When you hear the term Love; what comes to your mind? Is it the joyful feeling, a strong sense of belonging and affection towards a partner, child, or parents? Or do you also link the emotion with looking at yourself in the mirror?
In a society where others come before oneself, their love for the self is difficult to digest, let alone practice. But today, it is pertinent to prioritize self-love.
What are the different ways to love yourself?
Prioritize self-first
Care, pay attention to your present before you look at what others might need from you. If you cannot take care of yourself, how can you take care of others who depend on you? We must learn to be self-dependent and not compare ourselves with others. Comparing and dependency on others will only bring you down; instead, surround yourself with those who boost you and are not emotional vampires. Appreciate your virtue and worth!
Focus on things that you love
Loving yourself also means to focus on yourself and everything you love. Walk on your growth path, not what others may or may not expect from you. If you love to cook, read, or do creative work, make sure you make time to do these activities. When you do what you love, it is therapy to make you happy.
Accept yourself
Accepting the way you are is very important in the path to self-love. We often pardon other’s flaws but see only flaws in ourselves. It harms our image in the mirror as well as our perception. How can we lift others if we can’t put ourselves on the high ground? Treat yourself with kindness, and prioritize your needs before others. Never settle for less than what you deserve.
Practice self-love
Start a gratitude journal. Observe and note everything you are grateful for; you will find new ways to look at your image of people around you. Stand in front of a mirror and admire your clothes, features, and physique. Give yourself the compliments you give others but secretly wish they were bestowed upon you. Speak to yourself as a friend. Be your own best friend. And above all, be mindful!
Loving oneself is much more complicated than loving someone else, celebrating your small wins, and accepting that no one is worth losing yourself over. Your identity should never be in the shadows; it should always shine bright. Eliminate all those who press pause on your growth. Self-love not only improves your relationship with yourself but also with others.
A mother of two, Preeti Bhandari is a colloquial writer. She believes in simple living which reflects in her writings. As the Editor of Narisakti, she intends to use her vast experience to propel this platform to a cult status among entrepreneurial networks.
When not writing she is quilling, both with paper and thoughts.
