Traveling out of your comfort zone is the best medicine in The Weekend
The Weekend is a film starring Sasheer Zamata as Zadie, a single comedian who describes herself as pathetic in her opening act. A state of being she allows herself to be in for 3 years.
This is validated by the fact she’s 3 years post-breakup with her ex-boyfriend/ best friend. The same best friend who’s convinced her to go on a weekend getaway with his new girlfriend. Sounds cringe, right? Who would go on a weekend getaway as a third wheel with her ex and new girlfriend?
At first, you think it’s going to be a movie about a damsel in distress transitioning from the arms of one man into another.
But, this film takes us on unexpected, funny turns. You learn that Zadie is a woman of many layers and it’s hard to peel them back behind all that sarcasm.
What I really enjoyed about this film in the end was Zadie’s whole arc.
She starts off as someone who doesn’t think much of herself. Her comedy is filled with self-deprecating humor; a result of her low self-esteem and high-functioning depression. She’s about to turn the corner into her 30s where she really has to figure out her life and struggles to identify a future for herself.
By the end, she finds herself back in the arms of her ex where she thought she wanted to be after 3 years but something’s changed: her perspective. She realized she was waiting around for someone who wasn’t choosing her and that she deserved better. I loved that for her! She comes home out of her funk and has better comedic material for it.
Films like this make me so excited for Restority Retreats. They demonstrate the exact reason why I want clients to explore travel as a therapeutic tool. Embarking on a journey to new places can do wonders for your self-esteem. As women of color, we often face unique challenges that can sometimes chip away at our confidence. Here are a few of the ways travel can boost your self-esteem:
Embracing Your Unique Identity
Traveling to unfamiliar lands exposes you to a tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. It's like a colorful puzzle with each piece representing a different part of the world. As a woman of color, you'll find yourself connecting with people who have their own stories of struggle and triumph. This interaction helps you embrace your unique identity and recognize the beauty in your heritage. When you see others cherishing their roots, it encourages you to do the same, building your self-esteem piece by piece.
Conquering New Challenges
Stepping out of your comfort zone is like flexing a muscle you never knew you had. Travel presents you with situations you might not encounter in your daily life – navigating foreign streets, trying exotic foods, or communicating in a language you're not fluent in. As you conquer these challenges, you realize your capability to adapt and thrive in unfamiliar circumstances. Each achievement, no matter how small, adds another layer of self-assurance, reminding you that you're stronger than you thought.
Empowering Independence
Traveling often means making decisions on your own, from choosing an itinerary to solving unexpected hiccups. These moments of independence are like personal victories that contribute to your self-esteem. When you successfully navigate through a foreign city or handle a travel mishap, you realize your inner strength and resourcefulness. This empowerment not only boosts your self-esteem but also translates into your everyday life, where you become more confident in making choices and standing up for yourself.
Embracing Body Acceptance
One of the most liberating aspects of travel is witnessing the diverse range of bodies that exist around the world. In different cultures, beauty standards vary widely, and you'll likely encounter various body types being celebrated and adored. This exposure can help you break free from the unrealistic expectations that society often places on women of color. Seeing people of all shapes and sizes confidently embracing themselves encourages you to love and accept your body, nurturing a healthier self-esteem.
Creating Lifelong Memories
Every journey you embark upon becomes a chapter in your life's book, filled with memories that remind you of your strength and resilience. When you're feeling low, you can look back at the adventures you've conquered and the challenges you've overcome. These memories serve as a wellspring of inspiration, reminding you that you're capable of achieving great things. As women of color, your travel experiences become a testament to your unwavering spirit, fueling your self-esteem even during challenging times.
Traveling offers us the opportunity to amplify these qualities and nurture our self-esteem. By embracing our identity, conquering challenges, and empowering our independence, we unlock a newfound confidence that radiates from within. So, whether you're exploring a distant land or embarking on a local adventure, remember that every step you take is a step toward embracing your worth and boosting your self-esteem. Keep exploring, keep growing, and keep shining, because the world is yours to conquer!
You can catch The Weekend on Hulu
Begin Self Esteem Therapy in New York, NY
You deserve to recognize how much of a great person you are. I would be happy to help you boost your self-esteem from my New York, NY-based practice. You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:
Contact me to schedule a 15-minute phone call to see if we could be a good fit
Meet with me, a skilled therapist for your first session
Start improving your self-esteem!
OTHER SERVICES OFFERED AT RESTORITY SPACE
At Restority Space, I offer more than just trauma therapy for my clients. I offer the care women may need when it comes to their mental health online in both New York and New Jersey. This is why I offer Individual Therapy to help women cope with their anxiety, depression, unhealthy relationships, and any major life transitions. I also provide services for those struggling with a breakup. I’m also happy to provide Group Therapy to help women find a sense of belonging and for more support. My group services include a Therapy Group For New Mothers and a Therapy Group For Black Women. To learn more check out my blog and other resources!