What Is Self-Love To Me?
Unconditional self-love is a journey, not a destination. It's about embracing every part of us, the good, the bad, and the not-so-good, without seeking validation from others. In this article, I will share my truth; my exploration of what self-love truly means to me.
Self-love to me first and foremost means loving myself unconditionally, yet not taking on the perceptions or judgments of others as my own truth. This kind of radical self-acceptance means embracing all parts of myself even those traits I may see as ugly or undesirable.
I strive to accept these less flattering parts of myself rather than rejecting them, because in doing so, I would be rejecting my whole self. True self-love starts from within by fully embracing and validating myself. This means no longer rejecting any part of my emotional, intellectual, mental, spiritual, or physical being.
True self-love also encompasses self-acceptance and deep self-intimacy. It’s about embracing my whole past - mistakes and all - and learning the lessons embedded there. I understand life is happening for me rather than to me. Every challenge that comes my way serves a purpose in guiding me toward my destiny and shaping me into who I am meant to become.
Self-love is a journey of continually getting to know myself on a deeper level, shadows, and all, to uncover the unique gifts I have to offer this world. It's about nurturing that relationship with myself through difficult times and celebrating myself in joyful ones. With this compassionate, non-judging presence, I can continue evolving into my best and truest self.
Self-love requires the courage to explore my inner depths, embracing even the shadowy parts most of us hide from. Just as deep intimacy develops between lovers over time, I must gently reveal my whole self to me.
This means allowing difficult emotions to surface, so I can understand their origins and messages. Emotions are not to be feared but seen as messengers pointing to places inside still needing care.
By nurturing even my most intense “negative” feelings with empathy and acceptance, their fire transforms to warmth which illuminates truths. In this way, I extract the gifts carried even by my wounds and rejected parts.
Ultimately, emotions suppressed or ignored are those prolonging my suffering. Like a mother devoted to her crying child, I attend to these tears within me because beneath them lies essential wisdom and keys to self-healing.
And so self-love has become synonymous with self-intimacy, self-compassion and ultimately, self-acceptance. By befriending all facets of this intricate soul of mine, I continue the incredible journey of coming home.
Once I've established this inner compass of self-intimacy and self-acceptance, I can make clearer choices and set firmer boundaries as I continue my growth. Another essential aspect of self-love is tuning into my physical vessel - this body holding my spirit.
I pay attention to signs and symptoms, knowing emotions we fail to process often get trapped in our tissues and even bypass our conscious awareness. Nurturing my nervous system is intimately tied to my inner well-being and my relationships.
Self-love is caring for my holistic self - body, mind, heart, and spirit. This means prioritizing proper rest, nutrition, emotional release, movement, and anything supporting my wellbeing from minute details to major decisions.
In the process of unfolding self-discovery, change is inevitable. Like a caterpillar morphing in the cocoon before emerging as a butterfly, I openly embrace each stage of my personal evolution - struggles and beauty alike. By staying grounded in the present, I find peace with life’s flow.
I welcome all parts of the journey - including the messiness. For within the flames, my inner phoenix gets strengthened and renewed.
Self-love means standing up for myself rather than waiting for rescue. It’s about meeting my own needs first before relying on others. I strive to build intimacy with God daily for healing and understanding of who I am.
I begin my day looking in the mirror, hands pressed to my heart, feeling its power thump beneath my palms - the force that keeps me alive regardless of my state of mind. I acknowledge this miracle of life within me.
I let soothing words flow from my lips that I’ve longed to hear from others: “I love you, Charlene. I am here for you, Charlene. I will not abandon or reject you, my dear love. You got this!”
I strengthen my posture - shoulders back, head high - and loudly proclaim my worth until my inner self feels deeply heard and understood. With compassion and maturity, I parent my inner child, so we may now evolve together.
I free myself from past bitterness and victimhood. I walk proudly fueled by self-trust not rigid strength, vulnerability not repression. I tend to my wounds, so they may turn to wisdom.
Self-love is building a relationship and intimacy with God, so I can weather any storms and love myself unconditionally since He loved me first.
Self-love means fully embracing every aspect of who I am - finally having my own back, feeling supported and cared for from within. I no longer abandon parts of myself seeking love or validation elsewhere. I am here now, attentively listening to uncover what my inner selves yearn to express.
I look gently but unflinchingly into my own eyes, my own heart space - beholding and befriending each layered aspect of this complex being that I am. Even the shadowy, bony places wishing to remain unseen receive my compassion and understanding.
