Falling in Love With Yourself Isn’t a One-Time Thing
Falling in love with yourself is not one-time event. It’s not a grand, cinematic moment where you look in the mirror and suddenly feel like you’re enough. Real self-love is based on the ongoing relationship you have with yourself. Like any relationship, the one you have with yourself also requires time, patience, and a whole lot of emotional healing and learning. It’s messy, raw, and sometimes it feels like everything is in the way of you and the love you could have for yourself. Read more for some perspective on how to fall in love with yourself.
What It Really Means to Love Yourself
If you don’t already, getting to the point of loving yourself and experiencing radical self-acceptance takes work. It’s not about micromanaging every perceived flaw, it’s not about being happy all the time. Loving and accepting yourself about knowing – regardless of circumstance – that you are enough, just as you are. Someone who loves and accepts themselves, treats themselves the same kindness, patience, and admiration that is usually reserved for everyone else.
Falling in love with yourself means:
- Speaking to yourself with compassion– Quit judging yourself so harshly, no more name-calling and indulging in self-loathing. You are a human being who deserves to be spoken to with respect.
- Honoring your emotional and physical needs – Rest when you’re tired, set boundaries without the guilt, and listen to your body. Choose to nourish your body and praise it for all of the wonderful things it does for you, your body has been with you since the beginning and it has gotten you this far.
- Not abandoning yourself – You are your own strongest advocate – be there for yourself. Even on the bad days. Even when you mess up. Even when you don’t feel lovable.
- Accepting all of you – Not just the shiny, presentable parts—the messy, insecure, still-healing parts too.
What Practicing Self-Love and Daily Self-Care Looks Like
Self-Love really does take practice. When you treat yourself well, you will likely notice shifts in your experience, including:
You Don’t Settle – When you fall in love with yourself, and are accustomed to treating yourself well – you’ll be less likely to tolerate poor treatment from others.
You Prioritize Your Boundaries – Saying no becomes a necessary act of self-respect, its not selfish.
You Listen to Your Body – You rest without shame, you go to the bathroom when you need to, you ensure that you’re drinking enough water. When you move your body, it’s for joy, not punishment.
You Speak to Yourself kindly – Your inner dialogue becomes softer and more encouraging. In the mind of someone who loves themselves, you’ll hear more understanding, kind words than rigid judgement.
You Show Up as Your Authentic Self – When you love and accept yourself, you won’t feel the need to change who you are just because of someone else’s opinion. When you love and accept yourself, you know that you are enough.
You give Yourself Grace – You are human, and you allow yourself to be human. You forgive your past self for what you didn’t know.
Self-Love and Relationships
When you fall in love with yourself, your emotional boundaries shift. Here’s how:
- You stop chasing people who aren’t aligned with your – You don’t need to repeat yourself, you can stop over-explaining, over-giving and over-apologizing. You stop saying sorry when you don’t need to!
- You become a better friend and partner – Having a strong relationship and love for yourself allows you to act from a place of fullness, not lack.
- You take things less personally – Other people are not responsible for how you feel about yourself.
- You attract healthier connections – When you’re authentic, you attract those who align with you you are.
The Benefits of Self-Love
- You Take More Risks – You’re more concerned with achieving your goals, rather than the fear of failing.
- You Pursue Your Desires – You stop waiting for permission – you do what you need to do, for you.
- You Stop Acting – You don’t need to be perfect to love yourself, in fact – it’s your authenticity that makes you magnetic. Who you are authentically, is way more interesting than any ‘perfect version’ you could pretend to be.
- You Feel More Joy – When you stop fighting with yourself, you create space for peace and happiness.
Start the Journey to Self-Love and Emotional Healing Today
Choosing to fall in love with yourself is a lifelong practice and commitment. Some days will be easier than others, but every small step counts.
Offer yourself kindness.
Question beliefs that tell you you’re not enough.
Treat yourself with the love you wish to receive from the world.
Because you are worthy. You – as you are, right now.
Related Reads: Take a Breath: How to Be Less Reactive, How Gratitude Shapes Your Life, How to Love and Accept Your Body: Finding Home in Yourself
Resources If you’d like to learn more about self-love and building your self-esteem, check out these links:
- Mayo Clinic: Self-esteem: Take Steps to Feel Better About Yourself
- Calm: How to Love Yourself: 7 Steps to Start Practicing Self-love Today
Subscribe for More Emotional Wellness Insights Get heartfelt tools and guidance on emotional healing, self-worth, and personal growth delivered straight to your inbox.
