There are way too many negative people, places, and things influencing us and turning up that little annoying song in our head that says “Give it up! Stop trying!! Why you!?” until it’s so loud it’s the only thing we hear… and if you’re not careful that song can get stuck in your head and have some seriously negative consequences. Start your radical self-care journey to learn how to build a healthier relationship with yourself, a positive mindset, and a life where you feel completely comfortable being your authentic self.  

My Radical Self-Care Journey

Is this thing on…? Oh okay, just checking. HEY GRRRLFRENS!! My name is Amber LeAsia Douglas and I am conquering my irrational fear of being perceived and writing my first article for my blog Grrrl Get Real. Wow, this was easier than my anxiety told me it would be?

I have spent a majority of the twenty six years I’ve been on this planet living inside of my head and boy was it cramped! I say this to give you some perspective on why I created this blog and what to expect from me moving forward. I have major anxiety which can build into cycles of depression. In other words, everything pretty much freaks me out and I hold it all in until I explode, pick up the pieces, and repeat. 

I would love to tell you that that’s how my life used to be and now I’m walking on sunshine but that is not true and I would never lie to you after all we are going to become very close grrrlfriends I still experience feelings of anxiety and being overwhelmed, with a little self criticism cherry on top, but it doesn’t affect me in the same way it used to. I have learned to adopt radical self-care techniques that have made me feel safe sharing my authentic self and have honestly saved my life. 

This blog is the space where I want to share with you how I have learned to ignore negative energy, invest in myself, and (finally!) level up to a higher, more healed, version of myself so that you can also be comfortable and confident being yourself. There are millions of people on the internet, and in real life, preying on our insecurities offering advice on how to take on the personality of a pre-approved societal aesthetic but what if I told you that starting a radical self-care journey didn’t have to look like a tampon ad?

What is Radical Self-Care?

Radical self-care is intentionally putting yourself first before attempting to take care of others because you know your worth and you know that you deserve to feel secure and in good health mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. And the journey to achieve that balance in all areas of your life is completely unique to each individual because that’s exactly what we are: individuals. 

Life happens, we are human. Some days we wake up on the happy train and there are some days that we wake up on the wrong side of the tracks with no clue and no cellphone to give us directions. Seriously, where would we all be without Siri? But that’s why practicing radical self-care and developing a daily routine is essential; to help regulate the bad days and help make the good days great days. 

And I know what you’re thinking, “But Bino” All of my friends call me Bino. “Why is the decision to consciously take care of yourself considered radical?” Umm have you seen the way America is set up? Wake up and smell the politics! Radical self-care is considered a form of protest against social structures specifically designed to systematically oppress us. No conglomerate pushing us to buy their “cure all” products or crooked politicians with not-so-hidden agendas to police our bodies formed against a world filled with empowered women shall prosper. We have the power to shape and create our own realities, and when you’re living in a country that doesn’t make space for you tapping into the ability to do that is vital. 

Why Should You Start A Radical Self-Care Journey

Starting your radical self-care journey has many perks, flipping off the patriarchy is just the icing on the cake. Engaging in a self-care routine has proven physical health benefits on stress, energy, and concentration levels that can help reduce heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Outside of literally being the reason that you will physically live longer, and enjoy it, the most rewarding part about starting a radical self-care journey is the connection that you will make with yourself.

You have to spend every single second of the rest of your life with yourself, so why not fully enjoy it? Learn to pour loving and attentive energy back into yourself and your life, because you are more than deserving of it. If you are ready to feel the most comfortable you have ever felt being yourself, or you’re ready to become the best version of yourself there is, then start your radical self-care journey with me! Subscribe to my #GRRRLGANG Weekly Insiders for notifications sent right to your inbox and follow my page on all of your favorite socials for more ✨radical✨ content!