The Phoenix Rising Collective

Inspiring Women to be Self-Love in Action

Tag Archives: self-esteem


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Healthy Ways to Indulge Your Spirit

Healthy Ways to Indulge Your Spirit[the phoenix rising collective]

A friend recently told me that we must celebrate ourselves. Sometimes celebrating oneself means indulging into an abyss of unadulterated joy. Simply put, doing something that makes you giddy…makes you laugh…makes you feel warm inside. Think about it. After you’ve worked your fingers to the bone all week, supported family and friends through some act of giving, and/or volunteered your services to the community, you just might want to ask yourself, “How can I give to myself to rejuvenate?” Some people call it self-care. I call it art-care because as an artist, I like to feed the artistic soul by many means necessary – not “any means” but “many means.”

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Flint Farmers’ Market – Flint, MI

So I decided this past August/early September to indulge in Flint’s greatness – The Flint Farmers’ Market, located at 300 E. First Street. Flint, Michigan – the place to which I have returned after gallivanting across seas to hang out in the Tuscan hills and then hit four different hearths along the east coast (New York, Delaware, North Carolina, and Florida) because that’s where family resides. You know the phrase: home is where the heart is? Well, I have returned to my home to continue the work I have been called to do, and it was amazing to experience a newness in this town. I saw local grocers, communities-within-the-community, people hugging, lunching, and scurrying back to work after listening to live music at the market that reopened in the new downtown location this past summer. I was amazed by the colors that surrounded me. No, I am not talking about race. I am talking about how colorful, tangible and rich the environment was – filled with Flint folk/Flintstones/Flint community. FLINT!

I have been working in Flint for roughly 10 years (not counting the overseas disappearing act I pulled this past year). I lived in the suburbs when I first moved to Michigan and specifically decided to work in Flint. As time progressed I found myself moving closer and closer to the city that many have fled, according to various articles and statistics. Funny enough, there is a haven in this urban space. I call it a spirit that layers the surface of these infamous Saginaw Street bricks. Each day there is a sort of artistic hopefulness that keeps me thriving and seeking, and (Aha!) self-indulging in ways that I probably would not have considered a few years ago. So in fact, this article is about finding out how you can self-indulge in your environment – big or small. Even when people say, “There is nothing to do here.” Au contraire!

I offer 5 tips on self- indulging in your environment, no matter how quaint or desolate the place in which you live.

  1. Research what’s unique in your hometown and explore. It’s your adventure, so find something that speaks to your heart. It might even spark a little hometown pride. You might want to be a part of a committee that is putting on a parade, festival or community event. If that’s too much, simply go and be a spectator.
  2. Do something you’ve never done but have always wanted to do like volunteering, zip-lining, dancing, drawing,  gardening. The list is endless. It can’t hurt, right? Stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary but once you’ve done it there is a sort of self-indulging/self-confidence boost that rears its head.
  3. Self-indulging does not have to mean ‘leave your place of residence.’ It may simply be staying indoors and resting the mind by taking a nice long nap; reading a book strictly for pleasure; watching Netflix with a big bowl of popcorn you popped in the old-school popcorn popper – yes, some of us don’t use the microwave for everything.
  4. How about a personal project you’ve been wanting or needing to finish? Maybe you want to continue your musical lessons or learn a 2nd language or learn to knit a scarf. If you don’t want to leave your home and you have Internet, a smartphone or computer, you can search for a tutorial on Youtube. It’s FREE!
  5. Do something in a group or with another person. It doesn’t have to be grand; an example is culinary arts. OK, you might not have a passion for cooking, but if you have a passion for eating, then this might urge you to create something befitting to you and your group’s taste buds. Make it a project. You can have lots of fun when grocery shopping with the right group and then creating a meal with people you absolutely enjoy.

self_indulgence_farmersmarket[the phoenix rising collective]

I only offered a few tips, but in fact there are a number of things you can do for self-indulgence! For me, I grabbed my camera many-a-days this past August and headed to the Flint Farmers’ Market to be among color (photos above) instead of staying in my very earth tone home that could use a splash or two of RGB (red green blue – chemistry 101). My final point is sometimes we complain about our environments, and we do not take those extra measures to find the treasure that lies beneath our feet. But indeed the treasure is there waiting for us to expose its beauty.

