Reasons to Love Yourself

This is the term Google provides when given the word "self-love"...

/ˈˌself ˈləv/

noun

regard for one's own well-being and happiness (chiefly considered as a desirable rather than narcissistic characteristic)."

However, there is so to self- love that tragically we neglect. Firstly, self-love is something different for each person. It holds a different value, perspective and objective in each individuals life. This is because we all have many different ways to show that we love ourselves or mistreat ourselves. In a way, self-love is open and honest.

Generally, self-love has to do with accepting our flaws and our strengths. It's hard to accept our flaws at times. Many attributes affect our "ideals". It is important to understand how society can have a toll on a lack of self-love. This can be demonstrated through the corruption of media, social media, sexualization, and so forth. Understand that everything presented to the world for entertainment is generally to reflect the best moments of our lives. Scrolling for hours on Instagram rarely shows the global and economic problems we face. Why? Well, a reason could be that we want to emphasize how amazing our lives are. But ignore all that and don't compare your life to someone else's.

However, through my personal experience of talking about my flaws through discussion with a diverse range of friends I've realized we all see beauty differently. Now beauty isn't always an image. Inner and outer beauty is seen differently to everyone and we all appreciate different things. Sure society can glamourize certain things, however, its hard to capture uniqueness. This all happens through acceptance.

Accept the fact that you are perfect the way you are. Remind yourself that you are special and you are deserving of what you want. Let your soul manifest the love and radiate that same love to others. The most impactful way to grow and develop love is to love everyone and thing around you. Its impossible to take care of others until you take care of yourself first. So first, take care of yourself. Savour the moments you do what you love. Take care of your health, mind, body and soul in whatever way feels right for you. Compliment those around you, appreciate them and see only the good in people. To hate is to hurt; and at the end of the day, it only hurts you. So avoid hating others or yourself. Instead, learn to love.

Build a sanctuary. Positive energy is contagious. Surround yourself with people you love and support you. Focus on your goals and hobbies and try new things. Understand your needs to be happy. Self-love is all about connecting with yourself, others, and everything in-between.

What helped me?

Flowers, love, hobbies, friends, and of course family.

Setting aside time that allowed me to enjoy these important things truly changed my life.

Gardening my "fairy garden" and traveling to see flower festivals gave me the wisdom to savour the life and beauty around me. I was able to feel free, light and had the time to reflect on why I love the outdoors. It feels like a soul cleanse when I am able to run through hundreds of tulips.

Love. This one is really important to me. Love doesn't have to be romantic. Love is to do with anything and everything. When we take the time out our day to just sit there and appreciate what we have and praise it, it's suddenly more valuable.

Whatever your hobby is, do it. We need time to allow our body to physically and mentally develop, engage with our inner selves or possibly others. It's essential to progress through practice and preach why we love doing what we do to become a better self.

Family and friends can be an amazing support system. Taking the time out of a busy schedule to visit or even call our family or friends allows us to embrace love, rewind and flourish.

Self-love is important because it impacts us. The universe starts with us and ends with us. We have the ability to mould our destination, but it all starts with happiness. After all, what is a life lived if you aren't happy?