Self-Love

Greetings, I would like to take this time to  write about my journey towards self love. I know what you are all thinking, "Of course I love myself!" But truly... how much of us actually like who we are? When we were born, we were playful, curious and unconditionally loving. We loved playing in the sun and running around the playground until we were out of breath. We would run out of the house without even taking a glance at the mirror to see if our peanut butter sandwich was still smeared across our face! When I was younger, my fashion choices were: anything colourful and glittery! I remember picking out sparkly bootcut jeans and a ruffled shirt for my first day of 4th grade. When I look back at school photos I saw myself wearing such bold fashion choices with the hugest smile painted on my face! When we reach a certain age, we are told that we need to dress professionally or like an "adult". That led to my wardrobe being filled with clothes that I believed would lead to me being accepted in society. Dark and neutral colours that didn't draw too much attention and a ton of work attire-- so that I would always look sharp and educated.

Time For Change

          The shift was gradual and if it weren't for my vivid memory skills (and photographs) I would have thought I always dressed like this. It was only in the past few years I became aware of how much I have changed. I wanted to feel that spark again-- to bring my creativity back. One day, I decided to go to the mall and gave myself the "go ahead" to buy the first thing that caught my eye! No matter how outlandish it looked, if it grabbed my attention, I would wear it. The first thing I saw when I walked into Urban Outfitters was a mannequin wearing pastel purple bell bottoms with a white graphic tee that had a crop fit to it. It grabbed my attention, when suddenly the self-deprecating thoughts kicked in... "It's nice, but I could never pull that off" and "What would people think if I changed my style so drastically?" I decided to go against my thoughts and went to try it on. Once I looked in the mirror I found this to be the perfect outfit and I bought it with no hesitation. That day I made a promise to myself; if I like it, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. If it's me against the world, then so be it. After that experience, I embarked on a mission.. to fill my life with things and experiences that bring me joy and happiness! 

Comparison The Thief Of Joy

          In the world of social media, it is so easy to compare ourselves with others. We may not even realize how much we try to be a carbon copy of the rest of the world! Influencers are all wearing the same brands which cause us to subconsciously want to buy these things so we can fit in. We place our happiness on material things so that one day we will be able to afford these things and finally be at peace. Or so we thought. Influencers get sent these luxury goods for free-- on top of being paid-- to promote these "luxury" lifestyles to their viewers. Brands understand the bond influencers have with their followers so they invest in them instead of spending money on traditional advertisements. After deleting social media for a few months, I found myself discovering brands that are affordable and some that are eco-friendly. I got rid of the idea that I NEEDED designer bags and clothing and would find items that suited me and were affordable! I no longer allowed society to dictate what clothes I would wear. Right now my closet is filled with clothing from every colour of the rainbow! The range of colours and fabrics make my wardrobe look like I am a part time unicorn! I hope this blog post inspires you to remove the veil and see your true self. The parts of you that have been hidden from the world out of shame and feelings of guilt. We are all unique like the stars that we see in  the sky. Within us all is a blueprint of how we are designed to show up in the world. Don't let those who can't see your heart dictate how you should live your life. Whatever it is you do, do it because you feel guided to, and like the Phoenix, it is time to rise from the ashes and shine as bright as you can!

      I wanted to end this blog post with a few poems by my favourite author... you guessed it, Rumi.

Don’t go away, come near.
Don’t be faithless, be faithful.
Find the antidote in the venom.
Come to the root of the root of yourself.

Molded of clay, yet kneaded
from the substance of certainty,
a guard at the Treasury of Holy Light —
come, return to the root of the root of your Self.

Once you get hold of selflessness,
You’ll be dragged from your ego
and freed from many traps.
Come, return to the root of the root of your Self.

You are born from the children of God’s creation,
but you have fixed your sight too low.
How can you be happy?
Come, return to the root of the root of your Self.

You were born from a ray of God’s majesty
and have the blessings of a good star.
Why suffer at the hands of things that don’t exist?
Come, return to the root of the root of your Self.

You are a ruby embedded in granite.
How long will you pretend it’s not true?
We can see it in your eyes.
Come to the root of the root of your Self.

You came here from the presence of that fine Friend,
a little drunk, but gentle, stealing our hearts
with that look so full of fire; so,
come, return to the root of the root of your Self.

Poem by Mevlâna Jalâluddîn Rumi

Translated by Kabir Helminski

Love, 

Amera Athena