How a One-Week Self-Love Challenge Changed the Way I See Myself

I know I’ve written about self-love before, but I felt the need to revisit it.

For the longest time, I believed that loving myself meant being self-absorbed—and that made me feel like a bad person. But over time, I realized that not liking myself was even worse. It made me believe I wasn’t good enough for great opportunities or meaningful relationships. It quietly chipped away at my confidence, and I didn’t even notice how deep the damage went.

So, I gave myself a challenge: go an entire week without letting my self-destructive habits take control.

It wasn’t easy.

The negative thoughts still tried to creep in, but I stayed busy. I distracted myself with my favorite show (Friends, of course), and slowly, the week began to shift. Something inside me started to change.

That week ended up being one of the best I’ve had so far.

I found myself talking to people more, laughing, enjoying the moment. I worked better, I smiled more, and for the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel like I was dragging myself through the day. I was living in it.

Then something small—but powerful—happened. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and instead of judgment, a thought popped into my head: “It’s what’s inside that counts—beauty is skin-deep.”

I know, it sounds cheesy. But in that moment, it hit differently. I felt it. I believed it. And for the first time, I saw myself in a completely new light.

Do you think you're beautiful?

If you asked ten people that question, most wouldn’t say yes. Not because they aren’t—but because they’re afraid to. Some think it sounds arrogant to believe they’re good-looking or good at what they do while others just don't even see it. But the truth is, owning your worth isn’t arrogance—it’s awareness.

Self-love is a process. It’s like building a house. The foundation? Realizing that out of over 8 billion people on Earth, there’s only one you.

Even if you have a twin. Even if people compare you to someone else. There is only one you, and no one else can live your life the way you can.

When you carry that truth—not with pride, but with purpose—you get closer to becoming the version of yourself you’ve always imagined. No matter how far away that version feels, you’re moving.

With the right mindset, good character, and a deep sense of self-worth, you start attracting better relationships, better opportunities, and a better sense of peace.

But if you stay stuck in self-doubt, you’ll keep pushing those things away without even knowing it. You’ll rob yourself of good things, just because you believe you don’t deserve them.

The way people see you often reflects the way you see yourself.

You won’t love yourself perfectly every day—and that’s okay.

There will be days when you feel stuck or unmotivated. You’re human. I sometimes feel that way too but I don't ever want to go back to believing that I'm not good enough no matter what. Emotions will get in the way sometimes. But in those moments, take a breath. Reflect.

Think about everything you’ve done—even if it’s as small as getting out of bed early or completing a short workout. It counts. Celebrate the little wins. Reward yourself with a good meal, some time to rest, or moments with the people who lift you up.

Self-love isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress.

And every small step forward is still a step in the right direction.