According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of self-love is “regard for one’s own happiness and advantage.” However, every individual has their own definition of self-love. One person’s definition of self-love can be reading poetry while taking a long, bubble bath; another person’s definition of self-love can be running three miles every day, then rewarding themselves with a piece of pizza afterwards.

The examples previously given make self-love seem easy to achieve, but the road to self-love is a long one. Some people don’t even reach the end of that road by the time they pass away.  However, if you are feeling stuck and are looking for a simple, short guide to help you begin your journey of self-love, keep reading.

Loving yourself can allow you to be saved from depleting relationships to low self-esteem. In the long run, learning to love yourself can allow you to break free and truly become who you are meant to be.

You may ask yourself: “How do I begin to love myself?” The true answer is, you start by self-analyzing, and turning your “flaws” into beauty. As one begins to accept their flaws, they turn them into perfections instead. One must realize, especially during the teenage years, that our “flaws” are what make us unique. Often, the “flaws” we seem to view as major, can be so small that only we can see them ourselves. As young adults, we’re pressured into conforming to, sometimes, unrealistic beauty standards. Such standards may leave us with a feeling of low esteem and self-doubt. With these feelings ingrained in teens, they often miss out on opportunities. For example, asking someone to be their date to prom, or trying out for a sports team. What individuals fail to realize is that although not accepted by today’s society, these flaws contribute to the personal make up of an individual. Without them, society would be bleak.

Habits play an important role in the journey of self-love. The more negative your habits are, the more negative you’ll appear, and the more negative your self image will become. One may say that self image is not quite important in self love. Contrary to belief, it is. What one may do day to day will manifest itself into their personality. From a physical aspect, smoking cigarettes every day will begin the aging process of skin at quicker pace, and even place a toll on one’s overall health. In the emotional aspect, speaking negatively about yourself will only lower your self esteem. “I can never do this.” Will only limit your true abilities. When one begins to speak positively, “I CAN do this,” they will eventually build enough confidence to succeed. Also, when one doubts their beauty, they begin to portray it in their facial expressions. “I’m not attractive enough.” Will only cause one to look gloomier, contributing to the negative self image they may notice once they view themselves in the mirror. In all, once one begins to break negative habits, the benefits of doing so are endless. From a raised self esteem and amount of confidence, to a much more positive self image. With practice, this can be achieved.

Removing toxins from your life is often seen as an improvement for your immune system. Little do people often know, toxins do not necessarily have to be physical. Emotional toxins include relationships which do not allow you to grow spiritually. Individuals often find themselves “between a rock and a hard place” when it comes to situations such as breaking ties with those who do not match your ideals. When this collision occurs, the ties held between you and these people often become superficial. Relationships as mentioned typically end due to drama, which includes gossip. Typically, as these relationships go sour, one finds that the old saying, “How you perceive me, is an example of how you view yourself.” Is relevant.  In contrast, one must remember to grasp hold of the positive relationships in their life. These can promote happiness in an individual’s life. One may ask, “How do I know whether or not a relationship is toxic or healthy?” Well, only in positive relationships do you find the motivation to excel in life. These relationships promote the need to move forward in life, and become the best version of oneself. Paying attention to these bonds and allowing them to flourish in life will only attract positivity. Becoming close with positive people will only contaminate a person with a toxic outlook with positivity. Promoting a much more positive view in their life.

In all, mastering self-love can be at times, difficult. In today’s society, pressure is put on teens to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty and emotional ideals. Often, we find ourselves portrayed as unattractive individuals. When in fact, we are just in need of “T-L-C”. Whether it be, enjoying a day on the beach with genuine people, pampering oneself, or enjoying the individuality found in ourselves. Self-love is the answer and key to living a beautiful life.