Balancing Act: Nurturing the Relationship Between Self Care and Self Love
The concept of self-care has gathered significant attention recently, highlighting the importance of paying attention to personal well-being. During my self-care journey, I have come to realize the profound connection between self-care and self-love. Prioritizing self-care means that we are actively practicing self-love.
This realization has sparked a deeper contemplation of the underlying reasons why women are often praised for putting others first, even if it comes at the expense of their own well-being. Would it be accurate to say that this praise unintentionally promotes the idea that one's value is determined by their selflessness? Have we been taught to believe that prioritizing others over ourselves is a true indicator of worth, when in fact, it may be the contrary?
SELF-LOVE IS THE REAL DEAL, BABE.
It is important to recognize the importance of self-love in nurturing and maintaining our well-being alongside self-care. Self-love begins with understanding and accepting oneself, your light (Luna) and your dark (Lilith). It involves treating ourselves with kindness, compassion, and respect, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. Practicing self-love slowly helps to improve our self-esteem, reduce anxiety and depression, and enhance our overall well-being and confidence. When we treat ourselves with kindness and compassion, we create a positive internal dialogue that promotes self-acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity.
BEAR HUG OF ACCEPTANCE
Engaging in self-care activities allows us to practice self-compassion and self-acceptance. By doing something, we enjoy, we acknowledge, honour and accept our own needs and desires. This act of self-acceptance is crucial to building a solid foundation for self-love. We also reject societal expectations and pressures that may hinder our personal growth by participating in activities that bring us joy. Societal pressures often dictate what and who we should prioritize and value, which can lead to neglecting our own needs and desires. Engaging in self-care activities allows us to break free from these pressures and focus on nurturing ourselves, fostering a sense of self-love and acceptance that is essential for personal growth and well-being.
BEING SELECTIVE WITH YOUR ENERGY IS AN ACT OF SELF-CARE
Self-love is also built through spending time with loved ones. We are reminded of our value and the importance of our relationships when we spend quality time with those we love and care for. This act of self-love fosters a sense of belonging and connection, which greatly enhances our overall well-being. It's also important to choose the energy you surround yourself with! Being around the wrong people can undermine your sense of self-love and self-care, so find people who uplift, support, and love you unconditionally.
LEARN TO SAY "F*** NO!"
It is important to note that self-love is not solely about self-indulgence. It is also about setting boundaries and making choices that prioritize our well-being. Sometimes, saying "no" to external demands or obligations can be an act of self-love. It is about recognizing our own limits and ensuring that we have the time and energy to focus on our own needs. One of the most powerful acts of self-love is saying "no" to others. This can be challenging, as it may require standing up for ourselves and setting boundaries with external demands or obligations. However, saying "no" can be an act of self-care, as it allows us to protect our time and energy to focus on our own needs.
BOUNDARIES
When setting boundaries, it is essential to be realistic and honest about our own limitations. We each have different capacities and capabilities, and it is important for us to recognize and respect our own limits. By setting boundaries, we can ensure that we have the time and energy to pursue our own interests, cultivate personal growth, and nurture our relationships. Setting boundaries can also help prevent burnout and promote a more balanced life. When we constantly say yes to others, we can feel overwhelmed and exhausted. By saying "no" to those demands or obligations that drain our energy or take away from our well-being, we can create more space for ourselves to engage in activities that bring us joy, happiness, and fulfilment.
AUTHENTICITY
Being your authentic self is also self-care and an act of self love. Authenticity promotes personal growth and self-acceptance. By being true to who we are, we are more likely to make decisions that align with our values and aspirations. Being your most authentic self is an act of self-love. It allows you to connect with yourself on a deeper level, foster meaningful connections, and live a life that is true to yourself. By embracing your authentic self, you can experience personal growth, self-confidence, and a sense of fulfilment.
In conclusion, self-care and self-love are intricately intertwined. When we prioritize self-care, we are actively practicing self-love. However, it is important to challenge societal expectations that pressure women to put others first. By embracing self-care and saying "yes" to ourselves, we can break free from these constraints and create a more holistic and fulfilling life.
Remember, self-love is not selfish; it is an act of self-care that enables us to show up as the best version of ourselves. So, let us advocate for our own well-being and make self-love a priority in our lives.
Lilith and Luna xx
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