The Key to Self-Love

- I'm pretty confident, proud of what I'm doing and mostly like who I am. On a normal day, anyway...
- I don't feel that buying more stuff or having a bath with rose petals and prosecco will do the trick (not even in a spa in Bali)
- I don't want to go and spend tons of money on indulging myself with things I don't need
So am I missing the mark?
Being curious, I started looking into it more... To answer the question, we have to first define what love is. If you truly love someone (and aren't just 'into them' or 'find them hot'), you really care. You want the best for them, champion them, back them even when it's tough. You are honest with them, even if (actually, especially when) they don't want to hear it. You are in their corner and basically make sure that they have everything they need to thrive, whilst knowing you have their back unconditionally and are with them all the way. Right? That's what love looks like in my book, anyway.
So if we wanted to translate this into self-love, what would that look like?
Basically, like being our own loving parent: Caring to really know ourselves, beyond the superficial. Wanting ourselves to be happy and thrive. Hold ourselves accountable to a high standard (and yes, that includes all those annoying chores like making delicious, healthy food, even if we are at home alone...). Backing ourselves in difficult or toxic situations, e.g. in the workplace, or when it comes to friendships and relationships... When in a questionable situation, try visualising yourself at 4yo next to your adult self: a cute little innocent child. And now ask yourself: If she was being treated that way... would I be okay with that? Or would I step in and protect her?
If you want to contemplate this further, watch the video below to hear the full story...
