I truly believe that the more I care about my needs, the more effectively I can take care of others around me. The more compassion I show myself, the more empathy I can show to others. This means that if I want fruitful relationships with others around me, the transformation must start from within me. Taking care of oneself is not selfish and it often translates to prioritizing yourself. Below are some things to keep in mind while learning to love yourself.

Self-Care

Take some time every day to be with yourself, free from distractions and from the worries of the world. Maybe go watch a movie by yourself or do absolutely nothing. Your physical and mental health is more important than everything else.

Practice Gratitude

Reflect on the good times that will push you forward in life and remember the bad times that will make you change for the better.

Avoid Negativity

Hang out with people who uplift you when you fall. Toxic talk can be damaging to one’s self-esteem. Surround yourself with positivity and hope.

Be Kind

Do to yourself as you would do to others. Acknowledge your feelings and validate yourself. Celebrate your successes and don’t be hard on yourself when you fail. Embrace your inner child.

Self-Acceptance

Remember there is only one of ‘you’.  Do not succumb to the pressures of the world that tell you repeatedly that you need to conform to its standards to be accepted by others. Accept your imperfections, your circumstances and preserve your unique self.

Loving oneself is a lifelong process of being self-compassionate and it needs consistency, motivation and effort. Keep working on your inner self and keep loving yourself.