 

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About the Contributing Writer:

traci_currie[contributor]the phoenix rising collectiveTraci Currie is The Phoenix Rising Collective’s Art + Creativity contributor. She is a Communication and Visual Arts lecturer at University of Michigan-Flint, as well as a knit-crochet artist, writer, and spoken word performer. She has been a part of the art world for over 15 years as an art gallery board member; spoken word series organizer; performer, nationally and internationally; and published poet. She believes The PRC will help young women reach their highest potential.  “This organization is about empowering women to take ownership of their lives, claim their identities and be the positive change they wish to see in the world they live.” Read her latest posts.

 


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AFFIRMATION OF THE DAY: I am Ready to Create the Experiences I Want for my Life

Create Your Experiences[affirmation]the phoenix rising collective

You create the experiences you want for your life. Intentional living begins with the daily practice of making healthy, courageous, and authentic choices that honor and empower you. What do you really want? Don’t wait for whatever it is to just fall in your lap or for someone else to supply the inspiration. Create it. Be self-love in action!


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AFFIRMATION OF THE DAY: I am grateful for my talents and abilities.

affirmation_grateful_talents[the phoenix rising collective]

Remember, you’ve been given everything you need! Recognize it. Tap into it. Express gratitude for it! Be self-love in action.


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It’s Love Yourself First! Friday: Today’s Phoenix is Patrice

Patrice_LYFF[The Phoenix Rising Collective]

Love Yourself First! Friday (LYFF) is part of our Shed Light series collection. We invite women to tell their LYFF stories to inspire and empower others to also fiercely demonstrate self-love in action.  The questions are meant to  “shed light” on various ways our featured Phoenixes are making self-care and intentional living a priority. This week’s motivated and courageous Phoenix is Patrice:

How do you love yourself first?

I try to release the past – letting go of past events. I’ve stopped trying to be perfect, as I am my biggest critic sometimes. Not everything will be perfect, so I just have to let things be the way they are. Not trying to reach perfection doesn’t mean that I’m a failure; it means that I am human. I’m taking things one day at a time so that I’m not rushing my life. That also means, “Let go and let God!”

What actions demonstrate the self-care you provide to your mind, body, and soul? (Exercise, healthy eating, spiritual practices, etc)?

I love listening to music, whatever my mood – everything from jazz to hip-hop! I also love to take walks in the park so that I’m around nature. It’s beautiful!

Is there an obstacle or challenge that you’ve overcome that has led to a deeper love for who you are?

Yes – when one of my closest friends was battling cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It went into remission for a full year, and then it aggressively returned. She died and was only 26 years old.  This really was an eye-opener for me. It made me look within. I stopped focusing on petty things in life and started living life to the fullest. I enjoy it! I started to observe that everyone is living in such a rush. Her death was a realization that learning to unwind and take it all in is important. Learning how to breathe is vital to living a balanced life.

What have you learned from self-love?

I have learned to embrace all of me, my imperfections and faults, too.

 

We asked Patrice to also submit photos demonstrating self-love in action or even photos that radiate the feeling of loving who she is. We created a collage (shown above) of the awesome images she chose to share. Patrice selected these images because to her they represent the importance of having a good time with family.

Thank you for sharing your self-love story, Patrice. You are definitely a Phoenix rising!

 

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If you’d like to share your self-love story with The Collective contact us here.

Love Yourself First! Friday is a weekly self-love series created by The Phoenix Rising Collective. Beautiful, diverse women tell stories of triumph, share personal affirmations, and declare love for their 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.  Be sure to read some of our other inspiring stories.


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It’s Love Yourself First! Friday: Today’s Phoenix is Latisha

Latisha_LYFF_The Phoenix Rising Collective2[2014]

Love Yourself First! Friday (LYFF) is part of our Shed Light series collection. We invite women to tell their LYFF stories to inspire and empower others to also fiercely demonstrate self-love in action.  The questions are meant to  “shed light” on various ways our featured Phoenixes are making self-care and intentional living a priority. This week’s motivated and courageous Phoenix is Latisha:

How do you love yourself first? What does that mean to you?

