Every other month, Shan and I are going to dish all things inspiration in our  blog chats. This month seemed fitting to explore love, especially  self love, as we are often taught, particularly women, to love everyone but ourselves. 

Shan and I are both on paths of healing, love and discovery. We are seeking to honor the light within ourselves, and want those same feelings to manifest for everyone, especially women.


Shan is the creator of The Free Gurl Club, an awesome online space dedicated to empowering women. She hosts a weekly show on YouTube and shares life affirming daily affirmations. 

Show Notes  - 3 Core Ways to Cultivate Self Love

1. Make healing yourself (from wounds, past experiences, etc.) a priority! This could be tied to your faith (for me it's inextricably linked) and include daily and / or frequent time alone (5-10 min.) for reflection. Even if you its initially one minute alone, begin there!

2.  Post positive self affirmations around your home and work space, or even on your phone. Say them aloud throughout the day.  These may include statements like "I am beautiful. I am worth the life I seek. I am created in the image of God and my life matters. Abundance and joy are my birthrights."

3.  Say NO to what drains and depletes you as these people, places and / or choices are creating feelings of being overwhelmed. 

When we are overwhelmed,  we often self medicate in unhealthy ways - excessive drinking, working long hours, overeating, etc.

Further Reading:

Salvation: Black People and Love by bell hooks 

Peace from Broken Pieces: How to Get Through What You’re Going Through by Iyanla Vanzant 

Imagine Being More Afraid of Freedom Than Slavery by Pamela Sneed 

Commanding Your Morning by Cindy Trimm

Adalmar Life by Nellie Russell (insightful blog) and piece on the importance of self care and healing. Nellie is one of my blogging besties!  http://adalmarlife.com/filling-our-vessels/

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightment by Eckhart Tolle  

The Audre Lorde quote I referenced on self care. You might also enjoy this blog post about Audre and her intellectual work at 
 http://www.lowendtheory.org/post/50428216600/on-audre-lordes-legacy-and-the-self-of



Live In Color Blog & The Free Gurl Club Chat - Cultivating Self Love

I love music, all arts, my family and friends :):) I also have a new love of chainmaille :):) The chainmaille purse you see in the background photo on my page is a one I finished a couple of months ago. I'm working on another plus a few other chainmaille projects. I'll try to remember to share photos soon :):) All be well, loved and blessed :):)

Live In Color, started by two girlfriends, Emelda and Shannon-Eli Braxton, shares weekly posts about inspiration, style and culture. We also love to chat with inspirational people in a variety of fields (arts, business, etc.) through our Blog Chat series. Past features include GRAMMY-nominated artist Carolyn Malachi; Bashi Rose, Baltimore-based filmmaker, playwright and actor; Pebbles Armwood, a mental fitness advocate and author featured on Dr. Oz and  Marcell Russell, celebrated soul singer. Visit us at  www.liveincolor.org & become a follower via email!


Our podcast lifts up the intersection of progressive Christian faith and social justice / activism, chatting with folks in ministry, creatives, community leaders and those committed to healing. Hosted by Emelda and Trudy, mother and daughter, who are creatives, women of faith and change makers. You can find our growing online community on IG + Twitter: @praywithourfeet

Live In Color Blog & The Free Gurl Club Chat - Cultivating Self Love

Live In Color Blog!