Welcome to the intersection of ancestry, storytelling, and legacy building. Navigate through years of research, stories, and insights that bring history to life.
February 2024 By stating the obvious, you can unlock the power of clarity and inspire understanding. - Lisa Hazell Living Black Joy"JOMO" stands for "Joy of Missing Out". It celebrates the contentment and joy that comes from intentionally choosing to skip certain events or experiences, instead of feeling anxious about missing out on them. It prioritizes self-care, well-being, and personal happiness over external pressures or expectations. Saying "no" to certain activities or obligations can lead to greater fulfillment and peace, recognizing that our time and energy are valuable resources. It encourages individuals to embrace their own pace, needs, and desires and to find joy in the quiet moments and in honoring our own boundaries. In the context of the Black Joy movement, Black JOMO represents the concept that declining certain activities or obligations can lead to greater fulfillment and peace, especially for Black people. It is a powerful act of self-love and empowerment that acknowledges our time and energy as valuable resources. Intergenerational Black JoyExploring my family roots, I understand the importance of documenting family history to embrace Black joy. Here are some tips and insights to help you get started: Preserve Ancestral Stories: Record oral histories and interview older family members to capture their memories and experiences. These stories connect us to our roots and contribute to our sense of joy and identity. Explore Historical Records: Dive into census records, slave schedules, and Freedmen's Bureau documents to uncover hidden stories that reveal our ancestors' resilience, struggles, and triumphs. You will feel a profound sense of pride and joy as you connect with your heritage. Visit Ancestral Sites: Travel to the places where your ancestors lived, worked, and thrived. Standing on the same soil they once did can evoke a powerful connection. These visits honor their legacy and remind us of their contributions. Celebrate Family Reunions: Document these events with photographs, guestbooks, and shared recipes. Family reunions are more than just gatherings; they are celebrations of lineage and joy. Embrace DNA Testing: Genetic genealogy provides insights into our heritage. Connecting with distant relatives and discovering shared DNA can be exhilarating. It reinforces our interconnectedness and adds to our collective joy. Acknowledge Resilience: Black joy coexists with the acknowledgment of our ancestors' resilience. Despite the challenges of slavery, Jim Crow, and systemic racism, they survived and thrived. Celebrate their strength and honor their endurance. Create a Family Tree: Organize your findings into a family tree. Visualizing generations fosters a sense of continuity and pride. Share it with younger family members to ignite their curiosity and appreciation. Remember that Black joy is not separate from our history; it is woven into it. By documenting our family stories, we honor our ancestors and find joy in our shared heritage. Black Joy Mindfulness PracticeMindfulness practices promote Black joy by helping us be present, express gratitude, practice self-compassion, build community connections, and celebrate resilience. By cultivating joy, we resist systemic oppression and promote positive change. Mindfulness invites us to savor life's simple pleasures, honor our emotions, and promote well-being in the Black community. Paperdoll Ancestry with LisaSIGN UP FOR UPCOMING
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