Self-love has become a buzzword in recent years, especially when COVID hit and many people faced mental health illnesses due to constant isolation and no real connection to the outside world. Many people assume that self-love is all about bubble baths, face masks, and other forms of pampering. Though these activities can be a part of self-love, they only scratch the surface of what self-love truly means. In this blog post, we'll explore why self-love needs to be redefined, and what it truly means to love yourself.
Before we talk about redefining self-love, let's recognize that what is shown on social media is not always genuine. Remember that just because you're favorite influencer is practicing self-love a certain way, you don't need to follow suit, hoping for the same results. That's not how it works. Their journey and what works best for them are different compared to yours. Self-love is more difficult to practice. What you're seeing on Social Media is just for aesthetic purposes. Sure, aesthetics are nice to look at, but be aware that most of the time, it's just not real.
I also want to say that we all struggle with loving ourselves, including influencers. Though they don't show it because why would they want to be vulnerable in front of the world? I know I wouldn't because it's extremely personal. Please be aware that we all define self-love in our own ways and we also practice it in the ways that work best for us. If you want to start practicing self-love, start by reading this article about redefining self-love and what self-love does not have to be.
Self-love is often misunderstood as being self-indulgent or selfish. However, true self-love is about cultivating a deep sense of compassion, kindness, and acceptance toward yourself. It's about understanding and appreciating your worth, regardless of external validation or societal expectations. Here are a few ways to redefine self-love:
Embrace your imperfections: Self-love isn't about striving for perfection or trying to fix your flaws. It's about accepting and embracing your imperfections, and recognizing that they make you unique and special.
Prioritize self-care: Self-care is an important aspect of self-love, but it goes beyond just bubble baths and face masks. Self-care also involves taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health through healthy habits, such as exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness practices.
Set boundaries: Self-love involves setting healthy boundaries with others and learning to say no to things that don't serve you. This can be difficult, but it's essential for preserving your energy and prioritizing your own needs.
Practice gratitude: Gratitude is a powerful tool for cultivating self-love. Take time each day to reflect on what you're grateful for, whether it's a supportive friend, a job you enjoy, or a sunny day.
Forgive yourself: Self-love also involves practicing forgiveness towards yourself. We all make mistakes and have moments of weakness, but it's important to learn from them and move forward without self-judgment or self-criticism.
Self-love is more than just pampering yourself. It requires real work to improve your mental health. Changing your perspective about yourself can be challenging, but it's achievable. By following the list above and staying consistent, you're already on the right path. Remember, self-love isn't solely about reaching a destination, it's more about the journey. Stay grateful and keep an open heart as you continue to grow and evolve in your self-love journey.
Lastly, I think it's important to define what self-love doesn't have to be.
Self-love doesn't have to:
be pretty or aesthetic
be a chore; if it ever becomes a chore for you, stop, reflect (think about what you want to do to help yourself), and create a new plan to practice self-love
be monetary or have a price tag on it; there are so many things in this world that you can do that are free
be a product; self-love is something you practice
be selfish or narcissistic
be a solo journey; it's okay to ask for help or guidance from others
be complicated; you don't need to overcomplicate it just because everyone else is doing something you feel like you should be doing. Remember; always do what works for you because self-love isn't about anyone else; it's about you.
Self-love is about cultivating a deep sense of compassion and acceptance toward yourself and recognizing your worth as a unique and valuable individual. By redefining self-love, we can break free from societal expectations and truly embrace ourselves for who we are. Remember, self-love is a journey, not a destination - so be patient, be kind, and be gentle with yourself along the way.
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