how yuh keepin'?
Dear radiant rebels,
I’ve been thinking a lot about the way we Trinis say various phrases, and how they differ from the way Americans say them. For example, Americans say “Santa Claus,” and Trinis say “Father Christmas.” Or Americans say “yes, please,” and Trinis say, “yes, thanks.”
And Americans say, “How have you been?” Trinis?
“How yuh keepin’?”
I’ve been thinking about that phrase — “how yuh keepin’?” — a lot these days. See, about a year ago when I began writing Radiant Rebellion, it was in part a personal experiment in what it would mean to take care of myself, but not in any sort of “anti-aging” way. Instead, I wanted to know what it would take to get really comfortable in my skin, as nature intended it to be. I’d already stopped dyeing my hair, but I started a movement practice in earnest — one that had nothing to do with punishing workouts or prescribed diets, but instead was about creating a joyful, playful movement practice (if you follow me on Instagram, you’ve likely seen me hula hooping), eating good foods (that have nothing to do with punishment or reward, but instead simply because they’re delicious and I enjoy them), drinking lots of water, meditating more, connecting more. It was about cultivating a practice of listening to my body, mind and spirit, and giving them what they needed, in a self-compassionate way.
It’s a year later, and for the most part, I’ve consistently kept up the practices that I began at the beginning of 2022. And the biggest change I’ve noticed isn’t about what size I am, or what age I look like or even how much I weigh*, but instead, about my general contentment. And in the same way that when you treat every living thing with kindness, it shows, I feel like by treating myself with kindness for the past year, it shows. Which is a good thing.
Which also brings me to why I’ve been so thinking about “how yuh keepin’” — I think that phrase feels more empowering than “how have you been.” There’s something about “how yuh keepin’” that feels more action-oriented: it’s not about how life is treating you, but how you’re treating yourself, in spite of life. It’s about consistency over intensity. And it’s honestly been pretty transformational.**
How yuh keepin’?
Man, ah keepin’ good. You?
* For the record, I have no idea how much I weigh: I haven’t weighed myself in years. In kindness to myself, I’ve decided I don’t believe in scales anymore. I’m a weigh-theist, is what I’m saying.
** If you’re interested in learning more of what I’ve learned in the past year, well, pardon this bit of self-promotion: Radiant Rebellion is available for preorder. It was a challenging book to write, but thank goodness for some really amazing people who generously shared their wisdom to make it happen. I can’t wait for you to read it.
It’s all about rhythm.