I saw this phrase scroll across Instagram: Black joy is an act of Black resistance.
Reading that eight-word sentence hit me because it was a reminder I needed. I have been intentional about finding joy in my life since I turned 30—and traveling solo is one of my joy points—which prompted me to lean into learning to cook online, through an unexpected source: Airbnb Experiences. What started as an activity to fulfill my love of travel without leaving the house due to COVID-19 has become my self-care, fueling my inner joy through food—even when my dishes don’t turn out so well. But, lately, finding joy has been difficult, mainly because I know so many people are hurting.
I danced in the shower for the first time before I sat down to write this, and I felt this wave of guilt take over me, so I stopped dancing. The same day, I took my third online cooking class along with one…
