Okay, so let’s get real for a second. 🕊️ Have you ever felt like you’re constantly running on a treadmill, trying to keep up with everyone’s expectations—your boss, your friends, your family, even your dog (yes, my dog judges me when I don’t take him on his evening walk)? 🙃 I was there. Exhausted, overwhelmed, and honestly, a little lost. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of self-love. And no, I’m not talking about bubble baths and face masks (though those are great too). I’m talking about the kind of self-love that changes your life.
Let me take you back to where it all started. I was sitting in my apartment, scrolling through Instagram (as one does), and I came across this quote: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” It hit me like a ton of bricks. 🧱 I realized I’d been pouring everything I had into everyone else, but my own cup was bone dry. I was running on fumes, and it was time to refuel.
So, I decided to embark on this journey of self-love. And let me tell you, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. 🌦️ There were days when I felt like I was just faking it, pretending to care about myself when I really didn’t. But slowly, things started to shift.
One of the first things I did was start journaling. I know, I know, it sounds cliché, but hear me out. I didn’t just write about my day or my goals. I wrote letters to myself. Yes, actual letters. I’d sit down and write things like, “Dear Me, you’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough.” It felt weird at first, but over time, it became this beautiful ritual that helped me reconnect with myself.
Another game-changer for me was learning to set boundaries. 🚧 I used to be the kind of person who would say yes to everything—extra work projects, last-minute plans, you name it. But I realized that every time I said yes to something I didn’t really want to do, I was saying no to myself. So, I started saying no. And guess what? The world didn’t end. In fact, people respected me more for it.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on this journey is that self-love isn’t about being perfect. It’s about embracing your imperfections and loving yourself anyway. I used to beat myself up over every little mistake—burning dinner, forgetting a friend’s birthday, you name it. But now, I’ve learned to laugh at myself and move on. Life’s too short to dwell on the small stuff.
Another thing that’s helped me is practicing gratitude. 🌸 I started a gratitude journal where I write down three things I’m grateful for every day. Some days, it’s big things like my health or my family. Other days, it’s small things like my morning coffee or a good hair day. It’s amazing how focusing on the positive can shift your entire mindset.
I also started taking better care of my body. And no, I’m not talking about going on a crazy diet or spending hours at the gym. I’m talking about listening to my body and giving it what it needs. Sometimes that’s a yoga class, and sometimes it’s a nap. Both are equally important.
One of the most surprising things I’ve discovered on this journey is that self-love isn’t selfish. In fact, it’s the opposite. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to take care of others. It’s like the oxygen mask analogy—you have to put on your own mask before you can help someone else with theirs.
I’ve also learned that self-love is a journey, not a destination. There are still days when I struggle, when old habits creep back in, and I have to remind myself to be kind to myself. But that’s okay. Progress, not perfection, right?
So, if you’re feeling like I was—overwhelmed, exhausted, and a little lost—I encourage you to start your own journey of self-love. It doesn’t have to be big or dramatic. Start small. Write yourself a letter. Say no to something you don’t want to do. Take a nap. Whatever it is, just start. You deserve it.
And remember, self-love isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being human. It’s about embracing your flaws, celebrating your strengths, and treating yourself with the same kindness and compassion you’d show a friend. Because at the end of the day, you’re the only person you’re guaranteed to spend the rest of your life with. So, you might as well make it a good one.