Self-love is such an up and coming topic seen on blogs in 2020. Self-love and self empowerment is raging now more than ever. I wonder why that is? I think it’s because for years and years society has shaped a mould of how we should be living our lives and so many more people are coming out to say they don’t fit the mould and don’t want to. I am here for it. In todays post we will go through a quick lesson on what self-love is, what it looks like and some truths about it too, which will hopefully teach us all a little more about the topic.
WHAT IS SELF-LOVE?
Self-love means having a high regard for your own well-being and happiness. Self-love means taking care of your own needs and not sacrificing your well-being to please others. Self-love means not settling for less than you deserve.
Dr. Andrea Brandt
Self love comes in various forms, it’s not black or white. What is self love to me might not be self love to you and thats the beauty of it. We all have our own definition of what practicing self love is to us.
WHAT DOES SELF-LOVE LOOK LIKE?
Self-love looks like you doing what you can to look after you and your well being. Its looks like you being at your happiest even though your circumstances aren’t the best. It looks like you choosing to stay in and look after your mental health instead of doing something you don’t want to. I could keep going and going! There are so many forms of self-love, even self-care can be classed as self-love. You are caring for yourself because you love yourself.
HOW DO WE PRACTICE IT?
I did a post recently that outlined 5 steps to self love, here is a small excerpt of what I wrote over there:
‘ Letting go of friendships or relationships can be such a huge step of self-love. Protecting myself from negative energies and negative people is one of the best things I’ve ever done. Its a very hard process sometimes but one that is essential in starting to learn what you deserve from other people. You deserve kindness, respect and love from others. And if they aren’t living up to that then they need to go. Its also important, as the people you surround yourself with can affect your life so much. If you are around negative people, then you will eventually turn into that type of person too. ‘
Thats just one way we can practice self love. Head over to the post and check out the other points I have made, I hope you find them helpful.
THE TRUTH ABOUT SELF-LOVE
IT’S HARD
The journey to self-love won’t be easy. You might have to face some of your biggest fears and let go of things you have clinged to for a long time. If you think about it, its re-learning a new way of thinking and having to programme your brain to change your mindset. Even writing that down I realise how hard it sounds to achieve. But you can do it, it might take some hard work but nothing great came easy.
IT’S LONG
One thing I have realised is that you won’t achieve this in a short amount of time, heck you might not even achieve it at all in your lifetime. Remember It takes 30 days to create a habit and you have to do that for every part of your being. The part that hates your appearance, the part that doesn’t think you’re good enough, the part that battles anxiety or depression – just to name a few. It’s a long journey, but one worth taking.
BUT IT’S REWARDING
I wanted to finish this post on a high note. I’ve explained already how hard and how long this self-love journey is, but boy let me tell you how rewarding it is too. When you have been working so hard on yourself and you finally get a breakthrough, its the best feeling in the world. I noticed a change when I got asked to describe myself in 5 words and one of them included the word ‘beautiful’. Now I don’t want to come across like I have a big ego or I am big headed, but for many years I have hated myself especially my appearance. And for the first time ever in my 25 years of life I described myself as beautiful. Wow, what a feeling that was! And this is what I want for you, to feel that feeling of achievement that I have so far on my journey.
Are you on your self-love journey? What are you learning about yourself? What are some of the hardships you’ve had to face? Share with us in the comments below.
I hope this post could give some help to those are wanting to start their self love journey but aren’t sure what it is or what they need to do. We are all here for you, and let me tell you. You are about to embark on the best journey of all, it will hard but it will be worth it.
Olivia x
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Really nice topic to write on. Love the way you wrote this and I love the quote you inserted. Like you mentioned, self love is hard but it’s rewarding.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed. Its a long but rewarding journey 💛
What is better though: Self love or self acceptance?
This was a nice read❤️🌸
I think both of these can work hand in hand with one another. You can practice self love by practicing self acceptance 💛
I believe I have started myself love journey. Recently, I have been making peace with the issues I have . If I feel overwhelmed I try to take a break 🙂 Thank you for posting this, it will help a lot.
I’m so happy for you! I wish you nothing but the best on your journey 💛
What is your blog link? I want to follow back but your profile link isn’t working!
This is my blog link > myjournalogin.wordpress.com
I just checked my profile, it displayed the wrong link 😅 Thank you tho! ❤️
Thank you! 😊
Hey Olivia this was such a beautiful blog post and on such an important topic!! Self-love is so so important and yet so difficult because of all the challenges we subconsciously put ourselves through. I started a self-love journey and while it has been very difficult, I am finding that it’s slowly working and it makes such a difference in your day. Part of it was letting go of friendships that were really putting me down and while it was difficult it has been enlightening and life changing. Fantastic post as always 😊💖💕
Hey Tia, Thanks so much for sharing that with us. I would agree thats one of the hard things to go through, some say friendship break ups can be just as hard or harder than romantic break ups, and I’d agree. The self-love journey is hard because you have to do a lot of soul searching and realising of what you want from life and what’s best for you, and that sometimes involves removing people from your circle.
