By: Amanda Reseburg

We live in a world that places a strong focus on external validation. Internet “likes” and follows have become currency in our modern age, and people have proven they will do almost anything to garner love from others — even others they do not know. 

However, through the noise of social media validation, we find a reinvigorated movement leading people down a path of self-love as an antidote to this modern external fixation. Author and podcaster Cleanne Johnson has made self-love the center of her burgeoning media empire. Through insightful writing in multiple books and a podcast that focuses on the power of “I AM,” she seeks to help others along this journey called life. 

“Just as we require daily nourishment through food, self-love is a daily necessity for our overall well-being,” says Johnson. “Self-love results in respecting your body, appreciating life, and loving others as you desire to be loved.”

Creative from the Start 

Johnson is no stranger to creative pursuits. She has always been drawn to putting her thoughts down on paper and has immersed herself in performing since she was just five years old. Johnson found that writing was her safe haven, and she began to write books such as “Love My Colors” and “Beauty of Life: 101 Inspirational Quotes,” which were meant to inspire and show how self-love can be easy if one is open to it. 

As a child growing up on an island, Johnson struggled to feel accepted by her peers because of her skin color. She made the transition from the island to Edmonton, Alberta, still carrying her low self-esteem in this strange land. While traveling on the train in Edmonton one day, feeling low, Johnson was greeted by a woman who told her she was “beautiful and gorgeous” just out of the blue. 

Today, Johnson is hopeful she can be that woman on the train for others and shares her thoughts about self-love and creative pursuits not only through her books but also through a podcast called “Beauty of Colors.” “I believe everyone has a story that can help change someone’s life,” she says. 

Learning to Love Oneself

Each book or podcast episode Johnson brings to her audience is focused on service and support because she knows that confidence and self-love do not come easily to everyone. 

Through “Love My Colors,” Johnson speaks to all people — especially young people of color who may have been belittled or bullied due to their skin color — to explore why diversity matters and how to celebrate the beauty of every skin color. Through a fictional tale, Johnson summons her feelings as a young girl learning to love herself and her darker skin to help readers understand that once people feel more comfortable in their own skin, they can better celebrate themselves.

In “Beauty of Colors,” Johnson uses a series of poems to help people find a sense of purpose and belonging. “I wanted to draw people to the core of the Earth and help them realize that they are special,” she says. “When individuals explore their unique qualities, they may find it easier to develop self-appreciation.”

Similarly, writing “Beauty of Life: 101 Inspirational Quotes” and “Finding Beauty In and Out Confidence — Self-love — True Self” provided Johnson with an outlet that helped people practice self-love, care, and wellness. Through deep detail and hard-won insight, Johnson aims to encourage and inspire people to learn to love themselves and steel themselves against difficult times in their lives. Each of her literary works supports the topics surrounding self-love covered on her “Beauty of Colors” podcast.

Ultimately, however, it is only through learning to love herself that Johnson has been able to be of service to others. “When you love yourself, you are motivated to support others, impact lives, and make a difference in the world. Self-love has a contagious effect,” she explains. 

Johnson is hopeful that through her various creative contributions, others will find the benefits of self-love that have enriched her life. “Self-love leads to rewards such as peace, hope, and happiness. Practicing self-love creates positive communication within yourself and with those around you,” she says. “When you connect with your authentic self, the need for external validation naturally fades. By nurturing self-love and acceptance, you may find that new opportunities and a deeper sense of fulfillment begin to unfold in your life.”

Published by: Josh Tatunay