5 Ways I Remind Myself I’m Beautiful Every Day
“The BIC® Soleil® Make Your Own Sun® campaign is all about finding the bright side in any situation, which is what I learned on my journey of learning to love who I am.”
Beauty is only skin deep.
I made a conscious decision to Make My Own Sun by joining #teamnomakeup at a young age which meant fully embracing my imperfections. It is a practice I still uphold to this day. I own the flaws I have as essential parts of me and reinforce the uncoventional by saying I'm beautiful. I’ve always looked at myself in the mirror and said, “You’re beautiful” because I always knew I was. It might have taken a few years to get to that undeniable self-assured "I'm beautiful", but I got there, I loved it, and so I stay, support, and repeat. But even with all that practice, confidence, and self-assuredness, I definitely do have my moments (and days) where I feel inadequate and have my doubts. I force myself to see the bright side of my beauty, and bring the beauty within to the surface by reigniting my happy.
[Tweet "Bring the beauty that you have within to the surface by embracing your happy."]
Here are 5 ways I remind myself that I’m beautiful every day:
I listen to my favorite songs.
Music in general is a vessel for emotions. If you want to cry, there is music for that. If you want to be angry, there is music for that. If you want to be happy and dance until the end of time, there is definitely music for that. I think that is why it is such a universally loved art form. There is something exhilarating, refreshing, and carefree about rocking out to your favorite tunes.
When I am radiating joy and busting out some dance moves to my favorite divas, I am reminded that I’m beautiful.
I pamper myself.
This is a go-to for most people, but it’s true what they say: When you look good, you feel good. I can’t tell you how many times a bad day started with not feeling the way my afro turned out or not liking the top I paired with my pencil skirt. Pampering can be factored into your day-to-day in different ways. Set aside a Sunday and dedicate it to getting your nails done, doing your hair, or giving yourself a facial. I like taking long showers, indulging myself in the hot steam, washing my face underneath the running water as I listen to music, exfoliating my skin with my favorite coffee scrub, and spending a little extra time getting those flawlessly smooth legs. A little more “me” time in the shower leaves me feeling extra confident all day long.
When I unwind and dial down from my day or dial up to start my day, I am reminded of how beautiful I am.
I honor my body.
I like to do something physical at some point during my day. It helps me stay in tune with my body and is my way of taking care of it and my health. I do my best to drink 2-3 liters of water per day and try to eat as many fruits and veggies as possible. If I do junk, I try to do so sparingly and find that there is a difference in how I feel, how clear my skin is, and how much I glow when I am doing what I can to support my health.
When I am healthy, I am reminded of how beautiful I am.
I honor my spirit.
Whether I decide to pick up a book on self-help or poetry, I do what I can to fulfill my spiritual needs. I prefer to do this through reading because of how deeply connected I am with it by way of my passions. I also pray throughout the day, give thanks, and try to update my #anotetoself meditation journal every morning to start my day on a positive note. To reinforce that, I also meditate while holding my citrine healing stones that are known for their properties of cultivating abundance and prosperity.
When I am centered, I am reminded of my beauty.
I remind myself through telling myself.
I give myself words and mantras that echo the encouragement that I try to give myself physically. Whether it means telling myself “You’re beautiful” or “Damn, I look good!”, the intent is all about reaffirming that I am the key to any validation I might feel I could possibly be needing. It might not even mean me saying it aloud, it could just be me lingering in the mirror as I rub almond oil onto my face in the morning. My eyes are glued to the shape of my lips, my nose, my eyes – and I think to myself, “Yes.”
When I empower myself, I am reminded that I’m beautiful.
[Tweet "I am the key to any validation I might feel I could possibly be needing."]
Contrary to popular belief, I don’t wake up like this. It takes a village to raise a Queen. And for me, that means constantly doing things that reinforce the kind of beauty I wish to reflect and embody.
What are ways you remind yourself of your beauty daily? Share your self-care rituals and how you find the bright side with me below!
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Curate The Vibes With These Black-Owned Candles For Every Mood
Black women of the 90s and early 2000s had incense, and Black women of today are fully embracing our luxury candle era. Candles have become just as important as our perfume selections, and as a luxury candle connoisseur, I keep all of my favorites in stock in my storage closet.
Whether you’re moving out for the first time and want to try new scents or looking to set the mood for a self-care day or sexy evening, consider these Black-owned candle brands to curate the vibe you’re looking for.
If You’re Feeling Bad & Bougie
The Original Candle
If you’re the bougie friend of the group, this candle is for you. Hanifa has become a staple luxury brand; with celebs like Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Naomi Campbell, and Danielle Brooks seen in her designs, they have become everyone's favorite brand. They recently launched their first candle, The Original. The candle is infused with notes of mandarin, orange blossom, caramel, sandalwood, jasmine sambac, and vanilla.
When Wash Day Comes...
"Wash Day" Candle
Cavo
Need some inspiration to get up and section that hair so you can get to washing? Not to worry. This pineapple, mango coconut milk, and sugar candle will have your house smelling as good as your favorite conditioner.
Wellness Girl Necessity
Sunday in Brooklyn Candle
If you’re a girl who loves clean scents that clear the energy in your home and feel like the best Sunday you ever had, you need this candle. Infused with wild basil and lemongrass, it’s guaranteed to help you find your zen.
For Sunday Brunch If You’re Hosting
Champagne Showers
Champagne Showers is the perfect candle for a birthday celebration, Sunday brunch night in, or toast to your next big win! The candle includes a blend of bright bergamot, peach fizz, and creamy woods. It’s a bubbly fragrance that’s as sophisticated as our girl, Jackie Aina.
After You Listen To SZA
"After A Good Cry" Candle
Cavo
Let the tears flow, and let the healing begin. This rainwater, lavender, vanilla, and bean and bourbon candle is just what the doctor ordered if you’re getting over a breakup. But once you’re done crying, just remember you're worthy of much more, okay?
For The Lover Girl Era
"Love" Luxury Candle
If you’re done crying and have found the one you’ve been waiting for, let this candle burn as warm as your love for your new boo. Harlem Candle Co.'s "Love" fragrance represents a dramatic, romantic theme with both masculine and feminine accords melding beautifully together, infused with crisp apple and watery green notes.
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