IS THIS ALSO HOW YOU THINK OF SELF LOVE?

Self-love wasn’t something I always understood. For me, the idea of self-love was more like:

“I’ll love myself once I achieve this, once I have my dream body, or once my skin is clear.” 

I thought I would love myself more only if others perceived me a certain way.

But as I grew up, I realized self-love doesn’t come from how others see us or from constantly chasing something better. It comes from appreciating what we already have and learning to validate ourselves.

I learned that self-love isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being patient with yourself. I’d always treat someone I love with kindness, respect, and understanding, and I realized I deserve the same treatment too.

LET SELF LOVE TAKE ROOT WITHIN YOUR SOUL

For a long time, whenever I looked in the mirror, all I saw were things I wanted to change—hoping it would make me more likable or fit into a certain body type. The more I focused on those flaws, the harsher my inner voice became.

But then I noticed something: whenever I looked at other women, my thoughts were filled with admiration— “She’s so beautiful,” or “She’s so confident, I wish I could be like that.” My words for others were positive, but for myself, they were the complete opposite. That’s when I realized—

I was being far too hard on myself.

The love I had been searching for outside, hoping someone else would give me, was already within me. God wanted me to find it myself. I understood that I needed to be kinder, more compassionate, and more forgiving toward my own mistakes. Of course, it wasn’t easy—

But it set me free.

GROWTH COMES FROM CHANGE. CHANGE COMES FROM ACCEPTANCE AND ACCEPTANCE COMES FROM SELF LOVE.

Self-love helped me notice the little things worth appreciating, both within me and around me. It reminded me that it’s okay if not everyone likes me, as long as I like myself. Because the only person who can truly validate me and make me feel whole is ME.

So, if today you find yourself doubting or being too harsh on yourself, pause and remember you deserve understanding too. This is your first time living this life, and it’s okay to make mistakes—as long as you’re willing to learn and grow from them.

BE KINDER TO YOUR INNER CHILD.

-Deva