The Power of Self Love

“To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness.”

— Robert Morely

In these unprecedented times, it's even more pressure for the individual to be wealthy and stable. Many believe that can only come from having lots of money. Even though it was made necessary for survival, we also need to have stability in every dimension of our health.

The five aspects consist of social, mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional health. When one deteriorates, eventually, they all start to crumble.

Your mind, body, and soul do so much every day to ensure you stay protected from outside elements. As an individual experiencing this life, you owe it to yourself to treat your body as a temple— respect, maintain and improve it consistently.

Your soul desires a life it can enjoy despite a system set in place for us to live in monotony. It is crucial to remember that this is your life, and one day you will have to realize that for you to truly be happy you need to live the life you want. Doing what you love and finding joy in your everyday life is so rewarding.

Defining Self-love

Self-love is having a high regard for one's own happiness and health. It doesn’t mean propping yourself on your high horse and treating others beneath you.

Some people spend entire lifetimes spreading hate. When they are raised in that manner they don't know how to do much else.

Generations of fear are being passed down and it needs to end.

I've noticed that people will treat others with respect and go out of their way for other people, but have little respect for themselves. It's okay to say no. It's okay to take a day off. It’s okay to set boundaries for yourself. Stop treating people better than you have ever treated yourself.

“You owe yourself the love that you give so freely to other people.”

— Alexandra Elle

Sometimes we forget to enjoy ourselves. We forget that joy is a fundamental part of our health. We get so caught up working, grinding, chasing the bag but the bag ain’t chasing us. The bag ain't going nowhere, trust me. Money is not a source of happiness: it is only a tool.

The source truly comes from within us. We hold so much power within ourselves, yet we focus on putting all our efforts towards external things.

Breathe. Relax. Take a look around.

When is the last time you enjoyed one of your passions or a relaxing day? The last time you discovered something new: a new feeling, a new taste? This life is meant to be experienced and enjoyed. So slow down and quit rushing through life.

Do something you love.

Do something you miss.

Practicing Self-care

Self-love and self-care go hand in hand. It is the act of taking care of one's self and showing yourself all the love you deserve. All the love that you might’ve been looking for in the wrong places.

In different aspects of your health, this can include:

• Quarterly check-ups

• Doing hobbies you love

• Decluttering your space

• Resting your mind

• Eating nutritious meals

Many times you might neglect yourself for the sake of your family or career's greater good. But, it’s important that you take at least 30 minutes to an hour every day out for yourself. I know for some that just isn't possible so just a few minutes would really do some good.

It would be ideal to have weeks or months (even years for some of us) just for relaxation.

This time is needed to recoup all the energy you expend throughout the days. When you keep going and going eventually, you will experience burnout. Running on E won't get you very far. Just like a car, you're going to need to stop for gas.

Experiencing Burnout

Signs of Burnout:

Lack of motivation

Reduced productivity

Difficulty concentrating

Exhaustion and irritability

Withdrawing emotionally from friends and family

More information on burnout at healthline.com

Burnout is emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion by prolonged stress. It occurs when the constant need to meet specific demands exceeds your limitations.

Real talk- being in a system designed to oppress the many and uphold the few— you're bound to experience burnout. The ultimate goal is to build a society that doesn't revolve around constant overexertion. However, until we can get there, we have to create workarounds.

Be honest with yourself about how you feel. Don't hinder yourself just to not look like a quitter or a failure. It’s okay to quit what doesn’t suit you. Talking to your heart and soul will guide you places your mind may never think to take you.

I have experienced failure many times and yet I choose to put 1000% in what I want to do the same way I was putting that energy into things I thought I was supposed to be doing.

Failure ain’t stopping nothing when you learn to see it as a guiding lesson. Don't fear failure because it teaches you what not to repeat. When you reach your greatness, failure will be but a passing memory.

“If you fall, dare to rise up again.”

— Lailah Gifty Akita

Catering to the Individual

Growing up around so much dysfunction, I learned that so many people live their life with hatred, fear, and anger, then leave this world with too many regrets.

Live in your authenticity now, be genuine to yourself now and show the world who you really are right now.

Self-expression occurs when we break from the mold.

As a complex species, we need to be able to freely express ourselves. For centuries we have been put inside a box we had no say being in. The mind has been blocked from thinking freely. Imagine the creativity that has been repressed.

There's power in freely expressing yourself.

Learning yourself helps you push boundaries and break out of the box. This is why self-awareness is so important. It stops you from limiting yourself so you can reach your highest self. Allowing yourself the freedom to actively be who you want to be every single day is a form of self-love.

Don't let this life pass you by without experiencing it in the fullest capacity you can.

Summary

Self-love provides us with the power to change the way we perceive this life. The struggle is real, but it doesn't have to continue to be a reality.

There's no need to hide and pretend because society said so. The same people who throw their opinions at you would never walk a day in your shoes.

Get in touch with yourself and take care of all of you, not just the outer layers. You possess the knowledge on how to better yourself, walk in your true destiny, and live a fulfilling beautiful happy life. You just have to unlock it.

“What we don't need in the midst of struggle, is shame for being human.”

— Brene Brown