Sunya,

 I'm Sunya Folayan- with a reminder that May is Mental Health Month.

Have you been taking care of your mental health?

Welcome to my monthly newsletter- a space dedicated centering the voices and wellbeing of Black women and providing value to all women who find inspiration as we navigate life's challenges.  I recognize the unique challenges we face, the resilience that you embody, and the care you so richly deserve.

Let's talk about it-

The Cost of Success: Navigating Mental Health Under Capitalism  In Western culture and especially in the United States, our occupations, and the demand for production and material things has been sold to us as part of the American dream.  Black women are socialized to equate our production with our worth.  Imagine for a moment, the historical legacy of this. And now add comes King Capitalism with its urgency- the overarching machine cranking out its mechanized message- the message that makes people feel they must always be working, striving, and proving their worth.

For Black women, this pressure is compounded by systemic inequalities and cultural expectations. Aren't you tired of the Strong Black Woman trope? It often makes us feel like resting is a luxury, rather than a necessity. But I want to make this clear: exhaustion (I've been there) is not a badge of honor. Overworking can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, and a disconnect from personal joy. Moreover, there can be life-threatening consequences.

Rejecting this cycle means redefining success- not as constant grind, but as fulfillment, peace, joy, care, and yes, REST. Rest is not laziness. Softness is strength. Joy and rest is revolutionary. It's counter to all the messages we have internalized.

Self-Care Tip: Radical Rest

Prioritize intentional rest as an act of resistance. Try scheduling "Do Nothing" time- an hour dedicated to unapologetic relaxation, whether that's lying in bed, listening to music, or simply breathing. It's a reminder that your worth is not measured by output.

Resource of the Month:

Rest as Resistance by Tricia Hersey.  I first read this book in 2022, and it gave me pause. This book of prose is a manifesto for rest, daydreaming, and imagining a different future for us, our children and our communities beyond exhaustion. The relentless grind of capitalism is challenged and encourages Black women to pay homage to our ancestor's labor, by honoring them with our rest.  Their sacrifices purchased our liberation.

So, Sisters, let's commit to rest, healing and joy-not just as a luxury, but as a right.

You absolutely deserve it!

Until next time,

Sunya

PS- If you have gotten this far, and you already know you are 1.) The quintessential workaholic, 2.) Feel guilty about rest for yourself, 3.)Unable to imagine yourself simply "doing nothing for more than a few minutes" or, 4.) You were a Black girl who grew up being told "Don't you need something to do?" when found enjoying an idle moment- I've got a beautiful offer for you to consider:

Yes, Sister Rest- our fall retreat in Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico: September 19-25, 2025

Rest?

Well, it's more than relaxation-it absolutely a revolutionary act of resistance. That's why Jumpstart Your SOULjourn 2.5 is focused on reclaiming rest as a necessity, not a privilege.  This retreat embraces the theme Yes, Sister Rest and offers a sacred space where Black women can unburden, recharge, and restore their souls.  In a world that often demands more than it gives, this retreat is a reminder that slowing down is an act of self-lover and empowerment.

Learn more here at: Jumpstart

We'd love to serve you in September.

xo,

S.