Self-Love Isn't Linear

If you're like me, self-love isn't something that comes naturally. It's also not something that you can easily switch on or wake up one day, like, "oh hey, I totally love myself!"

I believe self-love is misunderstood and also has a negative connotation behind it. It's often seen as being full of yourself, selfish, and/or out of touch.

Self-love is defined as: regard for one's own well-being and happiness (chiefly considered as a desirable rather than narcissistic characteristic).

In reality, self-love is truly self-acceptance. Acceptance of who you are as a whole. It's a positive and important step to our emotional well-being.

When I started my journey toward self-love, I struggled a lot. I couldn't look at my reflection without COMPLETELY tearing myself apart. I was so unkind.

So how does this affect us on a daily basis? It might be more than you realize.

Self-love is a balance and I think it's important to realize that self-love isn't linear.

There are going to be good days and bad days. There are going to be days that we are unkind and have trouble showing ourselves grace. There are going to be days where we can look in the mirror and say, "Damn, I look good!" but remember, if we only feel love for ourselves on the "good" days it's not self-love.

The truth is, we are conditioned to believe that if we are flawed, we are unworthy. It's time to break free from the feelings of inadequacy. Our worth is not determined by immeasurable perfection, but by simply existing and embracing who we are. You and I are both perfectly imperfect. We both have flaws and weaknesses because we are both human. These flaws do not diminish our worth.

Self-love is not a destination, but a journey; a practice, like meditation.

It's time to start taking up some space. You are worthy of being here. You are worthy of being imperfect. Your body, your vessel, is here to experience- why not make that experience a little more pleasant? This is your only chance. Let's dwell on happiness and love.