By La Tanyua Brown-Thompson, NAMI CC President
Women’s History Month: The Power of Community and Self-Care!
As women, we carry so much. We show up for our families, friends, workplaces, and communities—often without hesitation. Taking care of others feels natural, but at what cost? How many times have we come home exhausted, yet still found the strength to cook dinner, help with homework, drive kids to activities, clean the house, do laundry, and open our work laptops to meet deadlines?
We do it because we love. We do it because we feel responsible. We do it because it’s what we’ve always done. But when was the last time we showed up for ourselves?
If someone asked what makes our spouses or children happy, we would have a list ready. But if someone asked what makes us happy, would there be silence? Would our answers be wrapped up in the happiness of others? Would we struggle to answer at all?
We are not alone. So many of us feel this way—giving, pouring, showing up—while quietly running on empty. And when we do need help, we hesitate. Why? Because someone let us down before? Because we see it as a sign of weakness? Because we never built the kind of support system that reminds us we don’t have to carry it all alone?
The truth is, we were never meant to do life alone. We need each other.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s honor the women who came before us—not just by recognizing their sacrifices but by making a commitment to ourselves. Let’s slow down, let’s rest, and let’s create space for our joy.
Together, we can take small steps toward self-care:
- Look at our calendars —what can be postponed, delegated, or removed?
- Set boundaries around our time, energy, and commitments.
- Prioritize rest as much as we prioritize responsibilities.
Most importantly, let’s step into a community. If we don’t have one, let’s create one. We can start with just a few women—schedule a coffee chat or a simple check-in. Let’s make space for real conversations where we can be seen, heard, and supported. This is how we reclaim our time, well-being, and joy.
This Women’s History Month, let’s remember: We are strong, but we are even stronger together. Let’s lift each other up, take care of ourselves, and build the kind of community that reminds us that we are never alone: We are strong, but we are even stronger together.
