What Is Self-Love?
The words “self, love, and self-love” get thrown around a ton in our lives, but what do they really mean? I would argue some of the definition is subjective to each individual person however, we can say that will all words. There has to be a basic understanding to all people what meaning has been assigned to these words.
Now I can tell you the dictionary definitions of these words and I think it is a great place to start, but certainly not all encompassing.
According to Google Dictionary:
Self- “a person’s essential being that distinguishes them from others, especially considered as the object of introspection or reflexive action.”
Love- “an intense feeling of deep affection.”
Self-Love- “regard for one’s own well-being and happiness (chiefly considered as a desirable rather than narcissistic characteristic).”
To paraphrase, an object with an intense feeling of affection or a regard for one’s health.
My Definition
I am going to be blunt and say these definitions are terrible! I am not an object, objects cannot feel, and a “regard for one’s own well-being” is loving yourself. These make me sick and also provide so much insight into why we have such a hard time as a society wrapping our heads around these words!
So let’s dive deeper. Let’s get clear on what self- love means and looks life.
First, the feeling of self-love. When you are loving yourself, you feel complete, happy, full, exhilarated, nourished, peaceful, content, and the list continues! You encompass a being of light feeling all the feels we desire. There is no one feeling that completely covers what self-love feels like. It is a place where we are pushing through fear and feeling optimistic about opportunities. Self-love is feeling confident in the decisions you make. Feeling love for your physical body and having your actions represent it as well.
Second, the actions of self-love are endless. The action of self-love is putting your well-being first not just regarding it! It is paying your bills, balancing finances, getting a massage, doing a face mask, being active, feeding your body healthy foods, surrounding yourself with uplifting people, creating adventure, participating in activities that make you feel desired feelings (See how they overlap- because within us nothing is separate), and again the list continues. Self-love is showing yourself YOU MATTER and DESERVE TO OWN THE SPACE YOU TAKE UP IN THE UNIVERSE!
Self-love is knowing you belong here and pursing your desires! Self-love is being able to love others! Self- love is showing up for yourself and helping others! Self-love is exhibiting who you want to be and making it a reality! Self-love is deciding what you accept as your truth! Self- love is CREATING YOUR LIFE!
I could keep going forever, but since that is not the point here, I want to wrap this up with saying Self-Love is You!
You have the power to decide what they words thrown together mean and how to embody hem in your personal life.
When people ask me, “How do you help your clients with self-love?” my answer is always I help them find who they are and become who they want to be.
The power is within you! You are Self-Love! Own it!
As always if you need some support and guidance, reach out to me! I am here to help you in your journey! I love you!
Caitlyn Picerno
