When it comes to staying right-side up in this world, a Black woman needs at least three things. The first is a quiet spot of her own, a place away from the nonsense. The second is a stash of money, like the cash my mother kept hidden in the slit of her mattress. The last is several drops of cayenne pepper, always at the ready.
-Cicely Tyson
I was a little mesmerized by Cicely Tyson’s memoir, Just as I am—which culminated in a summary of her perspective of life’s three essentials: cayenne pepper, a stash of cash, and a quiet place. Though I finished the book a while ago, I always tend to ruminate on things like this when they catch my attention. Hence, this post. What would I say if someone asked me the same? What’s my perspective. Last week, one morning, it came to me that a black woman needs at least three things when it comes to staying right-side-up in this world. The first is faith in God, the source of peace, strength, and joy. The second is definitely a stash of cash, as Ms. Tyson recommends. The last is a treadmill within reach.
Faith has always been an anchor for me, one of the things that I appreciate most in my parents’ rearing and one of the things the two of them were most influential in as examples. I was watching church on YouTube some days ago (it was our annual holy convocation conference). In wrapping up his sermon, the guest Pastor remarked that faith is not responsible for bringing you everything you want in life. But it is responsible for preparing you for what life will bring you. And that conveys perfectly what my faith in God has been to me. Physically being in the church on Sunday mornings has also always been a comfort, a feeling of home for my soul.
As for the stash of cash, I’ll just say, in the words of Queen Bey, always stay gracious; best revenge is your paper.
And then, there is my treadmill. About six years ago, I invested in a commercial treadmill. I’m not a gimmicky type when it comes to health. When the pounds accumulate, I’m not reaching for flat tummy teas or weight loss pills or empty promises—no shade to those that do. But for me, I always turn on my treadmill. I listen to music while I run. If it’s a Tuesday night, I’ll listen to bible study while I run. I watch Ash play around me while I run. No matter how tired or unmotivated I am when I press the start button, I feel the goodness by the time I pull that little red safety magnet key. It’s the post-workout euphoria for me. And I also tend to have a better night’s sleep on the days I work out.
I realize that I’m somewhat dittoing Ms. Tyson by essentially saying you at least need, by whatever personal means, to some degree, health, wealth, and peace. Not to be confused with me saying it is essential for you to be a totally Zen triathlete who owns a yacht—but cherishing your health, saving a little money for a rainy day (or a storm), and finding your calm, comforting place, that trinity is crucial–answering as a black woman.
Xo
