I recently returned from a trip to Costa Rica where I took part in a women’s retreat that centered around loving and taking care of yourself. I learned a great deal there – not only about myself, but about how I can create a better future for myself that’s centered in love and self-worth. I’d love to share some of my takeaways…
The practice of both self-care and self-love is essential in creating a fulfilling and healthy life, but they are often confused with each other or used interchangeably. While both practices are important, they have distinct differences.
Self-care refers to the actions you take to maintain your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This includes going to your favorite yoga class, getting enough sleep, taking time to relax/read a book/meditate/paint get a massage, or enjoying an afternoon latte (even if you must hide in your car to get some alone time and drink it). Self-care helps to keep you functioning at your best because it helps you recharge and it prevents burnout.
On the other hand, self-love is a deep, intrinsic form of love that’s rooted in self-acceptance and compassion. Self-love is the most genuine form of love. It is simple but not always easy. It means embracing every part of yourself, even the parts you consider to be flaws or may not like about yourself. Self-love involves treating yourself with kindness, compassion, and understanding, just as you would treat a dear friend.
Self-care is a crucial component of self-love, but it is just one of many aspects. Self-love also involves developing a positive self-image, setting boundaries, and recognizing your own worth. When you have a strong sense of self-love, you are better able to take care of yourself, take care of others, and handle life’s abundant challenges.
While self-care and self-love may seem similar, they are different concepts with different benefits. Self-care helps you to maintain your physical, emotional, and mental health, while self-love helps you to develop a deeper sense of self-acceptance and self-worth. Different, yes, but both are essential elements to living a fulfilling life so they are both worth putting into practice.
Here are some strategies I learned at my recent retreat in Costa Rica (hello, self-care!) to love yourself completely:
- Take 100% responsibility for your reality. By taking responsibility for your thoughts, feelings, and actions, you can create the reality you desire and achieve a fulfilling life.
- Listen to your body and respond like a caring mother. Be nurturing, compassionate, and attentive to yourself. By paying attention to your physical needs, you will develop a deeper understanding of your own body and can respond appropriately to its signals.
- Foster genuine connections with others. Humans are social creatures and have a natural need for social connection, interaction, and relationships. Studies have shown that having strong social connections can lead to better mental and physical health, increase longevity, and provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
- Honor your true self by living in alignment with your authentic values, beliefs, and desires. Acknowledge and embrace your unique qualities and individuality. By being true to yourself, you can lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life, and feel a deeper sense of self-respect and confidence. Living authentically also allows for deeper and more genuine connections with others, as one is able to be open and honest in relationships.
- Have healthy commitments to yourself. By following through on what you say you will do, you build trust and respect for yourself and demonstrate your commitment to your personal growth and goals. Having healthy commitments to yourself also involves setting clear boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and making choices that align with your values and aspirations. When you have strong commitments to yourself, you are more likely to experience a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and satisfaction in life.
So of these five strategies I shared, which one are you going to strive to execute on first so you can love yourself more completely?
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