I think the most important element to loving yourself first is having a deep understanding of who you are and the things that are most important to you, things that bring you happiness.  It takes time to unravel the real nature of yourself , since we learn and grow through trials and errors. For me, I am great friends with myself.  I love me.  I feel that I’m beautiful.  My beauty is enhanced by the love I have for life and helping others feel the same way.  I appreciate my uniqueness and know that no one else is like me.  I want to be the best I can be and improve each day.  I understand that I have greatness within and believe God made everyone special.  I embrace my love for life and am constantly working on the barriers that lie within; and as I do, it brings me closer to peace and love, and also understanding who I am. I know we can’t fully love anyone until we love ourselves.

What actions demonstrate the self-care you provide to your mind, body, and soul? (Exercise, healthy eating, spiritual practice, etc)

My spiritual well being is very important to me.  I love God, and I believe that with Him first in my life, all things are possible.  I include God in every decision and thought I make.  I keep prayer in everything I do.  Spiritually, I am connected with God and that keeps me at peace – even during tough times.

I love to read and have quiet time.  For example, I love reading biographies. True stories give me different perspectives on life and a larger lens to appreciate everyone’s struggle.

Exercise has always been a priority, too. I am up at 5am, in the comfort of my home, exercising every day.  It empowers me, and it keeps my mind and soul clear of clutter.  Exercise also gives me energy, keeps me healthy, and makes me appreciate the temple God has given us.  Clean and leaner eating is a must in my life.  I indulge in a few carbs every now and then for a treat, but I eat lots of vegetables, fruit, and protein to sustain my youthful and healthy lifestyle.  I’ve lost 20 pounds over the last year, and I feel great!

Lastly, I also love spending time with my family. We love to travel.  I am a beach bum and love being near the ocean. I think it’s the closest thing to heaven we will see while on earth.

Latisha_LYFF[the phoenix rising collective]Is there an obstacle or challenge that you’ve overcome that led you to a deeper love for who you are?

Yes, I am hearing impaired.  I was born in the 1960s with a progressive hearing loss that damaged my nerve cells.  My mom died when I was six weeks old, leaving my dad and grandmother to raise me, and they also had hearing impairments.  My impairment went undiagnosed until I was 19 years old.  I remember that as a young child I took speech classes and constantly took hearing tests. I was told to sit in front of the classroom, but I was never told that I needed a hearing aid or had hearing loss.  I always thought I heard well.  The blessing is that when I was born I heard the beginning of language, and that formed my communication.

I remember never being able to hear the words in a song or what was said on a TV show.  I also recall that in  5th grade my grades began to plummet, and that carried on until I graduated from high school.  I did graduate, but I missed out on so much in school. However, I always had this tireless drive to succeed.  I stayed in talent shows or on stage performing; again, never realizing that I wasn’t hearing so much, yet still beating the odds.

After moving from Ohio (where I’m from) and living with my older sister in New Jersey.  She immediately recognized that I couldn’t hear well.  She had me tested.  During that one visit, the specialist explained to me how my life was from newborn to 19 years old. I was flabbergasted.  My heart sunk to the bottom of my feet.  I cried and grieved.  At that point, I understood that I’d never really heard words, but had mastered reading lips.  I was proud that I did that, but my goals and desires for my life went in another direction.  I began the selective process of what I could or couldn’t do because of my hearing impairment.  I had to learn to accept and embrace my disability.  As time went on, I read more about my hearing loss and decided I wouldn’t allow it to stop me from the plans God has for me. After bypassing the insecurities about my hearing loss, I proudly wore my hearing aids and began the self-empowerment journey.

I always had a desire to continue my education.  I completed 33 credits in the classroom with help from some great and phenomenal friends.  They would take the same courses with me to write my notes.  I am indebted to them for life.  I had a few best friends who always made my phone calls for me and did anything to move the barrier that stopped me from effectively communicating.  I stopped going to school after my buddies couldn’t go any longer.  After a few years, I had the most beautiful son.  I knew then I had to do more and better. I took the chance and registered with the University of Maryland’s Online Distance Education.  Although online education had been around for a while, I was still skeptical and took a census for opinions about its effectiveness versus the classroom. There were some naysayers, but plenty of my friends and family supported me and said DO IT!  I did.  It was the greatest challenge that I appreciate to the fullest.