I take myself out on dates for quality one-on-one time to stretch beyond my comfort zone. As I courageously peel off old identities and beliefs now ready to retire, I honor them with gratitude for carrying me this far.
And while challenging at times, shedding former versions of myself allows exciting new ones to emerge and guide me into the next chapter of my life. By embracing the destabilizing yet profoundly liberating process of continuous self-evolution, I keep moving forward boldly yet tenderly - nurtured eternally by the one relationship that truly matters: this unbreakable bond with myself.
I understand now that not everyone is meant to fully comprehend or celebrate who I am. And that’s okay. I stay rooted in owning my truth, no longer twisting myself to gain false validation. I set clear boundaries honoring my highest good, unmoved by those urging me to shrink or settle.
And if others cannot receive my wholeness graciously, I wish them well and refocus inward. For only by fearlessly loving this unique being that I am will my gifts fully blossom for those ready to receive them.
It is a practice in ruthlessly questioning everything society conditioned me to never examine too closely, so I may construct new rules and realities that actually serve the woman I am continually discovering and becoming.
In conclusion, this entire process of courageous self-excavation and integration is true self-love to me. It’s the path guiding me through necessary fires of destruction and renewal until I emerge wholeheartedly enlightened from within. By boldly unearthing my inner truths, I reclaim this silent kingdom of me as my forever faithful home.
This intimate journey with self requires bravery, patience, and persistence more than anything. There will be difficult, yet necessary periods of fiery destruction as old layers get slowly peeled back and released.
But the jewels uncovered throughout the process make it all worthwhile - finally being able to stand tall in your most authentic skin and feeling at home there. Knowing you have all you need within you regardless of who chooses to walk alongside you for however long.
I don't pretend this soul work is linear or easy. But the payoff is what fuels me to keep leaning in - a life truly set free and aligned from the inside out.
I have been where you are, and I know that there is a happier life ahead of you…If you would like some free customized guidance… feel free to book a 30-minute call with me directly. BOOK HERE
Self-love to me first and foremost means loving myself unconditionally, yet not taking on the perceptions or judgments of others as my own truth. This kind of radical self-acceptance means embracing all parts of myself even those traits I may see as ugly or undesirable.
I strive to accept these less flattering parts of myself rather than rejecting them, because in doing so, I would be rejecting my whole self. True self-love starts from within by fully embracing and validating myself. This means no longer rejecting any part of my emotional, intellectual, mental, spiritual, or physical being.
True self-love also encompasses self-acceptance and deep self-intimacy. It’s about embracing my whole past - mistakes and all - and learning the lessons embedded there. I understand life is happening for me rather than to me. Every challenge that comes my way serves a purpose in guiding me toward my destiny and shaping me into who I am meant to become.
Self-love is a journey of continually getting to know myself on a deeper level, shadows, and all, to uncover the unique gifts I have to offer this world. It's about nurturing that relationship with myself through difficult times and celebrating myself in joyful ones. With this compassionate, non-judging presence, I can continue evolving into my best and truest self.
Self-love requires the courage to explore my inner depths, embracing even the shadowy parts most of us hide from. Just as deep intimacy develops between lovers over time, I must gently reveal my whole self to me.
This means allowing difficult emotions to surface, so I can understand their origins and messages. Emotions are not to be feared but seen as messengers pointing to places inside still needing care.
By nurturing even my most intense “negative” feelings with empathy and acceptance, their fire transforms to warmth which illuminates truths. In this way, I extract the gifts carried even by my wounds and rejected parts.
Ultimately, emotions suppressed or ignored are those prolonging my suffering. Like a mother devoted to her crying child, I attend to these tears within me because beneath them lies essential wisdom and keys to self-healing.
And so self-love has become synonymous with self-intimacy, self-compassion and ultimately, self-acceptance. By befriending all facets of this intricate soul of mine, I continue the incredible journey of coming home.
Once I've established this inner compass of self-intimacy and self-acceptance, I can make clearer choices and set firmer boundaries as I continue my growth. Another essential aspect of self-love is tuning into my physical vessel - this body holding my spirit.
I pay attention to signs and symptoms, knowing emotions we fail to process often get trapped in our tissues and even bypass our conscious awareness. Nurturing my nervous system is intimately tied to my inner well-being and my relationships.
