Why Every Survivor Needs to Hear Selena Gomez's Touching AMAs Speech NOW

Acknowledging your needs and desires are just as important as admitting your self-perceived pitfalls in order for real resolution to take place.

Yesterday at the 2016 AMAs, award-winning pop star Selena Gomez reminded us that even in the midst of a personal and worldwide hellstorm, it is possible to be a beacon of light and inspiration to others, yourself included. Upon winning Best Female Pop/Rock Artist, Gomez admitted to the audience and viewers that she “had to stop because I had everything and I was absolutely broken inside.”

Following a 2015 Lupus diagnosis reveal, the megastar finally spoke out about her personal needs for returning to a tolerable level of sanity and physical health.

She continued her verbal thank-you note with a public apology/acknowledgment of the importance of self-care. “I kept it all together enough to where I would never let you down, but I kept it too much together to where I let myself down,” she unmasked in a bold yet completely vulnerable acceptance speech.

Now more than ever, you have to be up front and personal with yourself.

Acknowledging your needs and desires are just as important as admitting your self-perceived pitfalls in order for real resolution to take place. Too often you are expected to be the source of strength for everyone around you. However, this can be exhausting and detrimental to your own wellness in the long run. Know when to step away from something that makes you feel uncomfortable–this world has plenty of negative and evil in it and sometimes it can be easy to get sucked right into the madness. However, there are positive steps forward for taking an initiative in your self-care.

Like Selena Gomez, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease similar to Lupus some years ago.

Though it has taken me some time, I realize just how crucial it is to regularly practice self-care. The better my mind feels, I realize the better my body feels. And then, I can get on with my life and not feel defeated or slowed down by my illness.

Don’t forget: you are a beacon of light in this world

Understand what your physical and mental wellbeing is worth, and respond to your body and mind when they are telling you that enough is enough. We need more peace and light in this ugly, cold, and mad world. Do your part to change that–starting with you.

Follow me on Instagram @DevriVelazquez

Let’s discuss Black women and mental health–NOW.

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