have to be any of these that you do. I just want you to do SOMETHING. However big or small. Your Tuesday, November 3 self-care challenge prompt is:

Watch as much (or as little) of the election result coverage as you know you can stomach, then turn off the TV AND social media, brew a cup of tea, or pour a glass of wine and read for at least 30 minutes. It can be a magazine, a book. Physical or electronic. But READ something. If you happen to not be in the States and you could care less about the election, bonus points for you. Still read something though sis, lol.

Benefits* your future self will thank you for:

1. Increases your vocabulary and comprehension

2. Aids in sleep readiness

3. Reduces stress

4. Lowers blood pressure and heart rate

5. Fights depression symptoms.

*source: Healthline.com

And there you have it. Let's make it happen. Black joy and self-care is a form of resistance! Period. Share in the comments below what you plan to do (or did) for today that your future self will thank you for.

Grace & Peace!

V.