Self-love: A Compassionate Journey Within
BY: Neighbors’ Consejo|
Nowadays, we are often driven by external expectations and societal pressures, the concept of self-love has emerged as a powerful and transformative force. It is a profound journey inward, a celebration of one’s worth, and a crucial foundation for overall wellbeing. As we navigate the complexities of self-discovery and self-acceptance, we will uncover the secrets to cultivating a deep and abiding love for oneself.
Beau Taplin states, “self-love is an ocean, and your heart is a vessel. Make it full, and any excess will spill over into the lives of the people you hold dear. But you must come first.” Buddha said, “you yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” Rumi affirms, “do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you. Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion. Set your life on fire [1] .”
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary [2] defines self-love as, “an appreciation of one’s own worth or virtue.” The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation [3] affirms, “self-love is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological, and spiritual growth. Self-love means having a high regard for your own wellbeing and happiness. Self-love means taking care of your own needs and not sacrificing your wellbeing to please others.”
How to practice self-love? Forbes [4] recommends six ways: Keep a gratitude journal; give yourself a compliment; speak to yourself as you would with a friend: practice mindfulness; celebrate the small wins; limit time on social media and find support if you need. “Self-love means that you have an appreciation, affinity, and positive regard for yourself. It is closely related to self-esteem and self-compassion. When you have a strong sense of self-love, you understand your own value and treat yourself in a loving way [5] .”
Self-love is important because it “encompasses not only how you treat yourself but also your thoughts and feelings about yourself. So, when you conceptualize self-love, you can try to imagine what you would do for yourself, how you talk to yourself, and how you feel about yourself that reflects love and concerns [6] ”. Why self-love is necessary for happiness? “To liberate yourself from comparisons; to live life in alignment to values; confidence; resilience through challenges; maintain healthy relationships [7] .”
It is evident that self-love is not a destination but a lifelong expedition, one that involves embracing our flaws, setting boundaries, and nurturing a kinder relationship with ourselves. As we conclude this exploration, let us remember that self-love is not selfish; it is a wellspring of strength that enables us to love and care for others more genuinely. By choosing self-love, we choose to invest in our own happiness, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
[1]https://www.prevention.com/life/a42827694/self-love-quotes/
[2]https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-love
[3]https://www.bbrfoundation.org/blog/self-love-and-what-it-means#:~:text=Self%2Dlove%20is%20a%20state,well%2Dbeing%20to%20please%20others.
[4]https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/how-to-practice-self-love/
[5]https://www.betterup.com/blog/self-love
[6]https://psychcentral.com/blog/imperfect/2019/05/what-is-self-love-and-why-is-it-so-important#What-is-self-love?
[7]https://simipsychologicalgroup.com/5-critical-reasons-self-love-is-necessary-for-happiness/