Have you joined the self-love club?
WHY SELF-LOVE IS THE BEST LOVE!
In our fast-paced lives, it's all too easy to neglect the most important relationship we'll ever have – the one with ourselves. Welcome to a transformative exploration of the profound concept that is often underestimated yet holds the key to true contentment: self-love. In this blog, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, unraveling the multifaceted layers of well-being, from the physical to the emotional, and uncovering the powerful connection between self-love and a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle.
The relationship you have with yourself is the most important relationship you will ever have - this is how you show up for yourself, how you speak to yourself, and how you think of yourself. Loving yourself and showing yourself love, respect, and grace will not only allow you to live a happier life but this will transcend into how you allow others to treat you as well.
This sounds simple, but self-love is not easy for all of us - myself included. During my younger years, I struggled with self-doubt and low self-esteem, which made loving myself almost impossible. However, with some self-reflection, commitment, and work I was able to repair my relationship with myself, and…. the good news is SO CAN YOU!
Let’s dive in!
GET TO KNOW YOURSELF
Taking some time alone is the first step towards self-love. It helps you understand yourself better. I can relate to this because I used to move from one failed relationship to another, trying to be someone that I thought others would love. However, I realized that this was due to my low self-worth and lack of self-love. When I decided to get to know myself deeply, I could identify what I wanted in life. This involved the kind of lifestyle I wanted to live, where I wanted to live, and what traits I valued in a partner.
Once you have spent some time reflecting on your past, you can identify the things that no longer serve you and figure out what you want for your future. To set yourself up for success in the future, it is important to understand where you are currently and where you want to be. A good way to achieve this is to start doing the things that your future self would do. For instance, if your future self is a healthy and fit person, you can start eating healthier and working out regularly. Similarly, if your future self is in a different career than your current one, you can start working towards that change by taking relevant classes, reading up on the subject, and so on.
2. invest in your overall health
Caring for our health is an act of profound self-love, an investment in our well-being that echoes the sentiment that we are deserving of care and attention. Engaging in regular exercise, nourishing our bodies with wholesome foods, and prioritizing sufficient rest are not merely routines; they are declarations of self-worth. As we make choices that contribute to our physical vitality, we send a resounding message to ourselves that our bodies are sacred vessels worthy of love and respect.
This commitment to health becomes a tangible expression of self-love, enhancing our energy, resilience, and overall quality of life. When we prioritize our health, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering the extraordinary potential for love and acceptance that resides within. It's an empowering cycle – the more we care for our health, the more we fortify the foundation upon which our self-love blossoms.
3. SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES
Setting healthy boundaries is akin to laying the foundation for a fortress of self-love. When we establish clear limits that honor our emotional, physical, and mental well-being, we send a powerful message to ourselves – that our needs are valid and deserve respect. These boundaries act as a shield, protecting us from the demands and expectations that can erode our sense of self.
By saying no when necessary and fostering a space that nurtures our growth, we create an environment where self-love can flourish. Boundaries become the self-care ritual that reaffirms our worth, allowing us to prioritize our own needs without guilt. In this act of self-advocacy, we pave the way for a deeper connection with ourselves, fostering a love that is not only unconditional but also fortified by the strength of boundaries that honor the sacred space within which our self-love thrives.
LASTLY…
Loving yourself is different from being self-absorbed or narcissistic. Loving yourself is not saying “I’m perfect and have no flaws” it’s saying “ I love who I am but continuing to work on myself to be better” .
Doing so has mental, emotional, and physical health benefits. So whether you’re creating a new healthier routine or practicing establishing boundaries, find what self-love looks like for you. It’ll take time, but you might just learn to appreciate a whole new side of yourself!