DEAR BLACK WOMEN, LOVE YOURSELF FIRST

INTRO

Welcome, Timeless

To every Black woman reading this: you are seen, you are valued, and you are enough. This short story is a love note to you, a gentle reminder that before you pour into the world, you must first pour into yourself. Too often, you’re asked to carry the weight of everyone else’s needs while your own remain unseen. But today, this moment is for you.

Come as you are. Breathe.

Let these words wrap around you like warmth and truth.

She stood in front of the mirror, her fingers gently grazing the curve of her cheek. Her skin, a radiant mahogany, caught the morning light like velvet. She spent years trying to shrink herself, tightening her curls, lowering her voice, questioning her worth.

But this morning felt different.

Last night, she cried. Not the kind of cry that begged someone to notice, no, but the kind of cry that finally acknowledged herself. She cried for the girl who tried to blend in. For the woman who gave and gave, praying to be enough. And for the truth she was finally ready to live.

She poured tea slowly, savoring the quiet. Her phone buzzed another “u up?” message from a man who only knew her when it was convenient. She deleted it without hesitation.

She wasn’t angry. She was just done.

Done chasing validation.

Done being the “strong one” who never broke.

Done loving everyone else better than she loved herself.

Naomi opened her journal and wrote, “I am my first home. I will not abandon me.”

In the coming days, she would say “no” more often. She would rest. She would speak with softness and be unafraid of her power. She would take herself out for dinner, wear her boldest lipstick, and dance like her body had never been criticized.

Not for the approval of others.

But because she deserved to be loved first, and most by herself.

Dear Black Woman,

The world may try to forget your magic.

But you?

You must remember.

You are not hard to love.

You just need to start with you.

And that love? It will teach the world how to treat you.

With love, always—

Your reflection. 🩶

OUTRO

Thank you for taking a moment to sit with this story, a reflection, a reminder, and a quiet revolution.

Dear Black woman, your journey toward self love is sacred. Keep choosing you. Every day, in every way. May these words stay with you as you continue to rise in your power, grace, and truth. With love and light. Thank you for being here. 🩶

GOD BLESS YOU ALL.