Cultivating Self-Love for a Happier Life

Mike Johnson from The Bachelor franchise shares words of wisdom.

By Kaleen Luu

Long Beach State welcomed Mike Johnson from ABC’s The Bachelor franchise to speak on conquering insecurities and cultivating selflove. The Associated Students, Inc. and the Beach Wellness committee hosted the event, “Be Limitless with Mike Johnson,” over Zoom on Feb. 16.

The San Antonio, TX native is an international spokesperson, speaker and author of the bestselling book, Making The Love You Want. Johnson spent eight years in the Air Force before becoming America’s fan favorite on season 15 of The Bachelorette, returning in season six of Bachelor in Paradise.

After years of struggling with self-doubt and depression, the 33-year-old shifted his perspective to dedicate his time to inspire others. Johnson has worked as a mentor and spokesperson for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and co-founded a nonprofit to raise thousands of dollars to support female veterans.

“Never forget that our education doesn't stop,” he said. “I've learned just as much from millionaires as I have from people that have spent time in prison. Embrace the ability to learn from all of those that you encounter and take a humble approach."

As a testament to his tenacity, the television personality revealed that his tattoo, “Limitless,” is more than just words. He joined the conversation to share how to stop underestimating themselves and live a life of love and perseverance.

During the event, Johnson had participants write three positive things they liked about themselves on a mirror, and one badass comment to empower themselves.

“Tell yourself that you will succeed. Write your goals on a sticky note, write your goals on the mirror, microwave, on the car console, so you see it every single day,” Johnson said.

The following select questions were submitted by students for the event. Questions and answers are edited for clarity and length.

Self love is the precursor to finding love in someone else, yet why is romantic love stressed more than practicing self-love?

Love with someone else sells more. Reality TV is so popular [is] because we can get an escape, but we cannot escape self-care. Love with someone else is easier [and] we think to do that other than to be introspective and to look in the mirror.

I'm glad that we have Matt as our lead. To have one out of 25 bachelors be Black is atrocious. I got a lot of backlash for saying that, [but] to have zero Native American leads, zero Asian leads, zero any lead is atrocious. It's crazy.

What are your thoughts on The Bachelor finally having their first Black lead? How has your dating life changed since becoming famous?

I have certain people in my [messages] that I'm like, “Whoa! I used to watch you on TV,” which is kind of crazy. Also, y’all are mean sometimes! People would see I’m dating someone and they’d be going in. No matter what, no one is good enough for anybody on social media.

You write about cultivating selflove from within. What benefit can a support system provide?

All the negative comments... the most heinous things [that] they would never say my face, the aspect of having community is if those things were to get to me, I have my peer group to help me out.

What inspires you to get involved and give back to others?

It makes me feel good. I feel like I get to grow and I get to learn. I started this nonprofit for women veterans because [they] don't get the shine that they should. I'm part of the one percent of Americans who decided to volunteer my life. Women are the one percent of that one percent.

How does life as a public figure impact your mental health?

Your voice is heard by millions, that's why so many people that have influence are just quiet on certain subjects. For me, I have such a great supporting cast. My homies keep me in check, my sister definitely keeps me in check. She would tell me like it is! I take time to turn off my cell phone and just walk away for a little bit and just have time to be a human being without devices.