by Lillian Jackson, Co-Founder of Brown Skin Brunchin’
When I co-founded Brown Skin Brunchin’, I had no idea it would grow into a nationwide community of extraordinary women. At its heart, Brown Skin Brunchin’ was created as a space for women of color to connect over something as simple—and as powerful—as brunch. It’s about more than the food or the table settings; it’s about celebrating sisterhood, individuality, and authenticity.
But before I could pour into this community, I had to learn to pour into myself. Loving yourself fiercely isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a journey—a deeply personal one—that requires courage, vulnerability, and an unrelenting commitment to seeing yourself as worthy of the love, respect, and kindness you so readily give to others.
The Turning Point
For me, the turning point came during a period in my life when I felt I wasn’t enough. The pressure to meet expectations—both internal and external—was suffocating. I found myself constantly measuring my worth against impossible standards and wondering if I could ever truly be “enough.”
Then one day, I asked myself: Why am I so willing to extend grace to others but not to myself? That question shifted everything. I began a journey of self-discovery, one that led me to embrace my flaws as part of what makes me whole. I started to see my imperfections not as something to hide but as something to celebrate.
Fierce Love Starts with Honesty
Loving yourself fiercely begins with honesty. It’s about standing in front of the mirror, looking yourself in the eyes, and saying, “You are worthy.” Worthy of love, joy, and success—just as you are. Here are a few practices that have helped me and the incredible women in the Brown Skin Brunchin’ community:
Create Sacred Spaces for Reflection: Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or spending time in nature, carve out moments to reflect on what makes you, you. In our Brown Skin Brunchin’ circles, we encourage women to share their unique stories. There is power in owning your narrative.
Surround Yourself with Affirmation: One of the most beautiful things about community is the affirmation it brings. When you’re surrounded by people who uplift you, it becomes easier to uplift yourself. Seek out spaces—like Brown Skin Brunchin’—where your authenticity is celebrated.
Celebrate Small Wins: Sometimes, self-love is simply about showing up. Celebrate your small victories, whether it’s setting a boundary, saying no to something that doesn’t serve you, or taking a day to rest.
Silence the Noise: The world will try to tell you who you should be. Ignore it. You define your worth, and no one else gets to write that story for you.
Why Fierce Self-Love Matters
When you love yourself fiercely, you give others permission to do the same. The ripple effect of self-acceptance is extraordinary. At Brown Skin Brunchin’, I’ve watched women step into their power, connect with others, and achieve things they once thought impossible.
Loving yourself isn’t selfish—it’s revolutionary. It’s about claiming your space in the world unapologetically. It’s about walking boldly in your truth and understanding that you don’t need permission to be amazing.
A Call to Action
As we step into 2025, I encourage you to embrace the journey of loving yourself fiercely. Let go of comparison, silence your inner critic, and honor the beautiful, complicated, and extraordinary person that you are.
At Brown Skin Brunchin’, we believe in the power of community to uplift and inspire. Whether you join us at a brunch, download our app, or connect with us online, know that you are part of something special—a community of women who see you, celebrate you, and love you for exactly who you are.
This February, and every month after, let’s commit to loving ourselves fiercely. The world needs the light that only you can bring.
Connect with Lillian
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