Loving yourself isn’t vanity, it is sanity. This beautiful statement is rightly said by Katrina Mayer. Before we go on claiming that we love the people around us, we need to love ourselves. This is the thumb rule. And as a matter of fact, how can we even love someone else if we can’t love ourselves?
Definition of Self Love
The regard for one’s own well-being and happiness is the simplest and easiest way in which one could define self-love. The state in which one can take care of themselves without sacrificing their happiness or well being for others. Self-love is important because when you hold yourself in high esteem, you are likely to make better decisions and choices. It is going to serve as the foundation for who you are.
Need for Self Love
Self-love is not a new-age fad but an act of compassion towards your own self. It’s not a luxury but rather a necessity. Loving yourself the right amount isn't what people say going to make you selfish or narcissistic. Love yourself so that you can embrace all walks of your life. Also, it will help you to lead a more satisfying and happy life.
A desire to excel at everything all the time entails a lot of self-criticisms. You start criticizing yourself about how you move on with your life choices resulting in severe stress and depression. You must learn to be faithful to the one within you and practice self-love and self-compassion.
While loving yourself might sound like a confusing idea, it is going to become more perspicuous after incorporating these simple practices in your daily life -
1. Find your Own Happy
Make time for things that you enjoy doing. This is because it will help you keep sane amidst the chaos and will keep your spirits high. Practicing what you love every day is going to relieve you of your stress and will keep you in good spirits. Once you learn to keep yourself happy instead of searching for happiness outside, you will take the first step towards achieving self-love.
From practicing your hobbies like drawing, cooking, or dancing to simply enjoying a walk in the rain or a beautiful sunset. Do whatever makes you happy for no one can steal these moments for you and you could be your own reason to smile.
2. Listen Out to Yourself
Listening to your inner self is crucial to cultivate an intimate feeling of self-love. How you talk to yourself amid different situations plays a huge factor in loving yourself. Talking with yourself in a kinder tone is going to increase your compassion towards yourself making it easier for you to understand and forgive yourself. We are much harsher on ourselves than we would be for others and subduing this harsher tone while actively trying to soften it is going to do you wonders.
Try to rephrase your observations towards yourself in the words of a more forgiving person. Be compassionate while judging yourself and try to forgive yourself. Even in the situation of distress, try to mindfully listen to the answer of your inner self. This is because it is only you who is accountable for your own doings.
3. Embrace All Walks of Life
Self-love is all about valuing yourself. Own up to your actions and embrace them wholly. Let go of the harsh self-criticism and accept your own identity and uniqueness. Try to live your life on your own terms without apologizing for it. Embrace all that you do and learn to be proud of yourself. Social and societal norms set an unattainable bar. This often brings in a lot of self loathe which leads to eroding self-worth and compassion.
Stop criticizing yourself for your flaws and instead embrace who you are to lead a better life. Everyone makes mistakes because it is who we humans are. But, getting stuck by it isn’t going to help. Start having a tolerance towards yourself and be your own healer. Just be yourself and enjoy being.
4. Prioritize Yourself
Living a lesser life for lifting up that of others isn’t going to make you selfless. Rather, this is just deceiving your own self. Falling short of your own goals and sacrificing your happiness isn’t going to do any good to anyone. You cannot give if you’re running on emptying yourself. Prioritize yourself, for no one, is going to do that for you.
Prioritizing your needs doesn’t imply that the world revolves around you. Instead, acknowledge the fact that it includes you. Tending to your physical and psychological needs is one of the best gifts you can give to not only yourself but for humanity. Prioritize yourself, in order to love yourself, for you are your longest commitment.
Conclusion
Self-love is not a selfish act. But, it is about connecting to your innermost needs while honoring who you are. You must learn to love yourself first for those who don’t love themselves can never love any other being. No one can love you exactly how you imagine. So that’s why you have to love yourself enough so that any other love adds more candles to the cake you have already iced.
Written by - Riya Chhikara
Edited by - Neha Kundu
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