The Invisible Black Woman

I’m looking forward to something that feels like the adult equivalent of stacked snow days: four consecutive, uninterrupted days off from everything 9-5 related. That’s right—when the clock strikes midnight tomorrow, I’m officially unplugging, unwinding, and doing my best impression of a couch potato in the wild until Monday. For once, I’m shutting down the biz as well and turning down client work on top of all that. I feel so naughty in the best way possible.

I’ve seen a lot of these posts on LinkedIn and elsewhere from fellow Villagers reminding us to rest. I for one am planning on doing just that. In a world that constantly demands we stay plugged in, perform, and prove ourselves worthy, there is something deeply audacious about saying, Nope, I’m good. Not today.

I’m taking this time for me. For us. For the rare weekday moments when I don’t have to juggle 101 things at once. No work emails. No deadlines. This holiday weekend, we’re keeping it simple. No elaborate plans. No 5-course meals. No packed schedules. Just hubby and I, at home, enjoying each other’s company and the gift of time.

I’ll also be doing something that feels extremely radical for me: staying off these social media skreets. That’s right. I’m setting up everything on autopilot so I can truly unplug. Please play for me, y’all, because on this, the struggle is real! At this point, I’m aiming for 24 hours. I ain’t even gonna lie and say anything above that as being realistic. LOL!

So, if you don’t get a response from me, don’t worry. I’ll be somewhere recharging my batteries, sipping something warm, and probably debating with hubby about what to watch next.

But seriously, if you’re out here trying to make the most of the holiday season, whether you’re celebrating or just taking a breather like we are, I’m wishing you nothing but joy, peace, and moments that make your heart full.

I don’t think we talk enough about how rare it is to have uninterrupted time. The kind of time where you’re not constantly shifting between roles, answering questions, or trying to keep all the balls in the air without letting one drop.

I can’t remember the last time I had two weekdays in a row where I wasn’t expected to be somewhere or do something. And honestly? That realization hit harder than I thought it would.

It reminded me how important it is to take time—not just for self-care, but for no-care. For not having to care about what’s next on your to-do list, or who’s emailing you, or whether you’ve been “productive” enough for the day. Because I for one know what it’s like to believe that my worth is tied to how much I do, how fast I do it, and how well I make it look like I’m not exhausted while I’m doing it.

But not this time. Not for me.

I’m looking forward to waking up without an alarm clock, which feels like a small but mighty rebellion. I’m looking forward to cooking a meal just because I feel like it, not because I have to. I’m looking forward to not cooking a doggone thing on Thanksgiving Day, part of a now longstanding tradition in our house. I’m looking forward to those random, laughter-filled moments with hubby that remind me why I said yes to him in the first place.

And naps. Let’s not forget naps.

I’m also looking forward to giving my mind a break. No news cycles, no endless scrolling, no comparing myself to the polished perfection of other people’s highlight reels. Instead, I’ll be focusing on the little things that bring me joy—whether it’s reading a book, watching something funny, or simply sitting in silence and letting my thoughts wander without interruption.

If you’re reading this and thinking, Man, I wish I could take a couple of days to unplug, too, let this be your sign to do it if you can. Even if it’s just for an afternoon. Even if it’s just for a couple of hours.

I promise you the world will keep spinning without you for a little while. And the emails, the notifications, the demands—they’ll still be there when you get back. But your peace? Your well-being? Those things need tending to.

So give yourself permission to rest. To stop. To just be.

And if anyone tries to guilt you into feeling like you’re being “lazy” or “unproductive,” remember that rest is not a luxury. It’s a necessity that you damn well deserve.

I hope you all have a beautiful, safe holiday, whatever that looks like for you. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones, spending time solo, or somewhere in between, may it be exactly what you need.

And for those of you who, like me, are opting out of the holiday traditions and carving your own path, I see you. I celebrate you. And I hope you find the kind of peace that leaves you feeling full—not just in body, but in spirit.

Until next time, I wish you nothing but sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns, which are no less fictitious than the recharged you are.