The Easter Eggs in ‘Flowers’ hints at Miley Cyrus’ break-up with ex-husband Liam Hemsworth. Add on that the song is a response to Bruno Mars’ 2012 hit ‘When I was your man’ makes this song an instant hit. However, the underlying message to fans is not just about these easter eggs, but rather one of self-love and empowerment.
‘Flowers’, the song is so appropriately titled. Flowers start from seeds, something small and seemingly insignificant, just like loving ourselves. Like people, seeds come in different shapes, some circular, some oval, while others a bit oddly shaped with one side bigger than the other. All different but equally valuable despite their odd shapes. We plant them in the soils in the hope of seeing beauty later on. Then through the seasons and winters of our lives, the flowers bloom.
That is exactly what Miley sings about in her latest song – how flowers bloom and grow, how WE can bloom and grow.
Photo taken from Miley’s Instagram: @mileycyrus
‘Paint my nails, cherry red. Match the roses that you left’
Images of self-love usually show one going to the spa, getting a facial or bubble bath. But often times, self-love takes the form of setting boundaries, accepting your past and mistakes, or building self-confidence. These practices of self-love may not come as easily and naturally to us. Some days, self-love can be taking two steps back to figure out whether what you are doing really works for you – and that’s okay. Self-love comes in many forms and is different for everyone, so do what you think is best for you and your growth!
Photo taken from Miley’s Instagram: @mileycyrus
‘Write my name in the sand’
Self love is not an overnight achievement. It takes time to weed out unhelpful thoughts and actions, a flow of affirmations and encouragement that one is growing well, and some tough love when making changes in one’s automatic habits and thought processes.
No matter where you are in your relationship with yourself, what you invest positively in yourself will always stand the test of time.
Gif taken from : https://media.giphy.com/media/jl4woNuqPSXCVHH6fC/giphy.gif
‘I can love me better than you can.’
‘Flowers’ is not just an anthem for singles, but for everyone. As Miley sings about not wanting her relationship to end (just like most of us, fresh from a breakup), she ultimately realises that everything circles back to one person – herself. Knowing how to value yourself teaches others how to treat and value you. Loving and giving herself what she wants from a partner can be incredibly powerful and liberating.
Like buying yourself flowers.
Photo taken from “Flowers” Music Video
Here’s what you can do if you’re taking those baby steps like Miley to “love myself better”.