So, here’s the tea ☕: I used to think self-love was just a fancy term for bubble baths and face masks. Like, sure, those are great, but honey, it’s so much more than that. Self-love is the foundation of everything—your confidence, your relationships, your career, your glow. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to glow? ✨
I’ll admit, I wasn’t always this enlightened. There was a time when I’d look in the mirror and immediately zone in on the things I didn’t like. My thighs? Too jiggly. My hair? Too frizzy. My laugh? Too loud. Sound familiar? It’s like we’re programmed to pick ourselves apart. But one day, I had this epiphany: what if I stopped focusing on what I wasn’t and started celebrating what I was?
Here’s the thing: self-love isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being kind to yourself, even when you’re a hot mess. It’s about giving yourself permission to take up space, to make mistakes, to be human. And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.
Let’s start with the basics. Self-love begins with self-awareness. You can’t love yourself if you don’t know yourself. I started by asking myself some hard questions: What do I really want? What makes me happy? What drains my energy? It was like peeling back layers of an onion (cue the tears 🥲). But it was worth it because I started to understand my needs, my boundaries, and my values.
Boundaries, by the way, are everything. I used to be a people-pleaser, saying yes to everything and everyone until I was completely burnt out. Sound familiar? It’s like we’re taught to put everyone else’s needs before our own. But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s self-care. It’s saying, “Hey, I matter too.”
Another big one? Letting go of comparison. Ugh, this one’s tough. With social media, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. But here’s the thing: everyone’s journey is different. Your path is yours, and that’s what makes it beautiful. So, unfollow anyone who makes you feel less than, and start curating your feed to inspire and uplift you.
Now, let’s talk about self-compassion. This is where the magic happens. I used to beat myself up over every little mistake. Missed a deadline? I’m a failure. Gained a few pounds? I’m lazy. But then I realized: would I talk to my best friend like that? Absolutely not. So why was I talking to myself that way? Self-compassion is about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a loved one. It’s about saying, “Hey, you’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough.”
And let’s not forget about self-expression. This is where you get to have fun. Whether it’s through fashion, art, music, or writing, expressing yourself is a powerful form of self-love. For me, it’s dancing in my living room like no one’s watching (even though my neighbors probably are 👀). It’s about letting go of judgment and embracing your unique vibe.
Finally, self-love is a journey, not a destination. Some days, you’ll feel like a goddess. Other days, you’ll feel like a gremlin. And that’s okay. The important thing is to keep showing up for yourself, even on the hard days. Because you’re worth it.
So, here’s my challenge to you: start small. Maybe it’s writing down one thing you love about yourself every day. Maybe it’s saying no to something that drains your energy. Maybe it’s dancing in your living room like a maniac. Whatever it is, do it with love. Because when you love yourself, you give others permission to do the same.