This has been something that I have always harped on but never really put any effort into. I'm finding a sudden realization in the beauty behind self-love and self-care. I was speaking with a coworker not too long ago and she approached me in a wave of excitement. Baffled and curious, I asked her what it was that was making her smile so big? She then proceeded to explain to me how after 20 years of life, she just began to lather on body lotion after every wash. Unaware of the benefits behind silky smooth skin, we began talking about all the things that we disregard on a daily basis with regard to ourselves.

Of course, the usual regimens come to mind like... your daily face wash, bi-weekly skin scrubs, close shaves/waxes and ever so often salon trips. But, I pondered on the idea of self-care behind our outer layers. You know-- mental and emotional care. Do we tend to love ourselves more than the individuals we surround ourselves with and if so, how?

One may place sticky notes along the sides of their mirrors with motivational quotes. You know, something that shows as a constant reminder that you're beautiful or strong enough to tackle the day's shenanigans. For another, it may be a ritualistic prayer or daily bible read.

I pondered on this, and asked myself " Makayla, what do you do to promote self-care?"

Well recently, I've switched out my amazingly scented body soaps for organic black soaps but that just wasn't enough.

I decided to take this a step further. Ever so often, I take a mental note of my day's work. Which on some, may include me waking and attending class, meetings, and extra-curricular activities -- while others may center around an actual day of work. Mentally, I evaluate my day. How did I speak to this person earlier? Was I quick to anger? Was my joke too quirky? Did I drink at least two cups of water today? Did I remember to tell God thank you for even allowing me to be able to create another day's mental note?

After a few minutes of self-evaluation, I decide what I will do to not only better tomorrow but further on. I have a list of things that need to be done by a certain month and every day whether it be as minute as tweaking a resume or as grand as applying for an internship or job. Self-care is certainly the best care so, I try more and more each day to create a better me! One that I will love, both inside and out.