What It Means to Love Yourself

Many times we start from the idea that we love ourselves, but we continue to get lost in harmful patterns, to sabotage and accept in our lives people who hurt us or simply waste our time.

I am sure that you also pushed your limits more than necessary, you exhausted yourself and sacrificed yourself for someone or something. When we betray our needs, we turn against ourselves, we become angry, tired, and less present in our lives. On the other hand, self-love improves all aspects of life: the way we interact with others, productivity, the way we look and feel.

To love yourself does not just mean giving yourself a new dress or admiring yourself in the mirror.

1. Know your inner critic

We all have a voice inside that likes to point out our mistakes and shortcomings, to judge us, and even to shame us. Just being aware of this voice and recognizing when it is active helps a lot. Your inner critic might remind you of someone, such as a very critical parent, a teacher, or a manager who made you feel bad. Remember this: your inner critic tries to keep you safe through perfectionism. Instead of blindly following him, talk to him. Ask him if he can give you useful information in a more loving and balanced way. Or even make fun of him by giving him a funny name! Try to establish a relationship with him, until you become friends.

2. Take breaks to meet your physical needs during the day

When you take a few minutes during the day to stop and take care of your body, you remember how important you are, and this is an act of love. Whether it's a break to take your medications or supplements, to prepare a healthy snack, or simply to get away from the laptop screen, taking more care of your physical body will help you value more and make healthier decisions for yourself.

3. Don't make yourself small for others

It is healthy to tease or acknowledge your flaws in front of others - it is proof of self-acceptance, up to a point. But do not minimize your gifts and talents, do not put yourself down, and do not make yourself smaller just to make the person next to you feel better about yourself. You can love yourself, plead for yourself and be proud of everything you have done while remaining humble and establishing an authentic connection with others. Self-love is a wonderful gift to give to the world.

4. Teach others how to treat you with love and kindness

We always teach others how to treat us through the way we treat ourselves, which other people mirror without being aware of it. We also teach others how to treat us according to the boundaries we set in our relationships. This can mean gently watching your friends or colleagues when they break your boundaries or are rude. Or to have standards regarding the couple's partner. Also, set yourself some healthy limits: "I treat myself the same way I would treat a dear friend, whom I cherish."

How do you differentiate between a negative and toxic person and a person who is just having a difficult time

5. Create space in your life

Space helps you connect to your energy and emotional experience. From this assumed place you will make decisions for yourself - even the little ones, such as whether you should sit and rest or go out and socialize - which are more balanced, authentic, and reflect self-care. Creating space for yourself means reserving time, when you need it, to meditate or write in a diary for 15 minutes. No matter how busy a day is, it is possible to make time for yourself if you want it.