Cultivating Self-Love: A Journey of Self-Embrace and Understanding

Many of us have had the unfortunate experience of somewhat tumultuous childhoods in which our parents weren’t able to provide us with a loving, supportive environment. While the effects of this can linger throughout our lives, we can take control of our lives and be the creators that we were meant to be.

If you find your relationship models in life wanting, look inward; this journey begins with cultivating self-love. Speak kindly to yourself even when times are tough. This is sometimes easier said than done - anxiety and fear can often be overwhelming. But, providing yourself with soothing words of affirmation during these times is essential for cultivating true self-appreciation.

Honor yourself for any accomplishments achieved. No matter how small or insignificant, it’s worth celebrating. When you make a mistake, don’t be so hard on yourself. Acknowledge your mistake, forgive yourself, and reflect on how you can do better next time. This act of letting go can be immensely liberating - allowing yourself to learn without the guilt of failure.

Go above and beyond in taking care of yourself. Take a magnesium bath when you’re feeling irritable or exhausted. Treat yourself as if you were being treated by someone else - something that you may have not had the opportunity to experience in the past. Invest in yourself, practice self-care and nurture your soul through whatever means necessary. Connect yourself with activities and hobbies that bring you joy.

Remember that this is a journey - it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. As long as you take the time to pause, reflect and stay mindful of your inner dialogue, you’ll be able to create a lasting impact in your life. Be gentle and patient with yourself, and remember that self-love is something that requires consistent effort, but yields tremendous rewards.