“Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am.” – Janelle Monáe
Self-love is a process of recognizing one’s own potential and worth, and accepting oneself fully, flaws and all. It is about taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional needs, as well as accepting and embracing who you are. It’s more than just treating yourself kindly or thinking positively; it’s about feeling empowered by your own unique individual strengths and qualities.
Self-love is an integral part of Black history. Throughout the centuries, the African diaspora have had to navigate the world and face extreme adversity, yet have still held fast to the importance of self-care, self-reflection and self-appreciation. From Frederick Douglass to Paul Robeson to Audre Lorde, Black folks have vocally proclaimed their right to love themselves in the face of systemic oppression, inspiring generations to come. Self-love and self-affirmation are essential components of Black history, and serve as a reminder that our liberation comes through bolstering ourselves and one another.
Although self-love can be difficult to maintain, especially if you’re going through a challenging or oppressive time, it is important to remember that it is a process that takes time and effort.
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Here are some tips to help you develop a healthy practice of self-love:
1. Accept your flaws – We all have things about ourselves that we would like to change or improve, but it’s important to remind yourself that these flaws don’t define you. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of yourself and your life.
2. Say nice things to yourself – Practicing positive affirmations can help you start to think better of yourself. Make sure to focus on the things that you like about yourself, even if they are small, rather than pointing out all of the things you wish were different.
3. Praise your successes – Don’t be afraid to recognize and acknowledge your accomplishments, big or small. This will help build up your self-confidence, which is an essential part of self-love.
4. Prioritize “me time” – Taking care of yourself and engaging in activities you enjoy can help you stay connected to who you are as a person and boost your self-esteem. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or watching your favorite movie, make sure to take some time each day or week to do something just for you.
5. Find a support system – Developing relationships with people who support and accept you can be an invaluable resource for learning how to love yourself. Reach out to family, friends, colleagues, or even a therapist if needed, who can provide guidance and understanding during times when self-love may seem hard to come by.
Self-love is fundamental for overall well-being, so make sure to take the steps necessary to cultivate it in your life above all else. With patience and practice, you can learn to appreciate the qualities that make you unique and accept yourself for who you are.
As someone that identifies as a Black person, we have always had to find ways to love and accept ourselves despite pervasive external forces that have sought to tear us down. From generational trauma to racial discrimination and oppression, Black people have had to continually fight for respect and recognition as equals, while also maintaining a strong sense of self-love. This has been especially difficult throughout the decades, as societal norms have favored those who fit into certain physical and cultural standards. Even in the struggle for freedom and human rights, we must recognize how important it is to love ourselves. Self-love allows us to stay grounded in our own worth, and to serve as a source of empowerment for each other. It helps us to not only build our resilience but also effectively fight for justice. As we continue to honor our long history of Black excellence, let’s also remember to practice self-love.