“And if you were asked to name all the things you love, how long would it take for you to name yourself?”
Self-love shouldn’t come last, but way too often, it does. Why is it that self-love gets put on the back burner? Why is it so easy to love others unconditionally, but so hard to love yourself with that same fierceness?
Maybe because it is so easy to look at the mirror and only see the flaws. Maybe because it is so easy to make body shaming a bad habit — to point out how your stomach isn’t perfectly flat or the fact that your thighs are “too big."
Maybe because it is so easy to look around and compare yourself to others. You find yourself creeping on Instagram and being jealous of that girl with the tiny waist and perfect body. And then you sit there, believing that girl is more beautiful than you, wishing you had a body like hers. And let me tell you — it’s sad.
Another girl’s beauty does not take away from your own. And that is something that needs to be shouted from the rooftops. Let me say it again, you know, for the people in the back…
You are beautiful.
Learn to love the way you laugh a little too hard for a little too long. Learn to love the way your body is shaped. Love all the parts of you that make you, you. Love yourself with no limits or regrets. The way you love yourself sets the tone for how others love you. Treat yourself with respect and kindness.
In the midst of friendships and relationships, it’s easy to forget to put yourself first. Yes, loving others and being loved in return is a powerful, life-changing type of experience. No, there is nothing wrong with loving another person with passion and excitement, but don’t forget to love yourself with the same passion and excitement.
Positive self-image and self-love go hand in hand. You’ll find that life will get a whole lot sweeter when you make a conscious effort to embrace and accept how you look on the outside and who you are on the inside.
Don't wait for Prince Charming to come along and love you the way you want to be loved; love yourself the way you want to be loved. Just because he loves you, doesn't rescue you from the project of loving yourself. No one else deserves love more than you do.
Be your own biggest fan. Cheer yourself on. Be proud of the person you've become, because let's face it, you've fought long and hard to be standing where you are at this very moment. You’ve overcome every obstacle thus far, and you’re still standing.
So stop being so hard on yourself. Stop comparing yourself to others and hating your imperfections. Stop obsessing over the numbers on the scale. Change your attitude.
Hold your head up high and carry yourself with a poised confidence. Know your worth, know your value and make others see it as well.
After all, a woman who knows her worth is unstoppable.
