If you were to ask me ten years ago what self-love meant, I would’ve probably said something general like “being happy.” But self-love goes way deeper than that; it involves accepting the past versions of yourself and your present narrative, while giving yourself credit for how far you’ve come.
While we may have an idea of the “perfect person” we want to be, sometimes we are so hard on ourselves that we forget to appreciate who we are right now. The notion that we won’t be the ideal version of ourselves until we are the ‘right’ weight, have a certain job, or overcome all our personal issues is not serving us.
So, instead of getting too caught up on your past versions, realize that you are the best version of yourself you can be right now. And then commit to loving yourself as you are. Why?
The world deserves all of you—just as you are now. You are valuable!
I’ve had many situations in my life that made me feel less than. I’ve compared myself to others and felt I would never be as important as them. Just because someone may have more, or may have done more, that doesn’t mean their lives are worthier than yours.
We can learn to accept that others might be more fortunate and accomplished than us, but we still have something to offer to the world. We all have strengths, skills, knowledge, and ideas. Everything you need to be, you already are.
The most powerful relationship you’ll ever have is your relationship with yourself. You don’t need anyone else’s permission, only the willingness to be more attentive to yourself and your needs.