Self-love is caring for my holistic self - body, mind, heart, and spirit. This means prioritizing proper rest, nutrition, emotional release, movement, and anything supporting my wellbeing from minute details to major decisions.
In the process of unfolding self-discovery, change is inevitable. Like a caterpillar morphing in the cocoon before emerging as a butterfly, I openly embrace each stage of my personal evolution - struggles and beauty alike. By staying grounded in the present, I find peace with life’s flow.
I welcome all parts of the journey - including the messiness. For within the flames, my inner phoenix gets strengthened and renewed.
Self-love means standing up for myself rather than waiting for rescue. It’s about meeting my own needs first before relying on others. I strive to build intimacy with God daily for healing and understanding of who I am.
I begin my day looking in the mirror, hands pressed to my heart, feeling its power thump beneath my palms - the force that keeps me alive regardless of my state of mind. I acknowledge this miracle of life within me.
I let soothing words flow from my lips that I’ve longed to hear from others: “I love you, Charlene. I am here for you, Charlene. I will not abandon or reject you, my dear love. You got this!”
I strengthen my posture - shoulders back, head high - and loudly proclaim my worth until my inner self feels deeply heard and understood. With compassion and maturity, I parent my inner child, so we may now evolve together.
I free myself from past bitterness and victimhood. I walk proudly fueled by self-trust not rigid strength, vulnerability not repression. I tend to my wounds, so they may turn to wisdom.
Self-love is building a relationship and intimacy with God, so I can weather any storms and love myself unconditionally since He loved me first.
Self-love means fully embracing every aspect of who I am - finally having my own back, feeling supported and cared for from within. I no longer abandon parts of myself seeking love or validation elsewhere. I am here now, attentively listening to uncover what my inner selves yearn to express.
I look gently but unflinchingly into my own eyes, my own heart space - beholding and befriending each layered aspect of this complex being that I am. Even the shadowy, bony places wishing to remain unseen receive my compassion and understanding.
I take myself out on dates for quality one-on-one time to stretch beyond my comfort zone. As I courageously peel off old identities and beliefs now ready to retire, I honor them with gratitude for carrying me this far.
And while challenging at times, shedding former versions of myself allows exciting new ones to emerge and guide me into the next chapter of my life. By embracing the destabilizing yet profoundly liberating process of continuous self-evolution, I keep moving forward boldly yet tenderly - nurtured eternally by the one relationship that truly matters: this unbreakable bond with myself.
I understand now that not everyone is meant to fully comprehend or celebrate who I am. And that’s okay. I stay rooted in owning my truth, no longer twisting myself to gain false validation. I set clear boundaries honoring my highest good, unmoved by those urging me to shrink or settle.
I speak up unapologetically when lines get crossed, enacting swift consequences so that which no longer serves me swiftly falls away. For I know healthy connections support mutual growth through respect.
And if others cannot receive my wholeness graciously, I wish them well and refocus inward. For only by fearlessly loving this unique being that I am will my gifts fully blossom for those ready to receive them.
Self-love is owning my truth and voice, sit with uncomfortable emotions, unravel old beliefs, and ultimately emerge renewed with fresh eyes to receive inspiration for what wishes to manifest next.
It is a practice in ruthlessly questioning everything society conditioned me to never examine too closely, so I may construct new rules and realities that actually serve the woman I am continually discovering and becoming.
In conclusion, this entire process of courageous self-excavation and integration is true self-love to me. It’s the path guiding me through necessary fires of destruction and renewal until I emerge wholeheartedly enlightened from within. By boldly unearthing my inner truths, I reclaim this silent kingdom of me as my forever faithful home.
This intimate journey with self requires bravery, patience, and persistence more than anything. There will be difficult, yet necessary periods of fiery destruction as old layers get slowly peeled back and released.
But the jewels uncovered throughout the process make it all worthwhile - finally being able to stand tall in your most authentic skin and feeling at home there. Knowing you have all you need within you regardless of who chooses to walk alongside you for however long.
I don't pretend this soul work is linear or easy. But the payoff is what fuels me to keep leaning in - a life truly set free and aligned from the inside out.
I have been where you are, and I know that there is a happier life ahead of you…If you would like some free customized guidance… feel free to book a 30-minute call with me directly. BOOK HERE
Share your perspective on self-love in the comments below.
Lastly, no woman walks this path alone. Share this article with the women in your circle and let us create a safe space for healing and self-reconnection.
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