We chat with these babes from none other than our new favourite podcast, It Happened Again. From the simple things that put a smile on their faces to how their new endeavour has brought these besties even closer together, we also get an insight into what Black girl joy means to the two.
1. How are you, really?
Becca: I’m actually doing really well, thank you! Honestly, the best I’ve been in a while and I’m so grateful for that. I still have my moments, but I think sometimes we forget emotions aren’t mutually exclusive, even if you’re happy you can still have sad moments, but that doesn’t negate the good ones.
Betsy: I’m feeling fulfilled, in the sense of I’m definitely going through some sort of transitory period, and have felt like this for a while now! I think we have seasons where we’re open and ready for change, and which is wholly me at the moment. But I love it, feeling myself expand – any opportunity for growth is always a blessing.
2. What simple things bring you joy?
Becca: If we’re talking really simple; feeling the sun on my skin, smelling rain in the air after a storm, hearing the wind hit my window, the smell of freshly cut grass – all the simple things. But also when I’m listening to a playlist on shuffle and one of my favourite songs comes on.
Betsy: So many! Clear skies with the sun on your skin, bare feet in the grass. Birdsong first thing in the morning. On a more personal level, meeting with myself in whatever way I need at that time, whether it be on my mat, moving my body in some way. Also, seeing my friends is always an instant boost, it will never get old.
3. When are you at your happiest?
Becca: Definitely when I’m with my loved ones laughing at something silly, or singing (screaming) along to music and whenever I’m by the sea or ocean – someone come on holiday with me please!
Betsy: When my niece and nephew make me laugh, or when I’m on my yoga mat. Being around friends or people you’re able to be yourself with, feeling like you don’t have a care in the world is such a special feeling. Sometimes, it’s as small as waking up in bed and it’s really peaceful; I’ve intentionally made my room my safe haven.
4. How does your podcast make you feel?
Becca: I think IHA is honestly one of the best things I’ve ever done and I’m so happy I get to do it with my best friend – shoutout to our editing queen Betsy! It’s something we wanted to do for ages, but as with most things it got pushed to the backburner, but we finally did it and I think it happened at exactly the right time. It’s great, I basically get to have a weekly catch up with Betsy – sometimes our chaotic energy definitely shows up in the form of a delirious discussion, but it’s also a chance for us to explore more serious topics that we might not have done otherwise. It’s whatever we want it to be and that feels amazing!
Betsy: Oh my god, so proud. Starting It Happened Again is still one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. It is hard work, but I can’t explain how happy I still feel when I hit save, even over 30 episodes in. I’d like to think it’s brought Becca and I closer too. There’s so many things I’ve learned about her, about myself, and us as friends. And I’m still learning. We chat for hours every week, and it never feels like work with us. I’m so glad, even though it took us (literal) years, that we finally decided to take the plunge. It’s been so much fun! I pray it’ll continue to be so much more.
5. Are you prioritising self-care? If so, how?
Becca: Yes, 100%. It can be so easy to slack off when you’re busy, but taking time to look after myself is a necessity to my overall wellbeing. Self-care looks so different to everyone – emphasis on the self, but for me it’s doing things I enjoy, knowing when to say no, but also knowing when to say yes, meditating and practising gratitude as often as I can.
Betsy: Not as much as I should! I think self-care is often the thing that falls off, despite knowing it’s the thing we need the most. In times where I’m feeling tired more often, moving my body, or taking care of my skin, or keeping up with routines that provide peace is often what slacks. But usually, resetting through journaling, yoga and meditation always centers me. I also love earthing as a grounding activity. It’s just important to remember that almost nothing can get done when you aren’t taking care of yourself.
6. What does ‘Black girl joy’ mean to you?
Becca: ‘Black girl joy’ to me is the act of being unapologetically you as a Black person and basking in the sensation that it brings. Feeling joy to your inner core through the act of embracing all aspects of yourself and not caring wtf anyone else thinks. Something I’m actively trying to practise more of.
Betsy: Being authentically, wholeheartedly yourself as a Black person in anything and everything you do. And making sure that in that, you’re prioritising whatever brings you peace and abundance. It’s often we feel as Black women especially that our joy is not at the top of the list, but it’s so radical to say no to suppressing our wins and prioritise showing up as ourselves, as we are, feeling the freedom to shine in all spaces.
Follow Betsy, Becca and It Happened Again on Instagram.
