We all know that self-love is important to live a happy, healthy life, but what is self-love, what does it actually mean?
And why is self-love it so darn elusive?
The answer: Self-love is not something you find, achieve, or do—it’s what you are. So, embracing self-love is about remembering who you truly are.
Self-love is not something you find, achieve, or do—it’s what you are. So embracing self-love is about remembering who you truly are.
There was a time in your life when self-love permeated every inch of your being. It filled you up. It was your essence. It was all you knew.
I'm referring to the precious day you arrived on this earth—the magical day were born.
Like a golden ticket, self-love was your birthday gift to start you on your human journey. It was your ticket to freedom from unworthiness. It had a permanent place in your pocket.
But then—life happened. The ups and downs, the trials and tribulations, the negative thought patterns and limiting beliefs—and you seemed to have lost your golden ticket.
Losing your golden ticket is like losing the connection to your spiritual self.
And being disconnected from our spirit may be one of the greatest obstacles we face today as human beings—because it can cause a lot of pain and suffering.
But the truth is, you can never lose your golden ticket, you can only misplace it—in the clutter of your mind.
When your body is calm and your mind is clear, it will once again find you and remind you of its rightful place in your pocket—because it’s magic that way!
Self-love is what we are each born with, and it can never be taken away. On the other hand, self-degradation is something we learn—but it can also be unlearned.
It just takes practice and patience to unlearn it—and bravely remember self-love.
Self-love begins with the awareness that love is our true nature, the invisible force that brought each of us into existence—and it's always there for us.
Self-love is remembering that we are love and to constantly remind ourselves to be compassionate with our own humanness.
Acts of self-love are the loving things we do to remember who we are. The more we practice acts of self-love, the kinder we become to ourselves—because we take care of what we love.
We experience self-love through intentional daily practices that connect us to our spirit. These practices include continuously monitoring our thoughts and beliefs and clearing out the clutter in our minds. And being mindful of our actions, reactions, triggers, and urges—and learning from them. It's about doing the things that bring us joy and make us feel more alive.
As natural as self-love is, unfortunately, it isn’t something that comes naturally. And that’s why it can be so elusive.
In order for us to stay on the path of self-love, we need to ask ourselves this one question daily:
What acts of self-love can I do today that will connect me to my spirit?
Maybe it’s taking a walk out in nature, listening to your favorite music, or doing something creative. Maybe it’s meditating, praying, or doing yoga. Maybe its reading, journaling, or just helping someone out. Maybe it's simply saying "no" to a request that's not in your best interest.
Acts of self-love can be anything that invites you to stand in your true power and feel the love that radiates within you.
Self-love is daring to squeeze the life out of life.
Self-love is becoming more aware of the joyful moments in your day—and savoring them.
Self-love is a knowing that you deserve whatever your heart desires.
Every morning, when I wake up, I still have to remind myself that acts of self-love are not automatic. I must remember to experience them each day—on purpose. I must make an effort to respond consciously to life, so that I can take charge of my day rather than react unconsciously—and then wonder what happened.
When you feel your own love, you know deep down in your heart that you are worthy of your own tenderness and care, and you see your unique place in this vast universe. Your existence is the universe’s ultimate expression of love, and what you do with your life is your gift back.
Each time you dip into the endless well of self-love, your spirit awakens just a little bit more. And as the universe senses your gentle awakening, it reciprocates by revealing to you a path that leads you to the beautiful life that has been waiting for you all along.
So, grab your golden ticket, get on your path, and take the journey home—to yourself. The light is on, just waiting for you.
"I've Got a Golden Ticket"
from Charlie & The Chocolate Factory