Over the past couple of months, I have struggled to prioritize falling in love with myself, I blame it on the fact that the wind has been not only blowing me away and keeping me cooped up in my apartment but it has replaced the warmth of the summer sun. I miss rotting in the sun, eating a variety of fresh fruits, and watching the sunrise on the beach. Despite not taking care of myself as much as I should, I reminisce about the times when I felt my best and look forward to implementing those habits again. More importantly, I want to share my journey with others in hopes that they learn to appreciate themselves as much as they deserve. Self-appreciation can be easily overlooked, not because people intentionally do not want to take care of themselves, but because life gets overwhelming. From what I have observed, no one chooses to stop prioritizing self-care, external factors like balancing school, work, and social life make it easy to push aside. But the beauty of self-love is recognizing when you have been ignoring yourself and taking action to change that.
No one is perfect, and acknowledging that is the first step toward self-love. Accepting your flaws means embracing yourself fully, rather than hiding or denying your imperfections. Oftentimes, people are overly critical of themselves, which damages their self-perception and diminishes their self-worth. Honesty with yourself is essential for personal growth, allowing you to let go of the unrealistic pressure and stress to be perfect. Instead of harsh self-criticism, choosing to embrace your flaws with compassion fosters a kinder inner dialogue, making it easier to focus on self-improvement without self-deprecation. By acknowledging your imperfections, you create space for positive change, allowing you to address them healthily and develop stronger coping mechanisms.
One of the hardest but most necessary aspects of self-love is protecting your peace. This can be especially difficult when you have a deep connection with someone who drains your energy, making it hard to set boundaries without guilt. Loving yourself means prioritizing your well-being and having the strength to say “no” when something negatively impacts your happiness. The hardest part is often learning to put yourself first without feeling selfish. But distancing yourself from negativity, whether it is toxic relationships, harmful environments, or self-doubt, creates space for growth, joy, and emotional balance. Prioritizing your needs is not selfish. It is an essential act of self-care that allows you to show up as your best self in all areas of life. When you protect your peace, you live a life filled with positivity, self-respect, and genuine happiness. And just because you need space from people you love who are draining you, it does not make you or them bad people. It simply means that individuals grow, and it is okay to outgrow people, places, and situations.
One self-care habit that has been transformational for me is creating a routine that makes me feel pampered and cared for. For instance, I get my nails done and book monthly facials as a way to relax and enjoy the time spent alone in my own company. Having consistent, intentional activities is a powerful way to nurture self-love. Taking long, relaxing baths, doing skin care with care, and wearing clothes that make you feel confident are small yet meaningful ways to remind yourself of your worth. Prioritizing these moments reminds you of the love, attention, and kindness you deserve from yourself. Other activities, like taking yourself on solo dates, strengthen your relationship with yourself and teach you to enjoy your presence. When you make yourself feel special, you cultivate a deeper appreciation for who you are.
Self-love is not a one-day process. It is a lifelong journey that requires continuous effort and practice. Only when you truly love yourself do you gain clarity on your values, decisions, and the life you want to live. And when you do, life becomes more fulfilling, peaceful, and joyful.