Michelle Williams Reminds Us It’s Better To Take A Break Than Lose Your Peace
Michelle Williams did not quit her role starring role in the Broadway play Once on This Island, she decided to take her doctor's orders and prioritize her health.
After very recent events full of highs and lows, including the debut of OWN's Chad Loves Michelle, a reality show based on her engagement that has since been called off, and an ongoing battle with depression, it is to the relief of many of us that Michelle is taking the time to regroup.
Michelle's strength is to be admired in a time like this because as passionate women, we all know how hard it is to walk away from an opportunity that on paper is everything that you want, for something much healthier that you need. To some, it can feel like defeat, and to many, it could feel like a sign of weakness, but according to Michelle's health professional, what she needs is time and rest. A rep from the Broadway show reported that Michelle has been advised to take a leave of absence from performing as it is the healthiest option for her wellness at this time.
Being that Michelle starred in Aida back in 2003 and as Roxie Hart in Chicago in 2010, this opportunity to perform on Broadway in Once On This Island was not Michelle's first, and likely will not be her last.
Any of us who had a portable CD player in the early 2000s knows that Michelle is a survivor and that she won't give up, that she won't stop, and she will go harder but the true question I have is: When is it going to be more socially acceptable to prioritize our mental health as Black women?
Why is it that we feel the need to push ourselves way past our limits mentally and physically for jobs that will often replace us in a matter of days? Is the 'grind till you die' rhetoric so important to our egos and pockets that we will keep on pushing ourselves past our limits? Honestly, what are we trying to prove?
Peace is priceless.
There is no amount of money or opportunity that is worthy of you giving parts of yourself when you have none left, and given all the success that Michelle has experienced in her life, she seems to know that. She wrote on Instagram in July:
"My family, friends, and fiancé have been AWESOME!... Sitting here reflecting on the past two weeks. I had no plans of what I was going through being public BUT now that it is I have a made an even BIGGER commitment to the mental health awareness area. So many people are suffering, hurting, hopeless, lost and don't see a way out but there is. Depression sucks, but my faith in God and my commitment to doing the work to stay well is my way out!"
As for Michelle, there is no doubt that she will bounce back from this as she has done in the past, and she has my prayers and well wishes.
For the rest of us fighting silent battles daily, I hope you have the courage to prioritize your well-being over everything else going in your life. Even if for a few hours, a few days, if it means moving on to a new job or relationship or living situation: Do it.
The universe needs you to be happy and healthy, and will not be the same without you in it.
Feature image by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images
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New Jersey native creating a life that she loves while living in gratitude. She loves using beauty, and fashion to create a balanced lifestyle while prioritizing wellness. A devoted fur mom, and a full-time lover of laughter. She is out for revenge against the darkness by being light, taking her own advice, traveling the world, and letting you know that you are so lit! Connect with her via IG @iamzaniah and please visit Zaniahsworld.com
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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6 Spring Events To Boost Your Professional And Social Networks
When spring arrives, we all want to be outside, looking fabulous, and back to socializing. And now is the perfect time to add a few great events to your calendar to get you through the quarter in order to make new friends, build new partnerships, and talk new opportunities to level up.
Spring is a high season for networking and social events for Black women, with many organizations and event entrepreneurs booking prime locations and offering dynamic experiences that you can maximize in whatever way possible. Write down your goals, and get out there. Start with a few of these events between now and the start of summer:
New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival, April 23 - May 3
The New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival is a 10-day event held over two weekends, bringing together thousands of musicians, craftspeople, and food lovers to share in common threads of culture in the heart of New Orleans. You'll get to enjoy works by artisans local to Louisiana as well as from across the U.S. and around the world.
Black Food Truck Festival, April 26-28
Hosted in Charleston, S.C., the Black Food Truck Festival includes an opening party, access to more than two dozen food truck vendors, and a time to workout with other attendees. Charleston has long been known as a Southern foodie destination, with global recognition due to James Beard-awarded chefs heading popular restaurants there and a renewed focus on Gullah and Geechee culture and food in the region. And what better conversation ice-breaker than to talk about food with a new acquaintance?
Black Women's Mental Health Conference, May 4
Hosted by New York University, this is a one-day event to tackle issues of mental wellness and health that uniquely affect Black women and girls. The keynote speaker for this year is Kim Young, MSW, LCSW, founder of Dope Black Social Worker® and host of the podcast Revolutionary Hoodrat, and leading licensed professionals in the field will offer their insights and share their experiences. And, of course, no college-led event is without time blocked specifically for networking.
Strength of a Woman Festival, May 11-12
Anything with Mary J. Blige headlining or leading is a win, especially if we're talking about women's empowerment and enjoyment. This event will be held in New York City, and beyond the performances from some of our favorites like Muni Long, Jill Scott, and The Clark Sisters, there will be a Gospel Brunch. And even if you're not able to attend or concerts aren't your thing, just being in the city during that time will mean you're bound to run into plenty of other women to network with at local bars and restaurants nearby.
Carefree Black Girl Cookout, May 4
Held in the Queen City, Charlotte, N.C., this is a day festival amplifying the voices and brands of Black women entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives. There will be vendors, glam and beauty bars, and complimentary meals for the first hour (according to the platform's website). They're hosting another cookout in Philadelphia on May 25.
Black Women Leading Live, May 13-16
Touted as an “intimate retreat + conference,” this Virginia Beach, VA event will be held on a resort and is offering a professional development experience led by Laura Knights, founder of the Black Woman Leading® program and podcast. It’s an ideal fit if you’re a mid-level or senior professional, as the topics and approach are set to cater to those levels of career experience, with coaches and speakers pouring into attendees with a holistic approach.
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Featured image by PIKSEL/Getty Images