I started in 2003 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business with a minor in International Law in August 2008. That was the liberating point where I knew I could keep going.  At the time, my job was restructuring and we had to attend a paralegal program and pass to keep our employment.  I passed with flying colors.  I received my paralegal certificate with honors in 2009.  Oh no, I didn’t stop there!  In 2010, I registered with Seton Hall University to receive my master’s degree in Strategic Communications. And guess what?  To its entirety the classes were mainly in the classroom.  I contacted Seton Hall’s Disability Support Services and was able to receive remote closed caption for each class.  Wow, was I so excited! The professors and my classmates were very helpful during the whole process.  I’m so thankful.  Today, after 24 years I’m still working at Seton Hall University.

I am also a travel agent for Paycation.  This is allowing me to build my network and reach higher goals. In addition, I would also like to teach.  I trust God knows my desires of the heart since “He plans to give us hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

I’m so thankful for my family and friends that have supported and helped me overcome many obstacles.

What have you learned from self-love?

Self-love is about treating myself with special care and loving who I am.  It’s not selfish. It’s what God intends for us to do. I can only love others completely when I love me first.  I can care for others when I care for me.  I do things that make me happy and keep me at peace, as self-acceptance is loving me.  With that I am able to do things more freely and without concern about how others perceive me.  No matter what I experience as good or bad, with self-love I will be provided a good, healthy balance of emotional well being.  With self-love I accept others, and I accept kindness without expectation of anything else.   Self-love means to care and accept myself with everything I got!

 

Thank you, Latisha! You are definitely a Phoenix rising! Happy Friday.

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If you’d like to share your self-love story with The Collective contact us here.

Love Yourself First! Friday is a weekly self-love series created by the Phoenix Rising Collective. Beautiful, diverse women 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.  Be sure to read some of our other inspiring stories.


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SELF-LOVE TIP OF THE DAY: Dance!

dance as healing[the phoenix rising collective]

[Photo Credit: Derek Bridges; Jazz & Heritage Kumbuka African Dance & Drum Collective]


Dance! When was the last time you moved your body to release stress and anxiety? Movement is healing. You don’t need a partner. Have a dance party for one! Get up and move. Freestyle. Let it all go. Dance!

Be self-love in action.


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AFFIRMATION OF THE DAY: I ask for help when I need it.

asking_for_help[affirmation]PHOENIX RISING COLLECTIVE

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! And if you are, ask anyway. Knowing that you can’t always go it alone or pick up the pieces on your own is a part of being in tune with who you are and honoring what you need. Asking for help strengthens the courage muscle. It is self-care, so be open to it in diverse forms. Expand the resources available to you and create abundance. You deserve it.

Be self-love in action.

 


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Confessions of a Storyteller: Figuring Life Out As It Unfolds

Gia_Marie_Amella_Storytelling[the phoenix rising collective]

I am a storyteller. But then, aren’t we all? Some stories come out of us in the most cryptic horrifying manner while others are simultaneously flighty and invigorating. Then there are those who tell stories that put us to sleep; unfortunately, we sometimes call them teachers or family.

Gia_Marie_Amella

Gia Marie Amella, Nonfiction Video and Television Producer

However, occasionally we come across a story that actually doesn’t speak. It simply unfolds. You get to watch it live. You have the great opportunity to pay admission to its viewing – mine being a plane ticket to Italy. Once landed (if you are on the same trip), you drive to your destination, knock on the door and sit down for dinner to feed your face because you’ve been craving good food all day after a long tedious flight. Just when you are ready to take that first luscious bite, the story stops you and suddenly replaces the pasta or pesce or prosciutto con formaggio you were about to ingest. The story is sitting right next to you – vivacious, garrulous, sensitive, and willing to share.

I have met many stories this past year being in Italy. All of them have come in these wondrous packages that have entertained me more than my favorite television programs; and believe me, I love watching TV. But I am losing interest in what TV programming has to offer. I am realizing that much of the programming, in all its glamour and unrepresentative images of real life, just can’t fully capture the essence of how beauty unfolds – how it comes in a 5’8” package, thick dark curly hair, Italian American mystique who waves a magic wand to create and produce media programming for the masses. You are saying, “Get to the point! Who in the world are you talking about?”

