I get it—self-love can be seen as self-indulgent. You were probably taught that your kids, your partner, and your career are supposed to come first, making you and what sets your heart on fire last on the list. However, time flies, your kids will grow up, and careers can change. These fast changes could leave you standing there wondering where to begin because you’ve neglected yourself so long you no longer recognize the reflection in the mirror as someone you know.
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Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
The phrase, “self-love isn’t selfish” has been thrown around for years. It’s not just a catchy phrase. According to an article posted on Psychology Today, the author says that self-care is a sort of coming back home to ourselves. She says it is easy to forget ourselves and our needs when we are caught up meeting other life demands that compete for our attention.
In fact, if we don’t tend to our own needs, dreams, and desires, we often will end up feeling depleted, resentful of our responsibilities, and like a stranger in our own lives. We count, too.
3 Ways to Show Yourself Self-love
- Rest and Relax – You are not everyone’s maid, personal driver, chef, laundress, or personal form of entertainment. It’s okay and necessary to treat yourself to a day of rest and relaxation.
- Treat Yourself – It’s okay to treat yourself to something big or super luxurious! You can wear your best, most beautiful undergarments under your most comfy clothes and still feel gorgeous! You can get a mani/pedi, give yourself an at-home spa day with an aromatic salt bath and facial. Don’t hold back! Get creative and do what brings you joy!
- Write Yourself A Love Letter– This is my personal favorite because this shifts things on your inner planes and can move mountains! I encourage you to write yourself a letter as if you’re writing it to the person you love most. Tell yourself what you’re most proud of and why. Give yourself encouragement and list the reasons you love yourself. This is not selfish or ego driven. When you do not show yourself love how can you expect anyone else to show you love. You set the standard for how you want to be loved by how you love yourselves.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The studio specializes in women’s portrait photography. We serve the whole person – we don’t just focus on the outside, but we focus on the inside, too. After all, true beauty is when we can recognize the light within that shines through. It’s important to pause and recognize when you’re beginning to feel tired, empty, short-fused, or otherwise less than joyous and simply ask yourself when was the last time you did something just for you. You’re probably overdue for some well-deserved self-love!
MORE RESOURCES
If you liked this post, you may also enjoy reading about how and when venting can become toxic.
And, if you’re on a path of self-improvement and want to learn more about how I can help, check out the info on the upcoming retreats.
