How Are You Really?

00:80 - And we back, and we back, and still black! Are you sipping with us, communitea? Today, Meka is sipping on her fave Peach Ginger and Mint tea, and Nique is changing it up with some peppermint. Christmas in July, anyone?   2:20 - This episode is all about how we are doing; like really, how are you? What sparked this was a sentence in a Bible plan - “we walk through life with our masks on” - that captures how we have to change our authentic selves. If you’re wearing your mask and I’m wearing mine, how are we ever going to know each other? Today, we’re going to show up authentically and really see each other, pain, flaws, and all.   4:05 - Being authentic and honest with ourselves is so valuable, especially now, because it allows us to find the support we need. As mamas, Meek and Nique know how much they’re doing for their children, and that there are other mothers out there doing 100% for their kids by themselves. Being with our kids 24/7 in this pandemic is hard!   7:85 - Yes, we love and care for our kids, but you bet we are gonna take our time for ourselves! Taking time for you allows you to re-energize and come home stronger for your family and for yourself.    8:95 - The ladies talk about how they’re doing - like, how they’re really doing. Meek talks about how she’s really feeling more stress free, sleeping in, living life as a night hawk. Nique describes feeling a deeper inner peace, a gratitude for where she is in life, being amazed at how her children are growing into their own lives.    12:30 - The ladies talk about how the changes the pandemic has brought this year has also invited a new calmness and a scaled-back approach to life, while wrestling with a feeling of nostalgia and longing for going to do things. Meek and Nique talk about how the new adaptations COVID has forced on us has made them more creative, more appreciative, and helped them realize that the little things are so big and important.   17:96 - The conversation turns to taking ourselves too seriously, especially growing up in a black household where that behavior was definitely side-eyed by our elders. Let’s live life, kids, and let’s learn how to let go a little bit, adults.    20:20 - Mental health is so important, especially right now, for the mamas who are home and taking care of the kids and getting ready for virtual school. We have to use the resources around us, whether that is therapy or a spiritual director, we have to have someone who we can talk to as a sounding board to cope with all of the things that we as black women, black mothers, have to live with each day. It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to get help!   25:96 - Monique reflects on an experience she had with an acquaintance that made her realize: what would happen if two people showed up as their authentic selves? If we could introduce ourselves truly and authentically… what would we even say?? Our life circumstances make us who we are, it doesn’t hold us back, so we need to learn how to own it.    30:85 - We’re going to leave it there with some Drive Tracks. Meek’s track is Freedom by Beyonce because it makes her feel empowered to be free from the stress and anxiety of Corporate America. Nique is listening to India. Aire’s Strength, Courage & Wisdom because it’s a great song that features all black artists Make sure to follow Meek and Nique on their updated socials!  Meka’s blog is Hanging with the Harrells and her instagram is @xomekaharrell. Nique’s website is Monique Hibma and follow her @moniqueimanhibma.   Follow the show at @teawithmeekandnique on Insta to see behind-the-scenes and more content, make sure to use the #teawithmeekandnique so we can see what you’re sipping on, and say hello to your fearless hosts at meekandnique.com, and tune in for the next episode!   Are you looking for someone to talk to? Check out Therapy for Black Girls for resources!