Tips and Tricks for Loving Thyself This

By Yoyo Blackfire, Miss Renaissance Rising Star

1. Smile! Insecure about your teeth or gum health? Try a closed mouth smile. Or Smize! Smiling releases endorphins that combat stress and make you feel happier.

2. Masturbate. Self love starts within. Nobody knows you like you do, and if you can’t love yourself… well, they’re not paying me, but you know the rest! Spend some time worshiping your temple. Your body does a lot for you and you can return the favor. Whether you dance in circles on your own or with a consenting partner or friend, find your pleasure and indulge in release.

3. Think Before You Send That Message. (See #2) Make sure you’re spending your valuable time and energy on nouns that nourish you. Make sure you’re giving what you’re looking to receive. According to the Laws of Attraction, whatever you focus your energy on will come back to you, but if you’re putting out signals that aren’t being received—send those signals elsewhere and allow yourself the space to be received. “The Present is Perfect” so carpe diem and adjust your energy to manifest your fantasy into reality.

4. Treat Yo(Yo) Self. You work hard! Or maybe you don’t? That’s really none of my business. Schedule time for you and make it something to look forward to. Maybe you need to recharge with a good meal, and a night unplugged, or burn off some energy in nature, or on the dance floor. Find something that nourishes you and make it an event. I’m someone who needs a balance of solitude and social interaction. Sometimes treating myself means splurging for something new to wear, but lately I’ve been channeling my energies into projects that also provide me that something to look forward to, allowing me the opportunity to focus on my work while also accomplishing an enjoyable experience.

5. Practice Gratitude. The greatest gift I was ever given was the challenge of a gratitude journal. The challenge is to write down at least three things that you’re grateful for every day, with no repeats. It seems daunting at first. No repeats? Finding the gratitude in life wasn’t nearly as challenging as it was rewarding. Colors look more vibrant when you brighten up your point of view—or maybe that’s just the weed… It’s never too late to take a deep breath and find something to be grateful for.

6. Hydrate! We’re 66% water, and it’s true: water improves brain function, your skin will look better, and your organs will function better. You’ll feel better. I get it—it’s not easy to always stay hydrated. The path to success will be unique to the individual. Keep track of your water intake. For me it’s as simple as every time I pee, replacing some of the fluid I dispensed to maintain a healthy, neutral color. Too much pigment will let me know what my body needs to keep me healthy and happy so that I can smile, find gratitude, and make it to my next checkpoint in life with bigger, better, and more BLACKFIRE than ever.

Alwun House Exotic Art Show

This the longest-running exhibit of erotic and exotic art in the country, showcasing local and regional visual artists whose work ranges from provocative to playful, sensual to uninhibited. Scintillating! Titillating! Don’t miss the Erotic Poetry & Music Festival on Friday, February 17. 1204 E. Roosevelt St. in Phoenix. For tickets visit AlwunHouse.org

Opening February 10

Glass Menagerie

Meet Amanda, a faded Southern belle, her delicate daughter, Laura, her son, Tom, who brings home a Gentleman Caller to meet his sister. Tennessee Williams’ heartbreaking play about love, betrayal, and everything in between. Arizona Theatre Company, Herberger Theater Ctr., 222 E. Monroe St. in Phx. For tix & info visit ATC.org

Feb 16-March 5

The Music of John Williams in Concert

You won’t want to miss these selections from some of movie maestro John Williams’ most powerful film scores, including Star Wars, E.T., Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Saving Private Ryan, and more, composed by the movie maestro, John Williams performed by the Phoenix Symphony at Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St. Tix: PhoenixSymphony.org

February 17, 18, & 19

The Real Friends of WeHo

An unfiltered and honest look at a group of friends living, loving and pursuing their passions in the West Hollywood (Honest? Seriously? In WeHo?) revealing their “most intimate truths.” The cast who promises to reveal their (get ready for this) “authentic selves” *cough, cough* includes Todrick Hall.