Giving Gratitude

We continued celebrating Women’s History Month with our virtual Black Girl Gratitude meetup. It was an evening filled with meaningful conversations and sisterhood as we expressed appreciation for women who have positively influenced us.

The evening kicked off with Intention Setting, and we used our Intention Words to ground ourselves. The word we picked was “Heal,” which we was fitting for the event. Gratitude can be a powerful force in the healing process because it helps re-center us, facilitates closure, and fosters a positive mindset/outlook. 

“I enjoyed the calming energy and encouragement” - CW

After doing our Intention Setting, we discussed what gratitude means to us. We shared how gratitude can mean being thankful for the small things such as waking up in good health, seeing another morning, enjoying nature, and spending time with loved ones.

We then discussed the importance of expressing gratitude with letter writing. Putting pen to paper to share words of appreciation can be one of the most authentic ways to celebrate and uplift someone. Furthermore, heartfelt words can always stay with both the recipient and the letter author.

To get prepared for our letter writing, we reflected on the following questions:
•    What qualities do you admire about this woman?
•    What has this woman taught you?
•    What makes this woman special?
•    Is there a quote this woman said that resonates with you?
•    How does this woman shape who you are?
•    How did this woman help you get to where you are today?

After reflecting, it was time to do the letter activity based on our self-care card #29 Show Gratitude. We wrote our letters to honor author, Bell Hooks, and a dear friend who passed away from cancer, Deidra Ramos. 
 

One woman wrote a letter to show gratitude for herself. She shared how much she is thankful for how far she's come in her journey. It was a wonderful reminder we are worth celebrating and giving flowers to ourselves. Another woman wrote a letter to her grandmother, whose been diagnosed with cancer, to celebrate her feisty and loving nature.

We thank all the women who joined us to make this virtual meetup so special.