Affirmation: Self-Love is Living My Truth
At times, we are pressured to fit into a mold shaped by othersā expectations. But true happiness doesnāt come from meeting external standardsāit comes from embracing our own path. Self-love is recognizing and following your true calling.
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. ā Oscar Wilde
Living by someone elseās plan can lead to an unfulfilling life. But when we pursue what excites us, work no longer feels like a struggleāit becomes a passion. For me, writing is that passion. Telling my story is my purpose and one of the reasons I am here.
There were moments in my life when I prioritized pleasing others over being true to myself. But those moments never brought real happiness. When we say yes to things that donāt align with our truth, we give away our power and allow others to dictate our lives. If our heart isnāt in it, we canāt truly serve ourselves or others.
The fear of disappointing someone should never force us to betray our authentic selves.
Self-Love is Putting Yourself First
Self-love means prioritizing yourself. As the saying goes on airplanes, “Put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.” We have more to give when we nurture our own well-being.
Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner. ā Lao Tzu
Examine Your Beliefs
Deep down, we know what brings us joy, but fear, self-doubt, and external expectations can cloud our vision. We might fear failure, believe weāre not good enough, or compare ourselves to others. When these thoughts arise, ask:
- Whatās holding me back?
- Is this belief based on fact or self-doubt?
- How will I feel if I donāt follow my passion?
Challenging false narratives helps us shift our mindset and take steps toward the life we desire.
Self-Love is Creating Your Own Path
Carving out your own path isnāt always easy. Society, family, or peers may doubt your choices. But success comes from listening to your heart.
When Awkwafina won the 2020 Golden Globe for Best Actress, she dedicated it to her father and said, “I told you Iād get a job, Dad.” She followed her dream despite external doubts.
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. ā Ralph Waldo Emerson
We canāt control othersā expectations, nor should we compare ourselves to them. Pretending to be someone else diminishes our confidence and self-worth. True self-love means embracing our strengths and staying focused on our own path.
Emotional Signs: Listening to Your Inner Guide
Our emotions signal when we are off course. Feelings of discomfort, doubt, or negativity indicate a need to pause and reflect.
Before agreeing to something, take a moment to connect with your emotions. Ask yourself:
- Does this make me feel positive or negative?
- Is this truly right for me?
Listening to our emotions helps us make choices aligned with our authentic selves.
Pondering Your Path
Self-love is being youānot what someone else thinks you should be. Take a moment to reflect on your journey. Here are some questions to consider:
- Am I living my truth or someone elseās expectations?
- What brings me the most joy and fulfillment?
- What small steps can I take to align more with my true self?
Embracing You is True Self-Love
You are one of a kind. Your quirks, imperfections, and uniqueness are what make you special. Let your true self shine. Express, donāt suppress. Follow your own journey, not someone elseās.
When you love yourself, live your truth, and pursue your passion, happiness naturally follows. Embrace self-love, and the world will reflect that love back to you.
So, take a deep breath, relax, and step into the fullness of who you are!
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Photo byĀ Alexander GreyĀ onĀ Unsplash