By: Jennifer McMillen Smith, LISW-S, HIV Social Worker at MetroHealth Medical Center and medically reviewed by Ann K. Avery, MD, Infectious Disease Physician at MetroHealth Medical Center
One of the most important aspects of life is loving yourself. But we know that loving yourself doesn’t always come easy. Sometimes you just need another reminder from a friend, family member, or even your favorite artist. Sometimes it takes that little extra push to help you along your self-acceptance journey to be confident in your own skin and to be unapologetically YOU!
Sometimes the way we love ourselves comes from external sources like music.
How many self-love songs do you have on your playlist? Go ahead, get your phone out and start scrolling. We’ll wait for ya! How many of those songs are actually about hookups, catching feelings for the wrong person, blah blah blah? Probably a lot! Same storyline, different song. That’s not what we’re talking about.
If you’re in need of a self-love boost here are a few songs that can get you goin':
Self Care by Mac Miller
Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi
Reborn by Kids See Ghosts
Mad by Solange, featuring Lil Wayne
Go Gina by SZA
If you want something more old school…
Video by India.Arie
Three Little Birds by Bob Marley
Here are some more of our faves:
Lizzo – “Good As Hell”
Just had a break up? Lizzo has your back every damn time! Our favorite line & reminder? “Ohhhh girl, it’s time to kick off your shoes. Take a deep breath and focus on YOU!” I mean, who doesn’t need that reminder every once in a while?
Selena Gomez – “Lose You To Love Me”
If there’s one song about finding yourself again, it’s this one. This is such a beautifully raw ballad about letting go of someone you once loved so you can find yourself again. I mean, the title of the song says it best: Lose YOU to love ME!
Ariana Grande – “thank u, next”
Oh maannn, this song is one of our favs! If you’re in the mood to really feel yourself and gain some instant confidence in the badass you are, this song should definitely be included! Her message in this song is all about her exes that taught her everything she wants and doesn’t want in a partner, and how to love yourself along the way!
Demi Lovato – “Confident”
We stan Demi! Not only does she have a powerhouse voice, but her lyics and story are always 100% authentically her! This song is no different. The one lyric that stands out to us the most in the fun song is: “What’s wrong with being confident?” Great question, Demi! Answer: NOTHINGGGGGG! This beat will without a doubt make you wonder why you ever didn’t love yourself before!
Nicki Minaji ft. Beyonce – “Feeling Myself”
Of course we had to include Nicki & Beyonce on our list! Whenever we’re really feeling down, we put this song on to instantly cheer us up. This confidence boost from these two fierce women really remind us that you can feel yourself no matter what!
We hope these go-to songs remind YOU of just how worthy, badass, resilient, amazing, talented, and strong you are!! Even if you aren’t sure these types of songs are your kind of music, just give them a try when you’re feeling down and trust us you’ll be feeling yourself all day long!!