Radical Self Love: A Motto & Talisman
Gala Darling is spending the entire month of February dedicating her posts & podcasts to radical self love..and I more than kind of think it’s a fab idea. Kind of no surprise as I’m a very hippie centric person. Although it has been argued that even though I wear absurd hats, big ass jewelry, and am a vegetarian, the fact that I don’t use recreational drugs (or smell like patchouli) pretty much negates my standing as a hippie. But I’ll let you be the judge of that.
My 26th birthday is only a few short weeks away & so it seems like this month is the perfect time to make some life changes. I have to thank Gala for introducing me to the long version of my life motto. If I could live my life in anyway, and I certainly plan on it, it would be following this advice -
“So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, & demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long & its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people & grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food & for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one & no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools & robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep & pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song & die like a hero going home.”
— Tecumseh
The shorter version of this would be a line from one of Emily Dickinson’s poems, “Forever is composed of nows.” Gala suggests that anyone participating in a February’s radical self love movement get themselves a totem to remind them of their dedication. Girl, I am way a head of you on that. I recently had a ring custom made by Delias Thompson and imprinted with Emily Dickinson’s suggestion that we embrace the present. It looks a little something like this and I really encourage everyone to check out Delias shop and commission her for a piece. I think these rings make such sweet gifts to yourself and others, and they are far more attractive than post-it notes.
My mother always says that I have a big mouth and my reasoning is this – I want nothing in my life that I am ashamed of. I want to be able to speak freely about my life and feel confident in my decisions and actions. If I should do something wrong, I want to be able to recognize it, to own it, to take responsibility for it, to learn from it, and to share my experience and what I’ve learned with others. Be proud of who you are and take no prisoners in life.
I love Gala’s challenge. Unfortunately, I have about 3 journals currently active – 2 for fiction writing and one to keep a kind of “heart log” which kind of sounds like a self-love bible, but is actually an outlet for my inner Hulk-rage over my health
I think my website is my totem – it serves as a reminder that I am worth something and what I have to say is of value because it is positive and honest.
Very darling ring, a superb suggestion!
Bravo! Very lovely and inspiring.
Cheers to radical self love!
Also the first bit about being a hippie without patchouli and recreational drug use COMPLETELY RESONATES with me.
I cannot count the times people storm off in anger when I try to convince them I do not in fact smoke weed or burn patchouli haha.
I love the motto you have chosen. And I just think this whole Self-Love is just so positive. A wonderful idea and I need some more optimism in my life.
Honey, I think we all do!