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Activism without rest is martyrdom disguised as virtue. It tells us that if we truly care, we must suffer, sacrifice, and grind ourselves down. That joy is a distraction. That rest is a betrayal. That self-care is selfish.
But burnout isn’t proof of our commitment—it’s proof that the system is still winning.
Supremacy culture relies on our exhaustion. It profits from our overwork. It demands that we ignore our bodies, silence our needs, and forget our joy. And it whispers that if we stop to care for ourselves, we aren’t dedicated enough.
But let’s rewrite that narrative.
Because self-care isn’t selfish—it’s strategic.Joy isn’t frivolous—it’s fuel.Rest isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.
On Day 68 of 100 Days of Community, we’re naming the balance between activism, self-care, and joy as non-negotiable foundations of sustainable liberation work.
Not optional.Not secondary.But central.
Because liberation isn’t something we fight for at the expense of ourselves—it’s something we embody through how we care for ourselves and each other.
"Activism isn’t about how much you can endure—it’s about how much joy, rest, and care you can embody while dismantling oppressive systems." — Desireé B Stephens
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“Burnout isn’t revolutionary. Your exhaustion doesn’t liberate anyone, especially not yourself. Joy, rest, and community care are your greatest acts of resistance.”
In today’s conversation, we unpack the necessity of balancing our activism with intentional self-care and collective joy. We explore how capitalism and supremacy culture trick us into believing exhaustion is noble and why joy must be our compass if we truly want sustainable change.
This micro-lesson invites us to recognize burnout as a systemic symptom, reclaim joy as a motivator, and build self-care into our daily lives—not as a reward, but as the cornerstone of revolutionary living.
Today’s Three Takeaways
* Self-care sustains activism.
* Joy is a source of motivation.
* We must balance individual and collective care.
In the full post, I unpack:
* Why burnout culture is a tool of supremacy.
* Practical strategies for integrating joy into your advocacy.
* Community rituals and self-care practices to sustain your activism long-term.
Need support? Scholarships are always available: scholarships@desireebstephens.com
We rest, not because the work is done, but because we are worthy of care. Come join us.
