These are some of the ways this beautiful doctoral student, Simone, loves herself first: writing poetry, showing gratitude for her resilience/talents/opportunities, and laughing. (We love that!) She also says, “Eating well/clean – I try my very best to eat well. I have one green smoothie a day, and eat mostly fruits and vegetables throughout the day. I also drink lots of water. Eating clean gives me the energy to do the things I want and need to do throughout the day.”

Simone also takes time in the morning for balance and spiritual practice by lighting white candles, burning frankincense, and praying. “I thank the Creator for another day to become more beautiful. Before I leave my apartment, I pick from my bowl of angel cards and ask that the card be present in my life. My spirituality is very important to me,” she says.

Her daily routine is very important as it encourages her to accomplish the mission she has set for the day (and the days following),  including being confident and showing love to herself and others.

This radiant Phoenix is an inspiration; her diligence to self-care is empowering, and we appreciate her courage and willingness to share!

Love Yourself First! Friday is a weekly self-love series created by the Phoenix Rising Collective. Beautiful, diverse women of color tell their stories of triumph, share their personal affirmations, and declare their love for their own lives! The series is meant to inspire and empower women to fiercely demonstrate self-love in action in order to build and sustain healthy, positive self-esteem.

Thanks for sharing, Simone. You are definitely a Phoenix rising! Happy Friday.