1. Reconnect with Your Authentic Self.
So much of our self-esteem is tied to how well we know and honor who we truly are. Reconnecting with your authentic self means embracing your values, passions, and identity—unapologetically. Spend time journaling, meditating, or simply reflecting on what makes you unique. Consider asking yourself: What do I love about myself? What brings me joy?

Book Recommendation: "You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience" by Tarana Burke and Brené Brown. This collection of essays by Black writers and thinkers provides profound insights into embracing authenticity and vulnerability.

2. Practice Affirmations that Center Your Worth.
Affirmations are a powerful way to reframe negative self-talk and remind yourself of your inherent value. Write affirmations that speak to your strengths, beauty, and resilience, and repeat them daily. Here are a few examples to get started:

I am worthy of love and respect.

My Blackness is beautiful and powerful.

I deserve joy and abundance.

Book Recommendation: "Affirmations for Black Women: A Journal to Help You Shine" by Oludara Adeeyo. This guided journal is filled with affirmations and prompts designed to uplift and inspire.

3. Nurture Your Body as an Act of Self-Love.
For Black women, the world often scrutinises and devalues our bodies. Counteract that narrative by treating your body with care and compassion. Whether it’s through mindful movement, nourishing meals, or simply resting when you need to, honoring your physical self is a radical act of love.

Book Recommendation: "The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love" by Sonya Renee Taylor. This transformative book challenges societal beauty standards and invites readers to embrace their bodies fully.

4. Surround Yourself with Affirming Community.
Healing and growth flourish in the presence of community. Seek out spaces—both online and in person—where you feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether it’s a circle of friends, a support group, or a community organization, surround yourself with people who uplift and celebrate you.

Book Recommendation: "Sister Outsider" by Audre Lorde. This timeless collection of essays and speeches highlights the power of community and self-empowerment for Black women.

5. Celebrate Your Accomplishments—Big and Small.
Black women often carry the weight of perfectionism and the pressure to overachieve. Shift the focus to celebrating your progress and acknowledging your wins, no matter how small. This practice fosters gratitude and reminds you of your resilience.

Book Recommendation: "Year of Yes" by Shonda Rhimes. In this memoir, Shonda shares how saying “yes” to herself transformed her life and how embracing small steps can lead to big change.

Cultivating self-love and boosting self-esteem is a lifelong journey, but it’s one that you deserve to prioritize. Remember, your worth isn’t determined by external validation—it’s rooted in the powerful, beautiful, and resilient person you already are.