Valentine's Day will be here before you know it.
And, whether you're single, taken, or something different (what some might call 'complicated'), you feel one way or another regarding the 'holiday'.
I'm not going to lie; since I was little, I have always enjoyed Valentine's Day if for nothing else besides all of the pink hearts! (Is it easy to tell that my favorite color is pink?)
But, no matter how you feel about the holiday and no matter your respective relationship status, you should make it a point to love yourself first. Because, to paraphrase a quote by the lovely RuPaul, "How in the heck can you love somebody else if you can't love yourself!?"
And while I'm on the subject of quotes, another important quote by one of my favorite rappers comes to mind. The one and only Eminem expressed on my favorite song of his Sing For The Moment that, "music can alter moods and talk to you."
I very much agree with that statement. And, no matter how you feel about Valentine's Day or ignore it all together, here are some tunes that are best described as self-love anthems.
1. I Can by Nas
Nas is probably my favorite living rapper of all time. And, this song really solidified that. This song tells the truth that, everyone “can be what [they] want to be,” and even more so if “[they] work hard at it.” The beat of the song incorporates some piano and is best described as hypnotic. Put this track on repeat a few times as a confidence booster and go and do anything that you set your mind and heart to.
2. Survivor by Destiny's Child featuring Da Brat
Here's a song about holding on and continuing to do your thing no matter who walks out on you. This song serves as a reminder that you can and will make it through any storm, tough as that might seem in the moment. Have no fear because you are "gonna make it..." and then have the strength to "keep on surviving".
3. Can't Hold Us Down-Christina Aguilera feat. Lil Kim
This one is for my ladies! This song is very much a female empowerment anthem as well as an anthem to keep believing in yourself when the world is telling you to quit. Don't quit: KEEP GOING! As the gorgeous and my fellow pale-Latina songstress that is Christina croons in the song, remember: "Nobody can hold us down!"
4. I'm Still Standing by Elton John
Before I begin, yes, this is an older song and you can feel free to hate on my love for 80s music or what some of my friends refer to as 'old people music'. If you want a more 'modern version' of the song, Taron Egerton covered it in the film, Sing. (Though, nothing compares to the original, in my opinion). Anyway, this song is yet another survival anthem all while acknowledging that survivor territory can be scary to navigate but, you can do it and don't need any help. Especially since you got out of a bad place on your own. Though, if you do need help, don't hesitate to ask for it from those who are truly there for you.
Hope these tracks inspire you all to love yourselves if you don't already.
