I recently watched a rerun of the classic hit Waiting to Exhale and that movie had me feeling all types of ways, lol. Seriously. Still one of my favorite movies of all time because it contains so many gems and key lessons and relatable moments for us Black women. Below are some thoughts that came to mind as I watched the rerun.
1. It's okay to be angry.
Remember that scene where Bernadine took all of her ex-husbands'
2. But don't stay angry.
Eventually, Bernadine had to let go of her anger and focus her energies on other aspects of her life. While anger is a normal feeling to feel, staying in that space for too long does more harm than good to your overall well being. Especially because we as black women also deserve to be happy.
3. Heal, however, you have to have to heal.
Whether it's by cutting off your hair, as Bernadine did or going out with your girlfriends for a night out on the town, do what you have to do to get yourself back. Holding on to something that is dead and gone, will keep you stuck instead of going onto the next amazing chapter of your life. Therefore do whatever you need to do to move on, so long as no physical harm is done
4. Your girlfriends are everything.
Indeed their friendship was the only thing that survived, as men came in and out of the lives of Robin, Gloria, Savannah, and Bernadine. Through thick and thin, real friends will always be there.
5. You won't find happiness in a relationship or in a marriage.
You have to find happiness within yourself first. Eventually, this is a truth that Savannah and Robin embraced by ending the unhealthy relationships in which they were in.
6. Celebrate the small wins and the big wins.
I love the scene at the end where the ladies are all huddled up together, over a beach fire, celebrating a new year and the previous year's accomplishments together.
7. Invest in the relationships that matter most to you.
8. Stand up for yourself.
Whether it's to your mom or that guy that really shouldn't be around in the first place. Both Robin and Savannah stood up to the guys who they finally realized, they could live without. Doing that takes courage and strength but it also helps increase our self-confidence and gain our fight back.
9. Life can go on and something beautiful is waiting for you elsewhere.
10. Do not settle.
After enduring years of a sucky relationship after another sucky relationship, each woman finally let go and moved forward without the men that they once might have thought it impossible to live without. They realized that not only could they do better, but that they deserved better. It's in that space where real change can happen.
11. Treat yourself like you are worthy of love because you are!
This is by no means a conclusive list, so feel free to add your own gems.
