I believe self-love is the key to happiness. When you start loving yourself more and are content with yourself, you feel invincible…you feel free. But, for some of us, loving ourselves does not come so naturally. Our opinion of self is based on other people’s perspective of us. Instead of accepting ourselves, and loving ourselves the way we are, we tend to chase a romanticized version of ourselves that other people will like. But isn’t it tiring? I’ve been there, and I know it is.
So, if you are also exhausted, today we’ll discuss what it means to truly love yourself and what happens when you start accepting yourself just as you are.
What Does Loving Yourself Mean?
A word of caution before we proceed, self-love is way different than a romantic relationship. Yes, it is warm, beautiful, and comforting but it is also so much more.
Loving yourself means putting yourself first, even if it means being selfish at times. It’s about ensuring that you’re taking care of yourself before extending your energy to others. Think of it as making sure your own cup is full before you try to pour into someone else’s.
Loving yourself means accepting every part of who you are—even the quirks and imperfections. Maybe you sometimes find it hard to stay organized, or you get overwhelmed by emotions more often than you’d like. Perhaps you wish you could be more decisive or less anxious. Loving yourself means recognizing that these traits are part of your unique make-up. You can’t truly be yourself without acknowledging these facets.
Loving yourself is about showing compassion for your authentic self, not just the polished version you strive to be. It’s about understanding and embracing the real you—the one who makes mistakes, gets nervous, and has off days.
Loving yourself isn’t always easy; it requires courage and consistent effort. It means facing your fears and accepting your past, including all the missteps and wrong turns. But remember, it’s a journey that’s worth every step. It’s about understanding that your imperfections are what make you, well, perfectly you.
It also means being grateful for all parts of yourself—your quirks, your thoughts, your passions, and your emotions. It’s about celebrating every shade of who you are, from your brightest moments to your more challenging times. It is saying and believing – “This is me, all of me, and I’m proud of every bit.”
Now, this will be a long journey, but before you start, here is how your life will change once you start loving yourself.
7 Amazing Things That Happen When You Start Loving Yourself More
1. You will stop chasing validation
When you truly love yourself, the need for constant approval from others starts to fade away. You begin to value your own opinions and judgments over those of others. Instead of seeking out validation to feel good about yourself, you start to trust and appreciate your own worth. This shift means you’re less swayed by what others think and more grounded in your own self-assurance.
As a result, you’ll find yourself feeling more at peace and confident in your daily life. You’re no longer waiting for someone else’s approval to feel okay or to make decisions. Loving yourself helps you realize that your own acceptance is all you need to thrive. It’s a liberating feeling that frees you from the endless cycle of seeking external validation.
2. You will start enjoying your own company
Once you get comfortable with yourself, you’ll find that spending time alone becomes something you actually look forward to. Instead of feeling lonely or restless, you’ll start to appreciate your own company and enjoy the activities that make you happy. It’s like discovering a new friend in yourself who you genuinely like and want to hang out with.
This shift can lead to more self-discovery and personal growth. You’ll begin to see alone time as a chance to recharge, explore new interests, and reflect on your own experiences. Loving yourself allows you to be content with who you are, making your own company something you cherish rather than something to be avoided.
Read More: 10 Habits That Cause Low Self Esteem And Depression
3. You will stop looking for happiness in someone else
Self-love means being content in your own presence. You start to realize that happiness doesn’t have to come from your relationships. Instead of relying on someone else to make you feel complete, you begin to find fulfillment within. You understand that your own well-being and joy are in your hands, and that’s a powerful shift.
This approach helps you build healthier, more balanced relationships. You’re no longer looking to someone else to fill a void or make you happy. Instead, you approach your connections with a sense of wholeness, which allows for deeper, more genuine bonds. Loving yourself means discovering that you are enough on your own.
4. You will start to feel more in control of your life
When you start loving yourself, you’ll notice a shift in how you handle life’s challenges. You’ll begin to feel more in charge of your decisions and more confident in your ability to manage your circumstances. Self-love helps you trust your instincts and take charge of your own path, rather than letting outside influences dictate your choices.
This newfound sense of control isn’t about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about embracing your own worth and capabilities, which naturally leads to a greater sense of empowerment. As you practice self-love, you’ll find yourself navigating life with more assurance and clarity, knowing that you’ve got what it takes to steer your own ship.
5. You will build a deeper connection with yourself
Loving yourself is like becoming your own best friend—someone who understands, supports, and truly cares for you. You’ll find that you’re more in tune with your own needs and feelings, which helps you make choices that align with who you really are.
As you nurture this self-relationship, you’ll notice a shift in how you view yourself. Instead of being your harshest critic, you’ll become a source of comfort and encouragement. This new perspective allows you to trust yourself more, feel more confident, and enjoy a deeper sense of inner peace.
Read More: 8 Steps To Improving Your Self-Esteem
6. You will become more confident
Instead of staying in a job or relationship that doesn’t feel right, you find the courage to make changes that align with your authentic self. This newfound bravery helps you take risks and make choices that are in your best interest, even if they feel a bit scary.
As you become more attuned to your own needs and boundaries, you’ll notice that your decisions start to feel more meaningful and aligned with who you are. You’re no longer just going through the motions; you’re actively shaping your life in a way that feels right for you. This confidence in your choices brings a sense of empowerment and fulfillment that grows with every step you take.
7. You will create healthier relationships
You’ll know what you need and what you won’t tolerate, making it easier to say no to things that don’t align with your values or well-being. This helps you attract partners who respect you and your needs, leading to more fulfilling and balanced connections.
By prioritizing your own self-love, you’re not only protecting your emotional space but also teaching others how to treat you. You’ll find yourself navigating love and dating with a newfound confidence, knowing that you deserve respect and kindness. This can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships where both you and your partner feel valued and understood.
Final Thoughts
Self-love is truly the best gift you can give yourself. It starts with making a daily choice to prioritize yourself. This means taking time for self-care, setting boundaries, and valuing your own needs and desires. It’s about putting yourself first, even when it feels uncomfortable or others might not understand.
Remember, people will come and go in your life, but you will always have yourself. So, it’s essential to treat yourself with the kindness and respect you deserve.
Read More: Self Esteem: The Difference Between Healthy And Impaired Self Esteem
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can self-love really improve my relationships?
Yes, it can. When you love yourself, you approach relationships from a place of wholeness, which can lead to healthier and more fulfilling connections with others.
Is self-love the same as being self-centered?
No, self-love is not about being self-centered. It’s about respecting and valuing yourself, whereas being self-centered often involves a lack of consideration for others.
What are some simple ways to show myself love?
Simple ways to show yourself love include practicing gratitude, setting aside time for activities you enjoy, speaking kindly to yourself, and taking care of your physical and mental health.
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