How An Annual Girls Road Trip Became A Form Of Self-Care For These Close Friends

By K. NATASHA via www.essence.com

In a new self-care inspired series, sponsored by , ESSENCE pays tribute to all of the many ways you love yourself, and your friends, through intentional actions that further your joy.

The key to a balanced life is to always practice self-care. Although it’s a simple concept, in theory, it’s something Black women often overlook. And because we are often leaders in all the spaces we exist in, life can often pull us away from our tribe for one reason or another. So every now and then you need to escape — from the kids, the career grind, and sometimes even your spouse – for someone quality time with your girlfriends to slow down and just be.

And what’s a better form of self-care than hitting the open road with a bunch of your closest girlfriends? For this group of friends and Delta Sigma Theta sorority sisters, it’s not only an annual tradition but a necessity. In fact, research shows that catching up with girlfriends can lead to living longer by increasing one’s overall health and well-being. So it’s safe to say that girlfriends are good for the soul.

For author and writer Joi-Marie McKenzie, and her three friends: Ashlee Tuck, Vashtie Jasmine McKenzie and Tia Salmon, they would soon realize how healing this experience would become each year.

“I wanted to celebrate my 30th birthday by doing something different — some of my friends threw lavish parties, others took tropical vacations,” shares ..

Read More: How An Annual Girls Road Trip Became A Form Of Self-Care For These Close Friends