Throughout everything going on, there is one thing I don't want to lose connection with: my own self-love.

Growing up, it was always hard for me to accept my skin color and indigenous features. I don't want the progress I've made throughout my years to go down the drain.

I am scared of walking in a neighborhood and feeling ashamed of my sun-kissed skin that I have grown to love. But then I remember, I have worked too hard to let my confidence, my comfort and my pride, all for it to mean nothing.

I remember my dad telling me to love my skin tone, to appreciate what others don't have. I remember my sister getting mad at me for not loving what I saw in my own reflection. I have moved too far along to be brought back down.

I hope that those who live in fear worse than before remember that their self-love comes before anything else. When one is able to love him- or herself, one is able to spread and share that love with others.

Self-love isn't only about accepting yourself, but also about treating yourself and living up to what your body needs. So in the midst of everything, don't forget to just take care and love yourself.