Nowadays, we use the term “self-love” a lot, yet its true meaning often eludes us. Is it synonymous with selfishness or narcissism? The answer is no.
Self-love is not about putting oneself above others; rather, it’s about treating oneself with the same care, forgiveness, attention, and understanding as you would a best friend. Self-love involves being kind to yourself, forgiving mistakes, and embracing life as a journey. It includes treating one’s body with respect, self-acceptance, and expressing gratitude for little things. It’s a continuous journey of building a healthy and positive connection with yourself. When your inner dialogue turns negative, stop yourself and ask if you would speak to a friend like this. Self-love starts with treating yourself like a friend, showing kindness and compassion to yourself during difficult times and accepting yourself, just as you are.
Self-acceptance plays a pivotal role in fostering self-love and confidence. Comparing yourself to others is the downfall of confidence. The first step is recognising when a comparison occurs and gaining insights from it. Just because you don’t have something that some else does, whether it’s clothes, body type, hair length or style, doesn’t mean you are any less valued. Our worth in this world is not attached to your looks or material items. You are perfect just as you are.
Accepting yourself involves separating achievements or failures from your intrinsic value. This is a lifelong journey that requires constant work. Tools to aid self-acceptance include forgiveness, self-compassion, mindfulness, appreciating one’s abilities, celebrating personal strengths, and connecting with a supportive community.
Learning to accept oneself and in turn loving yourself, is a transformative journey that brings peace and calm to life. It requires intentional efforts, self-compassion, and a shift in perspective. Embracing self-love and acceptance contributes not only to personal well-being but also to fostering confidence and positive connections with others.
“Self-love, self-respect, self-worth: There’s a reason they all start with ‘self.’ You can’t find them in anyone else.” – Unknown