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Cultivate Self-Love to Flourish
by Linda-Ann Stewart
People always talk about loving others, but what about loving yourself? Loving yourself is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your life. It means that you care for yourself, and will take care of yourself. There are many words that people use to define caring about themselves, such as self-esteem, self-worth, self-compassion, self-care, and self-acceptance.
All of these descriptions go into building self-love, which is a deep appreciation of who you are as a person. Self-love is created by all those qualities, and at the same time, it's the foundation of them all. It's a feedback loop that strengthens each of those other qualities.
Self-Love vs. Narcissism
Unfortunately, many people confuse self-love with narcissism. They are actually opposites. Narcissists are concerned with comparing themselves with others, and try to drag others down to build themselves up. Contrary to this, self-love is about having a profound interest in your own well being. Self-Love has nothing to do with comparing yourself to other people.
Narcissism seeks its validation from external factors and at the expense of others. Self-love is developed from within, and dependent on your approval of yourself as an individual. You value your welfare, and don't sacrifice it to others demands or expectations.
When You Love Yourself
People who want to feel good about themselves work on self-esteem and self-worth issues. And those issues are well worth dealing with, for they'll help you understand that you deserve love. And when you reach that awareness, you'll begin to reap the benefits of loving yourself, such as the following:
- You have more love to give to yourself and others.
- You're less critical of yourself.
- You take actions that support your physical, mental and emotional well being.
- Your relationship with yourself, and others, improves.
- You're kinder with other people.
- You make better decisions because you trust yourself more.
- You have stronger boundaries.
It will take some effort to develop self-love, but the rewards are well worth it.
Self-love prioritizes your welfare, and empowers you to live a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
How to Build Self-Love
To build a stronger foundation of self-love, take actions that are supportive of your health and well being, such as the following:
- Use positive self-talk or affirmations to counter all the negative messages you've received.
- Pay attention to your needs and well being, and prioritize them.
- Use self-care techniques to reduce stress and build your peace of mind.
- Be kind and compassionate towards yourself when you make mistakes.
- Accept yourself as you are now, knowing there's always room for improvement.
- Acknowledge your achievements, small and large.
- Recognize your values and strengths, and commit to living them.
Challenges
When you reach the point of being comfortable within yourself, and love yourself, you'll attract people to your warmth and authenticity. But it won't be all unicorns and sunshine. There will still be challenges.
There will be those who will be jealous of your serenity and try to tear you down. And some people will be uncomfortable around you, and try to extinguish your light. They'll try to undermine you and make you doubt yourself, so they feel superior. Unfortunately, this is a normal response by insecure people to anyone who is self-assured, talented and creative.
You're Stronger When You Love Yourself
But the good news is, with your greater sense of self and well being shielding you, you'll emerge stable and intact. Remember, their problem isn't really with you, it's with them. They don't have the inner security that you have.
Learning to love yourself is a life-long journey, and takes constant awareness and vigilance. And it will bring you the rewards of wholeness, peace and understanding.
Copyright © 2009-2026 Linda Ann Stewart
All Rights Reserved
As a focus mentor, hypnotherapist, and writer, Linda-Ann Stewart motivates women to focus and transform their business through deliberate actions that break through distraction and overwhelm to greater success, freedom, wellbeing and prosperity. Register for her FREE Design Your Best Day guide and guided meditation at www.Linda-AnnStewart.com/guide.html. You can contact her at LAS@Linda-AnnStewart.com or 928-600-0452.
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