My Quiet Offering for December: The Gift of Slowing Down

Dear Sunya,

As we fully embrace the season of December and all that it brings, let's prioritize self-care practices that promote stillness and quiet contemplation. Amidst the holiday mingle and jingle, remember to nurture your mind, body, and spirit. I know... we hear this all the time, but I really mean it.

From September through December, I chose to step back from social media on my business platforms, including YouTube. This was intentional. With increased and unexpected responsibilities to manage this year, instead of increasing my pace, I knew I needed time to slow down, rest, re-evaluate, and refuel. That pause gave me space to reflect on what’s working, what needs to shift, and how I want to move forward in 2026 with more clarity. If you are feeling inclined to speed things up in order to get more done during this season, I encourage you, too, to slow down.

This month, I also want to highlight two important strategies:

Boycotts as Strategy – Across the country, Black communities continue to use boycotts as a way to circulate dollars among ourselves. This isn’t just protest—it’s strategy. It’s about building safety nets, funding dreams, and strengthening community connections. Divesting from systems (that devalue us, exploit our labor, then build fortunes from our dollars- only to exclude and marginalize us)- is necessary. 

Prioritize Presence over Performance -- Your authentic presence is the ultimate gift. Why twist yourself into a pretzel trying to maintain a tradition or expectations that drive you to exhaustion,  lead to stress,  or cause you to consider performing tasks that you resent? Consider other activities that encourage cohesiveness, storytelling, and nurturing relationships. It's ok to delegate tasks, too!

As I’ve leaned into a bit more rest these past months, I’ve been reminded that slowing down is not just a pause—it can be a ritual. Rest becomes a way of honoring ourselves, our communities, and our future. It’s also a way we can honor all of our foremothers who worked their fingers to the bone because they wanted better futures for us.  I invite you to find your own way to ritualize slowing down this season, whether through reflection, journaling, or simply creating space to breathe. My hope is that together we can keep rest relevant, intentional, and transformative.

Thank you for walking with me through this year. May your holy and holiday season be a time of renewal, and may rest guide you into 2026.

 With gratitude,

Sunya 

Sunkofa: My future is crafted in the quiet choices of now.