I almost didn't send this newsletter

Hey <<First Name>>,

I almost didn't send this newsletter today. For the past few days, I have been in a rut with my writing. I was trying to make it sound just right. I was trying to force words that didn't want to come. I was veering into perfectionism territory. I was making it unnecessarily hard. You know that place you get to where everything seems complicated and too difficult? I was right there in the middle of it.

Then, I stopped and decided to just start writing. This might come off as a bit of a ramble but bear with me as I work it out. I love to write. Yet, I often feel like it isn't good enough. Every time I hit a block, God reminds me that I am on the planet to write. That's it. So, my antidote to writer's block is to write no matter what. Which is what I am doing now. I remember that I write even when the words are clunky and messy. That I write even if I might ramble in a newsletter to ya'll. I stay committed to this because writing is an expression that brings me joy. It is where I feel a deep sense of purpose. It is a gift that I was given this lifetime to use.

<<First Name>>, you have gifts that you were given. You have desires you want to express. Express it. Let it be messy. Let it be imperfect. Let it be what it's gonna be. Don't deprive yourself of the experience, though. And remember the antidote: do the thing that brings you joy right now. Write a few pages of that book. Sign up for that class. Go outside for that walk. Take a nap. Schedule the brunch with your friends. Paint the piece. Sing the songs. Learn some new dance moves. Read some inspiration from Black women about tapping into your creativity. Get in the car and take a road trip. Just do it. Unbothered and Free.

Just do it. Just be it. Let the rest of the details take care of themselves. Create space for you to be yourself.

Thank you for letting me ramble to get to my truth. Enjoy the Unbothered Black Girl Resources for the week and have a beautiful weekend.

Sincerely,

Kandice

P.S.: The UBG Collective Giveaway is still happening! Forward the newsletter signup link or post on social media(http://eepurl.com/ggHR3P) and encourage your friends to subscribe. Make sure they put your name down as the referral. Every person you refer will earn you an entry into the giveaway for the prize ( $25 gift card + specially curated Unbothered gift box)

“And anything I have accomplished, I did so not in spite of being a black woman, but because I am a black woman".” -Gabrielle Union

UBGC Meetups: Recess Edition

The first round of Unbothered Black Girl Meetups are happening this summer! UBGC meetups are coming to Chicago, New Orleans, and Houston. More cities will be added soon! These meetups are recess---yes like you used to have in elementary school. Join us for 1 hour of playing our fave childhood games and meeting some brilliant Unbothered Black Girls!

Learn more about upcoming meetups.

Article: On Black Difficulty by Namwali Serpell

"There are many ways to be “difficult” in this world: stubborn, demanding, inconvenient, complex, troublesome, baffling, illegible. Black womanhood is where they overlap. The funny thing is, I know this because of Toni Morrison. "

Love this perspective on Toni Morrison and why difficult Black women are necessary in this world. Read the article here.

Reclaiming Your Dreams Circle

The next Reclaiming Your Dreams circle starts April 29. Spend 21 days diving into the dreams that matter most to you.

. Register here to reserve your spot.

Gee's Bend Quiltmakers

I am always in awe of Black women's creativity. This is evident in the quiltwork of a community of women in a town in Alabama, who created hundreds of beautiful pieces from the early twentieth century to the present day. Do yourself a favor and look at some of these beautiful pieces of African American art online.