Louis Michael: Self love

I may have spoken about this before, but it’s a topic that’s close to my heart and a multifaceted issue that could be approached from a multitude of angles, so excuse me while I explore a new side of the subject. Self love. To me, quite possibly the most important thing in the world, a tenet of my existence and a guiding principle that acts as a lighthouse when I’m lost in the turbulent seas of life and emotion. And, unfortunately, also one of the most misunderstood and intentionally vilified matters in contemporary society.

Take a moment to think how many industries would go bankrupt overnight if everyone in the world woke up tomorrow morning loving themselves. Once you realise how many companies rely on your self consciousness to make their money you can begin to chip away at this blatant and savage lie that loving yourself isn’t right or ok. These industries have propagated a misconception that to love yourself is synonymous with arrogance. By doing this they corrupt the concept of self love and keep everyone in a perpetual state of self loathing, anxiety and fear, putting you in the perfect state to be receptive to their empty materialistic products they advertise as being able to fill the gaping hole in you left by your lack of self love. 

Don’t misunderstand me, I am by no means advocating for a world free of industries like clothing and make up and others of that ilk. But what I am a firm advocate for is a world in which greedy capitalistic corporations do not prey on the fragility and vulnerability of a society that has not yet embraced the transformational power of unconditional love for oneself and everyone else.

By capitalising on this they amplify and reinforce the idea that you are not the innately perfect and beautiful being that you are as soon as you are born. They steal away the truth of your reality and replace it with a painful lie that you are not worthwhile. It’s time to stop believing them.