Love Yourself Enough

What does Love Yourself Enough mean exactly, you ask? Let’s first look at the self love definition (according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary):

• an appreciation of one’s own worth or virtue
• proper regard for and attention to one’s own happiness or well-being
• inflated love of or pride in oneself

My mother would roll over in her grave if she thought I was promoting the third kind of self love in that definition! So make sure you understand, I AM NOT SUGGESTING THAT YOU BECOME A NARCISSISTIC, SELFISH FOOL!

So let’s focus on the words worth, virtue, happiness, and well-being. Those are key words associated with learning to truly care for, and about, yourself.

I am suggesting that we all need to tend to our physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs in order to confidently and comfortably become the person who is truest to our inner being and soul. There you have it. That’s my definition of loving yourself.

Love Yourself Enough to Take Care of You

For this article, I wanted to celebrate the beginning of February with 7 self love quotes to encourage you to stay consistent with your self compassion and self care journey. Everyday, do something that genuinely feeds your physical, emotional, social, and/or spiritual being. Even something as simple as taking a 10-minute break to relax, breathe, and stretch.

Remember, you cannot be at your very best for your loved ones if you are not taking care of your needs.

I have written about this topic before when I shared my story about learning the concept of Positive Selfishness in my 30’s. You can read that article here.

Let Go of Hurt and Hate

Let me share an example of how to love yourself more. Learn to let go of hurt and hate because those emotions are only causing you more pain and preventing you from nurturing your spirit with positivity. You cannot maintain a healthy growth mindset if you are filled with negative feelings about the past, or about the way someone has treated you, or about the way a situation turned out. You cannot control the past or what’s happening around you. Realistically, you can only control how you react to it.

So don’t let someone else, or something else, take away your the joy of being your authentic self. Of becoming the person you were meant to be. And the person you want to become. Love yourself enough to let go and make room to grow and nurture your inner self. This is why self love is important.

I have also shared in another article about being true to your highest self and connecting with your inner soul, or your authentic self. You can read that article here.

Live Without Fear of Being Judged

Another example of self love is learning to live without fear of being judged by others. So often, we make behavior choices that are based on what others will think of us, or what others will say about us. This prevents us from being our authentic selves. Our minds are troubled (and ultimately our bodies are troubled) by the anxiety of worrying about what others think of us. If we are living honest, respectful lives with confidence and joy, we do not need to be concerned about what others will think of us. And our physical, mental, social, and spiritual health will improve.

Self Love is Not Selfish

Going back to the first paragraph, I want to revisit the concept of inflated self love or pride in oneself. This is when you become selfish or narcissistic. It prevents you from truly loving yourself and wanting to be the best version of yourself because you become more focused on deflating others.

When we are practicing a healthy form of self love, we must check ego at the door. It should not include ugly behavior, manipulative behavior, self-absorbed, or attention-getting behavior. These are egotistical behaviors.

A healthy degree of self love promotes respect for self and others. It encourages setting limits and boundaries with your time and attention. Healthy self care practices support positive energy and wellness. Self love should not be selfish. Lean into the self love movement that embraces a healthy form of self love.

Do you love yourself enough?

Do you love yourself enough to set boundaries with others? Or take a ride to the shore and watch the boats cruise through the water to clear your mind when life is chaotic? (You can read about Calming the Chaos here.)

Are you drinking enough water to stay hydrated and healthy? Are you getting enough sleep? Do you love yourself enough to balance your needs with those of your loved ones?

Are you practicing good emotional self care habits? Give these ideas some consideration, please:)

Final Thoughts

None of us are perfect with healthy, respectful and compassionate self love practices all the time. If you are like me, you have days where self love feels like a joke. You may even have days where self love feels selfish. But it’s important to always keep your needs in mind because you are worthy! And you deserve self love! Just like everyone else!

Love yourself enough to keep growing and being, or becoming, the person you are meant to be in this world. It’s a journey. Be patient with yourself.

Love yourself enough to take care of your needs just like you take care of the needs of your loved ones. In fact, love yourself enough to create a beautiful, cozy lifestyle for your and your loved ones!

But be patient with yourself and know that we all have days where self love doesn’t look perfect, but know that self love is important! It is not selfish unless you make it selfish!

And remember, self love includes talking to yourself with the same kind of love, kindness, and respect with which you speak to others. Your brain believes what you tell it, so speak positive thoughts only!

If you would like more ideas and thoughts about this topic, I suggest you read A Journey to Self Love here. It is an article written by a blogger I met recently who suffers from chronic pain. Samantha writes about many of the same topics you see on Sassy Sister Stuff.

You may also enjoy my new Inspirational Quotes page here where there are beautiful graphics and quotes about LOVE and KINDNESS, with more categories to come!

Love to All! ~ Susan

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