A Call to live a Radical Care Life

Kedumetse Mvula
Jun 30
5 min read

This month we are stepping into something very important — Self-Care Month, with International Self-Care Day being celebrated on 24 July. This is not just a date on the calendar. It’s a powerful reminder that you matter, your well-being matters, and how you take care of yourself should never be a luxury — it is a priority.

At Radical Care Life, we don’t just believe in self-care. We believe in Radical Self-Care — the kind of care that goes deep. It’s not just bubble baths and candles (though we love those too!). It’s the kind of care that helps you feel whole, rested, energised, and free — in your mind, your body, and your spirit.

This month, we invite you to pause. Breathe. Reflect. And begin or recommit to a life of radical care.

What is Radical Self-Care

Let’s be clear — self-care is not selfish. It is survival. And radical self-care? That’s self-care on another level. It is prioritising you mind, body and spiritual care. It means choosing yourself first, unapologetically. It means saying, “I deserve peace. I deserve rest. I deserve healing. I deserve joy.”

Radical self-care is:

Resting without guilt
Saying no without fear
Listening to your body
Feeling your emotions fully
Letting go of what no longer serves you
Choosing boundaries over burnout

It is restoration. It is rebellion against the idea that you must always be strong, always be available, always carry everything. Radical self-care is coming home to yourself.

Why July 24 Matters

International Self-Care Day (24/7) is a symbol. The date — 24 July — reminds us that self-care should be 24/7, not just one day, not just one weekend, not just when we’re burnt out.

In South Africa, many women carry the weight of family, career, community, and culture. We are nurturers, providers, leaders, lovers, and fighters. And while all of that is beautiful, it is also heavy.

We cannot pour from empty cups. And we should not have to.

International Self-Care Day is a moment to ask:

How am I doing, really?
What do I need?
Where am I over-giving?
What would it look like if I radically prioritised my well-being?

Why Radical Self-Care is Non-Negotiable for South African Women

Let’s be honest: life in South Africa can be hard. From rising living costs, gender-based violence, mental health struggles, unemployment, parenting pressures, and constant hustle — it’s a lot.

We are tired. Many of us are functioning on autopilot. Some are surviving, not thriving.

That’s why radical self-care is not a trend. It’s a revolution.

Here’s what we believe at Radical Care Life:

A woman who rests is a woman who heals.
A woman who knows herself is a woman who leads.
A woman who sets boundaries is a woman who builds peace.
A woman who prioritises her body, mind, and spirit becomes unstoppable.

When women are well, families thrive, communities shift, and nations rise.

3 Pillars of Radical Care Life

At Radical Care Life, we teach and live by three core pillars of radical self-care:

Mind Care: When you care for your mind, you gain clarity, confidence, and calm.
- Journaling your thoughts and feelings
- Practicing mindfulness and stillness
- Challenging negative self-talk
- Saying affirmations like: “I am enough.”

Body Care: Your body is sacred. It deserves your kindness.
- Eating food that nourishes your energy
- Moving your body with love (walks, dance, yoga)
- Drinking water and prioritising sleep
- Going for check-ups without fear or shame

Spirit Care: When your spirit is aligned, your life begins to flow.
- Spending time in prayer, meditation, or silence
- Connecting with nature, ancestors, or your purpose
- Creating joy through music, laughter, or art
- Letting go of shame, guilt, or perfectionism

How to Start a Radical Care Life This Month

Whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your self-care journey, here are practical steps you can take this month to restore yourself:

1. Create a Morning Ritual

Start your day with intention. Light a candle. Pray. Meditate. Journal. Say an affirmation. Breathe deeply. Stretch. Drink water. Choose peace before the world chooses chaos for you.

2. Set One Non-Negotiable Boundary

Maybe it’s “I log off work at 5pm.” Or “I no longer attend every family event if I’m tired.” Boundaries are not barriers — they are bridges to balance.

3. Join a Radical Self-Care Circle

Whether online or in-person, join our radical care hikes, surround yourself with other women who are healing, growing, and cheering each other on. You don’t have to do this alone.

4. Take Yourself on a Solo Date

Go to your favourite café, take a walk, buy yourself flowers, visit a gallery. Romance yourself. Date your soul.

5. Reflect in a Journal

Ask yourself:

What drains me?
What fills me?
What do I need to let go of?
How can I honour myself this month?

You Are Not Alone

If you’ve been feeling:

Overwhelmed and exhausted
Lost in your roles and responsibilities
Disconnected from yourself
Unsure how to even begin with self-care

You are not alone. Many of us have been there. That’s why Radical Care Life exists — to walk this journey with you.

We offer tools, conversations, hikes, coaching sessions and safe spaces where you can take off the mask and breathe.

We are building a movement of women who choose rest over hustle, healing over hiding, and alignment over perfection.

Celebrate You on July 24: Self-Care Day Ideas

Here are 7 beautiful and simple ways to celebrate International Self-Care Day:

Unplug – Take a break from social media and be present with yourself.
Sleep in – Rest deeply and wake up slowly.
Write a Love Letter to Yourself – Celebrate who you are becoming.
Create a Radical Self-Care Playlist – Fill it with songs that lift your soul.
Say No Without Explaining – Practice guilt-free boundaries.
Hydrate & Nourish – Feed your body with love and intention.
Light a Candle and Speak an Intention – Something like, “This month, I choose myself.”

To every woman reading this — you are powerful. You are sacred. You are worthy of deep rest, unconditional love, and total joy. Let this month be a turning point. Let July be the beginning of your radical return to self.

Don’t wait for permission. Don’t wait for burnout. Don’t wait for someone to rescue you. You are the one you’ve been waiting for.

This Self-Care Month, we honour you. We see your strength, and we celebrate your softness.

Restore yourself. Reclaim your time. Return to your truth.

You deserve to live a Radical Care Life.