Go on. Make a list. It can be a person, it can be a place, it doesn’t have to be tangible … Think of 5 things! Most people will think about money, their soulmate, friends, or maybe their job even? Most people will mention something that creates happiness or positivity. I ask, how many people named themselves?
The Traditional Definition of ‘Love’
Arguably, the definition of ‘love’ is invalid because love is subjective and holds different interpretations. Love is so misinterpreted and misunderstood, that anyone can love anything for any reason. I can love my best friend because she loved me when no one else did. I can love my teacher because he taught me how to pass my exams. I can love the pole at the end of the road because I didn’t walk into it on that Monday morning – well I did, but never mind.
Your reason for loving something may seem invalid, but no one can tell you that you’re wrong. Arguably, loving yourself is hopefully something that is right. Self-recognition is a vital trait that allows an individual to emotionally and spiritually grow. Is it wrong to say that we should remember to love ourselves? Is it selfish to say that we love ourselves more than we love money or love our new car? It’s appropriate to love yourself because without yourself, you’re nothing – literally!
So, perhaps the top 5 things you love still may not include yourself. But if I was to ask you to write a list of all the things you love, how long would it take you to name yourself? You may not particularly like the way your hair is today, or you may not exactly like how different your eyebrows have become! Putting all the irrelevant things to the side, I hope more people realise that they do, in fact, love themselves. If you don’t love yourself, who else will? So go on, change that list, and put that smile back on your face!
The New Definition of Love
‘Love’ doesn’t have to solely be for another person, it can be for yourself too. It doesn’t have to only be a warm personal attachment to another person, it can also be content self-acceptance. Why not? It’s not vanity, its self-recognition. An issue that society has been ignoring for too long.
Why must love be so difficult to define? Today, make it easy, make it about you.
Truth is, love has no definition. But it will have meaning once you accept it. It can still be about loving someone else or something else. Just remember, love is only complete if you remember to love yourself.
Maybe start off with a compliment a day! Is that too much? Okay, take it slow then. I wouldn’t want to be the reason for a new narcissistic species emerging. Don’t blame me. That won’t happen. But the new attitude towards love could bring about the better in individuals. If you can’t love yourself, you may find it hard to love someone else. Call me a hippie, or call me honest – I’m just saying what needs to be said.
I bet your name is on someone else’s list, why can’t it be on yours?
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