Living with audacity. Living the life of your dreams as a Black woman. Being unapologetic. There is nothing more special than flourishing in your freedom. The only feeling that may rival this is flourishing in honor of your foremothers and previous generations who sought this ease. Black women deserve to enjoy a life of their choosing more than anyone because, across the diaspora, ease has historically been negotiable.

8 Ideas For Living A Life Out the Dreams of Your Lineage

See the world

Travel as far as your heart desires, especially if this has not always been a reality for your lineage. Travel has been gate-kept and this generation is demystifying how easy it is to get out there. As African American and African-descent women across the globe, having the choice to wander the world on your own terms is a big deal. The freedom to roam and land wherever your passport will take you, is a chance to expand your worldview and connect with the wider African diaspora. Treat yourself to a good time in places your foremothers could only dream of.

Do it for ease

Being well-rested and deeply rooted in ease is an unmistakable must. Unlearning hustle-culture and embracing ease is something Black women are doing in mass. Allow yourself to rest not only on behalf of your self, but for all the women who came before you who never felt able to.

Be a teacher for rest

Generational rest is important but it takes someone to set that example. Living a life that rejects being overworked, under-appreciated, and constantly depleted is a flex. Make a real difference by teaching women up and down your lineage how to do the same. Soft life is for everyone.

Financial freedom

Because it’s about much more than just money. Being the first in your family to access true financial freedom is most people’s dream. Living a life where there is no lack and no financial insecurity will create mental ease. This ease is priceless and also a form of generational wealth worth passing on. Actualize this and create even more reason to make your great-grandmothers proud.

Take up all of your space

As a Black woman with dreams, it’s time to take up all of your space. This means examining where Imposter Syndrome shows up in your life or fear of being seen. You deserve to live large without ever playing it small.

Follow your dreams

Oftentimes, Black women are expected to self-sacrifice and put their dreams on hold on behalf of their family or community. As an example, in Black households, this may result in dreams being left behind while raising a family or caring for extended family. Wherever the opportunity arises, it’s important to center your dreams. Doing this is a way to break the generational habit of leaving your wildest dreams behind. Give yourself permission to never abandon your dreams and hear your foremothers applauding you in the background.

Take risks, often

This is your sign to take that risk on yourself. Without a doubt, the word ‘risk’ brings unsettling emotions to most Black folk because working hard and staying safe have been mantras that Black communities have clung to. Without dismissing the intention behind this thinking, it’s still worth challenging it. Living a life playing it safe doesn’t expose you to the fullness that you and your loved ones deserve. The saying goes “no risk, no magic” and if it is one thing you deserve, it’s miracles in abundance.

Dream of joy as a Black woman

Finally, whatever you do, be sure to soak up the joy. Joy as a form of healing is the direction we’re growing towards. Black history shows that musically, culturally, in gastronomy and literary records – Black joy has been a principal part of survival and creativity. Keep that tradition strong in all that you do.