Why Loving Yourself is Non-negotiable: (Black & White are Just Colors)
It’s 2024 and society is still trying to keep us in a box. Still dividing us into categories. One of the most radical things we can do is love ourselves—just as we are. This isn’t about ego or narcissism; it’s about recognizing our worth, celebrating our uniqueness, and understanding that we’re enough.
I just watched a video of a man who is clearing AA saying how he took a DNA test and was shocked and upset to find out that he has an African bloodline. He went on to say that because he has light skin and fine hair he never felt accepted in the black community that he grew up in. His video prompted me to write this piece. I can’t give him credit because it was shared multiple times and his name was not on the video.
I want to talk about why self-love is essential and how the idea of black and white as defining ideologies is a social construct that has no place in our journey to self-acceptance.
The Power of Self-Love
First things first, let’s talk about why loving yourself matters. When you love yourself, you’re essentially saying, “I see my flaws, my quirks, and my strengths, and I embrace them all.” Self-love is the foundation of a healthy, happy life. It’s what allows you to set boundaries, pursue your passions, and attract positive relationships.
Without self-love, we often find ourselves seeking validation from others, bending over backward to meet expectations that don’t align with our true selves. This can lead to burnout, resentment, and a constant feeling of inadequacy. On the flip side, when you cultivate self-love, you’re better equipped to handle life’s challenges. You become your own biggest cheerleader, and that confidence shines through in everything you do.
Black and White: More Than Just Colors
Now, let’s address the whole black and white issue. The idea that these colors represent something more than just shades on a spectrum is purely man-made. Black and white, as ideologies, have been used to divide, classify, and create hierarchies among people. But let’s be real—at the end of the day, we’re all human.
Think about it: if you strip away the labels society has imposed on us, what’s left? Flesh, bones, emotions, dreams, fears—all the things that make us human. The notion that one group is superior or inferior based on the color of their skin is a social construct, not a reflection of our true nature.
We’ve all been conditioned to see differences where there shouldn’t be any. But when we embrace the idea that black and white are just colors, we open ourselves up to a more inclusive, compassionate worldview. We stop seeing each other as “us” versus “them” and start recognizing the shared humanity that binds us all.
Embracing Our Common Humanity
So, how does this tie back to self-love? When we love ourselves, we’re better equipped to love others—regardless of the label’s society has slapped on them. Self-love helps us break down the barriers that keep us divided. It reminds us that we all have the same basic needs: to be seen, heard, and loved for who we are.
When you love yourself, you start to see that everyone else is on their own journey, too. You begin to empathize with their struggles, understand their perspectives, and appreciate their differences. And in doing so, you contribute to a world where the lines between black and white blur into a beautiful mosaic of human experience.
Final Thoughts
Loving yourself isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a necessity. It’s the key to living a life that’s true to who you are, free from the constraints of societal expectations. And when it comes to black and white as ideologies? Let’s leave those outdated notions where they belong—in the past. We’re all human, and that’s something worth celebrating. So go ahead, love yourself fiercely, and watch as that love transforms the world around you.
Love & Light
The Self-Love Goddess Chic
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