Thanks for reading 💛
Thanks for sharing I completely agree. ☺️💕
Thanks for sharing such sensitive topic. I think I have started my journey..
You’re so welcome, thanks for reading! I wish you luck on your journey!
Nicely put…
P.S. – I like ur name! 🙂
Thank you so much! You are so kind!
❤❤❤
Absolutely beautiful write! I never gave it much thought either until I began reading so much about it. I think it’s influencing me, in a positive manner of course! And I think most things that takes time is always rewarding at the end. Wonderful post!❤️
Thats so true, all things world having take time and are so rewarding🤍
This is another really great post. The hardest challenge I’ve had is looking back on experiences and realizing that I showed myself no self love. Opinions of others really drove my worth and that is ridiculous. Self worth and self love are hard to attain but entirely worthwhile for me to put the effort in.
So glad u enjoyed the post!
You’re so right, it can be hard to ignore and worry about the opinions of others! Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Beautiful and inspiring post Olivia 😊💕
Thank you so much!
I think I started my self-love journey in college. In high school, I was so insecure and I didn’t realize certain aspects about myself until I got older. It’s definitely a trying journey so far, and it always it’s ups and downs. Your post has definitely reminded me of that and that it’s OK to experience this!
Of course, its okay to experience hard things and hard times in your journey. Nobody said good things come easy!
Thanks for reading Allisone 🤗
Awesome post
Thanks so much!
That’s a great sharing, especially when people forget to focus on themselves….it all starts from self-love….people tend to misunderstand self-love….it’s not selfish, which they think & then they suppress the real & deeper necessity of self-love as they don’t wanna look “bad” in others eyes….
You’re so right Navin. Its not selfish, and if people think it is then they probably don’t understand the concept!
Absolutely agree….it’s a great post, Olivia
Thank you!
Yep, self-love takes time. It’s difficult and it’s constant work that you have to do every single day. But it is indeed rewarding. 😊
It can take a lot of time and patience, but like you said its rewarding so definitely worth it 🙂
I really enjoyed reading this post✨ Self Love didn’t come to me easily and hell, I still struggle with it. It’s a journey with yourself —enjoy it! Like you said —it’s a long but rewarding process xx
It can be a daily struggle sometimes cant it!
Thanks for reading! Xx
I totally agree that self-love is a big thing these days and it’s a journey I’ve jumped on myself. For many years I’ve been married and raised kids, but I never really focused on me. I didn’t put time into the things I wanted and find out what I really enjoy. Now, I am taking that time. All of my kids are just about grown, so I spend more and more time trying to get to know myself, love myself and appreciate all the quirky things about me!
I’ve heard this from a few parents now, you spend so many years raising up children you almost forget that you have another purpose in life other than being a parent. I’m sure its a weird transition trying to find yourself again.
Thanks for sharing that with us!
It is a unique experience transitioning, but I’m enjoying the ride! 🤗
Self love is truly hard, especially in a world where you’re being told on “how to love yourself.” Great post!
Thank you, so glad you enjoyed this 🙂
Gosh! I’m in the middle of a self-love fest right now and even though I know it is good and it is right, there are days when I feel the pull of those relationships I needed to put aside in order to get back to ‘me’. I wouldn’t trade the journey, and I think it’s also fair to admit that some days are lonely.
Denise I would so agree. I think being on your self-love journey requires you to be selfish. And that in itself can be so hard for people.
Its not hard and often times its not pretty, but you got this. Stay true to you 🤗 I wish you all the best
Self love is the best gift for ourselves.
Agreed! 🙂
Self Love is truly very important. One shouldn’t ever forget to love oneself. Amazing and inspiring post indeed dear! Also sorry for commenting to late. I am currently really busy with all my college work. 😊🥰😄🤗
Loving ourselves should be a top priority. And don’t worry! College work is more improtant 💕
Yesss right! Haha much love to you😅😂♥️
This is the utmost requirement for human beings.
Agreed! it really is!
Great post Olivia! I’m starting to follow your blog…
Self love is cool. I love everyone, including myself. Thanks for the lessons in this post, I enjoyed them.
Signed
http://www.welovetheoldestparents.com
So glad to have you here and that you enjoyed the post!
Indeed. Self-love can not only heal an individual but even the whole world.😃😉
So very true 👏🏼
such a heart warming post Olivia. superb. Do find time to visit my post on a similar topic here https://sunniesmybunnies.wordpress.com/2020/10/26/abundance-week-3/. thank you for sharing this.
Thanks for reading! I’ll check out your blog now!
great post ! It is so pure and true. Self love is such a hard journey but it is so worth it when you reach the level of self love that you can be completely yourself without anyones approval! keep it up love your content !
Love your blog! ❤️ following now as we speak! 🙂 hope you follow mine as well – Brittany
I love this breakdown of what all is involved in the self love process. As much as I have explored the topic, fresh insights are always appreciated!
Thanks so much for reading!