Self-Love as a Divine Act

Love Yourself Directed by Khary Safari

“Love your neighbour as yourself.”

Growing up, I took this phrase at face value, never questioning its deeper implications. But one truth became evident over time: if you don’t truly love yourself, how can you extend that love to anyone else?

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A Moment of Realization

Ten years ago, at 3 a.m., I found myself in a surreal moment of introspection. The air was crisp, heavy with a metallic silence, and the cool blades of grass kissed the edge of my foot.

I stood in my backyard in Horsham, a quaint, beautiful town in Australia’s Wimmera region.

Smoking my first joint of the day—or, to be honest, my third of the night—I gazed up at the Southern Cross glittering above.

A shooting star streaked across the heavens, and I felt like a dream caught in the midst of a wish.

The neighbors next door weren’t home that Sunday morning. While they often disapproved of my recreational habits, I was alone with my vices.

Now, I understand their disapproval stemmed from a place of self-love—not necessarily for me, but for themselves.

They cared enough to avoid the things that didn’t serve their health or spirit.

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Meanwhile, I was stuck in a cycle of sorrow, smoke and cold flames while drowning in the haunting sounds of House of Balloons by The Weeknd.

While my friends basked in sunlight, listening to upbeat pop music, sharing memes, and choosing joy, their actions reflected love for themselves.

In February 2015, "Minyip-Murtoa recruit Earl Moreno on journey of self-realisation" The Wimmera Mail-Times featured my story in an article about my journey of self-realization and finding God.

Earl Monero, playing for the Toronto Central Blues

E.M.Lourde featured in Wimmera Mail Times

E.M.Lourde featured in Wimmera Mail Times

That pivotal piece, marked the moment I began to see myself through a lens of love and faith. I had been featured in press in Toronto and Melbourne for sports and always enjoyed team sports featured on CP24 for going JR. Team Canadas Australian Rules Football Team "Wolf Pack" and received a press release from Melbourne Australias Hampton Rovers

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What Does It Truly Mean to Love Yourself?

Loving yourself is more than indulgence; it’s a daily act of honoring your values, individuality, and faith.

For me, the journey to self-love has been both spiritual and practical: reconciling my trust in God, my purpose, and my modern understanding of well-being.

Small Steps Toward Change

It all started with small steps, like adopting a vegetarian diet. Almost immediately, I noticed changes:

• Better sleep
• Improved mental health
• Deeper prayer

These simple acts of care built a foundation that helped me show up for myself in ways I hadn’t imagined before.

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Faith and Self-Love: Finding Balance

Growing up with St. Lucian roots, the love of God was imprinted in my heart by my grandmother and mother.

Their faith was my foundation. Yet, for years, I equated selflessness with neglecting myself.

But Christ’s example taught me differently. He showed that service comes from fullness, not depletion.

When Jesus healed others, He also withdrew to pray and rest. His life was a balance of giving and replenishing—a lesson that transformed how I viewed self-love.

This understanding became a foundation for my song Love Yourself, a reflection of the inner work it takes to balance faith, discipline, and self-worth.

LOVE YOURSELF ON SPOTIFY

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Lessons from My Journey

Ten years later, I’ve discovered that true self-love is holistic. It’s spiritual, emotional, and practical. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:

1. Celebrate Your Strengths

Thank God for your gifts. Whether it’s creativity, empathy, or resilience, use them with purpose.

2. Forgive Yourself

Let go of past mistakes. Trust in God’s grace to move forward.

3. Set Boundaries

Protect your energy by saying no to what doesn’t align with your values.

4. Invest in Your Well-Being

Treat your body as a temple. Sleep, eat well, and exercise. These acts of care honor God’s creation.

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Empathy and Service Through Self-Love

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is this: when you love yourself, you’re better equipped to serve others. True empathy begins with understanding your own worth.

When I reflect on my youth, I realize now disapproving adults were practicing love—both for themself and for me. Their respect for personal boundaries and my humanity taught me a lesson I couldn’t see back then.

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Trusting God in the Journey

Self-love doesn’t replace faith—it strengthens it. Trusting in God means believing you are worthy of love and growth.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

So, love yourself—through faith, discipline, and self-awareness. And trust in God to guide you every step of the way.

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Written by E.M.Lourde January 14 2025