Gia Marie Amella

Here are a few facts about this Sicilian American woman who lives in two worlds – Italy and the United States:

  • Born in Chicago, Illinois (like me – YAH!)
  • Raised in Chicago and Northern California
  • Identifies herself as a nonfiction video and television producer and has been working in this industry since the mid-1990s
  • Completed her university degrees in California and became a Fulbright Fellow
  • Moved to New York City and worked in commercial television
  • Launched the company Modio Media in 2006
  • Recipient of the 2011 Public Service Award from the National Immigration Council, Washington D.C.

I could continue listing facts, but I wanted to share a few bullet points and then write about Gia personally. Why? She is charming and smart. Moreover, she is working in an industry where women are not readily in the forefront. I don’t think it is a coincidence that we connected at this particular moment in time. My sister had been telling me about her media experience for a while and agreed to have a dinner that included Gia and her husband Giuseppe (November 2013). My first impression when seeing her was, she gleamed. Not glowed, but gleamed. She had a flare and spunk that was undeniable. I immediately loved her style. This could be because she reminded me of myself – casually sophisticated, classic and comfortable. Granted, I may very well be the only one who describes myself as such, but I am allowed! When we sat down at dinner there was no lapse in dialogue, uncomfortable silence, or pretense to come up with silly questions to mask any sort of weirdness in the air. Gia was fluid, quick, energetic and had stories to tell. Her mind was whizzing, and at times I felt I had to play catch up because her tongue was quick. But get this – her eyes were very intent on listening, even when she spoke. Yes, she spoke and listened at the same time. She also observed and nodded, as if anything I said actually sounded golden. I mean, SHE TRULY LISTENED. And if you were to ask me, “Well, what did you say?” I have NO IDEA. I can’t remember my words but I can remember her eyes, the two semi-vertical lines that crinkled between her brows indicating complexity, thoughtfulness and her interest in wanting to know about little brown ME.

This meeting was only the first of a few others. This led to my requesting an interview with her about the work she does and how she balances her life. Maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I don’t assume people will say “yes” just because my big pleading brown eyes say, “YOU MUST DO THIS FOR HUMANITY!” I was humbled she agreed, because here’s an incredibly curious woman who tells other people’s stories for a living. And she was willing to sit with me for a few hours and share snippets of her life story. However, the video I have included is nine minutes long. Nine minutes worth of wisdom that you attain through living life the best way you know how…by putting one foot in front of the other.

One last thing, I am a firm believer that certain artistic expressions are meant to be abstract while others should be obviously understood. For the purpose of this article, I want to make it abundantly clear the importance of featuring Gia. I am moving into a unique phase in my life. I am meeting absolutely astonishing women and men who are moving the earth’s axis, as far as I’m concerned. They are shaping their existence by simply operating in what they love to do. While doing this, they create balance and figure life out as it unfolds. Gia does this. She does this in a communal way by offering her skills and services on a global level (after all, media is global). She does this by teaming with her husband to create a business – I love that she and her husband are business partners and live half the year in Italy and half the year in the United States (give or take a few months). And she openly admits that she is figuring life out and it’s not easy. Moreover, it’s not even close to being done. I believe we attract what we are. And if this is a bird’s eye view to how my artistic life is unfolding simply by what I am attracting and vice versa, then my goodness, WATCH OUT WORLD!

Learn More About Gia:

Dream Jobs Can Be a Reality (Gia Marie Amella), Part 1

Dreams Jobs Can Be a Reality (Gia Marie Amella), Part 2

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About the Contributing Writer:

traci_currie[contributor]the phoenix rising collectiveTraci Currie is a Communication and Visual Arts lecturer at University of Michigan-Flint, as well as a knit-crochet artist, writer, and spoken word performer. She has been a part of the art world for over 15 years as an art gallery board member; spoken word series organizer; performer, nationally and internationally; and published poet. She believes the PRC will help young women reach their highest potential. “This organization is about empowering women to take ownership of their lives, claim their identities and be the positive change they wish to see in the world they live.” Read her latest posts here.