Day 38 – Are you carrying the weight of the world on your body?

Black women are famous for shouldering everyone's problems. We are the mothers, the confidantes. And when everyone else has gone to sleep, we are the ones who will wake in the middle of the night to answer a child's cries. We are the ones who personally assume responsibility for running the church, the community center, the after-school programs--even while working a full-time job. Often we respond to problems, our own and everyone else's, with food. We may not do drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes, but we sure can put away a box of cookies when no one's looking. We must learn to distance ourselves from those things we can do nothing about, and learn to lean on others if we need help coping. The myth of the Super Black Woman is no myth--we are indeed strong women. However, we run our spirits and bodies down if we do not, at least once or twice a week, act selfishly.

Today I will put everyone on hold and put myself first.

Day 37 – Up you mighty women, you can accomplish what you will.

That's exactly what Marcus Garvey would have said to us had he eavesdropped on some of our pity parties. Black woman, do you know how strong you are? You make less money than any group in the country, you suffer from more health problems than anyone else, while, in too many cases, single-handedly running a household. Let's ignore the current rash of backlash rhetoric against Black women today. Against the odds, you have managed to do what might have killed lesser women. You are the epitome of beauty, strength, and resiliency, and all the women of the world could learn from you. So now, are we going to let a little thing like getting healthy or shedding a few extra pounds get us down? Hell no. Get up off that couch. Take a walk around the block. Walk up some stairs. Give that Twinkie a second thought. Don't feel like exercising today? Why not spring-clean to your favorite song? You can do it. You are an incredible woman.

I got the power!

Day 36 – Love me, love my behind!

"Ooo-wee, baby."

Artists have drawn them, photographers have photographed them. Cheeks, bottoms, derrieres, bootés, butts. Black women are famous--and envied--for their big, beautiful behinds. The image industry insists on projecting the flat behind standard, but we all know the truth: the luscious behind is the ideal. Beware of exercise advice that, if done as prescribed, would only squish lovely bootés into oblivion. The best exercises uplift and round the cheeks rather than flatten them. Squats are really good for firming and lifting the booté, as well as tightening the thighs. Walking and climbing steps are wonderful, so ignore the elevator today.

I will not get sucked in by the hype. Love me, love my behind!