“for to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”
nelson mandela
dear muse,
freedom isn’t just a condition of the body
it is a state of the spirit
this week at je mérite, i deserve, we center the sacred truth:
you deserve to live freely, love freely, dream freely, and express yourself without restraint
whether it’s emotional release, creative expansion, or reclaiming your time — this moment is a gentle nudge to liberate yourself
this friday is juneteenth, a celebratory holiday of freedom, also known as jubilee day
like other freedom holidays, it has traditions and customs for how to celebrate
in this week's newsletter, as i do every year, i will share ways to celebrate this amazing holiday
as we celebrate juneteenth, let us honor the past, embrace the present, and look forward to a future where freedom and equality are a reality for all
enjoy this week's love letter...
*all photos are links to more information, the bookshop.org link is an affiliate link
our meditation or playlist
let go of what weighs you down
this guided meditation leads you through breath work and affirmation to connect with your inner expansiveness
guided meditation for liberation
by mercedes c.a grant for insight timer
our podcast or playlist
at this point, you know me very well
i love learning about history and about what makes us human
it informs every product I create
let's begin this week with a history lesson, a history lesson of a holiday born in galveston, texas, and nothing is small in texas, including their celebrations
the historical legacy of juneteenth
from the national museum of african american history and culture
our journal prompt
next, what's a celebration without food?
fellowship over food is an important part of juneteenth celebrations, even moreso, outdoor cooking - barbeques, local park cookouts, street fairs, and block parties
safely gather with friends, family, and your local community to celebrate
remember this is juneteenth, where red, specifically hibiscus red, is a prominent color, red drinks, red velvet cake, and hibiscus everything
seven juneteenth foods and traditions
from history.com
our book selection
while juneteenth is known for its joyful fellowship celebrations, it is also a vital opportunity to listen, learn, and grow
one of the best ways to honor the legacy of this holiday is to dive into the rich tapestry of black american history, culture, and storytelling
whether you are looking for gripping historical non-fiction, brilliant contemporary novels, or beautifully illustrated stories to share with your kids, we have curated the ultimate reading list to inspire your freedom day
grab a cool drink, pick a title from our curated list below, and let’s keep learning together
by nypl staff
finally, our film selection
and, for our movie selections, brush up on a few documentaries from our local pbs station
use Juneteenth as a day for personal maintenance, to relax, and truly focus on yourself and your well-being
fifteen films to watch to celebrate juneteenth
by worldchannel.org
our ritual
A LIBERATING SELF-LOVE RITUAL FROM JE MÉRITE, I DESERVE TO RECLAIM YOUR TIME, VOICE, BODY, AND SPIRIT
what does it mean to truly feel free?
not just free from obligations or expectations—but free to feel, to choose, to rest, to move, to speak, to simply be
let this affirmation guide you as you create space to breathe, to feel whole, and to live in alignment with your most liberated self
unbound movement dance. stretch. shake. let your body move in any way it wants—with no agenda. choose music that makes you feel wild, untamed, or softly alive. let your body write its own permission slip
engage with a boundary practice take one small action that says yes to your freedom: reschedule something, say no with kindness, take a break without justifying it. you are not here to be contained
free the body take a warm shower or bath. let the water run down your back and imagine it washing away what others expect of you. let your skin breathe. let yourself be held without holding anything back
in closing
freedom is your birthright, not something to earn, prove, or wait for
you deserve to say no. you deserve to say yes. you deserve to rewrite the rules
to be soft, to be wild, to live life fully, on your own terms
you are not here to shrink yourself into palatable pieces for the comfort of others
you are not here to carry burdens that were never yours
you are not here to silence your truth, your joy, or your boundaries
you are here to expand
to move through the world as your fullest self
to rest when you need to
to dance when the moment moves you
to dress, love, grieve, create, and resist in ways that honor your ancestry, your pleasure, your wildness, and your worth
let this be the week you remember that freedom begins within—through the rituals you choose, the space you claim, and the stories you allow yourself to rewrite
you'll be hearing more from me soon
promise
tamara charese
as always, affirmations from previous weeks are available here
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