i deserve to be nurtured, je mérite d’être nourri

“we all need and deserve to be poured into, protected, supported, loved, taught, empowered, nurtured”

mark mitchell

dear muse,

nurturing is more than care

it's sustenance

it is the love that feeds us physically, emotionally, and spiritually

when we give ourselves permission to be nurtured, we honor our needs, embrace our softness, and create space for flourishing

at je mérite, i deserve, we're committed to helping you prioritize your well-being and embrace the power of self-care

that's why we offer a range of luxurious loungewear and accoutrements designed to help you relax, unwind, and feel your best

treat yourself to the gift of self-care and embrace the luxury you deserve

you are worthy of love, care, and nurturing, and we're here to support you every step of the way

enjoy this week's love letter...

*all photos are links to more information, the bookshop.org link is an affiliate link

our meditation

this 11-minute guided meditation provides you an excellent start to or break during your day

by focusing on the breath, we soothe our nervous system to settle and ground within

tension in the body gets released and allows for practicing of mindful awareness of the present moment

the silence in between the guidance allows you to truly connect to and nourish yourself

enjoy

self-nurturing morning meditation

by nadine koecher for insight timer

our podcast or playlist

nourishment is also about joy

treat yourself to something that feels indulgent

a delicious dessert, a warm bath, or a cozy evening with your favorite book

because the nights are longer, and for some of us colder... a nourishing playlist and film

nourishing

by robotgirlshowsmercy on spotify

our journal prompt

the actions of self-nurturing and self-care look the same, but with self-nurturing you take the further step of truly identifying what you need and determining that you are worthy of taking the time to evaluate and learn how to best offer yourself the practices of self-care

we will use these terms interchangeably in this article, but self-nurturing offers that extra layer of intention

“what does it feel like to be truly nurtured, and how can I offer that to myself today?” let this guide your inner inquiry

learning to nurture yourself: self nurturing activities

from williamsburg therapy group

our book selection

far more than a standard self-help guide, this book serves as a powerful manifesto on the link between personal healing and political resistance

hooks invites us to consider how emotional well-being is a radical act, moving beyond individual "wellness" to look at how we can collectively recover from the pressures of the world around us

whether you’re a longtime fan of her work or looking for a deeper perspective on community care, this is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of mental health and social change

sisters of the yam: black women and self-recovery

by bell hooks

finally, our film selection

an intimate window into the life of gia

a woman navigating the heavy, often invisible currents of oakland’s foster care system while awaiting the birth of her third child

what makes this film so arresting isn't just its visual beauty, but its profound empathy

it captures the "hush" of motherhood

those private moments of yearning, the fierce instinct to protect, and the radical hope required to build a future when the world feels designed to pull you apart

this film doesn't just ask us to look at a mother’s struggle

it invites us to feel the weight of her love and the vital necessity of the community that holds her up

earth mama

starring doechii and tia nomore; written and directed by savanah leaf

your ritual

a tender return to the roots of who you are

this self-love ritual invites you to slow down, soften, and offer yourself the loving attention you may often reserve for others

because your needs matter

body care ceremony take a warm bath or shower using gentle products; let this be as focused on getting clean as it is about nurturing yourself; add a few drops of essential oil like lavender or chamomile for an extra layer of comfort

cozy corner creation - create a small sanctuary at home: add blankets, books, candlelight, and soft music; make space to rest, even if just for 20 minutes; lay down; do nothing; that is the nurturing

in closing

you deserve to be deeply cared for

to rest

to receive

to be nourished in ways that refill your cup and remind you that your needs matter

as always, affirmations from pervious weeks are available here

you'll be hearing more from me soon

promise

tamara charese

as always, affirmations from previous weeks are available here