Self-Love Series: Pre-Day 1
Women are the foundation of life; the creators of substance and matter. Yet we often endure the weight of matters we never created, that never considered our opinions, our needs. So, when my mess weighed heavy and my thoughts were in chaos with the universe, I ran to creators: women. I nestled myself in their mystical ability to create strength from sexual assault like Queen and Sitoria, I found respite in the hopes of tomorrows like Shannon, Kai….so many others. The Self-love contributors helped weave my cocoon when I was a wounded chrysalis. They reminded me that pain always evolves into beauty and all things- both good and evil- are temporary. We are all in a metamorphosis to become something greater when we don’t resist change and we intentionally cling to light, nourishment, and love.
Love’s meaning changed when I chose to love myself. I no longer clung to comparison as the standard of how I perceived my life’s goals. I firmly resisted people and spaces that did not serve my greater good. I allowed life to gently heal my broken places and undo the unhealthy behaviors I used to cope with my depression. Gratitude came to me and revealed the beauty of blades of grass, ladybugs, smiles, and new days. Joy warmed me from within and allowed me to emanate it out into the cold world. People who sought God’s purpose in their lives began to walk with me on my journey. I was freed from an illusion that love didn’t love me. I just never allowed it to because I never knew I was love all along.
Women were integral to the self-love series and my self-love journey, but now I am ready to delve into my counterpart, my masculine self, and learn from men, so I may be more empathetic to their experiences and I gain insight as someone’s future wife (Lord, I said it out loud).
This year I have asked men, specifically black men, to share their self-love journeys to dispel the myths that black males are just commodified bodies and shallow souls. Yes, there is a certain level of privilege attached to masculinity, but an articulation of male mental health, joy and heartbreak are seemingly still taboo.
“Black boy joy” is necessary and the journey to that internal place is even more difficult for black men, since they have generationally been taught to “not cry” and to internalize their pain. Not here. I have asked the upcoming guests the same questions in hopes that they recognize self-love, self-care, mental health, healthy relationships don’t belong to one gender or sexual identity. It’s a human necessity, a human right.
You have the right to feel loved and joyful.
For those who arrive at confidence, self-care, and joy through music check out the Self-Love Series Playlist below: