Love, defined by Merriam-Webster, is an intense feeling of affection. Arguably one of the most sought after feelings, which also has the ability to put you at your highest of highs and lowest of lows. Oftentimes we turn our focus of love toward others — significant others, family, and friends. But how often do you tell yourself that you love you?

If there’s anything I have learned in my (almost) 24 years, it’s that self-love is one of the most important things you can give yourself.

Just as we focus all of our love on others, we also look for the approval of others to feel good. I hate to be the one to break it to ya, but the only approval that you actually need is from you. Of course, it’s key to have the input of others, but no one should ever make-or-break the way you feel about yourself.

So how do you feel about yourself?

How do you feel about your temple (read: body)?

Your body is such a beautiful thing — no matter the shape, height or blood type. The most terrifying thing about your body is that it’s the only one you have. No number of surgeries or medical alterations can make your body brand new again — there are simply no do-overs.

I’m no medical professional, but I have come to realize how important it is to love and nourish your body the way it needs to be loved and nourished. I’m not saying you should give up all sugars and only eat vegetables — balance is also important in this loving yourself thing — but it’s never too late to treat your body the way it needs to be treated. Once you do, you’ll (literally) feel better. When you feel better, you live fuller. When you live fuller, you’re happier. See where I’m going with this?

How do you feel about your mind?

Mental breaks; do you take them? I didn’t even know what a mental break was until I was in college. It first crept into my routine as an excuse to stop studying, but now that I’m out of college and still need mental breaks, I’ve realized just how important they are.

Everyone takes mental breaks differently. Spending time with friends, spending time alone, reading, exercising, journaling, counseling — all effective and all important. Give yourself a break and do something for you. Reflect, reevaluate and rejuvenate that beautiful mind of yours.

Are you in tune with your soul?

For some people, the idea of having a soul is mumbo jumbo. For me, understanding my soul and how it functions motivates me to live with purpose and direction. I’ve taken the time to understand the type of person I am. There are certain parts of me — engraved into my DNA or altered by the stars — that I can never change, so why try to?

I’ve been able to embrace the fact that I’m through-and-through a sensitive person who feels everything I do on a deeper level than most. Any emotion I possess — angry, happy, sad, frustrated — involves tears. And the compassion I hold for others — strangers and loved ones alike — is something I’ll never be able to ignore. Once I became in-tune with these facts, it changed the way I approached everything. I have, in turn, felt better, which allows me to live fuller and I am now much happier.

Take some time to get to know yourself. Take the time to appreciate yourself. And choose, every day, to love yourself.