Self-love is often seen as selfish, and it is.
It should be.
While self-love can surely be a big tub of ice cream watching a movie or skipping through a field in nature like you're in a Disney film, self-love, at its core, is about taking care of yourself so that you can be the best version of yourself for yourself and the people in your life.
Self-love is often seen as selfish, and it is.
It should be.
While self-love can surely be a big tub of ice cream watching a movie or skipping through a field in nature like you're in a Disney film, self-love, at its core, is about taking care of yourself so that you can be the best version of yourself for yourself and the people in your life.
There seems to be this idea that we always need to be out in the world putting other people first and making sure they're okay.
As a mother, I feel this in my soul, but how can I possibly show up for my kids as the best mother I can be if I'm not looking after myself?
There's a problem with this world.
So often, we're thinking about everyone else and their needs, rather than focusing on our own. Sure, there's some middle ground and we need to help, support, and be compassionate towards others, but not all the time.
For example, how many times have you said yes to an invitation because you don't want to make the other person feel bad, even though you're exhausted, not feeling yourself, and really don't want to go?
Is this decision good for anybody?
Not really, yet so many of us still make this choice every day, whether it's handing out favours, taking on more work, or saying yes when it goes against our beliefs and values.
This is what real self-love looks like, and it's time you start practicing it.
It's not eating a salad, or having a bath, or doing yoga. It can look like that, but at its core, self-love is a choice.
And there's no shame in taking care of yourself. In fact, it's one of the bravest things you can do. So, don't let fear hold you back from making choices that are best for you.
It's okay to do things for yourself without constantly thinking about others.
In fact, it's necessary.
You can't pour from an empty cup.
You can't give what you don't have.
If you want to be able to give love and support to others, you need to make sure that you're taking care of yourself first.
The problem is that we're often taught that putting ourselves first is wrong. We're told that we should be selfless and always think of others before ourselves.
But, if you're constantly giving and never taking time for yourself, you will end up feeling resentful. And when you feel resentful, it's hard to feel love for others.
So, this brings us to the core of this musing.
When do you know whether a decision you're making is an act of self-love or not? How do you know that the way you're looking after yourself is actually looking after yourself or, in a roundabout kind of way, you're just serving others once again?
Ask the Big Question
Will this choice help me to be the best version of myself?
A simple question with a simple answer, but one that can promote huge, positive changes in your life.
If the answer is yes, then it's probably an act of self-love. If the answer is no, then it might not be.
Your life is yours to live.
And, when you make choices from a place of self-love, you can't go wrong.
Doing things for yourself is not selfish; it's essential for taking care of yourself.
You can't go wrong when you make choices from a place of self-love. Your life is yours to live, so don't let fear hold you back!
If you're ever in doubt about whether something is an act of self-love or not, just ask yourself if it will help you be the best version of yourself'if the answer is yes, then it probably is!
Keep in mind that there are no hard and fast rules, and you're the only one who can decide what's best for you.
But making choices from a place of self-love is always a good place to start.
More accurately, the best place.
Ask the question in most of the things you do and see how much of a difference it makes
What are some things you do for yourself that help you feel your best? Share in the comments below! And, if you liked this post, be sure to share it with your friends! Until next time, keep taking care of yourself and each other. :)
